Here we go then...

[xXx_just_me_xXx]

Right well I'm glad this forum has been put up as I think its going to prove quite handy! :)
I'm hoping someone can give me a few tips. I've been asked to take someones photo tomorrow and was just wondering how to get the moost flattering pictures. Any tricks you can recommend? Settings? Backdrop? Indoor or Outdoor? I've never really got much past point and shoot mode so any help would be greatly appreciated! :P

Thanks in advance.

[Flo]

I'm no portraiture expert, but I would go for:
1) natural light (by an open window is nice if you are indoors)
2) make sure they are wearing something flattering but non distracting
3) focus on the eyes
4) looking slightly up at you is a flattering angle (ie no chins!)

and in post processing, try changing some of the shots to b&w or applying a very slight sepia tint
also try adding a very slight (almost not noticeable) blur/diffusion to a duplicate layer, then erasing the eyes to bring them back into sharp focus - really nice effect

[ibecks]

Everything Flo said, but also...
Watch your background - either keep it plain or use a very simple background (striped etc). Any patches of contrasting colours/tones (eg. a splodge of white in a generally dark background) will distract you from the subject.
Use a wide-ish aperture to keep the focus on the subject, throwing the background out of focus.
Keep an eye on the shadows - if there are deep shadows appearing on the face, use something white to reflect light back onto the face and get rid of the shadows.
Oh, and be confident when you're talking to the subject. It's important to be able to convey exactly what you want them to do in order to get the best shot. In particular, pay attention to hands as they can look really awkward.

[Mel @ ATDML]

This site has some tutorials - I have linked to the portraits and people set of tutorials. (http://www.ephotozine.com/techniques/index.cfm?subject=8)

Also I would seriously recommend looking at the websites of some portrait photographers to get some ideas.

For candid style shots in outdoor setting I love Tara Whitney (http://tarawhitney.typepad.com/me/portraits/index.html) but of course it depends on what the person you are photographing wants.

The website of Audrey Woulard (http://www.alwphotography.com/index3.php) has some awesome children shots but some of the ideas might translate ok if you are photographing an adult.

Obviously you need to ask what the person wants in terms of style but getting inspired by some of the great photographers you can find on the net is a good idea :)

Mel
x

[Ellie@ModScraps]

Thanks for the link to Audrey Woulard's site :) and what a beautiful girl on the home page! I think I love looking at photography sites more than scrapping ones!! :o :lol:

[xXx_just_me_xXx]

Wow, thanks for the quicky replies everyone! I knew someone here would be able to help! :D
I think I'll go for the living room (the garden is a mess!) as it has three nice big windows and contasting coloured walls so I'll have a play around and see what looks best. Also seeing as he is 300ft tall I think I'll have to make him sit down and make sure I wear heels to get the most flattering angle! lol.
I think the photo has to be quite simple for the intended purpose but I'll definitely still have a go at altering it a bit for fun :p
It should be fun, I've never done anything like this before and because it's my cousing I'll be able to boss him about while I find my feet! Just hope he bears with me, lol.

[Mel @ ATDML]

Good luck, will you post one or two of the photos to this thread so we can see how you got on?!

Mel
x