10 top tips for shooting better portraits...

There are two main lens options that offer the best perspective and depth-of-field for portraiture. The first option is something like the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G. This fast lens gives you a reasonably wide aperture with the advantage of being able to get some distance between you and your subject. You'll also achieve an apparently flattened perspective so distant backgrounds will fall right out of focus and not seem too far away. At the other end of the scale there's the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G - a fast prime lens offering low light shooting capabilities with a pleasingly shallow dept-of-field at wider apertures. This lens won't afford the comfortable working distance of the 70-200mm but it can be an invaluable portrait lens.

Relax your subject

Make sure your subject knows what you're hoping to achieve so they know exactly what you expect from them. Keep chatting and crack jokes to lighten the mood. If you're aiming for a relaxed face try not to make your subject laugh too much.

Composition

Composition can be approached successfully in several ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but remember to use the rule-of-thirds for. Fill the frame with your subject's face, frame your subject with their surroundings or leave some space around them.

Viewpoint

Get up or down to your model's level - especially for kids and pets. Shooting from slightly above your model's eye level can produce flattering results but don't be afraid to experiment with both high and low angles.

Pose

It's important that your model looks comfortable in both their mood and posture. As a starting point ask your model to stand with their feet shoulder width apart, and standing at a slight angle to the camera.

Eye contact

Eye contact engages the viewer of the photograph so strong eye contact can be a successful element of portraiture. If you ask your model to look out of the frame leave some space for them to look into.

Background

Simple backgrounds help to avoid distractions - foliage, walls and fences are all perfect for portraits - unless you're shooting an environmental portrait where your model is shot where they live, work or play.

Light

Shooting in direct sunlight can produce dark shadows in the eye sockets and across the face so avoid if possible. If not, use a flashgun or pop-up flash to add some fill light to lighten these shadows. Ideally shoot in shadow for softer light.

Camera settings

The main creative camera control for portraiture is the aperture, so set your camera to Aperture-priority mode and choose one of the wider apertures. Set your ISO to between ISO 100-400 depending on light conditions.

Focus

Focus on the eye closest to the lens because this is the one that will grab the viewers' attention. If you're shooting with a wide aperture switching to manual focus will make it easier to focus on the eye.

Accessories

Reflectors can be a lifesaver in many situations because they can be used to bounce light into shadow areas for more even lighting. The only problem is you might need an assistant to hold the reflector for you.

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	MORE content Ten Tips - Macro Ten Tips - Action Ten Tips - Portraits Ten Tips - Landscapes Ultimate lens selection Essential accessories Meet Bob Atkins, pro golf photographer Win £1000 to spend on Nikon kit Home Todaysgolfer.co.uk			10 top tips for shooting better portraits... There are two main lens options that offer the best perspective and depth-of-field for portraiture. The first option is something like the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G. This fast lens gives you a reasonably wide aperture with the advantage of being able to get some distance between you and your subject. You'll also achieve an apparently flattened perspective so distant backgrounds will fall right out of focus and not seem too far away. At the other end of the scale there's the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G - a fast prime lens offering low light shooting capabilities with a pleasingly shallow dept-of-field at wider apertures. This lens won't afford the comfortable working distance of the 70-200mm but it can be an invaluable portrait lens. Keep your subject relaxed for natural portraits Relax your subject Make sure your subject knows what you're hoping to achieve so they know exactly what you expect from them. Keep chatting and crack jokes to lighten the mood. If you're aiming for a relaxed face try not to make your subject laugh too much. Composition Composition can be approached successfully in several ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but remember to use the rule-of-thirds for. Fill the frame with your subject's face, frame your subject with their surroundings or leave some space around them. Experiment with high and low viewpoints for dramatic effects Viewpoint Get up or down to your model's level - especially for kids and pets. Shooting from slightly above your model's eye level can produce flattering results but don't be afraid to experiment with both high and low angles. Pose It's important that your model looks comfortable in both their mood and posture. As a starting point ask your model to stand with their feet shoulder width apart, and standing at a slight angle to the camera. Eye contact Eye contact engages the viewer of the photograph so strong eye contact can be a successful element of portraiture. If you ask your model to look out of the frame leave some space for them to look into. If your model isn't looking into the lens, make sure you compose to leave space for them to look into Background Simple backgrounds help to avoid distractions - foliage, walls and fences are all perfect for portraits - unless you're shooting an environmental portrait where your model is shot where they live, work or play. Light Shooting in direct sunlight can produce dark shadows in the eye sockets and across the face so avoid if possible. If not, use a flashgun or pop-up flash to add some fill light to lighten these shadows. Ideally shoot in shadow for softer light. Camera settings The main creative camera control for portraiture is the aperture, so set your camera to Aperture-priority mode and choose one of the wider apertures. Set your ISO to between ISO 100-400 depending on light conditions. Focus Focus on the eye closest to the lens because this is the one that will grab the viewers' attention. If you're shooting with a wide aperture switching to manual focus will make it easier to focus on the eye. Accessories Reflectors can be a lifesaver in many situations because they can be used to bounce light into shadow areas for more even lighting. The only problem is you might need an assistant to hold the reflector for you. Why not upload your photographs? Upload your photographs to the Photoanswers.co.uk gallery? Click here. Learn From A PRO Golf photographer must-have kit : Learn what kit you should have to tackle any situation . Meet bob atkins : Read our Q&A with Bob, pro nikon golf photographer.. win Nikon kit: Win over £1000 to spend on Nikon camera kit..