But.…once you know the rules, you can try to break them to achieve a particular result. This image is a good example of a headless portrait that works IMO. If we try to analyze WHY it works, it works because the coupled elements tell a story. The Jake tattoo on the hand coupled with the suit, coupled with the Royal Monaco car actually tell a SPECIFIC story. These are all elements of the movie The Blues Brothers and both the photographer and I likely show our age by knowing this fact.

However, even if I did not catch the Blues Brothers connection, for me this shot still works. The elements are still there. The tattoo, older freckled skin, suit and older car all suggest a story. The fact that the shot is in black and white reinforce this fact. It’s up to the viewer to extract the story for themselves, but all the elements are there.

Okay then — do you agree? What do YOU think about this shot and the concept of a headless portrait?

Many thanks to 1putts of our photography forum for allowing me to use this image. Here’s the original photo.

~ Watch which way your lighting is coming in and check the quality of the light. Softer diffused light is a much better light for flattering portraits than harsh direct light. Although backlight is amazing for dramatic interesting portraits, it’s harder to work with especially for someone newer to photography. Using front light, sidelight, and 3/4 light along with fill light from a secondary flash‚ or reflector will bring your portrait skills up a notch.
~ Adjust your aperture so that the background blurs out a bit and more focus is placed on your subject.
~ Alter your perspective by taking the shot from a different angle rather than eye level. This can really change the ‘wow’ factor of your photo.
~‚ Play with eye contact — it does wonders to a photograph when your subject’s focus is on something else.

Shooting the perfect portrait may seem daunting, but keeping useful tips in mind when doing so will make portrait photography a ‘snap’.

More tips can be found at: http://www.photography.ca/Forums/showthread.php?t=2393