previous page Portraiture 45. For indoor portrait shots use a soft light to get the most flattering result. This can be achieved with natural lighting by having the subject close to a large window. Avoid strong sunlight though as this will create harsh shadows. 46. When taking portraits outdoors, again avoid strong sunlight. An overcast day will provide the softest light and give the best natural results. 47. If you’re taking outdoor portraits on a sunny day and you want to reduce the shadows then use one or more reflectors to bounce the light onto the face of the subject. 48. To get a photographic portrait that’s a little out of the ordinary try taking the shot from unusual angles. For example, from above looking down or from below looking up. Adding a tilt to the camera can also make the shot more interesting. 49. Big close-ups can provide dramatic compositions especially when cutting out part of the subjects head. Consider taking only half or three quarters of the subjects face. Or even focus on just one feature. For example the eyes or lips. 50. A good portrait shot doesn’t necessarily mean having a normal expression. Some great looking pictures can be achieved by having the subject provide exaggerated expressions of surprise, joy, laughter, sadness, or even simply screwing up their face in an unusual way. 51. Using props, especially in advertising shots, can provide more interest. Try adding spectacles, sunglasses, a scarf or hat, a cigarette or pipe, facepaint, jewellery, dramatic make-up or even a mask to get the effect you want. 52. A blurred backgroud can make the subject stand out more. You can do this using a telephoto lens or in post production with computer software. 53. Unusual backgrounds can also add more interest to the image. You could even combine the photo of the subject with painted or computer generated graphics using software such as Adobe Photoshop. 54. Dramatic lighting can often be used to set the mood of a picture. A sense of mystery, suspense, drama or danger can easily be suggested with careful lighting. If you’ve ever shone a torch under your face in the dark you’ll know what I mean. 55. Try framing your subject using available objects or settings. For example a face in an open window of a car or building, a child looking through part of a playground climbing frame, someone peering through the railings of a fence.
Look around the immediate area, even a simple doorway could be used to get a great picture using the right pose. 57. The use of a mirror reflecting the image of your model from another angle can add an interesting feature to the presentation. Careful lighting will enhance the end result. 58. When photographing strangers, particularly when travelling abroad, it’s courteous to ask permission to take their photographs. Again, usually the best photos are achieved when the subject is not aware of the camera. This could easily be done using a long telephoto lens. However, this is not always practical, so asking permission to take someone’s photo is always adviseable. 59. In upper body shots give the subjects something to hold in their hands. This will make them more relaxed. Use an object that that they’re comfortable with. (A snake would be a bad idea unless they’re a vet or zoo keeper!)
A bunch of flowers perhaps for the ladies, a sports item for the men, or how about a musical instrument if they’re musically inclined? 60. A group photo works best when people are close to each other. However, unless it’s a wedding photo try to photograph the group in a natural location.
It could be their workplace or a place where thay often gather such as a pub or a sports or activity centre. 61. Arrange groups around a focal point. It could be someone sitting down with everyone stood around them. A company boss at their desk, a grandmother in her favourite armchair, a mother holding her new baby... 62. Avoid backgrounds that divert attention from the main subject. (Though sometimes rules like this can be broken if it suits your intentions) 63. The most natural pictures of people can be achieved when the subject is absorbed in something they are doing. For example, a model maker building a model, a snooker player preparing to pot a ball, a child playing with building bricks, a carpenter sawing wood etc. 64. If the subject has nothing to hold and is posing for the camera ask them to place their hands in a natural position. A female subject should clasp her hands in front of her, a male subject could place one or both hands in his pocket(s). 65. Study mail order clothing catalogues to see how professionals get their models to stand naturally. 66. Make sure you always take more than one or two photos of you subject to improve your chances of getting a good picture, particularly when photographing groups of people where, more often than not, someone may have closed their eyes or looked the wrong way for a second. 67. When preparing to take a candid shot of someone avoid spending too much time holding the camera to your eye. It’s better to imagine first how you want the image to appear and have the camera ready to take a quick shot when the time is suitable. 68. For outdoor shots where lighting is good always have the camera set to a fast shutter speed to capture those action shots that happen spontaneously, particularly at sporting events. More portrait photography tips Using flash 69. For many beginners to photography, using the flash mode on a camera correctly can be a bit of a challenge. In normal situations the flash provided on a digital camera can only light up a subject effectively if the subject is within a distance of around 5 metres from the camera. It may be necessary to move closer to the subject or have the subject move closer to you. Alternatively, try to get extra light on the subject. Either from an external light source or artificial lighting if available. 70. In a studio environment flash lighting is not so much of an issue. Studio lighting can provide most of the light required but flash is also extensively used to get the right results, depending on the subject and what type of image is required. For modelling use professional flash equipment along with reflectors strategically placed to fill in the shadows. More flash photography tips Photographing children 71. Child photography can be a challenge on it’s own. The secret to getting great photographs of children is to take the picture when they least expect it and when they’re not conscious of the camera. Take their picture in an environment they are comfortable with. Distracting them with toys or some form of activity usually works best. 72. Babies can be photographed lying down or sitting up if they are still too young to walk. When lying down either shoot from above with the baby on it’s back, or get down to the same level as the baby, especially when the subject is face down. A baby sitting in a high chair, or on an armchair and propped up with cushions usually provides the best solution. 73. Very young children can be unpredictable most of the time so always be willing to take pleny of pictures and keep your finger on the shutter button to catch those extra special moments. 74. Make sure the baby’s mother is always present to help keep the baby happy and contented. Also take some shots of the mother and baby together.
If the baby starts to cry get some shots of that too. 75. In the young life of a baby their appearance changes quickly over the first few months. Try to get a documented record of the changes by regularly visiting and get up to date pictures. These are precious memories that you can only capture once in their lifetime. 76. Take pictures of all the main events that occur throughout the day of a baby’s everyday routine such as getting their nappy changed, getting bathed, getting their bottle, eating, sleeping, crying and laughing. 77. Wherever possible use soft, diffused lighting to capture the softness of a baby’s facial features. Avoid stong lighting indoors or outdoors. 78. With older children follow them around while they are playing, and try to capture some fun and activity shots, but don't make it too obvious. You may be able to do this by joining in with their games. 79. As with most living subjects, unless you are taking an action shot it's the eyes that are usually the focus of attention. Ensure the subject's eyes are always open (unless you are intend to photograph them while they’re asleep) 80. As children grow up into their teens they become more aware of their appearance and dress sense. Make sure you get some pictures of what they feel most comfortable with. The more outlandish their dress sense, the more interesting the photo will be. One day they may look back on these photos and laugh at what they used to wear. next page |
