PORTRAITURE
What is the secret of good portraiture? Or is it something any competent photographer can learn? Philip Dunn believes that good portraiture is within the reach of anyone prepared to learn the basic techniques.

Click the photos below to find out how they were taken

Close-up portrait with available light

British Prime Minister Tony Blair

Candid portraiture with telephoto lens

Understanding
Portraiture is definitely not a mystical art form, so let's throw away all pretentious, overblown descriptions of this fascinating branch of photography right now. To be a good portrait photographer you must first have a sound understanding of light and how to use it. Beyond that you simply need an interest - and some understanding of - people.

Mediocre portraiture is no more a record of a person's features. Good portraiture is all that PLUS an insight into that person's character and personality. If you can capture that insight - and there are some easily-learned basic techniques to help you find out what makes a person tick - you are well on the way to producing fine portraits of people. After that, you need patience, an interest in your subjects and lots and lots of practise.

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