More than 2300 students have enrolled and have left 170+ 5-star, rave reviews.
After taking my photography course, your kids and perhaps even their friends will be begging you to take their portraits too.
Read more
More than 2300 students have enrolled and have left 170+ 5-star, rave reviews.
After taking my photography course, your kids and perhaps even their friends will be begging you to take their portraits too.
More than 2300 students have enrolled and have left 170+ 5-star, rave reviews.
After taking my photography course, your kids and perhaps even their friends will be begging you to take their portraits too.
What You'll Learn:
How to position your subject indoors and outdoors for the best lighting.
Posing ideas for women, men, teens and younger children.
How to choose the right camera settings for more attractive, professional-looking portraits.
The best types of lenses for portrait photography (for DSLR users).
Background ideas
How to edit your portraits in Adobe Lightroom
This course will show you how to use the available light, without special lighting set-ups, to take amazing portraits of your kids. Outdoors, you'll learn where to position your subject and yourself in relation to the sun for the best lighting. You'll also get tips on taking indoor portraits without using your flash.
You'll learn a basic formula for your camera settings that will help you take better portraits. You'll also get a general understanding of exposure and how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together.
What you won't get is a lot of super technical stuff. This is a non-technical photography course designed to get you up and going quickly. It's created for parents and others who want to go beyond taking ordinary snapshots and learn how to take better portraits and family photos without a lot of equipment.
We've all taken those photos where the background looks great but your subject's face is so dark you can barely recognize them, or maybe you want to know how pros get the background to look all blurry in portraits. Many people are intimidated by using their DSLR or compact camera's manual settings and just don't know where to start. That Auto Mode is so tempting and easy. But getting out of the Auto Mode will open the door to more creative, professional-looking photos of your kids.
BONUS: You can go a step further and watch over my shoulder as I import and edit photos in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Lightroom is a popular, relatively inexpensive software program designed specifically for photographers. If you enjoy taking photos, you may want to consider this software. You can get a free trial at Adobe.
With my course you get:
Over 2300 happy students have already taken this course
100+ glowing, 5-star Reviews
Unlimited lifetime course access at no extra cost
All future additional lectures and supplementary material included for free, always
Unconditional, no questions asked, Udemy 30-day money-back guarantee
Your children are growing fast. You don't want another day to go by without capturing memorable photos of them, not just quick smartphone snapshots.
14 deals to help you save
BFCMSALE24
BFCMSALE24
UDEAFNULP2024
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Easy to follow
- Relaxed, non-techie teaching style
- An understanding of the best camera lenses for portraits
- An understanding general camera settings to use to take portraits
- Learn how to get more/less depth of field
- Ideas for posing your kids for a more attractive composition
- Bonus: learn how to import images and make simple edits and enhancements to your portraits in adobe photoshop lightroom.
- Easy to follow
- Relaxed, non-techie teaching style
- An understanding of the best camera lenses for portraits
- An understanding general camera settings to use to take portraits
- Learn how to get more/less depth of field
- Ideas for posing your kids for a more attractive composition
- Bonus: learn how to import images and make simple edits and enhancements to your portraits in adobe photoshop lightroom.
Syllabus
Camera and Lens Basics
Introduction
Overview DSLRs vs compact cameras and smartphones. You can get great shots with any of them.
Get an understanding of the effect different lenses can have on your portraits and learn the difference between zoom lenses and prime lenses.
Read more
Syllabus
Overview DSLRs vs compact cameras and smartphones. You can get great shots with any of them.
Get an understanding of the effect different lenses can have on your portraits and learn the difference between zoom lenses and prime lenses.
Your camera’s sensor size can affect the actual focal length of your lens. Get an understanding of what this means and why it matters.
Learn what kind of lenses work best for taking portraits and why longer lenses are better.
5 true/false and multiple choice questions
Understanding how the aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to produce the correct exposure.
Learn the difference between shallow and wide depth of field and how to use the aperture setting to control it.
What is exposure compensation and how you can use it to get better exposure when you have strongly contrasting foreground and background lighting.
Get a basic formula to follow for your settings to ensure you get great portraits every time.
How to get tack sharp focus for your portraits using the focus and recompose technique and selecting a single focal point.
Tips on getting a better background blur when using your smartphone or compact point and shoot.
4 multiple choice questions
Understand how your light source, the quality and direction of light and time of day affect your portraits.
How to position your subject and recommended camera settings when taking photos around sunrise or sunset, the so-called Golden Hours.
Where to position your subject in relation to the sun and recommended white balance settings.
What to do to avoid shadows on the face if you have to shoot when the sun is high in the sky.
How to take portraits inside without using your flash or artificial lights.
We'll look a several reasons your photos might not be sharp and what you can do about it
4 true/false and multiple choice questions
A look at some cropping and framing issues. Learn when and where to chop off someone’s arms or legs and even part of their head in a shot.
