I am a beginner myself; so correct me where I am wrong. This post is being composed from the notes that I prepared for doing portraits while reading manual and articles / videos on the net. The terms I am using apply to Canon DSLRs; other vendors must have similar features.
Mode
[INDENT]Use Aperture Priority mode; it will allow you to select the right aperture that is important to keep the subject sharp while blurring the distracting background and allow you to select lower ISO (for lower noise); by controlling aperture you can work in lower light (if your lens allow this)
[/INDENT]Shutter Speed & ISO
[INDENT]Keep an eye on shutter speed being selected in Av; it should remain 1/60 or faster to reduce camera shake. If using VR / IS lens; you can click with bit longer exposure (1/30 or may be 1/15) but you have to ask your subject to hold. Always manually specify the ISO; and if required bump up the ISO upto 800 to achieve proper shutter speeds. The modern cameras dont generate noticable noise upto 800 ISO.
For child giving expression; you might need to switch to Shutter Priority / Tv as shutter speed needs to be 1/125 or 1/250; if required use flashgun to achieve this.
[/INDENT]Lens
[INDENT]Using zoom; you can achieve blurred background effect but you should keep close distance to the subject; otherwise you will not get narrow depth of field.
[/INDENT]Metering Mode
[INDENT]Generally Evaluative Metering Mode (the mode that evaluate entire frame) works fine. In very light or dark backgrounds; this mode might not work perfectly; use Exposure Compensation or change the metering mode to Partial Mode; where it will use the center area of viewfinder to get the exposure info.
[/INDENT]Focusing
[INDENT]Always focus eyes; eyes should remain sharp. Use One Shot focusing mode and select single focusing point. If subject is moving (kids etc) use Auto Exposure Lock to recompose. Zoom into subject; focus; AE Lock; recompose and click!
[/INDENT]Picture Style
[INDENT]If your camera has picture style option; explore its Monochrome (for B & W) and Portraits style. These style usually adjust Sharpness and Contrast etc. If you want bright colors; boost Saturation. For soft skin looks for women, children and pets; increase Sharpness. To get the better range of tone; decrease Contrast a bit. If you have the option to apply filters to control lightening and darkness of skin tones; use Red or Yellow filter to lighten the skin. Green will darken the skin.
[/INDENT]Grid Overlays
[INDENT]Enable the grid overlays; if its 3x3 grid; keep the subject on any of the two lines. The corners of middle rectangle is considered golden points.
[/INDENT]Flash
[INDENT]You can use the built in flash as fill flash if subject is in shade and background is strongly lit; sunny days. The built in flash can also be used for catchlight (the sparkle in the eyes). Dont use its full power; use the Flash Compensation to control it.
[/INDENT]Action Portraits
[INDENT]Kids playing etc; use Shutter Priority mode. To freeze the action use 1/2500 shutter speed. For focusing use Al Servo. Use Continous drive mode; chances will increase that you will get a nice action shot!
[/INDENT]Post Processing
[INDENT]Take many pictures; then select the best picture and if required do post processing. Shoot RAW as DrShaggy has suggested; doing so; you dont have to select Picture Style and apply filters; you can do that in post processing easily. When cropping; never crop at joints (knees etc) Increase color temperature to give your subject a healthy look. Keep the background clutter free. Use the brushes to blurr unwanted things out.
[/INDENT]
- When capturing kids; dont shoot from adult's level
- When capturing kids; let them do what they are doing; and when they are doing anything interesting; call them to see camera; and click!
- When covering function; use zoom; else feel free to get close to your subject
- Keep an eye on background; either remove distracting things or reposition yourself.
- Dont cut the body parts of the subject; half arm etc
- If subject is doing something; and you cannt increase shutter speed to freeze action; ask your subject to hold
- When outside; try to click in golden hour
- Find a shaddy place under strong sun
- Use as much natural light as possible for indoors; open up the windows and doors
- Think about lighting; ask your subject to move to the proper lit area
I use One Note for taking notes; its the best addition in Office lately; do check it out!