How to Take a Studio Portrait

Many people do not like getting their picture taken and do not like the results when they do. One way to get better results is to plan ahead and set up the perfect conditions for a good picture. You can create the conditions for a studio portrait just about anywhere, even your home, where decent lighting is available.

Instructions

1. Turn the flash on your camera off. The flash shows even tiny facial blemishes, causes red-eye, creates shadows and eliminates natural color from the portrait.

2. Replace light from the flash with natural light. Position the subject of the portrait by a large window partially facing the light. Use a piece of white poster board to reflect light onto the side of their face facing away from the window to eliminate any shadows.

3. Put your portrait subject in front of a lightly colored background. White works best. However, if a lightly colored background isn't available in your home, substitute in a white bed sheet. Hang the sheet on the wall with duct tape.

4. Provide the subject with a straight back chair. The straight back chair ensures the subject has the best possible posture.

5. Zoom in at least 3X. You may have to take a few steps back in order to accommodate this. Use the narrow end of the lens for a tightly-framed picture.

6. Hold the camera at eye-level with the subject. Take lots of pictures to ensure a few good studio-quality portraits.

7. Talk to your subject to help them feel at home and help them relax. The key to a good studio portrait is a natural look, so instead of having them pose, encourage them to smile by talking to them.