Portraits 101

Many photographers allow the complexity of portraits to intimidate and overwhelm them to the point that they just won’t do them. Others who are more adventuresome will get someone who is pretty and who might know a pose or two and use the haphazard spray-and-pray technique in hopes of stumbling upon something. To learn a craft, it is good to start with the building blocks. A portrait starts with the face, so this is where we’ll focus.

We’ll begin with the various classic poses for the face, including why you would choose them and how they affect the viewer. This is the foundation to start with when photographing an individual or a group of people. We’ll discuss how these basic poses help create a beautiful symmetry where there really is none. For example, we’ll discuss how to use corrective poses that help with people who have aspects of their faces that are not as pleasing, like a larger/smaller eye, large nose, high forehead, and on and on. We’ll take the time to help everyone in the audience to find their personal best pose–consider bringing a mirror.

We’ll go even further and discuss some basic lighting of the face that can be used either outside or inside, with or without artificial light including speed lights or strobes. Again, we’ll talk about how they affect the viewer’s perception of the subject as well. Mindful lighting can fill in wrinkles as well as slim the subject, which few people I’ve known object to. We’ll also go in-depth on basic techniques so that those who are new to portraits will not be overwhelmed, but there will hopefully be a tip or two for more advanced portrait photographers as well.

Check my schedule for other up-coming presentations, photo walks, and/or workshops. Additionally, I offer other opportunities like mentoring and technical support, which you can check out.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.