Photo Tips
taking better photos of people...
by Chris Mosley
I've outlined the main points to help you choose a clear detailed photo that shows the necessary detail and the character needed to produce a good quality, life-like portrait.
Please remember that I can only draw from what I see in your photos! I can work from several photos if necessary but one good clear photo of each subject is best.
Digital Camera Settings...
Digital Camera Settings...
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium or High. Files over 450kB usually contain enough detail to work from if the subject is large enough in the viewfinder.
Patience is required...
Patience is required...
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially with children. Don't expect to get the perfect shot immediately. Relax and wait for the right moment, then shoot quickly.
Have fun and relax...
Have fun and relax...
The best photos are when the subject is relaxed and has a natural pose. Normal activities can be more natural than staring straight into the lens with "the camera face", and allowing children to play during a photo shoot avoids boredom.
Set up the camera beforehand rather than making people wait and choose a location where your subject is comfortable. Make conversation or make them laugh or smile.
Use Natural Light...
Use Natural Light...
Cloudy or overcast days provide a softer light, which is often most flattering in photos of people. If indoors, try turning off the flash and use the natural light coming in from a window.
Avoid strong shadows...
Strong sunshine makes people squint and it throws strong shadows across their face so avoid this when possible. On sunny days position the sun slightly to the side or behind you. If your camera has several flash modes then use the Fill-Flash or Daylight Flash. This will help fill in the shadows..
Use the self-timer...
Use the self-timer...
If your portrait is of yourself but you don't have anyone to take a picture then use the self-timer. Set your camera on a flat surface or a tripod. Check what you're aiming at in the viewfinder, then set the camera's self-timer so you can join the scene after you press the shutter button.
Get Close...
Get Close...
Don't take a photo composing of the whole body if you want only a traditional face portrait. Fill the camera's viewfinder or LCD display with your subject's head and shoulders and exclude the rest. If your camera has a portrait setting then use it to help you get your subject in focus rather than the background.
Important Details...
The eyes and mouth are often the defining elements in a face portrait. When taking photos of children crouch down so you take the photo at their eye level.
Lock the Focus...
Lock the Focus...
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture may turn out blurry because the camera will focus on whatever is in the centre of the viewfinder. Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the subject. Usually you have to centre the subject in the viewfinder and then press the shutter button halfway down. Continue holding the button halfway down while you move the camera to where you want the subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready, press the button all the way down to take the picture. If taking an active picture of children moving around you may need to increase the shutter speed to keep the subject in focus.
One good picture is best...
One good picture is best...
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance of getting the right photo but please be selective and choose only one or two clear photos that show what you want in your portrait.
Please remember that I can only draw from what I see in your photos! I can work from several photos if necessary but one good clear photo of each subject is best.
Digital Camera Settings...Digital Camera Settings...
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium or High. Files over 450kB usually contain enough detail to work from if the subject is large enough in the viewfinder.
Patience is required...Patience is required...
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially with children. Don't expect to get the perfect shot immediately. Relax and wait for the right moment, then shoot quickly.
Have fun and relax...Have fun and relax...
The best photos are when the subject is relaxed and has a natural pose. Normal activities can be more natural than staring straight into the lens with "the camera face", and allowing children to play during a photo shoot avoids boredom.
Set up the camera beforehand rather than making people wait and choose a location where your subject is comfortable. Make conversation or make them laugh or smile.
Use Natural Light...Use Natural Light...
Cloudy or overcast days provide a softer light, which is often most flattering in photos of people. If indoors, try turning off the flash and use the natural light coming in from a window.
Avoid strong shadows...
Strong sunshine makes people squint and it throws strong shadows across their face so avoid this when possible. On sunny days position the sun slightly to the side or behind you. If your camera has several flash modes then use the Fill-Flash or Daylight Flash. This will help fill in the shadows..
Use the self-timer...Use the self-timer...
If your portrait is of yourself but you don't have anyone to take a picture then use the self-timer. Set your camera on a flat surface or a tripod. Check what you're aiming at in the viewfinder, then set the camera's self-timer so you can join the scene after you press the shutter button.
Get Close...Get Close...
Don't take a photo composing of the whole body if you want only a traditional face portrait. Fill the camera's viewfinder or LCD display with your subject's head and shoulders and exclude the rest. If your camera has a portrait setting then use it to help you get your subject in focus rather than the background.
Important Details...
The eyes and mouth are often the defining elements in a face portrait. When taking photos of children crouch down so you take the photo at their eye level.
Lock the Focus...Lock the Focus...
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture may turn out blurry because the camera will focus on whatever is in the centre of the viewfinder. Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the subject. Usually you have to centre the subject in the viewfinder and then press the shutter button halfway down. Continue holding the button halfway down while you move the camera to where you want the subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready, press the button all the way down to take the picture. If taking an active picture of children moving around you may need to increase the shutter speed to keep the subject in focus.
One good picture is best...One good picture is best...
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance of getting the right photo but please be selective and choose only one or two clear photos that show what you want in your portrait.
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Painting a dog portrait
How I draw a portrait
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