How to get everyone in focus when photographing large groups
What Lightroom is, how it works and why many photographers use it for image editing and management.
A walk-through of importing photos from your memory card as well as images you already have on your computer.
Take one image through the import and editing process and then export it as a jpeg for print
Learn techniques for setting proper white balance and tone for good skin color
How to remove blemishes using the spot removal tool. Learn the difference between the Healing and Cloning modes.
Techniques for softening wrinkles and smoothing skin
Learn how to make eyes pop using the Adjustment Brush.
Simple method to fix under-eye circles
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Activities
Follow Online Tutorials on Portrait Photography Techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by learning from experienced photographers through online tutorials.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
-
Search for and identify reputable online tutorials that cover portrait photography techniques.
-
Follow the tutorials carefully, practicing the techniques with your own camera.
Read and Review Book: The Photographer's Eye
Show steps
Develop a stronger foundational understanding of photography and composition techniques.
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
-
Take time to practice the techniques and exercises provided in the book.
Seek Mentorship from an Experienced Portrait Photographer
Show steps
Connect with a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into the art of portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through professional organizations, workshops, or online platforms.
-
Reach out to potential mentors and inquire about their willingness to provide guidance.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice Taking Portraits in Different Lighting Conditions
Show steps
Develop your skills in taking portraits in various lighting situations, allowing you to capture stunning images in different environments.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
-
Identify different lighting conditions, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light.
-
Practice taking portraits in each lighting condition, experimenting with different camera settings and compositions.
-
Experiment with different lighting equipment, such as reflectors and flashes, to enhance your portraits.
Practice Adjusting Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
Show steps
Develop your understanding of camera settings and how to adjust them for optimal portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
-
Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in portrait photography.
-
Practice adjusting camera settings in different lighting conditions, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light.
-
Use the camera's histogram to ensure proper exposure and avoid overexposed or underexposed portraits.
Share Your Portrait Work with Peers for Feedback
Show steps
Receive constructive criticism and feedback on your portrait work, allowing you to identify areas for growth.
Browse courses on
Feedback
Show steps
-
Share your portrait images with peers or a critique group.
-
Actively listen to feedback and ask for specific suggestions for improvement.
Attend Photography Meetups or Workshops
Show steps
Connect with other photographers, learn from their experiences, and gain insights into portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Identify local photography meetups or workshops focused on portrait photography.
-
Attend the events and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Create a Portfolio of Your Best Portraits
Show steps
Organize and showcase your best portrait work, allowing you to reflect on your progress and identify areas for further improvement.
Browse courses on
Portfolio
Show steps
-
Select your best portrait images that demonstrate your skills and techniques.
-
Create a platform or website to display your portfolio.
-
Share your portfolio with others for feedback and constructive criticism.
Follow Online Tutorials on Portrait Photography Techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by learning from experienced photographers through online tutorials.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
- Search for and identify reputable online tutorials that cover portrait photography techniques.
- Follow the tutorials carefully, practicing the techniques with your own camera.
Read and Review Book: The Photographer's Eye
Show steps
Develop a stronger foundational understanding of photography and composition techniques.
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
- Take time to practice the techniques and exercises provided in the book.
Seek Mentorship from an Experienced Portrait Photographer
Show steps
Connect with a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into the art of portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through professional organizations, workshops, or online platforms.
- Reach out to potential mentors and inquire about their willingness to provide guidance.
Practice Taking Portraits in Different Lighting Conditions
Show steps
Develop your skills in taking portraits in various lighting situations, allowing you to capture stunning images in different environments.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
- Identify different lighting conditions, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light.
- Practice taking portraits in each lighting condition, experimenting with different camera settings and compositions.
- Experiment with different lighting equipment, such as reflectors and flashes, to enhance your portraits.
Practice Adjusting Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
Show steps
Develop your understanding of camera settings and how to adjust them for optimal portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Portrait Photography
Show steps
- Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in portrait photography.
- Practice adjusting camera settings in different lighting conditions, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light.
- Use the camera's histogram to ensure proper exposure and avoid overexposed or underexposed portraits.
Share Your Portrait Work with Peers for Feedback
Show steps
Receive constructive criticism and feedback on your portrait work, allowing you to identify areas for growth.
Browse courses on
Feedback
Show steps
- Share your portrait images with peers or a critique group.
- Actively listen to feedback and ask for specific suggestions for improvement.
Attend Photography Meetups or Workshops
Show steps
Connect with other photographers, learn from their experiences, and gain insights into portrait photography.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
- Identify local photography meetups or workshops focused on portrait photography.
- Attend the events and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Create a Portfolio of Your Best Portraits
Show steps
Organize and showcase your best portrait work, allowing you to reflect on your progress and identify areas for further improvement.
Browse courses on
Portfolio
Show steps
- Select your best portrait images that demonstrate your skills and techniques.
- Create a platform or website to display your portfolio.
- Share your portfolio with others for feedback and constructive criticism.
Career center
Reading list
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
