5.4. EXPERIMENT

A simple portrait can intrigue even the most discerning viewer if it's unique, artful, and emotionally engaging. After you understand the basic photographic guidelines, you can break the rules and get creative. Experiment with your ideas and your equipment. If you make a lot of mistakes, that is perfectly okay. When you're shooting with a digital camera, you just erase what doesn't work — but wait until you view your images on a computer screen before you send anything to the trash. Some of the most interesting photographs are happy accidents. You can accentuate an interesting characteristic about your subject, as I did with Cortnee in 5-20. He has amazing hair, so I had him swing it around for emphasis.

5.4.1. CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW

Think about different angles and perspectives when experimenting with your portrait images. Based on the effect you intend to achieve, it isn't always necessary for a face to be present in a portrait, or for the image to be in sharp focus. Explore your creative side and let loose.