Where and how to start?

potter

potter

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Adam
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Looking for advice for a newbie to this.

I've been mainly been doing creative photography, but want to start venturing out to portrait stuff

At the moment, I have limited kit... Lighting wise, I have a grand total of 1 speed light, which can ben used off camera

The wife and I had a little play around the other day... The problem I found is that the pictures didnt really look like anything special... I wasnt expecting great results first time round though, but they looked like no effort had gone in etc

Anyway... Am i right in thinking the key to portrait is good lighting?
Ive been looking at a cheap home studio kit, maybe something from here;

http://www.bestbudgetbuys.co.uk/cat...S16719281515&gclid=CJ395sWYwK0CFaEhtAodADXrBA

What kind of settings should I be looking at on the camera? I know its a wide question, but I really have no idea when it comes to this.

Any help would be gretly appeciated,

Adam
 
Usually when shooting portraits I experiment with narrower depth of fields & always ensure that the focus is on the eyes. I usually try to shoot with a 1/125 shutter speed & never with a higher ISO than 400 {This is working with natural light, I use continuous with softbox whilst working in the studio. I personally never use flash, I find the light to be too hard on features for my taste}. Try working with different techniques & experiment with different lighting/compositions ~ all that tit tat. I've been rather brief but I'd rather not ramble! hahaha.
 
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You're right about getting good lighting - whether that be natural light, flash or studio - its all about balancing the light for the effect you want.

You can achieve a lot with just one speedlight, so concentrate on learning how to use that before you get studio light kits.

If there is ambient light you can keep the aperture/ISO set for the flash and use the shutter speed to balance the ambient light.

The thing that has helped me most (bear in mind I'm still very much at learning basics about portrait photography!) was attending two courses - a half day course on using speedlights about 4 months ago, and a full day course last weekend on studio lights. Explanations, demonstrations then the chance to get practical experience. I also go along to a local camera club and we run informal portrait nights.

Post images on here in the photo sharing portrait section and ask for feedback and critique. Don't worry if your first attempts aren't too special - and remember that processing (to suit the subject) can also be part of making a portrait shot work.
 
ACW said:
Do you not find this makes the pupils contract and can produce a squint?
Click to expand...

Never,
I use softboxes on a low setting such as 1/8 or 1/16
& never place the light directly in front of the subjects face, but use reflectors. I prefer the softer light it creates.
 
Again, thanks for the replies

as for poses, do you guys have any tips on how to get the best, or is it just a case of having a look around and seeing what you want to try?

Ive had a look in various sections here, and have managed to find some ideas I want to try
 
You say you have one speedlight that you can use off camera, job done then. Trust me the effects you get from the one gun used off camera with the available light can be amazing. If you are not happy with the results you are getting now then buying a studio kit may not be the answer. Like already said maybe look at your technique a little more & just try anything & everything. There are many videos on Youtube that will guide you through the process.
 
gphotography said:
You say you have one speedlight that you can use off camera, job done then. Trust me the effects you get from the one gun used off camera with the available light can be amazing. If you are not happy with the results you are getting now then buying a studio kit may not be the answer. Like already said maybe look at your technique a little more & just try anything & everything. There are many videos on Youtube that will guide you through the process.
Click to expand...

To be honest, i dont think im going to get a studio kit yet.. as you have said, wait until im happy with what i produce at the moment.

Im currently having a little look at an umbrella, just to have a play around with really
 
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