Page 63 - Learning How to Photograph with your DSLR Camera 2nd Edition Jan 2021

Lesson 14: Portraiture

Everyone loves a flattering portrait and that should
be our goal when posing friends and family.
Volumes could be written about this type of
photography and is well beyond what I can teach
here. There are some things you should know when
you decide to take a portrait.

My Grandson; 100mm lens at 1/100, f/3.2, ISO 100

Lenses
There are a variety of lenses used in portrait photography and the range from 35mm
(Crop Sensor), 50mm (Full Frame) to telephotos. An 85mm lens is a commonly used
prime lens as well as similar focal lengths. Zoom lenses allow you to zoom in or out
such as a common kit lens if you have one.

Avoid wide angle lenses. These can distort features and make their appearance seem
unnatural, and no one wants an unflattering portrait.

Workshop Posing Example:

Posing is an art and it takes practice and knowledge to skillfully pose people. There are
several good books and illustrations online that go into greater detail as it well beyond
the scope of this book. There are things you should generally do and I’ve offered a few
pointers below.

Hair
Generally, you want their part facing the camera so more of their face is included. Hair
should never be on the shoulders! If the hair is long position it behind, or to the front of
the shoulder on the side away from the part. The hair closest to the camera should be

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