How to Take the Perfect Portrait

Taking a good portrait is more than capturing a face. It requires careful consideration of lighting, mood, background and expression.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Light Deflectors
• Studio Lighting (optional)
• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter
• Photography Backdrops
• Tripods

1. Choose a person to photograph.

2. Find an appropriate backdrop. In most cases, a wall or other simple background will work best. Avoid plain black or plain white backdrops except to achieve a high-contrast effect.

3. Position the person at least a few feet from the backdrop to minimize shadows and to add depth.

4. Set up your camera at a comfortable distance. Use a tripod to reduce blur.

5. Make sure the sun is in front of the subject if you're using available light. Avoid direct overhead sunlight.

6. Use diffuse lighting by bouncing your flash off the ceiling or walls. Or position a source of light in front of and to the side of the subject slightly above the height of the camera. Use a deflector, or white board, on the opposite side.

7. Use a flash meter to determine the correct camera settings.

8. Set the shutter speed and the aperture on the lens.

9. Focus the lens and take the picture.

10. Add an f-stop or a shutter speed and take another picture of the same pose.

11. Repeat by subtracting an f-stop or a shutter speed from the original camera setting. This is called "bracketing" a shot and helps you get a photo that has the proper exposure.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a long lens and distant viewpoint to downplay protruding features.

• Generate expressions spontaneously through conversation.

• Subtract an f-stop from the suggested setting and use diffuse lighting when photographing dark skin.