How to improve on portraits?
When I shoot certain portraits in the middle of the day, their face and body might at times be hidden in shadows. I know using a fill flash might help, but there are other ways of taking better pictures. I try using a reflector, too. Also, I was informed that I should invest in a 50mm lens for portraiture. I use a Nikon D3100.
The best, most honest answer is to stop taking portraits in the middle of the day.
You can try to stop the pain and bleeding from beating yourself over the head, but why not just stop beating yourself over the head in the first place?
If you MUST be out taking a photo at that time of day, at least get out of the sun, or if you can't do that, then you need a scrim over your model to block out the worse of the sun rays. A reflector / fill light may also be needed.
Yes, with your camera, a 50mm lens is a good choice for portraits.
My suggestions:
1.use the flash to fill shadows ( set to ETTL)
2.use a reflector to diffuse light.
3.use Circular polarizer lens to take off the strong bright light and remove glare.
4. Try shoot in B&W.
5.waiting for other people better answers.
I would echo Steve' advice - don't shoot in the middle of the day.
Use a reflector or fill flash in the shade - if you are in the sun, use a scrim. Most people who say flash is bad for protraits are talking about harsh on camera flash and actually know nothing about controlling light properly. It needn't be harsh if you know what you're doing.
And yes, the 50mm f1.8 is a great lens for portraiture - there are 2 versions, the AF version (which will NOT autofocus on your D3100, you'd have to focus it manually) or the AF-S version (which is more expensive).
Although amateur photographers don't have the studio and other professional equipment, they can still make professional looking contemporary portraits. The following portrait tips can help create photographs with more life and personality.
1. Get to know your subject. Draw them into conversation and study them carefully.
2. Little mannerisms are good ways to show personal character. Smiles or unique facial expressions may be the feature that helps you capture your subject's personality.
3. A person's interests or hobbies to enhance the personality and life of a photo. Try having the subject use or pose with personal objects that represent their interests.
4. A photographer can enhance a portrait with props as long as the person remains the central focus, but a portrait's power can be lost if the subject is surrounded by too much scenery. Keep your subject in close.
5. Most people are photo shy, making portraits a real challenge. Try taking candid portraits, pictures taken when they're unaware of the camera. Candid shots can produce portraits that catch people focused on an activity they enjoy.
6. Create a makeshift portrait studio with lamps for lighting and bed sheets for backgrounds.
7. Lighting really helps create the photograph's mood. For example, a picture with half the face in shadow creates a much different look than one taken in full sunlight.
8. The position of the person is also very important. Avoid taking photos directly level to the face or profile photos that tend to give the photograph a police mug shot feel. Instead, try shooting the face from a variety of angles.