How Do I… PRO TIP Figure3-6 shows the existing light setup for Figure 3-5. The model is facing the window with reflectors positioned on both sides of her. The blank wall serves as the backdrop, and the camera is secured on a tripod. Now put your camera on a tripod and slowly squeeze the shut- terbutton. Review the image on the LCD monitor. If the shadow area is too dark, you may want to add another reflector. If the overall image is too dark, turn on exposure compensation, set it to+1, and …

Take Great Outdoor Portraits When most folks think of portrait photography, they envision studio lighting, canvas backdrops, and a camera perched upon a tripod. But many photographers don’thaveaccessto lavish professional studios, and honestly, it’snot necessary for dynamite portraits. PRO TIP Figure3-1 illustrates that you don’tneedanexpensive photo studio to take pleasing outdoor portraits. After alittleexperi- mentation, a high camera angle was used to minimize distracting background elements. The model was positioned so the sun was on her back to create a rim lighting effect on the hair and shoulders. Then fill flash was added for even exposure on the face. All you really need is a willing subject, a decent outdoor setting (preferably with trees), and your digital camera. Then you can be on your way to creating outstanding images. First, start with the two magic rules for great outdoor portraits are: Get close. The tighter you frame the shot, the more impact it will have. Extend your zoom lens and move your feet to create more powerful images. Once you’vemovedinclose, and have shot a series of images, get closer and shoot again. Use fill flash. Turningontheflashoutdoorsisatrickthat wedding photographers have been using for years. If you really want to impress your subjects, position them in the…. Remind your model to sit very still during exposure because you maybe using a shutter speed that’sasslowas 1/15thofa second, or even longer. You could increase the camera’slight-sensitivity by adjusting theISOspeedto 200, but don’tgobeyondthat because you’ll degrade the image quality too much for this type of shot. Once you’veplayedwith these variables, go back to the artistic side of your brain and work on the composition. Try to get all the elements in the picture working together and let nature’ssweetlighttake it from there. When it all comes together, existing light portraits are magical. Shoot Good Self-Portraits Some people may think that turning the camera toward yourself is the height of narcissism, but sometimes you need a shot, and no one is around to take it for you. These are the times when it’s good to know how to shoot a self-portrait. Start with the basics by making sure your hair is combed, collaris down, shirt is clean, and your teeth
are free from spinach (and lipstick!). Then find a location with a pleasing, uncluttered background. Put the camera on a tripod and set the focus as close to the area where you’ll be standing or sitting and activate the self timer. If the room is too dim for an existing light portrait, try using “slow-synchro”flash (see”Flash Modes”in Chapter 2 for more information). This type of flash provides enough illumination fora good portrait, but slows the shutter enough to record the ambient light in the room. Position yourself where you had focused the camera and look directly into the lens. Don’t forget to smile.

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