1. 5 Tips for Better Portraits

2. Portrait
A likeness of a person, especially one showing the face, that is created by a painter or photographer.

3. 1. Use a long lens We have: Less lens distortion
telephotos
macros
50mm primes
35mm primes
Prime means fixed focal length
aka no zoom
Less lens distortion
Tends to blur the background more
You’re not so close to your subject
Makes them more comfortable

7. Closest to how she really looks
Widening of the face
Closest to how she really looks
Narrowing and distortion of the face

8. Sometimes distortion is intentional for effect.
A Wide Angle or Fish Eye lens can be a creative choice in the right situations.

9. 2. Focus on the Eyes
Eyes are important—it’s where your viewer will look first.
Other things can usually be out of focus.

13. 3. Composition & Positioning Are Very Important

14. Limb Crops – Dos and Don’ts

15. In full body shots—don’t cut off body parts

16. In upper body shots—include arms or at least hands

20. Get on eye level with subject

21. 4. All Light is Not Equal

22. On camera flash is not flattering

24. Bounced or Diffused Flash is better

25. Bounced: bounced off something
Diffused: filtered through something

26. Natural light is best

27. Shade is great… Full shade is best.

29. Watch out for spotty shade… It’s very distracting.

30. 5. Use a Low ISO (200) ISO is how sensitive your camera is to light.
High ISO (1600) is ok in low light conditions.
BUT High ISO = Grainy photos