Posts Tagged ‘Don’

Taking Great Outdoor Portraits Part 2

Once you’ve found a setting that you like and have everything
in order, then “work the scene”.  Start by taking a few straightforward
images. Pay close attention while you have the subject
turn to the left, then to the right. When you see a position
you like, shoot a few frames. Then move in closer and work a few more angles.

Raise the camera and have the model look upward; lower the camera
and have the subject look away. Be sure to take lots of shots
while experimenting with angles, because once you’re finished
shooting and review the images later on your computer screen,
you’ll discard many of the pictures that looked great on the
camera’s LCD monitor. The problem is that when they’re
enlarged, you’ll see bothersome imperfections you didn’t
notice before.

Here are a few things to avoid when shooting outdoor
portraits.

Avoid side lighting on women’s faces. Light coming in from the
side accentuates texture. That’s the last thing most female
models want to see in their shots because texture equates
to skin aging or imperfections. Use a fill flash to minimize
texture and avoid side lighting unless for special effect.

Don’t show frustration. Never make subjects feel
it’s their fault that the shoot isn’t going well. They’re
already putting their self-confidence on the line by letting
you take their picture. Don’t make them regret that decision.
When shots go well, credit goes to the subject.
When shots go bad, it’s the photographer’s fault. Keep
your ego in check so theirs can stay intact.

Don’t torture models by making them look into the sun. You have probably been
told for years to shoot with the sun to your back.
That rule was made up by the photographer, not the subject.
Staring directly at the sun is only going
to make your subject squint and sweat.

To be continued...