Ana Docoito-Nelson serves as a property manager for Gramatan Management of New Rochelle, New York. When she is not at work as an administrator, Ana Docoito-Nelson photographs people on her travels. Following are some suggestions for enhancing your portraiture skills.
Technical aspects are important. Use a lens suited to portraits, usually ranging from 50-135 millimeters. Established photographers will move close to a subject or use a zoom lens to fill the frame with individuals’ faces.
Pay attention to backgrounds, making sure they provide a context for their locations. A good technique involve shooting against a bright area in front of a dark background.
Try for shots in informal settings, such as the street or someone’s home. If you are posing a subject, look for those times between shots when their guard is down. You can achieve a variety of expressions by setting your camera for rapid-fire shooting.
Many photographers shoot only isolated persons. To add interest, bring one or more extra people into the frame, being sure to include a variety of genders, and ages.
Although most travel photography is done quickly, slow down occasionally to meet with a local. Taking pictures as they go about their activities can tell an interesting story about a culture.
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