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How to take photos: Portraits
 
This assumes you've already looked through (and even read some of) the 'How to use your SLR' articles. If you like this, bookmark this page in your browser, or with  del.icio.us (look below for others). Also, go to our forums to discuss and ask questions.
Basic gear you need:
bulletStudio flash and reflector
The Aim:
bulletTo get the subject (usually person) to stand out
How:
bulletSettings: Use iso100, something between f11 to f16, and 1/125 shutter speed. Also, with f11, have the subject sitting further away from the background (usually a wall), so it's more blurred out.
bulletWhite Balance: With the flash, be sure your white balance is set for the flash you're using. In the examples below, the studio flash was rated to 5,500K, so the cameras WB was set to this.
bulletLenses: I prefer to use a zoom lens. I prefer my Konica-Minolta 75-300mm lens. Other people might prefer a 50mm or 100mm lens (non-zoom). Often, an older lens is gentler on skin details, which many women might appreciate more
bulletLight Set Up: Set up your flash to point from one side, or from above the camera
bulletModifiers: Have a reflector to bounce any light to gently fill in shadow areas, especially under the chin and on the 'dark side'
bulletQuality Issues: Be sure there's no distractions, or unnecessary junk in the background. Plan it, so everything that you see through the lens is there, because it needs to be.
bulletLights: Some high-end amateurs consider making do with thousands of watts of fluorescent lighting, but in my experience, you'll still have blurred subjects. You really do need to use studio flashes as these 'freeze' the subject, just because of the lower shutter speed and higher flash speed. I make do with a single 800watt flash and a reflector. It's the cheapest and most effective set up money can buy. See more on this point in the Mini Studios article.
Examples:

Click on these to view them at a larger size

< F11, 1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< F11, 1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< F11, 1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< Notice the 'shutter release' cable from the man's left hand being connected to the camera. 800watt (studio) flash (right)
  We especially recommend this particular book, Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photography. It has some great advice and ideas, as well as all the basic techniques.

There are of course many ways to show the best of your subject, but there's still no substitute for experimenting. Enjoy!

Also see this gallery for more examples

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