Within portrait photography itself, we have a variety of form and function. From the tender moments of infancy to the to the ages of maturity which wash the face with the characterization of time, each is a very special moment in which we have the opportunity to inscribe upon that canvas we call film for the imperpetuity of remembrance. Within each subject is a potential which defines the the facets academia, physicality, spirit, and eros; each a presence unto itself.

Whether we specialize in portaiture as defined by age or aspect, the basics are an important ingredient to success in each. Within these basics, I will cover useful equipment that can be used to form a working studio and some learned advice which is just as important.

Whether on location or within your home, your studio is an open, inviting state of mind, yet, also offers a feeling of security; we call this a comfort zone. This is not a physical domain defined by borders, but a state of mind we all reach when we have found comfort and trust with somebody.

As the photographer, we must find comfort within ourselves when we are on location. This is a sense of belonging. For us, this becomes easier as we identify with the surroundings we have created with our studio; this is a place we belong, no matter where we have placed it. For when we are on location, if we do not feel that we belong, neither will anybody else.

Developing a sense of home within your studio will then allow you to invite people into it. This is a sense of welcome. When you welcome someone into your home, this creates a sense of belonging within them. When they feel that they belong, they are in a comfort zone where they can feel free to express themselves.

Maintenance of this process is essential, as people are naturally nervous in irregular situations, and having their portrait done is not a regular situation. As much as you would communicate with a friend you have invited into your home, you must maintain an openess with your subject. The best way to do this is just to simply have fun with people, yet always remain respectful of them and their opinions.

When you have developed a comfort zone within your studio you can take it outside the studio. This is a helpful habit to develop when you are in a situation of having many people to photograph. If they are having to wait, it helps to be congenial and communicate with them each time you approach for the next subject. This will keep them at ease as many will look forward to your next approach. This additionally has the benefit of prepping them for their turn in the studio.

Always remember that each of us has one reality which is experienced through sight, sound, touch, smell, and an inherent sense of intuition. Others are objective to that reality as we cannot experience their reality. As much as others are objective to our reality, so are we to theirs. What we define as comfortable to our own reality is something that we can learn from in which to be able to present ourselves as a comfort to someone elses reality.

Some of the equipment we will use regularly does not have to do with photography so much as it has to do with basic safety and convenience. One of the best friends you can have is a roll of masking tape. As you can use it to tape down loose cords, as well use it to mark the position for your camera, lights, and foot positions for subjects, which should be marked at 45 degrees to the right and left of center.

When using masking tape, always double tape everything. Do this by putting an equal length of tape on top of the first and then fold over just a little of one end. This will allow you to remove the tape without having it break into small pieces, especially when removing from carpet. This has the added advantage of preventing you from soulfully begging someone to forgive you for ruining their carpet.

When dealing with children, especially very young children, the parent's proper place is beside the child. When using a table for posing, this allows the parent to keep a hand on their child to prevent them from falling. You can take a rug or muslin and cut a slit in it that allows the parent to hold the child without getting their arm in the picture. The rug or muslin you fashioned will be placed on the table and the child will be placed upon it.

Of utmost importance is the safety of the subject. Never let your guard down, especially with children, with regard to safety. This is not important so much for avoiding legal action as it is simply for the fact that injury hurts and is something that someone will have to take home with them if it happens. For this reason, make absolutely sure that any table or stool is absolutely stable. If it is to hold a child, it must. at a minumum, be able to hold you.

If posing a baby, a baby poser comes in handy as you can have the baby in a slightly reclined position or a belly pose which allow them to be elevated at the front. An excellent item for this purpose is a 3-Way foam baby poser available from many larger photography stores. In addition to comfort and convenience, it additionally has hand holes in it which allows a parent to keep a hold on their baby.

I have seen several photographers use an inexpensive folding stool which they picked up at the local department store. The problem with these is they have a maximum weight limit of 200 to 250lbs. Although this is fine for a good number of people, the day that one of these stools collapses on someone is a day you will carry with you for a long time. A very sturdy, yet affordable option is the Neat Seat Posing Bench by Photek which is very sturdy, has comfortable cushioning, three height adjustments, and can be folded flat for transport.

For those just starting with portrait photography, a lighting kit may come in handy as it allows you to get several pieces of equipment at a substantial savings. The JTL Basic Amateur Lighting Kit TL-365 offers a complete portrait solution for the budding portrait photographer. With two main strobes with a guide number of 120, a background light with color filters, lightstands and umbrellas, and a roomy case to put it all, you have a complete home or portable solution. Many more affordable soloutions for portrait photographer can be found with Britek Lighting, as they offer a number of affordable studio lighting kits at even lower prices than JTL.

A background is a handy tool to have for portraits, as there is not very often going to be an ideal wall to use as a background. Sometimes, if not often, you may not have that much space to hang a background. A handy and portable solution is the PEOPLEPOPPER Background and Stand which you can set up most anywhere you would be doing portraits, yet it breaks down and is carried in a convenient duffle style bag. With a background light such as the JTL SL-20 Slave Flash Backlight Kit, which is included in the aforementioned JTL light kit, you can increase your variety of background.

I have covered some of the basics of equipment and the photographer with regard to portrait photography. For developing posing techniques and styles, you can find a lot of useful information in the books Master Posing Guide for Portrait Photographers, and Posing for Portrait Photography which offer advice on posing singles, couples, and groups, as well many other topics you will encounter doing portraits.

Always enjoy what you are doing, and have fun.

This article is copyrighted 2005 by Robert Meeks. All rights reserved. Webmasters are allowed to use this article on their site so long as the content and copyright information stays intact and a link is provided, on the same page as the article, to Zhorkow's CargoShip.