Composition: How to compose the perfect close-up.
Always make sure to focus on the subjects eyes in a close up. The eyes are the gateway to the soul and often make or break a close-up. This also keeps the subjects full face in focus. If you were to focus on the forehead then the chin will most likely be out of focus. If you were to focus on the chin then the forehead would be out of focus.
Likewise you should make sure that the subjects chin isn't to far up or down. If the chin is too far up then the chin will look disproportionably large. If the chin is too far down then the forehead will look too large compared to the rest of the face. This also affects the lighting and large dark circles will appear under the eyes and nose.
When framing a close-up the distance from the top of the subjects head to the top of the frame should be 1/2 the distance from the subjects chin to the bottom frame.
When posing two subjects the chin of the upper subject should be even with the lower subjects eyes. You also want to get the subjects as close as possible. Just make sure that the hair of the lower subject does not cover the face of the upper subject.
The same guidelines apply when posing multiple subjects.
You should pose the oldest or most dominant subject at the top and the least dominant subject at the bottom. For example the Father would be in the top position with the mother directly below. The oldest child would be to the side of the mother with the younger child just below them.
You can apply this to make a photo of as many subjects as needed. If another child were added we would simply add them to the side of the oldest child or the mother.
When posing 4 subjects you should place them in a diamond shape. The subjects should be slightly staggered and you should not place one subject directly above one another.
Following these guidelines will help you create great portraits which will cherished for many years.