4 : S AY C H E E S E !
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Use Your Surroundings
Close-up portraits are always nice, but don’t forget about what’s all around you!
Including a person’s surroundings and environment can add a lot to a portrait image, and
even tell a story or help portray a person’s personality (Figure 4.18).
Sunblock for Portraits
The midday sun can be harsh and can do unflattering things to people’s faces. If you can,
find a shady spot out of the direct sunlight (Figure 4.19). You will get softer shadows,
smoother skin tones, and better detail. This holds true for overcast skies as well. Just be
sure to adjust your white balance accordingly.
Figure 4.18
My niece was so excited to see sparklers set up
in the lawn, so I included them in the shot to give a better
explanation for her expression.
ISO 160 • 1/125 sec. • f/2.8 • 40mm lens
Figure 4.19
A shady area will give you beautiful, diffused lighting
for portraits.
ISO 100 • 1/180 sec. • f/6.7 • 40mm lens
