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Tips for Beautiful Portrait Photography
Part One
The Technical Stuff
This is probably the most common form of photography in that everyone would like
to take better portraits of family and friends but it can be the most
challenging form of photography.
Not only do you need to know the basics of photography but you need to be very
good at knowing how to make people look good. Most of us are not models but in
the hands of an expert photography we can all look wonderful. I can’t make you
an expert photographer but I can pass along some tips to help you improve your
portrait photography.
1. Natural light. I’ve mentioned this dozens of times and I’m not going to stop.
Don’t use flash! Few of us look good the in bright light of a flash. It’s fine
for snap shots but not what you want for a good portrait. Soft lighting, diffuse
and indirect is best. Sunset or sunrise light is magical. The wonderful orange
gold glow improves skin tone and color saturation.
2. Simple backgrounds. Find a back drop of a neutral color or blur the
background. You don’t want the woods behind your subject to fight for attention
but you may want the deep green of the trees.
3. Slower film speed, i.e. 100 or 200 speed, so that you get great detail and
excellent color saturation.
4. Use a reflector card, i.e. a white piece of paper. If you’re shooting in
indirect light this may not be needed but if you’re using sunset or sunrise
light you may need to do this. Use a stiff bright white piece of paper to
reflect light into the darkest shadows of the subjects face. You can also bounce
light into their eyes to add that little bit of sparkle. You’ll be amazed at the
difference. Try photos with and without.
5. Shoot a lot of film. Well not a lot but don’t think that you’re going to
capture that ideal pose in five or six shots. Use an entire roll for one person.
Ever notice how even portrait photographers will shoot three to six rolls of
film. People move a lot, blink when you least expect it, or sometimes just need
time to relax. So expect to use a good bit of film
There now you have some basic technical tips for good portrait photography but
that’s only half the story.
Copyright 2005 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting
nationally and internationally. She started her own business Kelly Paal
Photography. She has an educational background in photography, business, and
commercial art. Please visit www.kellypaalphotography.com for more FREE how to
articles.
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