ViewBug community member ElenaParaskeva shares 3 detailed tips on how to capture impromptu moments when taking portrait photos.
1. The biggest improvement in my outdoor portrait photography came when I switched from a kit zoom lens to a portrait lens with a 1.4 aperture. A 50mm f1.4 lens is a good choice and usually an affordable one IF you like including a bit of the scene in your portraits (this lens will create a distortion when you attempt to go really close to your subject). An 85mm is optimal for close ups. Having said that, if I had stronger arms I would have bought the Nikon 70-200mm lens because at 200m and at f2.8 the separation of the subject from the background is actually better than the 50mm at f1.4. Since this lens is a monster in terms of weight, my next purchase is going to be the 135mm f2.
If you like the dreamy look, then large aperture makes the background melt away and distracting elements disappear. When working with large apertures it is not crucial that I get the perfect location. What’s more important to me is that my background has the right tones for the image I’m trying to achieve and the right light. For example, try to go for a background with brown and orange tones or red for that warm fall color feel.
2. Become a light snob. Only shoot during the golden hour if you can, ESPECIALLY for children. There is nothing more magical than golden hair lit by the setting sun. Of course this poses a challenge in terms of balancing the exposure between your subject and the setting sun which requires high speeds. If this proves too difficult (and I I don’t recommend using flash with children) try to place them in a shaded area...the light coming through the trees will create wonderful bokeh when used with a large aperture. If you are in the middle of the fields with no trees around, place the subject in front of tall weeds but make sure there is distance between them for separation.
3. Be willing to get dirty. Particularly with children I love getting down as low as possible. When you put the camera almost at ground level and you are using a large aperture the foreground gets extremely blurry which helps bring all the focus on your subject... When I’m shooting I don’t care about rocks, mud, sharp objects...Almost every time I end up with cuts, bruises, or thorns stuck in my pants or sweater! I also like to bring a ladder with me so I can get shots from above. People’s faces and eyelashes are amazing from that angle.
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