Jim's Blog - Portraits Part 2

I have just returned from the French Alps where I have been doing the publicity shots for The School of Embarrassing Illnesses. Earlier this week, I shot Rupert the Bear.

The celebrity landscape and media world are eclectic.

But, it makes for a varied life and I could never say that my job is boring!

Is it worthy and artistic?

That depends on your point of view. It's perhaps no less valid than covering a human skull with £50 million pounds worth of diamonds.

But that's another story.

I promised that I’d give away a few more tips on how to take a great portrait.

Last week, I talked about how to engage with your subject.

That’s all great, but you also, of course, need to make sure that your lighting is right.

I won’t tell you all about soft boxes and bouncing light around a room ( you’ll be bored to tears and I’m sure that you don’t cart a flash kit and  case of lighting around.) 

But, these days, many digital cameras have a ‘portrait’ setting which simply means that more light is on the subject’s face, which makes it  very flattering. If you have this setting, then do use it.

If not, look at the available light to see what will look good.
During the day, avoid direct sunlight – your subject will be squinting and loads of shadows will be cast over the face. Not a good look.
Dappled light is best.

And remember what’s in the background. If you can, go for a plain wall, a tree, something from nature.
Definitely avoid racks of wet washing, wheelie bins, tables crammed with overflowing ashtrays and the like.

Sounds obvious – but you’d be surprised at how a perfectly good portrait can be ruined by ignoring the background story.

See Jim's pics at www.marks.co.uk

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