background. For this separation, the background should be either darker or lighter than the subject. For
example, when photographing a subject with light blond hair, the most appropriate background is dark
around the head and fade to light.
(2) Two other ways of varying the background are to: 1) use a light background behind the
subject which fades into a darker background at the edge of the photograph or 2) use a light background
just above the shoulders that fades into a darker background at the top of the photograph. The change
from light to dark should be too gradual for anyone to see where the change takes place.
c. For informal portraits, you should use as a background an uncluttered scene that indicates the
subject's job or background. For example, picture a pilot with a plane in the background, an instructor
with a chalkboard in the background, or a commanding general seated at his desk with a map or picture
of his command on the wall. The background should not be so detailed or complex that it distracts from
the subject. In fact, you might even consider having it out of focus to reduce the sharpness.
d. Be especially careful not to include any classified material when you are photographing in or
around a security area. Avoid accidently causing a security violation by knowing beforehand what is in
the background.
PART B - PORTRAIT CAMERAS AND LENSES
In this part of the lesson, you will learn to select the proper camera and lens requirements for a given
portrait. The perspective of a person's facial features is influenced by the position of the camera, as well
as by the focal length of the lens that is chosen for taking a portrait. Since various camera formats may
be used at times, you must consider the focal length lens chosen relative to the film size.
4.
Perspective.
The perspective of a portrait will be determined by the position of the camera in relationship to the
subject. Whether the camera is near or far, high, low, or at eye level will make a difference in how the
subject will appear. Perspective is also influenced by the focal length lens you have selected for any
given film format.
a. Camera Positioning. First, let's consider camera positioning. Normally, for a
head and shoulders portrait, the camera is level, and the height of the center of the lens is
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