Portrait photography is a effective way of creating an emotion and telling a story through an individual. To illustrate true emotions, it is possible to turn a simple portrait into a story. Below are some important guidelines on how to capture emotion in your portrait photographs.

1. Build Rapport: It is necessary to build rapport with your subject. Take your time to build rapport with them before the shoot; this will make them feel a ease when in front of the camera. Talk to them and allow them to open up, which in turn they will be more real.

2. Use Natural Light: Another aspect that can be changed is the type of lighting to be used in the portrait since it helps to set the mood of the portrait. Natural light, especially during the golden hour, is generally gentle which makes the environment to appear warm. Don’t let your subject be in a position where they are cast in a shadow especially if the source of light is coming from a window.

3. Focus on Eyes: As it is said, the eyes are the windows to the soul. Make sure they are clear and brightly lit because they express emotions – happiness, sorrow, contemplation. You should use your eyes to help your subject to show what they are feeling.

4. Experiment with Angles: One should not be rigid with the position of the subject and should switch positions as much as possible. Moving a little to the right or left in front of the camera can make a huge difference in the overall emotional experience of the portrait. Take informal pictures together with formal pictures to make the collection more versatile.

5. Pay Attention to Details: Even the least significant aspects of the subject’s appearance, including eyes, hands, and posture, may enrich your portraits. You should pay attention to these elements because they can complement the emotional story that is being told.
With these tips in mind, you can learn how to take portraits that will evoke the emotions within the viewer and tell a story.