I've had many requests for this type of video, showing how I shoot a portrait session. There is a ton of info in this video plus some commentary which explains what I'm doing if its not 100% obvious. One thing that you may notice is that I don't spend a lot of time fiddling with my camera. I know it 110% and only worry about my exposure, histogram, composition and focus. Other things like white balance and picture controls could not be farther from my mind and I don't think about them. My goal is to create great photographs and that requires me to have a great rappor with the model or family keeping the thoughts and fun going.
Here are your steps!
- Scout your location early or on another day with similar lighting conditions
- Keep a good conversation going with the model and 'look' at them making sure they are comfortable
- Learning to read someone's body language will dramatically improve your posing and portraits overall
- Know your equipment
- Use your histogram and screen (sparingly)
- Use a single focus point and put it on the model's face or eye
- Think about composition and what you want to create & ALWAYS fill the frame
- I usually recommend solid color clothing with no or minimal logos
- Shoot a few angles or crops of each scene so you can maximize sales potential (if you are selling images)
So what questions do you have? Do you think you can do this? What's your favorite available light portrait? Photos after the break...
Deena by Cazillo, on Flickr
Comments
thanks for this great walkthough of a portrait session.
Im a beginner which has been asked to take photos at my friends wedding this saturday and i am hoping if you could give me som tips, i have a nikon d5100, nikon 24-85 3,5-4,5 and a sigma 70-200mm + a SB-700. My friend has been advised that im new to this. I have been asked to take photos in the church an outside.
thanks for your time
I'd say most of my tips are in the video or text in the post, but the main one for new people is to know their equipment and exposure 110%, inside and out, backwards and forwards, like the back of their hand ;).
I was at 2.8 for most if not all photos.
PS: Your video on Flahs helped me out although i dont use a flash but i shot a lightning bolt outside my window and the rules concerning ambient light and all that stuff also apply there. GOOD STUFF!
nice shot of the back of your head :P
It was good to see how you interact with your subject and put them at ease.
good work fella
thank you for this insight into your work! While I do not only portrait photography. Your tips always interesting. I find your presentation very much more professional than that of Jared. Well, I like both portals, but I find your pages more interesting. Keep it up!
Greetings from Germany
Michael
I'm 'seeing' the light. The hardest part for most beginner photographers is reading the light on a subject and determining angle.
Again, thank you very much Greg for the high quality of your videos!
Greeting to US from Berlin.
Olaf
I'll usually stay at 2.8 and focus on the eye thats in the main light, not the fill side or shadow.
Im not into portraits but its always nice to learn how its done. You have a great repor with this gal.Was she a paying customer? I would be curious to know how you charged her if she was.
Keep up the good work.
ken
I only show the client photos I like and approve of, then let them pick. I'm not comfortable giving pricing info here but I will consider it for the future.
No problemo, thanks for responding, great info in your videos..thanks for sharing!
Can you please keep doing this type of work, not only model photography but any work you have, its great for us to follow you around and shadow your work! Awesome job! keep it up!!!
Mark.
Thanks
Thanks for that video. Right for an hour i'll have my first photo session with a stranger model. So it's really helpful to me.
Regards from Poland.
The problem with DAF is it never seems to pickup the face, only an arm or chest area which is not ideal.
Keep doing this type of videos they're are very helpful.
Keep up the good work.
JF, from Portugal
Great video and great idea showing us what you do during the session!!
Was just wondering whats happening with you and Jared?? Are you still working together or anything like that?
Cause he has mentioned a couple times about filming him doing a portrait session, so was wondering if he is copying you or you working together!
Thanks.
Keep up the great work!
We are not working together. Not sure what he is doing in his videos, don't watch them...
I have taken a number of photos at Miller Park and the Marsh Creek area but I'm wondering if you can disclose the location for this shoot? If its a private property, that's OK, I'll keep scouting.
Either way, many thanks for sharing all this great content. I'll continue to follow!