A Few Tricks to Make Portraits More Attractive

Portraits are a timeless way to capture memories, emotions, and moments that matter most in our lives. Whether it's a family photo, a personal snapshot, or a professional headshot, enhancing your portraits can make them truly stand out. A few simple tricks can turn an ordinary photograph into an extraordinary one that draws attention and evokes emotion.

If you’ve ever considered turning your best portraits into beautiful cheap canvas prints, you’re in the right place. Below are some key tricks that will not only improve your photos but also prepare them for print on canvas—transforming them into stunning works of art that you can proudly display in your home or office.

1. Focus on Composition

One of the most critical elements of an attractive portrait is composition. This is the way the subject is framed and placed within the image. A poorly composed portrait can leave the viewer distracted, but a well-thought-out composition can make your subject stand out in the best way possible.

• Use the Rule of Thirds: This classic technique helps in creating balanced and engaging compositions. Imagine your image is divided into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines. Position your subject along these lines or at their intersections to create a visually pleasing effect.

• Leave Space for the Eyes: If you're photographing a person, always leave some breathing space in the direction where their eyes are looking. This allows the viewer to connect more deeply with the subject.

By applying these composition techniques, you’ll enhance the impact of your portraits, ensuring that they’re visually compelling and ready for display as canvas photo prints.

2. Lighting Makes All the Difference

Lighting plays a crucial role in portrait photography. Poor lighting can result in flat, dull images, while the right lighting can highlight facial features and bring your subject to life.

• Natural Light: If you have access to natural light, it’s often the best option for portraits. Shooting near a window or outdoors can produce soft, flattering light that works wonders on skin tones.

• Artificial Lighting: In situations where natural light isn’t available, use diffused artificial lighting. Softbox lights or ring lights are perfect for portraits as they create even lighting without harsh shadows.

• Avoid Harsh Shadows: While shadows can add depth, harsh, unflattering shadows can distract from the subject. Position the light source at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s face for a flattering, natural effect.

Good lighting can turn an average portrait into a breathtaking piece of art, perfect for cheap canvas prints.

3. Choose the Right Background

The background of a portrait is often overlooked, but it can greatly impact the overall look of the photo. A busy or distracting background can take the focus away from your subject. Here are some tips to choose the right backdrop:

• Simple Backgrounds: Opt for simple, neutral-colored backgrounds that complement your subject. A plain wall, a soft-focus natural scene, or a minimalistic indoor setting often works best.

• Blurred Backgrounds: Known as “bokeh,” this effect is achieved by using a wide aperture to blur the background while keeping the subject sharp. This technique draws attention directly to the person in the portrait.

A good background will make your portrait look more polished, ensuring that when you turn it into a cheap canvas print, the focus remains on the subject.

4. Focus on Post-Editing

While you can do a lot during the shoot, post-editing is where the magic happens. Editing your photos can enhance their quality, correct any imperfections, and elevate the overall look.

• Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Ensure that the exposure is balanced and the contrast highlights the subject without making the image too dark or light.

• Retouch Imperfections: Light retouching, such as smoothing skin or removing small blemishes, can make a significant difference in portrait quality.

• Enhance Colors: Adjust the saturation and vibrancy to make the portrait pop. Boosting the warmth or cool tones can also set a particular mood for the image.

• Sharpen Details: After editing, sharpening the details of your portrait ensures that features like eyes, hair, and clothing stand out.

These editing tricks are especially useful if you plan to transform your portrait into cheap canvas prints, ensuring it has vibrant colors and clarity that pop when displayed.

5. Consider the Canvas Texture for Printing

When preparing your portrait for printing, it’s important to think about the texture of the canvas. A matte canvas can give your portrait a timeless, artistic look, while a glossy canvas can add a bit of shine to the colors and details. Depending on the mood and style of your portrait, the right texture can bring out the best in your print.

Many online printing services offer high-quality canvas prints that are affordable and durable. At Custom Canvas Online, you can easily turn your best portraits into stunning works of art, ready to be displayed in your home or office.

6. Know When to Print Your Portrait

Once you’ve captured the perfect portrait and made all the necessary adjustments, it’s time to print! Before sending your image off for printing, ensure that it’s high-resolution. A low-resolution image can appear pixelated when enlarged to canvas size, so always aim for a high-quality, sharp image.

For the best results, select the right size canvas that complements your space. Smaller portraits work well in cozy spaces, while larger portraits can make a bold statement in living rooms or office walls.

Conclusion: Bring Your Portraits to Life with Canvas Prints

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to capture the beauty of your loved ones, these simple tricks can elevate your portrait photography to new heights. From improving composition and lighting to making small post-editing adjustments, you can create portraits that are not only more attractive but also print-ready.

When you’re ready to turn your portraits into beautiful art, cheap canvas prints are an affordable yet elegant option. Visit Custom Canvas Online to explore a variety of canvas print options and transform your portraits into timeless pieces of art.