5 Tips on Back-Road Portraiture (continued) Page 2 of 4 | Back · Next · Return to Main Articles



  One of the first things I do is to evaluate the lighting. Overcast days are great for producing soft, diffuse light, which is generally the most flattering for portraiture. The warm light of early morning or later afternoon is best. Bright, sunny days are more challenging. Photographing a person in the middle of a sunny day requires that you find a shady spot where you can position your subject.
  While I strive to use natural light exclusively, fill-flash is effective when I want to add a touch of light and perhaps bring out a little more detail in my subject's face. It's imperative that the fill-flash is diffued so that it's not overpowering. Something magical takes place when light, timing, great expressions and composition all come together instantaneously.
Although it doesn't need to be shadowless, soft light is the best light for photographing people.

Above: A little fill-flash was used to add some subtle illumination to this man's face.

Above right: Open shade always provides a soft, flattering light source.

Right: In addition to using a soft light source, sometimes you'll want to back away from your subject to show a little bit of the surroundings.
  Photography should be fun and therefore, our camera equipment should be tools that allow us to fully enjoy our time in the field. While carrying every lens, filter, and camera that you own may provide you with a wealth of choices, it can stifle creativity when the focus becomes the equipment, rather than the vision of your finished photograph.
  My Nikon FMs are always loaded and ready to shoot. Your lens choice is a matter of photographic priorities. My two workhorse lenses for portraiture are a 24mm wide-angle and an 85mm moderate telephoto. The 85mm lens is great for close-up views of faces or upper-body photos. I prefer not to crowd my subject while working on various expressions and poses. I focus on the person's eye nearest the camera.

December 2004 | Photographic Page 2 of 4 | Back · Next · Return to Main Articles

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