Most people these days have a point-and-shoot digital camera riding shotgun in the pocket to capture everything from spontaneous candids to more traditional portraits. Often the question comes up, “What are some simple techniques that you can use with a basic point & shoot digital camera to make sure your portraits have that professional look?”
One really quick way to find the answer to that question would be to hand your point and shoot to a pro and see how they set your camera. You know the saying, “It’s not the camera – it’s the technique.” is very true.
First of all the pro knows exactly what elements need to be controlled for a professional looking portrait. While that may be second nature to the pro it’s not for the rest of us. We need a formula or easy to follow steps.
Now that the pro knows the elements that need to be controlled their attention would then turn to how they are going to control those elements using you basic compact digital camera. Most pros are used to using bigger more sophisticated cameras that offer much more creative control.
Here is exactly what they would do.
2. Extend the camera to full zoom (VERY Cool Tip!)
3. Find a source of light
In this video each of the above points is described and demonstrated. Watch the video, makes notes to yourself, and then practice these techniques and you’ll discover your portraits will look MUCH better.
