Books on doing portraits.

[boomtap]

I am a noob. I really have not done much with potraits. Is there a good book on the subject that will run me through lighting and angles ect..?

I was asked by somebody to take some portraits, and I would really like to, but I don't want to be a doof when I do it either. I would like them to get something quality. I need to learn.

[adina]

Drag yourself off to the local Barnes and Nobles, and spend a few hours in the photo section. You'll find not only how to's, but pages and pages of gorgeous portraits as well.

What kind of portraits were you asked to take?

[boomtap]

Family photos.

B and N is a bit snooty, jk. I was hoping for some recomendations.

[adina]

It's hard to give a recommendation without knowing the style that you want to shoot, what the location will be, how many members...so on so forth...

You could also try the library, or Borders

I don't have any suggestions as to a specific book, but I've spent countless hours at the bookstore with my latte, just looking at books, getting ideas.

[boomtap]

Well I am off to the bookstore. Looks like I might be closing it down tonight!

Thanks for the advice.

I kind of planned on shooting some outdoor shots. I figured on getting some lighting to do it right. We have some beautiful scenery here in CO, so I figured some nice tree backgrounds would be good.

[adina]

If you are planning outdoors, you probably don't need any lighting. Maybe a reflector, but other than that...

One thing to keep in mind when posing a family, go for triangle shapes rather than lining them all up.

[another view]

Try the National Geographic Field Guide for portraits, it's a good starter.

[boomtap]

If you are planning outdoors, you probably don't need any lighting. Maybe a reflector, but other than that...

One thing to keep in mind when posing a family, go for triangle shapes rather than lining them all up.

Awsome advice thanks!

[boomtap]

Try the National Geographic Field Guide for portraits, it's a good starter.

Just ordered it, Thanks!