Portrait Photography

[Yugoboy]

I might (hoping I don’t jinx it) be taking my first portraits (intentionally) this weekend. I know I’m shooting my Sister-In-Law’s Christmas card shots later this fall.

Any advice? I don’t have access to a studio, but I can get some poster-size white sign-stock paper if needed. I’m hoping this Saturday will be outdoor, but maybe not.

I know when I’ve shot people impromptu, they can come out really nice, but without the planning I also get a few (lots of) duds. I’d like to improve on that and up my percentages intentionally.

(Well, when I was in photography in high school, I shot some portraits and stuff, but I had access to a studio, and that was like 25 years ago or so. I majored in photography, so it wasn’t just 40 minutes a day, either)

[ennuipoet]

Sunset, off camera flash, meter for the background light subject with flash=magic.

[caradoc]

Don’t forget to WB for flash, or gel the flash to taste.

[ravnostic]

I use white foam core board from the dollar store for a little fill-light. Don’t know how well that would work with a large group though. And you’d need an assistant.

[staplermofo]

People look better after they wash their faces. Bring towels and water.

[Yoyo]

Butcher paper, card board, and tape, if you’re too cheap for foam core.
Put the subject in the shade.
Focal length equals twice the sensor diagonal to prevent distortion of features.
Use a large aperture prime lens to blur the background or move the subject well forward from the background.
Gray card for custom white balance and exposure.

Point one foot toward the camera and the other at 90 degrees. This rotates the hips and makes the subject appear more slender.
Move ears toward the camera, i.e. head forward, to create a strong jawline and eliminate double chins.
Tell your subject that you’ll be taking some test shots first. This will cause them to relax and act natural.

But you already knew most of this, right?

[Yugoboy]

Thanx for the suggestions, y’all… keep ’em coming.

Apparently my model is having dental work in the next couple weeks, so we’re on hold, so I’ll have some time to potentially practice, and definitely to get this all down.

I’ll be getting some white board (we’ll see whether it’s foam-core [ideal] or just super-heavy card stock.) As for an assistant, I expect there to be another adult, as she’s underage, and there’s NO WAY I’m going to be alone with her. I have too much to lose because of some mis-understanding.

[Author]

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