What are the photographic rules you should follow when composing a portrait on film?

As with all aspects of analogue photography, rules do not always need to be followed, and in fact part of the fun is breaking conventional photography methods. However it can also be helpful to be aware of traditional photography rules, so you can experiment with them creatively and purposefully.

Here are a few aspects to consider when shooting portraits on film:

Use shallow depth of field

Using a shallow depth of field means that your subject will be in focus, while the background is blurred. This makes your subject stand out and eliminates details in the background that may be distracting. Shallow depth of field can be achieved by shooting with your lens set to a wide aperture, resulting in more light entering the camera.

Make sure the eyes are in focus

This may seem obvious but nevertheless it’s a crucial element to keep in mind. An otherwise perfect portrait can be easily marred by a slight misfocus. The focusing system of your film camera will depend on whether you’re using an SLR, a rangefinder, a point-and-shoot etc., so make sure you’re familiar with how your camera’s focus operates. The eyes are the windows to the soul after all, so be sure to nail that focus!

Consider your background

Take time to think about the background you are using for your portrait. Whether you’re shooting in a studio or in a natural setting, decide what colors will compliment your model and the atmosphere you want to create.

Avoid unflattering crops

When it comes to framing a portrait, try not to cut parts of your model’s body in a way that makes it look strange or awkward. This is something photographers often come to learn over time through trial and error. But for beginners a good rule of thumb is to avoid cropping the photo at the model’s joints, such as their elbow, hips, knees and ankles. Instead crop slightly above or below these points.

Use leading lines

This is one of the most simple but effective techniques that can be applied to all genres of photography, and is especially useful to think about when it comes to shooting portraits.

It involves taking advantage of your surroundings to draw the viewer’s interest to a specific point in your photo. In the case of portrait photography this would be your human subject.

Architectural elements, such as a row of buildings, a long street, or power lines are often used as leading lines in portrait photography.

Use indirect light

Lighting is one of the most important things to consider when shooting portraits. Every photographer has their own list of lighting tips and tricks, and there are endless possibilities to experiment with. However, if you’re just starting out in portrait photography and unsure of how to light your subject, the best way to ensure a great result is by using indirect light. This is when light is bouncing off another surface and onto its surroundings. It is the most flattering lighting for portraits because it avoids harsh shadows and highlights on the model’s face.