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