Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Compose the photo by filling the frame. Unlike some portraiture that incorporates backgrounds or foregrounds, Glamour Shots simply fills the picture with the subject or subjects.
If using a "point and shoot" camera, zoom the lens in to about 3/4 of full magnification; if using a camera with interchangeable lenses, pick a lens with a focal length between 50 and 120 and a large aperture.
Once you have your zoom in place, move YOURSELF so that the subjects fill most of the frame. Take your time and make sure there isn't anything distracting in the frame and that everyone's head is all the way in the frame.
Check your lighting.
If shooting outdoors try to shoot in the morning or afternoon. Shooting when the sun is straight overhead makes for long shadows across people's faces. Shooting when its really bright outside makes for either squinted eyes or watery expressions.
If shooting inside, beware bright flourescent lights, which can make your subjects look green.
Work with the light you've got.
The ideal light is a soft light that falls at an angle onto your subjects. This can be improvised with table lamps or standing lamps - just don't over-light your subject.
Direct camera flashes have a bad way of making portraits seem harsh. If you are using a professional flash with a rotating head, try pointing the light at an opposite wall or the ceiling and "bounce" the light to make it softer.
If you have a standard flash on a point-and-shoot camera, tape a piece of toilet paper over the flash. This will diffuse the light, making it less glaring on your subjects and less likely to cast big shadows.
Take charge, but have fun!
The key to good photos is getting your subjects to relax. If you get the framing and the lighting right, that fake smile still will mar your photo.
If you don't like someone's pose, make them change it. If they look unnatural to you, they're going to look unnatural to the camera. It's your photo shoot - make it fun for everyone involved.