Portrait Photography Tips in Yunnan

Yunnan has the largest number of ethnic population in China with 26 ethnic minorities including Bai, Yi, Dai, Naxi, Hani, Miao, Tibetan, Hui, Yao,etc. The unique ethnic minorities culture make Yunnan the most colorful and majestic region in China. 

What Is Portrait Photography?

The so-called portrait photography is a form of photography in which characters are the main objects of creation. Portrait photography is different from general photography. The primary creative task of portrait photography is to portray the specific appearance and expression of the subject. Although some portrait photography can also contain certain plots, it is still mainly used to express the appearance of the subject. An excellent portrait photography work is the sum of many successful factors: look, posture, composition, lighting, exposure, production must reach a higher level.

Of course, photography in Yunnan is an indispensable part of your Yunnan Travel. In Yunnan, most people would agree to be in your photos. However, you’d better ask for their permission first before you shoot them to show your respect and avoid any unnecessary trouble. 

Why Do We Take Portrait Photos in Yunnan?

Yunnan is the province with the most ethnic minorities in China. Among the 56 ethnic groups in the country, there are 52 in Yunnan, including 26 ethnic groups with a population of more than 5,000. In addition to the Han nationality, there are 25 ethnic minorities, and the ethnic groups are distributed in every place of Yunnan. Each minority has some facial features and unique costumes. These all provide materials for portrait photography. For example, the ethnic groups in Diqing are mainly Tibetans with typical facial features. The most obvious feature of Tibetans is that the nasal bones are high and the nasal cavity is large, which is caused by the lack of oxygen and cold in the alpine regions; their skin is rough, and the face is mostly deep red exposed to the weather. Almost every minority group in Yunnan has its own unique facial features. Under the lens of the camera, each has its own unique beauty.

Where Are the Best Places to Photograph In Yunnan?

There are ethnic minority settlements throughout Yunnan. If there is no time and energy to visit the whole of Yunnan, after all, Yunnan is so big. Yunnan Ethnic Villages will be a good choice for you. The Yunnan Ethnic Villages are a microcosm of the entire Yunnan minority groups. If the time and energy are available, it will be a good choice to travel all over Yunnan.

Portrait Photography Tips in Yunnan

“Model”

Children of ethnic minorities: In the eyes of children, we can not only see the innocence, but also the culture they behave.

Girls of ethnic minorities: In general, they often wear the clothes with the features of ethnic minorities.

Men of ethnic minorities: Every man from different ethnic minorities has its unique features, such as clothes and appearance.

Women of ethnic minorities: When you come to Yunnan, it is easy to see the women carry their children on their backs and the men also do that. And they are also the warm and enthusiastic receptionist when there are visitors.

Communication

First you shall show your respect to the people who you plan to take photos. Before taking photos for them, you shall ask for their permission first and after the completion of taking photos, you shall show your thanks towards them. In order to have the best photos or the photos you want, good communication with your “model” will be helpful.

Techniques for Photography

It is impossible to take a good photos without any techniques for photography, even if the “model” does what you tell him/her. If you are just a beginner for photography, please refer to Yunnan Photography Travel Tips, which be helpful for you. A good photo is indispensable to photography skills. The basic techniques for photography are as follows:

  • Choose the right shooting angle
  • Control the light
  • Control shutter speed
  • Pay attention to select and distribute the color of your model’s clothes 

In short, there are numerous beauties and miracles in Yunnan. If you want to fully know Yunnan and truly feel the beauty, you’ll need to spend several years to experience the local folk customs and the beauty of every ethnic group. If you would like to know more about photography in Yunnan or other advice for your Yunnan Tours, you can refer to Yunnan Travel Advice to know more details.