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General
- You will need a sunny day, lots of enthusiasm, a helper, perhaps some treats, props, or noisemakers.
- If you must shoot indoors, try to do it where there is the most available natural light.
- Find a place with a contrasting background so the subject shows up well.
- Drape a light or dark sheet behind the subject if you have to, or find a light or dark wall.
- Commit to taking at least one roll of 100 speed film with 36 exposures, two is even better.
- Process the film in at least 4 x 6" glossy format.
- A 50-200mm telephoto lens is great for close-ups and there will be less distortion.
- The better the quality of the photo, the better the portrait.
- Don't worry if your helper gets in the picture.
Lighting
- Do not use flash for photos.
- Morning or afternoon, when the sun in not overhead, will give the most interesting (and flattering) highlights and shadows to the subject.
- Avoid having the subject look in the direction of the sun.
- Keep the sun behind you. Raise your arms to shoulder height, is the sun behind them?
- The subject will be bathed in a golden light if you shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- If you want to combine two or three subjects in the same portrait, be sure to take the photos from the same direction so the shadows and highlights are the same for each..
Point of View
- Consider the best viewing angle of the subject and the composition you have in mind.
- Begin with several shots at eye level, Move around the subject and shoot from a variety of positions. (Remember to keep the sun behind you and out of the subject's eyes)
- Small subjects (children, pets) should be photographed on elevated surfaces such as a table or chair.
- Kneel to capture a small subject on the ground or floor.
- Larger and taller subjects may require you to stand elevated for the shot.
- Below eyelevel shots can sometimes produce striking poses. It may be difficult to achieve a flattering shot, but it's really worth a try.
- If you want to combine two or three subjects in the same portrait, be sure to take the photos from the same point of view.
The Subject
- Candid shots make great portraits.
- The subject doesn't have to be looking at the camera, take some both ways.
- Try to capture a variety of expressions.
- Take several shots that fill the frame with the subject's face.
- Avoid forced smiles...get some shots without smiling.
Really Cool
- Get the subject to tip the head, combine with looking up or down.
- Try props like hats or sunglasses.
- Include one or both hands placed near the face in the photo.
- Put several hats on the subject and shoot, or put a bandana or sunglasses into the shot.
- Shoot a close-up of a sleeping infant's face, or his tiny foot in your hand.
- Indoor shots (flash permissible) of children and pets napping are treasures.
- BE DARING....LOOK FOR WAYS TO EXPRESS MOOD AND PERSONALITY!
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