Instructions
- Step 1: Select subject Select a subject and ask permission to shoot a portrait.
- Step 2: Select scene Select a scene in which to shoot the person.
- TIP: You can choose props and locations that help showcase the subject’s personality.
- Step 3: Attach telephoto lens Attach a long telephoto lens, such as an 80- to 200-millimeter lens or greater, to your camera and set it to the widest aperture possible. This will visually set off the subject from the background.
- Step 4: Select film & shutter speeds Select the appropriate film speed and shutter speed to accompany your low aperture setting.
- Step 5: Place subject Place the subject in either full shade (preferable) or full sun (behind your shoulder) to minimize the shadows and contrast on their face.
- Step 6: Stand in front of subject Stand a minimum of 10 to 15 feet in front of the subject, making sure they fill the frame.
- Step 7: Compose shot in viewfinder Compose your shot in the viewfinder.
- TIP: Compose your subject by using the rule of thirds, where your subject is either in the left or right third, not the direct middle, for the most interesting pictures.
- Step 8: Meter on the subject Meter on the subject.
- Step 9: Focus on subject’s eyes Focus on the subject’s eyes.
- Step 10: Direct subject Ask the subject to give you their most natural facial expression while maintaining direct eye contact. Suggest that they give you just a hint of a smile to make it more natural.
- Step 11: Count to three Count to three. Then, wait a few seconds longer until your subject has relaxed completely.
- Step 12: Take your pictures Take your pictures.
- TIP: The more frames you shoot, the more likely you are to capture the true expression of your subject.
- Step 13: Thank your subject When the shoot is finished, be sure to thank your subject for his or her time. Shooting a portrait is a shared experience, and you want your subject to come away not only with a good portrait, but good memories as well!
- FACT: Celebrated American portrait photographer Richard Avedon once said, “There is no such thing as inaccuracy in a photograph. All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.”
You Will Need
- A camera
- Telephoto lens
- And a subject
- Props (optional)
