Planning a portrait session

Be prepared, with no surprises

DETERMINE THE TYPE OF PORTRAIT

The first consideration in preparing to take a portrait is the purpose of the picture - the use the subject intends to make of it. It may, for example, be a performer’s headshot for publicity purposes. Or perhaps an executive portrait for a company’s annual report or a newspaper announcement. Or a picture to be presented to a loved one. Or any number of other uses. The style of photography, choice of color or black and white film if you are not shooting with a digital camera, and the subject’s attire, pose and expression will vary in accordance with the person’s objectives in having the portrait made.

HOW DOES THE PERSON WISH TO PORTRAYED?

Then, you must find out from the subject how he or she wishes to be portrayed. The person may have a wild notion for a pose or setting or may want a conservative, traditional portrait. Will the picture involve any props, such as a pipe or a rocking chair, or special costume or uniform, like a bowler hat, sports uniform or a judge’s robes? Does the person want to be photographed wearing eyeglasses? What about background and setting? Should the portrait be taken in the subject’s home or place of work, in a rustic barnyard or by the ocean?

LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BEFOREHAND

You must find out everything you can about the person’s wishes, in the course of which you will be starting to get a glimpse into the subject’s personality. The information will not only help you to decide on equipment needs, but will also help you to form ideas about portraying the subject’s character, and whether you can anticipate dealing with a nervous or confident subject.

LOCATION

If the location for the portrait is someplace you are not familiar with, be sure to visit it in advance, preferably in the company of the person to be photographed. You don’t want any surprises on portrait day that may prevent you from taking the picture properly. If it is an outdoors setting, consider time of day and where the sun will be, and what alternatives you have if the weather turns inclement. Select a setting and background that will be suitable for the portrait and will provide you with working space. Ensure that it meets with the subject’s approval.

Many people today want a “natural” portrait, meaning one in which nature provides the setting and the subject does not appear to be formally posed, but instead should look relaxed and almost candid.

This generally requires either particularly beautiful scenery for the background or a neutral expanse of foliage, rockery or some similar backdrop that looks natural but does not draw attention from the subject.

BE SURE ENOUGH TIME IS SET ASIDE

Most important, determine whether your subject will have any time constraints. If the person is constantly looking at his or her watch during the session, or concerned about being late for an appointment, he or she will likely show their concern in the picture, and you will feel pressured to put haste ahead of quality.

In some cases, a particularly busy subject may only have a few minutes for the sitting. You must ensure that you are completely set up and ready to shoot prior to the subject’s sitting time. The camera must be loaded with the appropriate film unless you are shooting with a digital camera, lights must be tested, and exposure settings must be predetermined. You must know how the subject will pose and the backdrop must be free of clutter. Any props must be readily available.

It is up to you to quickly inspect the person on arrival and ensure that he or she looks appropriate - hair tidy, garments in order, clean eyeglasses, etc. If not, you must take the time to have the subject look presentable, or there is little point in taking the picture. You should have at minimum a comb and mirror handy for just such an event, and preferably a make-up kit to ensure your subject will look her or his best.

TAKE NOTES

It is a good idea to record your planning notes in writing, especially if the session is several days or more away. Get names, addresses and phone numbers right, and note any travel directions. Be sure you have dates and times correctly shown, and list any special equipment needs, particularly if you are shooting on location.

Make it a habit to call the person a day or two before the session to confirm that everything is still a go.