Foundation Course: Portrait Photography

Portrait photography aims to capture the expression, personality and mood of a person or group of people. Like other types of portraiture, the focus of the photograph is usually the person’s face, although the entire body and the background or context may also be included. Photographers Sarah Plater and Hannah MacGregor join forces to present an authoritative self-contained course book on successfully shooting arresting portraits. Clear, concise and jargon-free text guides the novice photographer through the various styles of portraiture to capture subjects from babies, toddlers and children to teenagers and adults, and couples to families. The book begins with information on how to set up a small portrait studio in the home, including the use of appropriate backgrounds, flash equipment and other accessories, in addition to assembling a portable kit of equipment for shooting in the field. As a guide to the technical aspects of photography, the authors cover the essentials of correct exposure, white balance settings, and shooting in natural light, along with hints and tips on pre-shoot preparations such as make-up, hair and clothing for the subject of the portrait. Post-production techniques such as skin retouching and colour correction are explained, as are printing options for portraits. The main content of the book is structured as a tutorial that explains the basic skills and techniques of photography in relation to the specific subject area it covers. This allows the reader to progress at his or her own pace. An informative lesson is followed by an easy revision guide, which leads on to a specific practical project. A section on analysis encourages the reader to critique his or her own work by pointing out the likely pitfalls. Progress can then be monitored and lessons built upon. AUTHOR: Hannah MacGregor has run Funky Photographers for more than seven years. With a background in the arts, theatre and teaching A-level drama, she brings excitement and gentle directing to shoots. Getting families, couples, children and teens to really enjoy being photographed is always her drive, and says, “I feel lucky to have found a career that is creative, geeky and great fun!” Sarah Plater began experimenting with film photography over 15 years ago, transitioning to digital as it became more affordable. She then spent three years working at a high street photography studio, before leaving to concentrate on natural light portraiture.