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Question: Outdoor Digital Portrait Photography tips for a beginner!!?
Im going to be taking some pictures of some people in our outfits for my hubbys website!. It will be done outside, with my regular digital camera, a Lumix Panasonic DMC-FX9!.!.!.It has zoom, and the little Icon options are a flower, a heart, SCN, and regular camera!. So I know Im no professional, but Id like any tips you have for shooting people outdoors!. What settings, what time of day, etc!. Im in sunny hot AZ!.!.!.any tips or resources would be welcome! Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
The best light for this would be on an overcast day - it makes nice diffused light, without harsh shadows!.
If you HAVE to take them in the middle of the day, make sure everyone is in the shade (no dappled sunlight, that just adds difficulty in metering properly)!.
Evening - shortly before sunset- has beautiful, mellow light, and very early in the morning is nice, too!.
At all cost avoid bright sunshine during the day!.

Don't get right "into their face", you're better off stepping back a little bit and using your zoom (to avoid distorting features)!.

Your very best photos will happen if you use a tripod and the timer (if your camera has one)!.

For group shots, tell everyone to close their eyes, then open them on your count of 1, 2, 3, OPEN! (click) That helps to avoid having people with their eyes shut!.

Take several photos each time so you can pick the best one of them!.

Have some distance between your subjects and the background, then use your portrait setting (which somewhat blurs the background)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com