portraits - george garbeck

© 2008 George Garbeck

Portraitsfor young photographers

— George Garbeck

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What is a portrait?A portrait is a picture of a person, especially one showing the face. The

person in the picture is called the SUBJECT.


The SubjectThe subject of a portrait can be a person but can also be an

animal or even one's self (self-portrait).


Multiple SubjectsPortraits can be have more than one subject.

It's nice when the subjects interact with one another.


Snapshot or Portrait?Shooting fast vs. planning things out

When you make a portrait you are in control. You decide how to pose your subject, where to pose your subject and what to include.

Which picture is a portrait?


Portrait or Snapshot?


Decisions, Decisions, DecisionsTake the time to compose your picture.

Check the background for distracting elements.Always be aware of where the light is coming from.

What’s the cardinal rule of photography?


Horizontal or Vertical?Decide which way to hold your camera.


Lighting is ImportantLight from different directions makes each picture different. Always be aware of the light with any picture you’re taking.

Which lighting makes the girl look best?


Lighting is Very ImportantFlash is often too harsh and puts

a stark shadow behind the subject.

Direct sunlight can make your subject squint and not look nice.


Lighting is Very, Very ImportantSoft light (the light coming in from a window or indirect

sunlight) is often more flattering.

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz


How Much to Showclose up head & shoulders upper body full length


Pose your Subject

profile (side view)

3 quarter view (both eyes showing)

Front view


Say “Cheese”Sometimes you want your subject to smile …

Sometimes you don’t!


Give Them Something to DoMake them feel comfortable so they look natural not stiff. Let them show

their individual spirit (happy, playful, serious, sad, grouchy, etc.)


Show What They DoPut your subject in a setting that shows who they are,

what they like or what work they do.


CommunicateA good portrait tells a story. It tells you something about the subject.

What do these portraits tell you about the subjects?

Photographers: Dorothea Lange, Annie Leibovitz


CommunicateA good portrait tells a story. It tells you something about the subject.

What do these portraits tell you about the subject?

Photographers: Yousuf Karsh, Steve McCurry


Your Future in Photography

Photographer: Richard Gheno

Young people who continue with digital photography can learn to do creative and amazing things with their portraits!

portraits - george garbeck

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