How To Take a Woman's Portrait

Flatter her. Anything works – even ridiculous compliments. The goal is to keep her relaxed and bring out sincere smiles.

Quickly decide on what features you want to minimize or enhance.

Inform your subject that you only want to do a few distinct setups and you won’t take up much of her time.

Select your backdrop.

Flatter her some more. Ask her about something, and agree enthusiastically with her reply.

Pick your camera up and explain to your subject how you intend to work.

Select the appropriate film, aperture and shutter speed for your lighting conditions.

Compose and meter your shot. Keep up a friendly, flattering banter to relax her.

Shoot as fast as humanly possible, from a variety of distances and angles. Start at a greater distance from your subject, letting her, “warm up to the camera,” then gradually work your way in closer.

Make sure you add on a few more compliments. If you can get a normal woman to feel like a supermodel, just imagine how easy it’ll be when you get a subject who’s actually gorgeous.