How to Take Good Portraits with a Digital Camera

Just point and shoot, right? Well, not quite--but it is almost that easy to take portraits with a digital camera. Digital cameras let you focus on the portrait subject, rather than technical photography settings. Learn how to let technology do most of the work for you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare your camera! This sounds like a no-brainer; but how often have you lost battery power or filled up the memory card just when you wanted that special shot? It may take dozens of snaps to get the portrait you're looking for. Digital cameras offer the benefit of instant editing; but with the added price of high battery consumption.

2. Choose a setting with natural light. If possible, shoot outside in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid taking pictures with a bright sun over your shoulder. It will cause your portrait subject to squint. Instead, search for a spot in the shade--mindful of stray sun rays--or even better, shoot on an overcast day.

3. Decide on the portrait's background. The idea is to attract all attention to the subject. Therefore, choose a plain backdrop or uncluttered background scenery--the further away, the better.

4. Set the digital camera to the portrait setting. It is generally represented by an icon of a person's head. If, instead, you are adjusting manually, set the camera to the highest aperture setting. This will help you bring your subject into sharp focus while throwing the background out of focus.

5. Zoom in as much as possible with the optical zoom. Do not use the digital zoom. Frame your portrait subject so that just her head and shoulders are in the composition.

6. Talk to your portrait subject. Help to set the desired mood for the composition you have in mind, but let him have some creative control in order to capture a more natural and authentic moment.

7. Aim for a sharp focus on the eyes and shoot away! Take as many shots as you want. The beauty of digital photography is instant results and the ability to scrap what you don't want!

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with the flash. As a rule of thumb, leave the flash off to avoid casting shadows on the portrait subject or falling victim to dreaded red-eye. The flash can add a glimmer to the eye, however, if used correctly--even outdoors.