where to start when taking portraits?

[Jakefreese]

I have searched and searched, I am looking for some tips on taking portraits. Where to start?

 

[mwcfarms]

Amazon has a bunch of great books on portrait techniques etc.

 

[fokker]

Step 1. Get those pocket wizards and a couple of remote flashes with stands and umbrellas and learn how it all works.

Step 2. Read some stuff (google is going to be useful here) about portrait poses and lighting.

Step 3. Get all your friends to pose for you - tell them you will take a nice photo they can use as their facebook profile photo or whatever, in return you get that valuable practice.

Oh hang on wait, according to "the chart" you'd have to charge your friends for that or else you will be lynched by a gang of angry out-of-work pro photographers.

 

[KmH]

I have searched and searched, I am looking for some tips on taking portraits. Where to start?

Put a person in front of your camera. Make a picture.
Evaluate, repeat.

Purchase the inexpensive book Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

40 Rules for Good Portraiture

 

[table1349]

I have searched and searched, I am looking for some tips on taking portraits. Where to start?

Put a person in front of your camera. Make a picture.
Evaluate, repeat.

Damn, you beat me too it.

 

[KmH]

I have searched and searched, I am looking for some tips on taking portraits. Where to start?

Put a person in front of your camera. Make a picture.
Evaluate, repeat.

Damn, you beat me too it.

Ironically, I was just over on Wikipedia reading about 'learned helplessness'.

 

[mishele]

I found this to be an interesting read......maybe it can help you.


10 Ways to Take Stunning Portraits
10 More Tips for Stunning Portrait Photography

 

[BKMOOD]

Just grab somebody and start taking pictures.

I started years ago with nothing but my Nikon FG and a person. Today, however, I bring a boatload of equipment.

But starting out, all you need is your camera and a person. Don't go out and buy a ton of stuff until you know what you are doing and where your interests really are. By then you will be s sharter buyer.