Part Two B - Camera Position
by Chuck Gardner
Camera position and focal length
 Two of the most frequent errors when taking portraits are a
camera position that's too low, and a focal length that is too short. The camera
lens position should be slightly above the eyes of the subject. If you can see the nostrils of
your subject your camera position is too low. Stand on a stool if necessary to get the proper angle.
The best focal length for portraits is 85 -105 mm for 35mm format. The slight
foreshortening created by this focal length range makes the face look better
than shorter focal lengths. Longer lenses can be used for a more dramatic
effect. For this picture I was standing on a chair about 2 feet off the ground. The subject was bent foward slightly with his chin raised to tighten-up the skin under the chin. The upward angle of the front of his face matched the downward angle of the camera. This technique also works well for group pictures. Goto Next Section - Posing> Goto < Previous Page > Goto Class Outline Goto super.nova.org my home page. |