Folks:
I have been taking PP photos at home for quite a few years with fabulous results, especially for infants. Beats professional photos, because you can take as many photos you want and get the best expression without leaving home.
The key is setting. So here it is:
What you need is a 2MP+ digital camera, a tripod (or some prop), a wall at your home that is close to a window on the side, and daylight hours (try weekends). Get an old passport photo to calibrate yourself on space above and below the head
Open all the window blinds at home - Stand subject by the wall with windows on the side. That should light up the wall behind subject considerably to prevent harsh shadows. Resist turning on fluroscent lights or tungsten lights. Try them in one of the photos if you cant help it (the itch to turn them on is too strong). Windows across cameras should be avoided. Open doors if you have to let light in.
Now as you look thru viewfinder, you may have to get the subject in proper proportions. Considering you are aiming for a 6x4 with six 2X2, look at the subject thru viewfinder, imagine splitting the vertical distance in two and horizontal in three. Now swing camera to bring subject to top or bottom left (that gets you to imagine just the two sides). Move your camera if you have no zoom, or use zoom to get the get the proportions. 1-3/8 of 2 is about 70%
Once you have proportions swing the camera back to get subject in center, focus and take pictures. Take another with flash turned off. Use self timer if on tripod. If you care take a few by moving zoom ever so slightly back and forward.
Use photo editor to crop 2x2 and paste on a 6x4 canvas. Play with it. Use auto levels, color to get picture look better. If you have proportions right, print copies and cut.
For infants, set paper towels on floor and lay infants head on floor.
Seems like a lot to do, but once you get the hang of it, all future PP's will e a breeze.
Desis_r_us
I have been taking PP photos at home for quite a few years with fabulous results, especially for infants. Beats professional photos, because you can take as many photos you want and get the best expression without leaving home.
The key is setting. So here it is:
What you need is a 2MP+ digital camera, a tripod (or some prop), a wall at your home that is close to a window on the side, and daylight hours (try weekends). Get an old passport photo to calibrate yourself on space above and below the head
Open all the window blinds at home - Stand subject by the wall with windows on the side. That should light up the wall behind subject considerably to prevent harsh shadows. Resist turning on fluroscent lights or tungsten lights. Try them in one of the photos if you cant help it (the itch to turn them on is too strong). Windows across cameras should be avoided. Open doors if you have to let light in.
Now as you look thru viewfinder, you may have to get the subject in proper proportions. Considering you are aiming for a 6x4 with six 2X2, look at the subject thru viewfinder, imagine splitting the vertical distance in two and horizontal in three. Now swing camera to bring subject to top or bottom left (that gets you to imagine just the two sides). Move your camera if you have no zoom, or use zoom to get the get the proportions. 1-3/8 of 2 is about 70%
Once you have proportions swing the camera back to get subject in center, focus and take pictures. Take another with flash turned off. Use self timer if on tripod. If you care take a few by moving zoom ever so slightly back and forward.
Use photo editor to crop 2x2 and paste on a 6x4 canvas. Play with it. Use auto levels, color to get picture look better. If you have proportions right, print copies and cut.
For infants, set paper towels on floor and lay infants head on floor.
Seems like a lot to do, but once you get the hang of it, all future PP's will e a breeze.
Desis_r_us
