| Portrait photography is probably the best kind of | | | | SLR, it's better because you can save on film and |
| photography that defines human interest. Although it | | | | processing. Never opt for a zoom point and shoot |
| is considered as the easiest area of photography | | | | because it can't provide sharp outline and accurate |
| compared to others, portrait photography appeals to | | | | results. |
| many people and photographers alike because it is | | | | 2. Lenses. There will be times that you need to |
| quite interesting and challenging. | | | | emphasize or de-emphasize a specific feature of your |
| Since it's all about taking people's photos, a portrait | | | | subject at a certain distance. These are what the |
| photographer should possess a genuine interest in | | | | different kinds of lenses are for-to highlight or |
| people that would eventually become their subjects. | | | | conceal any good or bad feature of the subject. |
| They should care about people and are natural | | | | Many professional photographers suggest 300mm or |
| conversationalists to break the ice. | | | | 600mm lenses but for starters, typical portrait lenses |
| Above all else, portrait photographers should also | | | | that are between 90 and 135 millimeters long for |
| possess the skill to observe their subjects' | | | | 35mm cameras are okay. Nikon 105/1.8 (MF only), |
| characteristic gestures and expressions and can easily | | | | Canon 100/2 USM, and Canon 135/2 USM are some |
| identify a person's best side and angle. | | | | of the recommended portrait lenses available in the |
| GETTING STARTED | | | | market. |
| If you think you have what it takes to be a portrait | | | | 3. Film. Since digital cameras no longer require the use |
| photographer, then you should familiarize yourself | | | | of rolls of film, this should not be a big trouble for |
| with the different areas of portraiture. Basically, there | | | | you. All you need is to look for a good compact flash |
| are different types of portrait depending on the | | | | that has high memory to produce high-resolution |
| usage or purpose. | | | | photos. But if you have a manual or SLR camera, |
| Some of the common categories in which portrait | | | | purchase black and white and color films to provide |
| photography falls into include amateur portraits of | | | | choices to your clients. |
| friends and family, photos of people in a social | | | | 4. Location. An ideal location for any portrait |
| gathering, editorial portraiture where pictures are | | | | photography shoot is a studio. Aside from providing |
| taken by photographers for newspapers, magazines | | | | enough working space to work at, having a photo |
| and other publications' use, fine art portraiture where | | | | studio also ensures the safety of your equipment. |
| photos are taken specifically for display in museums | | | | But if you can't set up a studio yet, it is advisable to |
| and galleries, formal portraits where subjects pose | | | | find a space that can provide you a working area. |
| for the purpose of a photograph and informal | | | | In setting up a studio, consider the rental cost, size, |
| portraits or 'action shots' where the subjects do not | | | | accessibility to target market and the facilities |
| intentionally pose for the camera. | | | | offered. If you take environmental portraits, you |
| THINGS TO CONSIDER AND RECONSIDER | | | | wouldn't need a studio that much because your |
| Many photographers would agree that the intention | | | | shoots will depend on the surroundings that create |
| of the photographer is what sets a photograph apart | | | | great impacts on your subject. |
| from a portrait. If you would want to try portrait | | | | 5. Lighting. If you have a portrait studio, consider the |
| photography, here are some of the things you might | | | | sources of light that would flatter your subjects. If |
| want to consider: | | | | your shoot is outdoors, it is advisable to choose an |
| 1. Camera. In portraiture, any 35mm SLR | | | | overcast day to avoid shadows in your photos. |
| (single-lens-reflex) are fine. If you can afford a Digital | | | | |