Learn the art of portrait posing on location in Puckpool Park

10 things you need to know right now

It felt really good to be photographing fun-filled portraits again in Puckpool Park. While the photographs below are contemporary, the timeless elegance of the park’s stone walls in the coastal park suggests a frozen moment in time. The subject is looking poised and relaxed, a modern gaze that creates a picture both simple and complex. The artistic skills needed to create masterpieces in the Portrait Gallery used to take years to master. This post will reveal how to get great results in a jiffy.

Good photography is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it – Irving Penn <<< click to tweet

#1 – Find clean backgrounds

Keep the focus on your features.

#2 – Stand in the shade

Large, luminous eyes draw people in (not squints).

#3 – Use repeated patterns

Ascending stairs, rows of pillars or a line of benches creates dynamic rhythm (our brain is programmed to seek out patterns).

#4 – Lean on street furniture

Sitting on a bench, leaning on a balustrade, or resting on a lamp post will support your body and convey spontaneity.

#5 – Look to the light

Good light flatters your features and adds a luminous quality to your face.

#6 – Use windows

In fact, use any reflective surface that will bathe you in light.

#7 – Find an interesting feature

Create a triangle of interest in your background. Place yourself in the center so the viewer will look at the central elements and then come to rest on your portrait. For example: first, they look at the statue and then the doorway. These features will lead the viewer to your profile in a natural way.

#8 – Anti-smile

It’s important your stature reflects the environment. Belly-laughs and giggles are fab in the park. A restful gaze or wistful smile works well when surrounded by the grandeur of the Maritime museum.

#9 – Be involved with your environment

Strolling in the park, feeding ducks, or browsing through a flea market. When you are completely involved in your process, the results are relaxed and natural.

I had my first photoshoot today with Amanda. The communication leading up to the shoot was perfect! very professional and informative. This shoot was on location, and despite a few obstacles such as the wind, change in sun and the fact it was very cold, we created some beautiful images. Amanda is very easy going and friendly, great to work with and i feel honored to have been able to work with her. would highly recommend. And look forward to working with her in the future.

#10- Have fun

Life is for the living – enjoy your portrait experience.

Puckpool Park is a fantastic place to create flattering portraits.  The beautiful architecture provides depth and conveys as a story – the very essence of a good portrait – character, complexity, and expressions – all from a single image.

“Thank you so much for all of the photo’s you have sent over i love every single one of them and so does my friend  your an amazing photographer! will recommend you to all! <3 Thanks for a great experience would love to do it again sometime xxxxxx” Beth & Lucy