HOW TO TAKE BETTER PORTRAITS

People photography is my speciality, both in the studio and on location. I am, after all, 'The Portrait Guy'.

It is one of those subjects that many photographers feel understandably nervous about, as it is far more than knowing how to use your camera. So many good photographers are nervous about taking the first steps into this genre because relating to the person you are photographing and being confident and prepared are more important than fiddling with your camera. So few photographers have photos of themselves, yet don't even try to take self portraits.

In this talk for Camera Clubs, I share my thoughts, ideas and experience to help you create better portraits by understanding how location, lighting, subjects, posing and editing all play their part to create the final image.

I visit camera clubs in my area during normal times, but also do Zoom talks to any camera club, for which I normally charge a fee of £50. I am based in Exeter in Devon. Contact Me for further details.

Here are some of the topics I cover in my talk.

FINDING MODELS

Finding models can be hard but I explain how this can be done and how to get out of the 'Catch 22' situation.

INDOOR PORTRAITS

Indoor portraits with natural light can be wonderfully effective and I show how to use the different indoor locations creatively.

POSING

Posing can be difficult but I share the hints and tips I have learned for helping people look good in front of the camera.

STUDIO PORTRAITS

Studio portraits allow you to control the whole look of the image and I talk about how you can do this to great effect.

OUTDOOR PORTRAITS

Location portraits can be magical and I explain how to open your mind and find them and how to get the most from any location.

EDITING

Editing can turn a simple portrait into something amazing. I show you what you can do to make your portraits stand out.

Testimonials

May 2021 - Petra Mackay (New City PS Milton Keynes)

'A very interesting and informative talk last night thank you.'

May 2021 - Malcolm Rapier (New City PS Milton Keynes)

'I was one of those present when you gave your presentation to New City PS last Thursday evening. Firstly, I would like to say how much I enjoyed the evening and your advice to would be portrait photographers. I count myself amongst those you described as being a little 'scared' of tackling the subject for all the reasons you outlined.'

March 2021 - Hilary Forward (Yeovil Camera Club)

'Thank you so much for last night's talk. I really think you inspired us to have a go at it. As you saw we only have one member that takes portrait photographs and hopefully he will be able to point us in the direction of a couple of models when we get back to meeting in the club and we will rectify this.'

March 2021 - Garrod Gray (Yeovil Camera Club)

'I just wanted to say how inspirational your talk on portraiture was last night.

I have my ‘L’ plates on when it comes to photography. I too have an interest in portrait work for my own pleasure, and like you, I have a small garage studios so was intrigued how you achieve such stunning images from a studio shots.'

March 2021 - Peter Paniccia (Yeovil Camera Club)

'Thank you very much for your talk this evening. After which the members had a discussion and all were agreed it was excellent and very informative and gave a better understanding to Portraiture Photography.'

Talks I Have Done

6th May 2021 - New City PS Milton Keynes (Zoom)
22nd March 2021 - Yeovil Camera Club. (Zoom).
25th November 2020 - Dawlish & Teignmouth Camera Club. (Zoom).

Future Bookings

24th June 2021 - The Virtual Camera Club.