PhotographsPhotographsDo and don’tsDo and don’tsPhotographsPhotographs

Do and don’tsDo and don’ts•Digital cameras are great but they can Digital cameras are great but they can lead to a tendency to take multiple lead to a tendency to take multiple shots in the hope that at least one will shots in the hope that at least one will be okay. This works for action shots but be okay. This works for action shots but not for people profiles as endless posing not for people profiles as endless posing leads to forced expressionsleads to forced expressions•If possible compose the image in the If possible compose the image in the camera – rather than relying on camera – rather than relying on cropping to tidy it up. That means you cropping to tidy it up. That means you need to consider the background as well need to consider the background as well as the subject – particularly important as the subject – particularly important to eliminate dangling computer cords or to eliminate dangling computer cords or ugly heaters in classroom shotsugly heaters in classroom shots

• Try to take photos of people doing stuff rather than just sitting/standing posing.

• There are three basic shots of people – close up (head shot), mid shot (waist up but with hands included), long shot (full length, including feet! eg for sports shots)

• Don’t position people up against walls or trees - have them some distance away to create depth of field and a more lively effect

• Avoid using the flash for portraits – it ‘flattens’ the face. Also avoid the harsh shadows created by bright sunlight.

• Activity: Go through old magazines and identify photos which you think are ‘quality photos’. Choose 2 that don’t work and explain why and choose 2 that do work and explain why.

• Activity: In groups of 3-4 practise taking well framed photos of your profile subject. We will then view and critique them as a class.