Settings for portraits?

[purplepiegirl]

Hey, I just got an Olympus E-volt 510, and I'm really enjoying it. I'd love to know of any particular settings to use when taking portrait pictures. If I put it on automatic portrait, the flash goes off and the lense blocks half of it.

Also, since i'm pretty new to photography, and tips about anything would be really appreciated! Thanks!

[KodiakStar]

Welcome to the club! (Of Evolt users that is).

There are no set right settings for a portrait, unless you shoot with the same lights, in the same spot, and nothing ever changes. This rarely happens!

The first thing you should do if you haven't started is reading up on shutter speed, aperture, and ISO speed. There are a lot of really great references here on the DPS Blog, as well as lessons on the three things I just mentioned.

Or, if you are so inclined, a great book is: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Once you learn about the basics of the camera settings, and how light effects a shot you will know how to take pictures of people better. It is all about what light there is, and how you use it.

As for the E-510 itself, if you are just using the standard kit lenses (I am assuming?) You will need a lot of light. The pop-up flash can work for "fill flash" to eliminate shadows, but most of the time it is a bit too harsh. The best thing that can improve your portraits are an off camera flash. However, if you are just learning Auto mode works great.

Would be nice if you share some example shots if you have any as well!

If you have not looked at this site, I think it is pretty much required reading for the E-510, and will teach you a little about the cameras settings
http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e510-fs.html

[purplepiegirl]

Hey thanks! I'll be sure and check out that site.

[prince]

Best thing would be to just try different settings. Look at different photos on flickr and other sites.. Follow the Portrait Critique section and you will learn tons from there. Feel free to post your work there and am sure you'll learn a great deal..

[gopal-s]

when u use auto mode, the flash goes off.....that means the camera is ready to take pix in available.light...as happen in night shot mode....the flash goes off and with few seconds speed can catch good road lightings......in auto mode the sensor is active and discards flash when light is sufficient....and try in less lighted area, the flash must pop up....or give signal to pop up.