Cut Off the Top of Their Head
One of the most popular compositional techniques, and one that gives your portrait a more modern look, is to cut off 1/3 to 2/3 of the top of your subject’s head when you compose the shot (as seen above). But, the key is to make sure you crop off enough. If you just cut off the tip of their hair, the person viewing the shot might think it was a mistake. The last thing you want to hear is: “That’s a really nice shot. Too bad you cut off the top of her head.” You won’t hear that comment if it’s obvious the shot was composed that way on purpose. Just make sure you frame it so that at least 1/3, if not 2/3, of the top ...
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