Portrait question... - DPChallenge Forums

08/31/2005 11:27:10 AM · #1

I RARELY shoot portraits and I need some advice. A really good friend of mine is getting her resume together and would like a few pictures to put in there. I told her I needed the practice and if she would be my guinea pig we would come up with something.
She has short hair and is short herself. Are there any poses or anything I should really focus on? She is a Dr. as well and is going to be sending this out to other docs. ANY advice would be helpful along with samples if you have any.
I know we will be shooting outside with natural light in the late evening when the sun is low.
Thanks a bunch guys.
make it a great day!
Drew

Prof_Fate

08/31/2005 11:42:55 AM · #2

Use fill flash. two reasons - it will help with color -the evening light can be beautiful but can alter skin tones in a bad way., the second is you want some catchlight in the eyes.

there is much to proper portrait posing - i am still reading and learning. i have a senoir portrait session coming up...i have lots to learn!

get a volunteer and practice the lighting and angles. watch for shadows on the face (under the eyes, chin, beside the nose).

best to use a 100mmlens or there abouts at 5.6, maybe a little less - you want the whole head in focus. focus specifically on the eyes. keep the BG at least 5 feet away so it is in softfocus.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/31/2005 11:45:57 AM · #3

I will probably use my 50mm 1.8.
What is BG that I need to keep at least 5 ft away?

ShadowBox

Nikon D70

08/31/2005 12:16:53 PM · #4

BG I would guess stands for BackGround

As a thought, if this is for a resume, for a doctor, it sounds like it should just be a headshot, probably shot indoors?

Just wondering...

08/31/2005 12:38:25 PM · #5

We talked about indoors, bur she is a very "outdoor-sey" type of person, and she wanted that seen in her portrait as well. Also, I dont have very much equipment (none at all) for indoor shots. Just my on camera flash and a few lamps.