Taking Holiday Portraits? Lighten Up!

Taking great portrait shots isn't hard, as long as you take your time. Always stop to consider the setting before you position your subject and start shooting.

Look at the ambient lighting and decide how to take advantage of it. Soft lighting generally is flattering, so if shooting during the day you might want to head outdoors, a shady spot with light filtering through the trees can soften as well as enhance your subject. If you are taking portraits inside, find some nice daylight coming through a window. For interior nighttime portraits you may want to turn up the room lights. For portraits, background is crucial, and if the lights are too low your subject's face will stand out in sharp relief against murky darkness.

Don't work too hard to position your subject. The goal is for him or her to relax and fall into a natural pose. Try shooting in your subject's favorite place, or at least a comfortable place. Meaningful props, like a trophy or musical instrument, can add character. When taking a portrait you may want to put a sheet or some other drape behind the person, to bring the focus directly to the person.

If you warn camera-shy subjects just before you click the shutter, they'll often freeze up. For this reason candid portraits often turn out best. Finally, once your subject has relaxed don't be afraid to get close. While background matters, it shouldn't overwhelm the picture.