Beginner Portraits

[Sarasocke]

I took some portraits of a 14 year old last year, and she was really pleased. Mind you she wasn't all at camera shy and was used to being watched as she belonged to a dance group.

We haven't set a date yet, but I'll certainly let you know how we get on

[irv_b]

I suggest to try and get some practice in first, either on you own kids/family, friends or even something from around the house about head and torso size (a couple of hi-fi speakers and a football or ornament). Try with something that gives you some shadows in the facial area.

[Oly Paul]

Have scoped the room and it will only really allow a 35mm lens possibly upto 50mm for 1 or 2 pics because it is really small.... will this have any effect on the outcome?

Possibly less flattering than you would like, especially for head and shoulder shots.

The room has a door so if possible shoot from the adjoining room/hallway to give you more room (I've done this more than once), the light which should ideally be of camera (as anglefire suggested) can still be in the same room as the sitter.

Ideally a small white tranclucent shoot through brolly gives good result but if not bounce flash will have to do.

Equipment matters little as its suprising what you can do on a budget, years ago I used to travel round peoples house doing portraits with one flash light and shoot through brolly, home made reflector and a black and a white sheet and boy was I working in cramped spaces.

Just to show you what I mean these were taken of a 14 year old that had not been in front of the camera before using the said equipment .

[bones615]

Found some beginers lighting tips here
http://www.prophotolife.com/2008/06/02/video-episode-13-beautiful-portraits-with-just-one-light/
Might be useful, lots more on the site too although i have not looked much further myself yet.

Simon