CREATIVITY EXERCISE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: Faceless Portraits

As humans, we naturally look to faces first. We read people's expressions, we look to the eyes for strength or vulnerability, we read emotions. We use people's faces to help tell the story of the moment.

But what if we didn't have the face to look at? How would you tell a story without a face?

For this creativity exercise, we’re going to find out as we're going to make Faceless Portraits.

SOME TIPS TO GET STARTED:

Within your frame, think about what other elements you can use to tell the story:

Body language
Clothing
Objects and props around the subject
The environment
Shadows
Head turns
Body parts

You can simply crop your subject's head out of the frame.

You can focus on a different body part.

You can have your subject turn around and shoot them from behind.

You can change your perspective to avoid the face getting in the frame (shoot from above, below, the side).

You can incorporate objects or props that will help to tell the story.

You can capture the details.

You can cover your subject's face with their hands or an object.

You can use the shadows to hide the face or shoot silhouettes.

You can back up and include the environment. It can be tempting to get in tight, but resist taking nothing but close-ups.

As always, have fun with the exercise! You can shoot self-portraits, your children, your partner, or even strangers. Just remember to try and use strong storytelling to engage your viewer in a meaningful way.

Be sure to tag me with your Faceless Portraits on IG @jennyrusbyphotography so I can send some love your way!

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Jenny is a natural light, lifestyle and documentary photographer and specialised newborn photographer, maternity photographer and family photographer. She services all areas of Victoria, including inner Melbourne suburbs such as Richmond, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Malvern East, South Melbourne, Elwood, as well as outer south eastern subrubs, bayside areas such as Morntington, Sorrento and Red Hill. She also services the west of Melbourne and will travel to Geelong on request.