Chapter 1. WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
Observe and Connect with People
Compose Your Picture
Understand Light
Know Your Equipment
Compact Digital Cameras
dSLR Cameras
Choose Lenses for Your dSLR
Before you dive headlong into your pursuit of photographing people, it is helpful to know some basics about how to best approach your subject, compose the photo, recognize the lighting, and use the equipment you have at your disposal. This chapter outlines these basics to get you started right as you begin to photograph people — whether a candid shot or a posed portrait.
OBSERVE AND CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
A person's appearance, personality, and relationships are interesting and unique, but how do you capture any of this in a photograph? Take the time to notice a person's special qualities, observe how they react, and make an effort to authentically connect. People want to feel respected, appreciated, and comfortable, and if you show an interest in them, they will respond to you and your camera. When you are photographing people, you are in a relationship, whether it lasts for a few minutes, a few hours, or a lifetime.
WHO ARE YOU PHOTOGRAPHING?
Decide what interests you about the person. Maybe the person has bright red hair and freckles, piercing green eyes, or a furrowed brow-of-experience. In addition to noting the unique physical attributes of your subject, ask yourself the following ...
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