Setting Up a Photo Shoot at Home

Get that Studio Portrait Look without the Price

Nov 12, 2008 Adrienne Larocque

Studio photographs are beautiful, but expensive! Some simple tips can help you to take portraits at home without breaking the bank. No fancy equipment needed!

You might think that you need an expensive camera to get great portrait photos. Hi-tech equipment is fun to use, but you can take great pictures with a basic camera. Follow these simple suggestions and you can take better pictures right away regardless of the type of camera that you have.

Use black and white film. Or convert digital images to black and white. Your photos will have a timeless look. True black and white photos last longer than color photos, but few 1-hour labs do this; your film will have to be sent out to a special lab. Certain black and white films can be printed using color equipment, but the photos will have a slight tint.

Use a tripod, if you have one. This will help to make your pictures as sharp as possible. If you don’t have a tripod, try propping up your camera on a steady surface using bean bags. You can even appear in your own family portraits if your camera has a timer!

Getting Ready

Use a sheet or blanket as a backdrop. A large piece of fabric also works. The backdrop should be plain and neutral, either black or light-colored. If you don’t have a sheet or large piece of fabric, you can use a neutral-coloured wall.

Dress for success. If you’re photographing a group, have everyone dress in the same style if possible. Ask all of the people to wear T-shirts, for example; don’t mix tank tops and sweaters. Decide on the style ahead of time – will it be casual or dressy? Solid-color clothing works best, but some colors (such as black) can be difficult; denim works really well.

Ideally, all of your subjects should try to wear the same color or colors that complement each other. If you can’t get everyone in the same color, shoot with black & white film or convert digital files to black and white. Avoid shirts with printed words, pictures, or loud, distracting designs. You want to keep the focus on the subjects’ faces.

Lighting

Turn off your flash. Turn off your flash and place your subject near a window or open door. You’ll avoid get the dark halo and washed-out skin tones that can come from using a flash. If there’s not enough light on the side opposite from the incoming light, place a large mirror or piece of white mat board on the shadowy side of your subject to reflect light onto the subject. If all else fails, use a fill-in flash.

Composition

Get close. This is the easiest thing you can do to take better photos right now. You want pictures of your subject, not your sofa! If you’re too far away, your photos will lack detail and clarity. Getting close makes for dramatic pictures. The same goes for your subjects. When photographing more than one person, get everyone’s faces as close together as possible.

Don’t centre the subject in the photo. Follow the rule of thirds: place the person one third from the top or bottom or either side of the frame of your photo. If you’re photographing a group, resist the urge to line people up. It looks boring and unnatural. Don’t be afraid to be playful. If your subjects are too stiff, try using playful props like beach balls or Santa hats to help them loosen up.

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