with grade, rating insignia, and all awards properly placed. A chart of military awards and decorations
should be posted in the studio in case there is any question regarding the proper wearing of ribbons and
medals.
2.
Taking Command of the Portrait Sitting.
When posing the subject, you, as the photographer, take command even if the subject outranks you. Be
direct and firm but never demanding or offensive. Do not irritate or tax the subject's patience; be tactful
and polite. Remember, you are in command only because you know what makes a good portrait.
Be courteous even if you outrank the subject. Put the subject at ease; relax him. The smile of
contentment in a photograph makes a better portrait than a scowl of anger or grin of laughter. It is your
responsibility to try to anticipate a subject's peak of expression and capture it.
Direct the subject's movements but do not touch him. Tell the subject to turn his head to the right or left,
but do not move it for him. Do not tire the subject by asking him to pose in uncomfortable positions or
for long periods of time. Do as much preparation as possible before the actual sitting so that the sitting
only takes 2 or 3 minutes. You can do many things in advance to shorten the posing time, like placing
the lights in approximately the correct position.
3.
Check Clothing.
The subject should wear the proper uniform with all his military decorations. A class A uniform is
required for identification and formal portraits. Informal portraits may not require class A uniforms, but
the dress should always be in accordance with regulations. The subject also should be bareheaded for
identification, formal, and indoor portraits but can wear a hat, cap, or other headgear outdoors.
The subject's clothing should fit properly without bulges or wrinkles. Be sure to check collars because
they tend to turn upward, and sleeves because they tend to wrinkle. Sleeves also tend to ride up on the
arm, exposing too much of the wrist or shirt cuff.
4.
Determine Side of Subject's Face to Photograph.
The assignment for an identification portrait usually specifies fullface. If the assignment does not state
or imply which view to use, then select the view that will most clearly show any identifying marks or
characteristics. For example, pointed noses and chins show up more in profile than fullface.
2-3
SS0510
Previous Page
