DIY Network

Taking Single-Person Portraits Follow these portrait-shooting tips for professional looking results. From "The Whole Picture" episode DTWP-212

	Key elements for great portrait shots include background and lighting...
	...context and pose.

Have you ever wanted to take a professional looking portrait of a friend or loved one? Photographer Erin Manning understands that it's easier said than done and knows how difficult it is to create an image that looks more like a work of art than just another snapshot. But never fear. Erin has some pro techniques and tips that will help you do just that--take great, studio-quality single person portraits.

Included in this lesson from DIY's The Whole Picture:

• How to select and hang a background, including tips that will help bring out the subject's personality.
  
• How to light and pose a subject so that you'll get the most out of their features
  
• In the "digital darkroom" Erin shows how to remove any blemishes or imperfections that ended up in the final photo.
  

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  Materials:

  digital camera
  tripod
  backdrop
  clamp lights
  extension cords
  dimmers
  stool or chair
  computer with photo-editing software
  printer
  

  	Make sure the key light isn't hitting your subject's face too harshly.
  	Increasing the distance from the key light, or using dimmers, can cast a more flattering light.

  Three Point Lighting

  Three point lighting is a simple but versatile system which forms the basis of most lighting for portrait photography. Once you understand three point lighting, you're well on the way to understanding all photographic lighting.

  The first step is to hang your backdrop-- a continuous sheet of photographic paper or a simple large piece of cloth will work great. Avoid white, which is a trickier background to work with.

  Tip: Don't forget to iron the backdrop if you're using fabric. Wrinkles could be a distraction in the image.

  You can use clip-on lights--which can be found at any hardware store--to create your three-point lighting. Use 60 watt daylight bulbs-- also available at any hardware store. Daylight bulbs will look slightly blue in color, but give a broader spectrum for truer colors.

  The key light is the main light. It's usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. Place it to one side of the camera and subject so that the side it is positioned on is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

  You can simply attach the clip light to a coat stand or a light stand if you have one. You can also add a dimmer to the light cord so you will have greater control.

  The fill light is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It's used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To achieve this, you can move the light further away.

  The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear or to the side and rear. Rather than providing direct lighting, its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines and separate the subject from the background.

  Now that all three lights are up and pointing in the right direction, you may need to adjust each light's level by using the dimmers.

  Tip: Make sure the key light isn't hitting your subject's face too harshly.
  

  Focal Length For Flattering Portraits

  Here are some of Erin's tips for controlling focal length and camera position get the best results when shooting portraits.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure B To avoid distorting your subject's features, stand back and change the lens setting.

  
  

  • Set the leg height of your tripod (figure A) so that your camera's lens will be slightly above your subject's eye level.

  • When you turn your digital camera on, it will automatically set the lens at its widest aperture. If you simply leave it at the widest point of the lens and walk the camera and tripod in close enough to frame the head and shoulders of your subject, their features will appear out of proportion--their nose and forehead will seem much more prominent which is unflattering.

  • To avoid distorting your subject's features (figure B), you want to stand as far back from them as possible and change the lens setting.

  • Zooming in will gain you distance away from your subject and put their face into a more pleasing perspective (figure C). Find the zoom button on your camera and zoom in all the way.

  • Pick up the camera and tripod and walk it away your subject until their shoulders and head are nicely framed.

  • Check to see that your flash is turned off and then depress the shutter halfway to set the focus on your subject's face.

  Pro Tip: When you're ready to take your shot, take a deep breath and, as you exhale, push the trigger. Your hand will be steadiest at the low point of your exhalation.

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