| Whoever decided to put the flash of a camera facing | | | | box is simply a white box, often framed with wood |
| directly forward was not a portrait photographer. | | | | with either thin muslin or rice paper stretched over it. |
| The following portrait photography tips are meant to | | | | There are quick collapsible ones on the market but |
| put some perspective on lighting. | | | | they are pretty easy to make. |
| The Harshness of Direct Flash | | | | This box acts as a diffuser for a permanent or flash |
| The reason it is not a good idea to have a flash | | | | strobe light that can be moved to different positions |
| pointed directly at the subject in portrait photography | | | | in order to get rid of or accent shadows while still |
| is that the intense burst of light tends to wash out | | | | resulting in a more natural look. |
| any curvature or shadow in the face and makes the | | | | Mobility |
| subject appear to be flatter than they are. This gives | | | | Unless you are shooting in a studio where you just |
| an unnatural look. | | | | have the subject sit and smile after the lighting has |
| If you are using a boot shaped flash, the mount | | | | been preset, you will want to be able to move your |
| should allow you to adjust the direction of the flash. | | | | light sources around. Many boot flashes offer remote |
| Angle the flash upwards and bounce the light off of | | | | capability so they can be removed from the camera |
| the ceiling. This will diffuse the light and result in a | | | | and held to the side. This capability is great for |
| more natural and appealing looking portrait. | | | | shooting semi-candid portraits. |
| If your flash direction is not adjustable, you may | | | | When shooting outdoors, your light source may be |
| have to use a physical object to diffuse the light in | | | | the sun. Though they often require assistance, light |
| the same way that a lampshade diffuses the light | | | | reflectors work great for manipulating the lighting |
| coming from a lamp. There are many mountable | | | | here and softening the harsh shadows that direct |
| diffusers on the market. If you are at a get together | | | | sunlight often creates. Again, there are many of |
| and do not have a diffuser, a semi-transparent plastic | | | | these on the market; I actually use a collapsible light |
| cup can work in a pinch. | | | | reflector that is intended for car windshields. |
| Soft Box | | | | I hope these portrait photography tips have helped |
| If you have time to prepare the area that you will be | | | | explain the effects of direct lighting and how it can |
| shooting the portrait in, you may want to bring along | | | | be easily manipulated for more natural looking results. |
| a standing light source such as a soft box. A soft | | | | |