Starting to take portraits.. few questions

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I've decided to start taking portraits in order to expand my portfolio. Right now it's full of everything but humans

I assembled a backdrop stand, got my background "dark grey fabric", and some lamps. I just wanted to know how do you guys usually set your shutter speed for portraits. I will not be charging anything but I would like to make the best out of the session. Also if you can give me any advice regarding how to run the session it will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Mike]

I just wanted to know how do you guys usually set your shutter speed for portraits.

That depends on the type of lighting (continuous or strobe) and the amount of light and the aperture/depth of field I want to have.

If you are using continuous lights, then you will probably want to use as fast a shutter speed as possible. The faster the better because people don't sit perfectly still. I certainly wouldn't go below 1/60 but I'd prefer to be up around 1/200 or 1/250.

I use strobes for shooting portraits, so as long as I don't go over my camera's max sync speed (1/250)...the shutter speed doesn't really matter.

 

[Mike_E]

Start with the fundimentals. For that read this...
http://groups.msn.com/Asktheoleproaboutphotography/joezeltsman.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

mike

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Start with the fundimentals. For that read this...
http://groups.msn.com/Asktheoleproaboutphotography/joezeltsman.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

mike

thanks for the link! This is very helpful.

 

[Jeff Colburn]

Check out two articles on my site, The Creative Cauldron, at http://www.CreativeCauldron.com

Go to my articles page and read, "Overcoming Physical Flaws When Photographing People" parts 1 and 2. It should help you with some things you will encounter.

Have Fun,
Jeff