- place the background for the photograph close to a wall
- 10-20 feet of clear space in front of the background, plus some room to the sides
- place the light about 45 degrees to the right side of the subject
- set the camera directly in front of the subject, anywhere from 6-10 feet away, depending on what kind of lens you are using
Camera Settings
- formal portrait - wide-open aperture to make the background out of focus
- 50mm lens - f/2 or f/2.8
- zoom lens - f/3.5 or f/4.5
- shutter speed no slower than 1/60 of a second
- faster that you subject's eyes can blink
Lighting for Formal Portraits
- Indoors
- place one light at approximately a 45 degree angle on one side or the other of your subject (use a reflector on the opposite side)
- Outdoors
- direct sunlight isn't the best lighting (harsh and squinting occurs)
- shoot in open shade (from building or tree)
- cloudy days are great for photographing
The Candid Portrait
- candid portraits
- capture a person going about everyday life and activities, whether it's playing basketball, singing in a choir, watching TV, or talking with friends
- Camera Settings
- 1/250 shutter speed - will freeze the action
- if you use a flash, get close
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