1. Shooting in portrait mode

Portrait mode automatically selects the best camera settings for faces. It will make the subject’s face clear and blur the background.Try and focus on the subject’s EYES.

2. Facial RecognitionMost point & shoot cameras have facial recognition. When you point the camera towards someone’s face, a green square will come up on the camera. Half depress the shutter button to FOCUS.Facial recognition doesn’t work if you are too far away.

3. Backgrounds

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Mrs O’Connor, 2013

Turn to the head

It is important to make sure your subject is not too close to the background. Try to keep them at least 1 ½ metres away. This will keep the faces clear and the background blurred.

Clear background Blurred background

4. Good backgroundsGood backgrounds for portraits are: plain walls, shrubs/bushes, a paddock, material hung on the wall.Check to make sure the background is not TOO busy.

5. PosingTry and talk to your subject to make them relaxed. Encourage them to smile!

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6. ZoomZoom in to fill your frame.

7. Props

Props are a great way to show the subject’s personality. Using a guitar, teddy bears, a favourite book, a soccer ball... all show something about the subject.

8. LightingTry not to take pictures outdoors with dappled light (some shadows and some sun).

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No ZoomZoom

Don’t make your subject look directly in to the sun.

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Put the camera on to the “portrait” setting.

Take some pictures of friends remembering to:

Fill the frame with your subject.

Move your subject is at least 1 ½ metres from your background.

Use a variety of backgrounds eg: wall, plants, material.

Use props (teddy bears, other toys, books, sports equipment, trophies...)

Remember to focus on the EYES.