self portraits introduction

Tip #1- I think one of the good tips when it comes to taking portraits, is to approach the person you want to photograph with your camera put away first, and talk to them some. It makes sense, because if you talk to them first and get to know them a little bit have have them know you it will make them more comfortable with you taking their picture. If you go right up to them, camera out and ready right then and there, it can seem a little pushy and abrasive. The last thing you want to do is make the person uncomfortable around you.

Tip #2- When taking portraits of people different from you, research their culture first. I like this tip because you don't want to not know anything about them at all, and then accidentally say something that offends them. Plus, if you know a little bit about their culture, it helps to be able to connect with them a little bit more to make the photo taking process a lot less awkward.

Environmental Portraits by Gene Smirnov

 I really liked this picture because of the depth the lockers and the floor add. I also like how simple and relaxed the basketball player looks, and how he is in his "natural element" you could say. I also like the lighting and how he looking right at the camera, but it looks like he is thinking about something, maybe his next basketball game. 

I like this picture because it's very simple. It's just a group of guy laying down right by the water. I like how the water is above them; the ripples add to the photo and in a way, guide your attention to the bottom of the photo where the friends are just hanging out.

Self Portrait Photography by Brendon Burton... 

I like the timing of simplicity in this picture. I like how the background is blurred enough to see where he is, but also to focus on him and the letters falling. The envelopes in the photo are all turned differently, so that adds to the interest of the photo. 

Like the photo above, this picture is perfectly timed. I also like this picture because it is weird, witty, and different. Iv'e never seen a picture like this before and it makes me smile. I also like the photos that people take when they jump, so it looks like they are flying and that plays well with the balloons that are floating above his shoulders. This photo sort of seems like something from Alice In Wonderland.

Casual Portraits...

This photo is by Dean Kalyan. I like the blurry background, because it puts the focus on the man on the right. It looks as if he is thinking about something, and he looks content with his life. I like how to photographer used the rule of thirds in this, and I also think this picture is very balanced. 

This group of pictures were taken by Ursula Page. I like the color in this picture, and I love how the little girl looks like she is just having fun. These pictures are very simple, which I also like. I especially like the third picture because of the look on the little girl's face. She looks hypnotized by the balloons and it is really cute. 

My idea for the portrait assignment would involve me taking pictures at my house, or at lunch with the people I know well. I would take pictures of my parents, my brother, maybe one or two of my dogs, and then of my friends. I would try to take the pictures where there isn't a bunch of people around, so that I could focus on the picture, without having people come up to me. My idea is to have the person lay down on the ground or the floor, depending on who it is, and sort of spread their hair out crazily. I would then get objects that show one of their interests and place them around their head and have them either smile or make a funny face, maybe fidgeting with