Lesson 75 of 100
Using portrait mode effectively
A good portrait depends on more than a blurred background. Pay attention to the eyes, the light, the background and the distance between camera and subject before worrying about complicated settings.
No prior knowledge needed. Keep your camera or phone beside you and try each control or idea as it appears. The aim is understanding, not memorising terminology.
Start with the person or animal, not the settings
Expression, gesture and timing matter more than a technically perfect but lifeless frame. Get the camera ready before asking the subject to hold a pose.
Focus where it matters
For a close portrait, the eye nearest the camera is normally the safest focus target. Eye-detection autofocus can help, but check that it has selected the intended subject.
Watch the background
Look behind the subject before shooting. Moving a metre sideways can remove a bright sign, pole or clutter without changing any camera setting.