Muleskinner

Issue date: 1/18/07 Section: Features

Smile - With the use of a reflector board to fill in shadows, the subject's face receives even lighting and allows for more photographic options.

If you received a new camera for Christmas, you may need to know how to take good, simple portraits of a friend or loved one.

First, choose the location you want and keep in mind for this project, it will have to be outside since we are using sunlight, preferably afternoon to evening.

Do not photograph between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., as this will likely lead to bad photos.

You can use almost any camera, but preferably use a camera that allows you to change where the auto-focus points.
You may have to read your manual for this step. If you have any worries about this, just do a tight close-up on the head and shoulders.

You will need a white foam core board or a silver foil reflector, such as those used inside windshields. This will bounce light into the shadows of the person's face you are photographing.
Let's begin. The sunlight should be behind the person you will photograph.

This is called backlighting or rim light. It helps separate your subject from the background and make them easier to see in the picture.

Have your subject placed in the pose that looks best for them.
Use your "bounce board" to angle the light of the sun into the shadow side of their face. This will be annoying for them at first, but have them close their eyes if it is bothersome.
Make any necessary angle adjustments, focus and set the exposure for bigger cameras. When you're ready, have your subject open their eyes and quickly snap the image.

There you have it. No need for studios or several photo classes. Just pose and have fun.

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