10 Elements of Professional Images by Award-Winning Photographer Mark Maryanovich
![Fine Art Photographer Mark Maryanovich sitting on desert floor sand on his back looking through back of camera in black and white](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photographer-mark-maryanovich-bts-photo.jpg?v=1680551422&width=3840)
“Mark Maryanovich has been invited to review portfolios for our students. We sought Mr. Maryanovich’s expertise because he enjoys an elevated reputation as a photographer of tremendous skill and ability. We found that his real world experience as a successful and highly sought after photographer provided our students with a rare opportunity to learn from a master artist. We appreciate Mr. Maryanovich’s invaluable service.”
Dick van Damme Managing Director, The Photography Institute Pty. Ltd.
Mark conducted portfolio reviews for The Photography Institute, and the VanArts Media Arts School for Photography, and compiled 10 tips on elements that create professional Images
1. Wrinkle free, WASHED clothing (always make sure the clothes are clean and ironed before the Session)
![Black and white portrait Venice beach One Bad Son band members immersed in water while wearing sunglasses](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-1.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
2. Attention to the details (such as the absence of small distracting specs, and whitened eyes of the subjects) really add strength to an Image
![Black and white portrait closeup of musician Marc Antoine Robertson covering one side of his face with his hand](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-2.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
3. The use of an eye light is extremely important to ensure that the subject’s eyes are the most prominent aspect of the photo
![Black and white portrait musician Marc Jordan with swirl of circle light in reflection of his glasses while standing against white backdrop](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-3.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
4. Skin tones should be even
![Black and white portrait musician Tarra Layne in closeup long hair blowing around her backlit by sun](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-4.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
5. Colors, highlights, reflections, and contrast can really make a photo pop, and it’s nice when black and white tones work with the subject matter and mood
![Black and white portrait music duo male band member standing on rooftop wearing hat makeup compact covering one side of his face image of female band member in reflection of mirror busy street in background](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-5.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
6. Horizon lines should be level
![Black and white portrait country music artist Aaron Pritchett standing in front of desert canyon wearing black cowboy hat and denim shirt](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/country-music-portrait-aaron-pritchett-redrock-nevada.jpg?v=1679872332&width=3840)
7. Composition is everything
7b. Cropping really helps
![Fine art portrait in black and white man under pier wearing suit jacket with jeans posing with long staff](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-6.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
8. Use of a unique perspective. With cameras getting smaller and smaller these days, the ability to find interesting angles is easier, and can create a striking Image
![Black and white image seven members of The Matinee band standing in field facing old fashioned camera photographer under cloth taking photo](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-8.jpg?v=1679973233&width=3840)
9. A subject that’s thinking loud always makes for a great photo
![Fine Art black and white portrait Maestro Carlo Ponti in extreme closeup](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-9.jpg?v=1679973324&width=3840)
10. Knowing where the Image will ideally be used really helps in terms of subject placement during the shoot (e.g.: if shooting for a magazine cover, leave lots of room at the top and along the sides for text; if shooting for Instagram, compose for a square, a Facebook banner image lends itself to panoramic photos, etc.)
![Henry Rollins closeup portrait on MM Magazine cover toned black and white polaroid negative](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-10a.jpg?v=1679973337&width=1500)
“As in life,
there's an EXCEPTION
to every rule,
![Black and white portrait rapper Kyprios arm outstretched fingers pointing at camera in closeup while standing against metal background wearing black hat](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-10c.jpg?v=1680409116&width=1500)
so BREAK them all
and see where
that gets you,
sometimes,
ya never know...
![Black and white panoramic image five members Terraplane Sun band standing in front of wall with the word beautiful painted on it in script](http://fineart.markmaryanovich.com/cdn/shop/files/fine-art-photography-mark-maryanovich-elements-10b.jpg?v=1679973337&width=1500)