Week 9: Homework :)

Since there was some dispute between my precious shutterbugs & myself about whether or not I handed out "homework" last week, I decided it might be helpful for me to post it here.  Feel free to print it out if they want a copy of this for future reference!  :)

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TUESDAY NIGHT!!

Assignment:  Take a Portrait Outdoors

Save your top three pictures for me.

1. Plan your portrait session to occur late in the day.  An hour or so before sunset, the light can get golden and very complementary for portraiture.  A good alternative is midday in bright overcast conditions.
2. Set up your location before getting any of your models involved.  Look for a simple, nondistracting background in even, indirect light, such as open shade.  Be sure to avoid dappled & direct sunlight.
3. Turn off your flash. There is one exception: if you want to add a tiny bit of light in the eyes (a catch light), you may want to use your flash in combination with natural light.
4. If you’re using a point-and-shot, select the Portrait mode.
5. Once you’re ready, invite your models to come and arrange themselves.  If you’re photographing a group, make sure everyone is close to each other and nobody is getting blocked.  Arranging the taller people in the back will help. Consider positioning your subject(s) off-center for a nice environmental portrait.  Try implementing the Rule of Thirds.
6. Help your subject*s) feel comfortable.  If humor comes naturally to you, use it to make people feel more at home.  Telling them they look great can be more effective that endlessly shuffling them for a perfect composition.
7. Scan the scene for any distracting details.  Are there any stray hairs in your subject’s faces?  Check to make sure everyone is looking at the camera.
8. Make absolutely sure you’re focusing on the eyes.  Once you have your focus sharp, you can turn off your autofocus (if your camera lets you).  This will keep the camera from trying to get the focus sharp as you shoot.  Just remember to turn your focus back on when you’re done or if the distance changes between you and your subject.
9. Put your finger on the shutter button, talking casually and genuinely while you wait for the perfect moment, when your subject looks relaxed and natural.
10. Shoot as many pictures as there are people I the photo – up to 7-10 photos.  The more people you have in the portrait, the greater the chances that someone will be blinking, yawning, making a strange face or looking off in the wrong direction. 

TIP:  To minimize blinking eyes, ask your subjects to close their eyes while you get ready.  Once you’re ready, have them open their eyes just before you take the picture.