Taking portraits is not as difficult as it would appear. A good start is to make sure you have a good camera and lens. If you have a good SLR or DSLR you will be sure to capture a good image. As for the lens, remember that the longer the lens, the further away from the subject you will be, the less distortion you will have. If you are using film, use a quality 100 ISO slide or negative film. For digital, you can set you ISO setting on either 100 or 200 and you will capture a quality shot.

Lighting will be the next on the importance list. You will need one light off camera, pointed at the subject, and one light pointed at the background if you are shooting against white. If you are using a modeled background, standard for portraits, the second light may not be necessary. Either an umbrella or soft box is favorable for portraits, as they soften the light and help skin tones and blemishes. It should be at no more than a 30 degree angle to the subject, or shadows will be harsh.

Finally, comes posing. I once read that if the subject is uncomfortable holding the pose, it's a good pose. There really are no rules in posing. It is highly suggested that you not square their shoulders with the camera, as this is not pleasing to the eye. As you pose them, be aware of double chins, wrinkles in clothes, hair, eyes, etc. Generally, if you have them lean slightly forward, turn their body to face the light, turn their head to the camera with a slight tilt to one side or the other, and smile naturally, it will produce a print they will hang proudly on their wall.

Learn more about this author, Jim Becker.
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