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Build a Diverse Photography Portfolio

Posted: February 02, 2016
[caption id="attachment_12581" align="alignright" width="300"]KavDadfar_Tips-6 Image from digital-photography-school.com[/caption] Photographers are challenged every day to take unique photos. Having a diverse portfolio can help gain clients. Although most photographers have their favorite "go to" techniques to capture great images, here are a few more that might help diversify their portfolio. Kav Dadfar, writer for Digital Photography School, shares how to diversify your photography portfolio.

6 Easy Photography Techniques to Diversify Your Portfolio

In today’s world of digital photography there is an even greater demand and possibility to capture unique and different photos. Over time, every photographer will develop their own “cheat sheet” of techniques that they find pleasing, and more importantly, that their clients can use. There are numerous techniques and styles to diversify your portfolio, but here are six of my personal favourites to get you started. 1 – Put Yourself in the Picture You see a beautiful vista and think the only thing that can improve it is having a person in the photo, to convey a sense of scale. But, you haven’t seen a single person in hours and are unlikely to see anyone anytime soon. This is when you can be your own model, and put yourself in the photo.
  1. Simply set your camera on a tripod and attached your cable release.
  2. Work out where and how you will appear in the photo (sitting down, leaning, etc.).
  3. Compose the photo and take a trial shot to ensure the lighting and composition work.
  4. Set the self-timer on your release for enough seconds to allow to get to the spot you need to get to (I find that 10 seconds is more than enough time for me).
  5. Press the release start the timer, then get into position (take your time, you can always add more time if you need to).
  6. Look at the result on your camera and make adjustments as needed (where you stand, etc.).
  7. Repeat the process until you are happy with the result.
It will take a bit of trial and error, but the key is to make sure the photo looks natural. The great thing about putting yourself in the shot is that you also have a model release (providing there are no other people in the photo). Read the entire article 6 Easy Photography Techniques to Diversify Your Portfolio on Digital Photography School.