These days it’s extremely rare to find a digital camera that doesn’t feature “Portrait” mode. By selecting the mode, the camera automatically adjusts for proper exposure, focus and white balance. Unfortunately, just because you have your camera set in the handy-dandy mode, doesn’t ensure you’ll snap a perfect portrait every time.
Recently, photo experts have been criticizing camera manufacturers for misleading customers about the less than ideal exposure latitude offered by some point-and-shoot digital models. While the affordable cameras allow you to shoot in “Portrait” mode, most people don’t realize that doing so sets off the autofocus option which triggers the camera to select focus points. The bad news is that most mid-rate digital cameras typically pick whatever is closest to the lens and focuses on it, even if it is not the main photo subject.
If you are set on shooting in the “Portrait” mode, it’s best to focus on your subject’s eyes. The eyes should almost always be the focal point of a portrait shot, as they are the most prominent feature on an individual’s face. The only time you should vary from the eye rule is when you are experimenting with different angles or you are deliberately trying to draw attention to a different facial feature.
Those snapping portraits with a DSLR camera can further enhance their final image by shooting in RAW instead of JPG. Doing so allows for more control during the editing process. In addition, if you shoot in JPG and you plan to make a lot of modifications to the original portrait you will lose a significant amount of data. In the end you will be left with a photo that has been substantially compromised. Conversely, by shooting RAW, you can make a variety of edits without damaging your portraits. Finally, if you plan to enlarge a portrait shot, you will achieve a much better result in RAW.
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