Blog Notes: Ch. 5 Portraits (p. 114-119)

How to shoot a formal portrait...

1. 10-20 ft. of clear space in front of background, 4-6 ft. of space between background & stool
2. light 45* to the right side of subject, reflector held 3-4 ft. from subject on left side
3. camera set 6-10 ft. away from subject--depends on lens: telephoto = further

• wide-open aperture for out of focus background
• 35mm cameras, 50mm lens: f/2 or f/2.8
• zoom lenses: f/3.5 or f/4.5
• focuses on subject
• increases shutter speed (slowest is 1/60 of a sec.)
• indoors - light 45* on on side of subject & reflector on other side
• outdoors - open shade (avoid deep shade), assistants holding reflectors stand 3-6 ft. away from subject, overcast = bueno
• candid portraits - capture a person going about everyday life & activities, completely natural, include surroundings (context & meaning)
• shutter speed of 1/250 or higher