An easy portrait tip (or two) for you today.

Uncle Fred puts every subject dead in the centre. You, of course, will not do that, since it leads to an unbalanced image. You will use off-centre composition instead. In a portrait, you will put the centre point (the eyes) a third of the way from the top:

Able Assistant Matt

You will also:

• Ensure there is a catchlight in the eyes.
• Focus on those eyes.
• In a formal portrait, use f/8 (or at least f/5.6 – f/11, in that range).
• Light from one side, or straight on, but in any case from 45 degrees above.

Like I said, simple – but very effective. Try!