Summary: With your digital camera portrait prowess on display during a portrait session, there are potential problems that can keep you from putting the "best face" on your subject. Use these tips to help solve some classic portrait problems.

    Portraits reveal much about the subject, but they offer great insight into the photographer as well.  Your feelings about your subject, your ability to put people at ease and your talents at working around and solving portrait problems makes a statement about you and your skill.

    A portrait session can present many problems and being prepared and informed about some of the problems you might encounter can assure good results with the toughest pf problems.

Portrait problems and how to solve them

    The following are some typical problem areas and some simple solutions that work.

     Round or puffy face...pose the subject to show only three quarters of the face and use side lighting with reflector to provide a slight amount of light in the shadow areas.

     Thin face...pose the subject face forward toward the camera and use open diffused lighting and a longer focal length telephoto or zoom lens.

     Blemishes/scars...crop strategically through the viewfinder, use side lighting and create shadows to hide problem areas. Use makeup, but suggest a smooth and blended look for the entire face, not just the problem area.  Back off and bring the hands and arms into the composition to de-emphasize the face.

     Double chins...use a higher camera position and have the subject lean forward on to a stable surface.

     Small nose...create a pose that turns the head slightly and has the nose at a angle to the camera.

     Big nose...lower the camera position and never use a "normal" or wide angle lens too close to the subject. A longer telephoto or zoom lens will compress the perspective and make the nose seem smaller.

    Wrinkles...use soft open lighting, use the widest f-stop available (f4 instead of f8) and move away from the subject to include all or part of the torso in the portrait.

     Large ears...a three quarters pose with use of shadows to de-emphasize the ears.

     Tension/photo anxiety...have the subject close the eyes and take a few deep breaths.  Be patient and relaxed in you manner because the subject will sense your feelings as well.  Have a short and age appropriate talking point prepared.  Perhaps a funny joke could break the tension barrier.

     Bald or thinning hair...lower the camera position and even consider an extremely tight facial composition.
 
    "Are we finished yet"?...explain in advance that you plan a number of shots and compositions to get the best results and if possible offer a flexible time frame of 10-20 minutes.
 
     Eye-jarring, color clashes...not all subject take or like the hint to dress in neutral colors.  After all, some people wouldn't be who they are if not for the floppy hat, Hawaiian print shirt or bright red lipstick.  

    Keys to success:

•  Research your subject
•  Put them at ease
•  Know solutions to particular problems
•  Be patient and understanding
•  Be flexible