Things You'll Need
Instructions
Select the best room for your photo shoot. Use a room that lets in the most natural lighting. The room should be large enough to accommodate the subject or subjects as well as your photography equipment. Arrange furniture so that it complements the subject or is completely out of the way.
Set up the backdrop of your shoot if you are using one. An acceptable backdrop can be made by taping a solid colored sheet to a flat surface such as a wall. Avoid using shiny or shimmering material. The sheet should be free of any wrinkles or stains as they will show up in the photograph. Pull the edges tautly and tape all four corners of the sheet down.
Arrange your lighting. Lights specifically designed for photography such as strobes and studio lights will work best. If you do not have professional lights, use high wattage lamps with the shades removed. Construction lights also work extremely well. For portrait photography use at least one main light on the subject's face. If available, use two or three additional lights to fill in the side and the background.
Attach your camera to a tripod and position it in the general area from which you will be shooting.
Pose your subject in the scene. If it is your family, direct them on how you want them to position themselves. Fine-tune the position of your lights so that there are no shadows under the eyes or cast in an unflattering manner behind them.