Btec Photography Log: TOM. Portraits on location.

using natural light; the image needs to be sharp and focused prominently on the eyes of the subject. You have to make sure your not over exposing the subjects skin tones by checking the histograms of the pictures you take and changing the F number so that the subject is as exposed correctly as well as possible. Also changing white balance and spot metering should help the subject skin tones.

The location you take the pictures in is really important aswell, where it is, whats around the shoot, using the scenery as props(leaning on a tree etc). Having a narrow depth of field is a good way to separate the subject from the background and also under exposing the background then getting the subject to stand the frame then using your flash to highlight the subject is also I really good way to separate them from the background. When choosing a location you have to consider the direction the sun is coming from because if the subject is facing the sun although it may be better lighting in some cases- they'll be forced to squint and therefore the picture will be horrible nether the less.

using the flash/fill-flash can be a good way to fill in any shadows on the subjects face although it depends on how strong the flash is compared to the sun, using a reflector is also a good way to fill in any shadows on the subject face and if you want to create shadows for a mood effect- use a gobo.