| One of the most popular types of film-taking is | | | | more helpful to acquire the image you truly want to |
| portrait photography. Many people use a point and | | | | portray on film. Before using artificial light, take care |
| shoot camera to take still pictures of others, but | | | | for the amount of light and the angle at which it |
| what differentiates a hobby from professional | | | | shines so that it provides an enhancing - rather than |
| photography is generally the quality. A good portrait | | | | distracting - effect on film. |
| photographer has the ability to not only capture the | | | | Background |
| best of his subject's face but also to bring out the | | | | The background color of a picture should compliment |
| personality of that individual. | | | | the subject's color. For this purpose, light |
| If you would like to learn and excel at portrait | | | | backgrounds are generally preferable to help with |
| photography, then the five points below will help | | | | emphasis on the subject. If the background color is |
| guide you in that direction. | | | | not given due consideration, it could distort the |
| Rapport | | | | attention away from your picture's primary target - |
| Get involved with your subject while preparing for | | | | the person. |
| the picture. Engage the person in a friendly | | | | Plan |
| conversation so that there is comfort not only with | | | | You should always make a checklist of all the |
| you, but also for a naturalness in front of camera. | | | | equipment you need prior to a photo shoot. Besides |
| Success at the "pre-snap" phase will help you to | | | | the necessary equipment, also come prepared with |
| capture the natural expression of your subject and | | | | an interesting topic to discuss with your subject for a |
| display it on film. | | | | friendly and relaxed conversation. |
| Personality | | | | Think through the job seriously before actually doing |
| One of your main objectives should be to bring out | | | | it and whether you currently have the skill set to |
| the personality of your subject through your pictures. | | | | handle it. If not, solicit the assistance of someone |
| This can more easily be achieved if the person is | | | | you trust and who has greater experience. Of |
| relaxed. Since capturing personality is best done when | | | | course, if this is a hobby, then practice away. |
| an individual is least expecting a shot, be ready for | | | | Portrait photography can be enjoyed as a hobby or, |
| those natural opportunities. | | | | with skill and knowledge development, adapted over |
| Lighting | | | | time as a career. Either way, you will have many |
| Natural lighting is preferred by most photographers; | | | | great opportunities to "stop time" with the push of a |
| however, an artificial light source can at times be | | | | button! |