Expert: Don Wood - 8/20/2008

Question
Hi,
My name is Candace Speller and I am a student at Williamston High School.  I am doing my senior project on how to become a portrait photographer and I was wondering if you might be able to fill out this questionnaire for me.  If you could, it would really help me out a lot.    And if it’s okay with you I would use your information as a primary source in my research paper.  Thanks so much for your time and consideration.  

What training is involved in becoming a professional portrait photographer?




How does lighting affect the outcome of a picture?



What role do angles play in a portrait?



What are some causes of an unsatisfactory/unprofessional looking portrait?




How do you pick the best background for a portrait?




What are the best cameras to use?



What sets portrait photography apart from other categories of photography?




How do computers and technology affect portraits?




How do props add/affect a portrait?




How do you put together a portfolio of your work?


Answer
You can receive formal training in this field. Google for portrait schools and investigate these fields. You could also do some grunt work for an established studio. Problem with this is that many owners may view you as a possible threat after you learn the trade, particularly if you are in the same town as they are. Brooks Institute of Photography in California does offer programs in this venue. New York Institute of Photography is another. Other schools do the same. Some of them are short 2-3 weeks programs, intensive training, others are longer. All things considered, the library with all their books on fine art and photography will have plenty of pictures for you to look at and analyze how it was done.
Angles are important, some are more unflattering than others, some will help to hide the large mole on a cheek or other blemishes. Sometimes lighting can help to hide the blemishes. In all cases, the object is to enhance the image you are seeing in the viewfinder or the digital screen. Digital cameras are the new breed of camera. Not too long ago, we were committed to large cameras with large negatives. Now we can make a picture into a good 8x10 or 11/14 without any problems. When I first started we had to have the big cameras and negatives to achieve the lack of grain in the image we sold to the customers. All branches of photography attempt to capture the subject in a particular slice of history. Once that moment is captured, the subject is frozen in time for the duration of the print.
So computers and digital cameras are rapidly becoming the most important part of the process. But that being said it does boil down to one person behind the camera capturing the moment. Manipulation with lights, angles, props, backgrounds are all part of the process. Obviously you want to have as little distraction in the background as you can get, emphasis should be on the subject not on the BG. All present day cameras are good, in the hands of someone willing to invest in the learning of the trade, a small cost camera can do well as the most expensive one. No longer does the photographer have to know how to expose the film or manipulate the shutter speed to achieve the best negative.
A portfolio is nothing more than your best photos in an album for prospective clients, buyers to survey. This book will evolve from your first attempts to your latest attempts.
Think of Portraiture as several different types of photography. Wedding, sports (team photos), portraits, are all part of the venue.
An unprofessional result would be one in which the subject is ill-lit, shows the blemishes, perhaps, with red eyes, just to name a few cases.
Good luck in your life. Remember that the portrait photographer is only as good as his last job. Word of mouth is the best advertising for the portraitist.
I always close with, get several courses in business along with your photo studies, such knowledge will benefit you in the long run.
Thanks for asking. If you need something more please ask in this forum.
Don