Turn Your Digital Camera Upside Down For Better Portraits

Flipping your digital camera over for better portraits is a technique you won’t find in your digital camera owners manual.

Note: The differences are subtle and do not work in every situation, yet it’s fun to experiment with!

If you are using your compact digital camera and flash for shooting a portrait here’s a suggestion that you might never consider, turn your camera upside down.

Believe it or not by turning your camera upside down impacts how the light from the flash illuminates your subject. Most people have circles under their eyes and when you turn your camera upside down the flash hits the skin at a different angle and helps diminish the circles and makes them look younger.

The first photo was taken in the normal position with the flash on top.

In this second photo I flipped the camera upside down.

Notice in the second photo because the angle of the light from the flash is now hitting her skin at a different angle it helps reduce lines and is a more flattering light.

True, the effect is subtle. However, if you show someone a photo of themselves using this technique they will like the upside down flash version better, guaranteed.

Also, these photos are REALLY closeup! In a normal proportioned photo the effect is even more flattering.

Give it a try!

See also: Outdoor Portraits