I've tried to outline the main points here to help you choose a clear detailed photo that shows the necessary detail and the character needed to produce a good portrait.
Please remember that I can
only draw from what I see in your photos. I can
work from several photos if necessary but one
good clear photo of each subject is best.
Digital
Camera Settings
Set your Picture Size / Quality Settings to Medium
or High. Files up to 450kB usually contain enough
detail to work from if the subject is large enough
in the viewfinder.
Be
Patient
Patience is key to taking a good photo, especially
with children. Don't expect to get the perfect
shot immediately. Relax and wait for the right
moment, then shoot quickly.
Have
fun and relax.
The best pictures are when the subject is relaxed
and has a natural pose. Normal activities can
be more natural than staring straight into the
lens with "the camera face", and allowing
children to play during a photo shoot avoids them
getting bored.
Set up the camera beforehand rather than making
people wait and choose a location where your subject
is comfortable. Make conversation or make them
laugh or smile.
Use
Natural Light
Cloudy or overcast days provide a softer light,
which is often most flattering in photos of people.
If indoors, try turning off the flash and use
the natural light coming in from a window.
Avoid
Strong Shadows
Strong sunshine makes people squint and it throws
strong shadows across their face so avoid this
when possible. On sunny days position the sun
slightly to the side or behind you. If your camera
has several flash modes then use the Fill-Flash
or Daylight Flash. This will help fill in the
shadows.
Use
the self-timer
If your portrait is of yourself but you don't
have anyone to take a picture then use the self-timer.
Set your camera on a flat surface or a tripod.
Check what you're aiming at in the viewfinder,
then set the camera's self-timer so you can join
the scene after you press the shutter button.
Get
close
Don't take a photo composiing of the whole body
if you want only a traditional face portrait.
Fill the camera's viewfinder or LCD display with
your subject's head and shoulders and exclude
the rest. If your camera has a portrait setting
then use it to help you get your subject in focus
rather than the background.
Important
Details
The eyes and mouth are often the defining elements
in a face portrait. When taking photos of children
crouch down so you take the picture at their eye
level.
Lock
the Focus
If your camera is set to auto-focus the picture
may turn out blurry because the camera will focus
on whatever is in the centre of the viewfinder.
Try to remedy this by locking the focus on the
subject. Usually you have to centre the subject
in the viewfinder and then press the shutter button
halfway down. Continue holding the button halfway
down while you move the camera to where you want
the subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready,
press the button all the way down to take the
picture. If taking an active picture of children
moving around you may need to increase the shutter
and keep the subject in focus.
One
good picture is better than ten bad!
Taking lots of photos will increase your chance
of getting the right photo. But, please be selective
and only choose one or two clear photos that show
what you want in your portrait rather than sending
me many blurred photos that I cannot use.
Good luck!
