Portraits

There are many ways of approaching portrait photography, but to take good pictures you must be interested in the people in front of the camera. Ideally, a portrait should provide an insight into your model's nature and perhaps reveal something of your relationship with him or her. Some of the worst examples of portrait photography are the well-lit, well printed pictures to be seen in the windows of most high street photographic stores. These pictures show the shape of the face, but they are totally impersonal and lacking in interest.
Being photographed is a little like a public performance.

Most people, unless they are used to presenting themselves publicly, do find sitting in front of the camera intimidating. At the same time, they will probably value the opportunity to have a record of themselves made by somebody who is interested in them and who, they feel, is photographing them sympathetically.The model
Even the best portrait photographers do not always manage to take successful pictures, so you don't have to be too nervous. In fact, the first rule is to enjoy being able to meet somebody you might not otherwise have got to know, or spend a few hours with a friend trying to express in a picture some of the qualities you like about him or her.

Try to find out through conversation what the interests of your model are. As you talk, watch for expressions that reveal mood and character. Some people's faces are constantly changing and animated, and the more relaxed you both can be with each other, the better chance you will have of capturing this.

If you are shy or find it difficult to put people at their ease, make your first portraits out of doors. Choose faces at random in the street and use a zoom lens so that you do not intrude. As your photographic ability improves, so will your confidence increase and you should be able to start posing people your friends at first and then strangers.

Backgrounds

The setting will exert a strong influence on your pictures. For a picture to be thought of as a portrait, the model will have to be the center of interest. The background can either be used as a shape, directing attention to the subject, or it can include objects that are associated with the subject.

If the background is to help describe the model, you will want it in sharp, or nearly sharp, focus. If the background is an aid to composition, you may want the model only in focus. If you are working in a studio the background will also affect your lighting, so think carefully about background color and texture before starting the session. Outdoors, your control of lighting and background is by choice of camera and subject position. To begin with, most people are hesitant to place the model in a shaded spot, although this can provide the most interesting and rewarding light. Direct sunlight is harder to use; it is more revealing and less flattering, it should not be discounted, however, because it can be ideal for some faces. Whatever light you choose, places the model so that he or she can look at the camera without squinting.

Halfway between an informal outdoor portrait and a studio portrait is the picture taken in the model's own home. It helps if you are able to visit the location before the picture session so that you can work out the time when the light is best for the backgrounds you intend to use. If you are going to use artificial light, you will be able to plan a lighting scheme, although, with the use of a tripod, exposures in natural light of up to 4sec are possible, provided your model is comfortable and can sit still. Remember to take along a sheet of white cardboard .to help reflect light into darker shadow areas a particular problem when using very contrasting and directional window light.