We recently had a very successful Portrait Photography Workshop in our London studio; we thought it would be nice to share a few tips and tricks that the participants learnt on the day. We also feature Art Burasz, who came along,camera in hand to learn about the art of portraiture. Some of his great shots are displayed throughout this blog.
However, first things first!
Definition: Portrait n a painting, photograph etc, of a person, esp of the face; (of person) a likeness; a vivid description
Here are a few tips from one of our professional photographers!
1.Lighting – use one main source of light and only use a little extra sidelight to accentuate the model’s hair. It will also help create a sense of drama.
2. Camera position – always have the camera straight on or looking down. Never shoot up at a model (especially if the model is female) as you will get a far less flattering shot.
3. Focus – Set the camera focus on the eyes.
4. Lens – the best type of lens to use for portraiture is a medium zoom lens (about 100-200mm).
5. Aperture – use a low f-stop to get a nice depth of field
6. Get outdoors. Use natural light and let the environment speak too. Portraits don't have to be taken indoors.
7. Smile for the camera?! Don't ask for a smile, but chat with your portrait and let the smiles come naturally! Character can still come through without a smile.
SPOTLIGHT ON: ART BURASZ
Q. Where's home?
A. Definitely London, I wasn't born here but I've felt in love with it as soon as I moved. It's beautiful, safe, full of opportunities and due to a variety of cultures inhabiting the city, it makes you more open to new things.
Q. Your profession?
A. I play with dogs... Really:)
I run LondonWoof
I love what I do and playing with dogs all day doesn't make you feel guilty when you just chill out and do nothing all evening instead of going to the gym! :)
Q.Hobbies other than photography?
A. Travel, scuba diving and anything that's got an engine in it. I'm a massive petrolhead - cars and motorbike racing, drifting, etc those are my favourite ways of spending free time.
All those hobbies go very well with photography so it's easy to combine them.
Q.What got you into photography? What was your first camera?
A. I'm lucky to be able to travel a lot; it was actually travel photography that started my passion. I've been to over 40 countries already and there's always something I'd like to show my family and friends hence I ALWAYS have my camera with me.
And my first proper camera was a Minolta Dimage X, very smart little thing, I was amazed how convenient it is to have a digital camera.
Q. What camera do you have now & are you happy with it? If you could choose any camera what would it be?
A. Canon EOS 450D, my first SLR and I'm reasonably happy with it. Unfortunately the perfect camera hasn't been invented yet, I would like it be a full frame, water sealed, with HD video, 7fps with great noise handling and the size and price of Canon G11... So I guess for now 450D is a perfect balance for me of the size, price and features.
Q. The most useful camera accessory you own/would like to buy?
A. Good lens, definitely. I've recently invested in a Canon 85mm f1.8 and I'm very pleased with the picture quality. You really get what you paid for.
Q.What made you choose a portrait workshop? Have you done portraiture before?
A. I love showing people how pretty/good looking they actually are. Maybe it's silly but it makes me happy when I can boost someone's confidence a bit. And there's no better compliment than making someone realise that they can look great on pictures! I haven't really done it before, just the standard shooting of friends and family.
Q. What tips/skills did you learn that you found especially useful?
A. I've learnt a lot, mainly not to be afraid to experiment. That made the biggest difference to my skills.
Q.Which photo from the portrait workshop are you proudest of?
A. THIS. It has been received very well by everyone I showed it to
Q. If you could do a portrait of anyone, who would you choose?
A.To be honest at the moment the experience is what I need the most. Get back to me with this question in one year's time and then I'll be ready not to blow my chance by taking the wrong picture of the person I'd love to portray...)
Great work, Art...thanks for your time.
Visit Art's London Woof website here.
COME AND JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ON SATURDAY 5TH JUNE
Cost: £115pp 10.30am-4pm
Find out more at our website: anglesgb.
