THE BASICS OF PORTRAIT SHOTS

1 THE KIT YOU NEED

Lenses and accessories to lift your people pictures

THE RIGHT FOCAL LENGTH

The best focal lengths to use are those that don’t distort facial features. Between 75 and 135mm is ideal on a full-frame SLR (or 50-90mm on an APS-C model). Although you can use any lens, fast lenses with wide apertures are best, as they allow for shallow-focus effects.

REFLECT ON THIS

A fold-up reflector is a wise investment, as it allows light to be bounced back into the subject to control shadows and create catchlights in the eyes. An 80cm 5-in-1 reflector is a good option, as it offers a choice of zip-on surfaces for different creative effects.

OFF-CAMERA FLASH

A flashgun that can be used off-camera and triggered remotely is a great addition to a portrait snapper’s kit bag, as you can use it to create directional light indoors or outside. A light stand with a brolly bracket will let you position the flash and give soft, window-style lighting.

2 SET UP YOUR CAMERA

Dial in the settings to style up classic portrait shots