Outdoor, informal portraits can be the most exciting and attention getting of all your people pictures. Here's some advice on how to capture these most memorable shots on film.

First, remember that outdoor portraits should be natural. Your subject should be dressed the way he or she enjoys and the way they really appear. Teenagers, for example, who are inseparable from that old pair of faded jeans and battered tennis shoes should be photographed wearing them. If your subject is dressed in what they feel comfortable with, they'll appear far more relaxed and natural in the final photograph.

Build a rapport with your subject. Whether it's a family member, friend, or even a stranger, taking a few moments to chat will relax both of you. Also, your

subject will be more likely to follow your posing suggestions.

There are numerous outdoor settings you can choose. A cluster of trees, a quiet pond, an old farmhouse, even an urban setting will all provide a natural scene. Just make sure your setting complements, not dominates your subject.

If you prefer, move in close to simplify and blur out the background as I did in the picture shown here.

I prefer a normal or short telephoto focal length lens. This way, the subject will be shown in a pleasing size relationship with the surroundings. A wide angle lens may distort your subject or make them appear too small in the picture. A telephoto lens [unless it's a head shot you're after] may cause you to lose too much of the background.

Pay close attention to lighting. Back or side lighting will enhance your subject and make them stand out from the background. Remember, frontal lighting will cause unflattering shadows and squinty eyes that will most assuredly spoil your shot.

Shoot a number of pictures with facial expressions characteristic of the subject's personality. You're bound to capture that special mood, that fleeting expression that "says it all" about your special subject.

Copyright © Monte Nagler 2001. All rights reserved.