How do you shoot portraits without a studio?

[twmeyer]

Get outside. Use the holes in the tree canopy like windows... t<div></div>

[d_price]

Wow, you guys have really inspired me and shown me that I can do portraits outside and have fantastic results. To answer an earlier question, yes my dining room is empty and I have plenty of room to move back. I can step all the way into the living room and get back as far from my subject as I need to. I also have a window in the dining room that I can use for natural light. I'll have to work on experimenting with the lighting in the room to see what kind of results I can get. I live in Southern Cali so there are plenty of outside places that I can go and get great shots.

[twmeyer]

I posted this in another thread, but it's relevant here, too. It's entirely window light (and reflector), with corrugated cardboard for a background... t<div></div>

[mike dixon]

In addition to going outside (which I suggested in my earlier post), it's also a simple matter to use a window indoors:<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/farrahbw33.jpg"><br>

</center>

Or to set up a light inside and use a plain wall, seamless paper, or cloth as a background:<P>

<center><img src="http://mikedixonphotography.com/sydney3frames.jpg"><br>

<i>single monolight and 3' x 4' softbox</i>

</center>

[bradley_hague]

Like you, I was recently asked to do a series of headshots and portraits for two friends of mine. Both of them are actors but could not afford professional studio shots. As a photojournalist I prefer the environmental portraits. Neither of them wanted that. Instead they needed a neutral background. I used a large Gazebo near my house natural light and just a small reflector. It was a place I had seen before and noted as a possibility for outdoor shots.

As you drive, or walk around, make a note of plain neutral colored walls in direct light and shadow. Note what times of day they look best so next time when you get asked you can simply say, okay let's go here and here. I find that most photographers have a list of places they can shoot outside or in. Specifically look for textured walls to add some depth to the image.

[dan_c]

"This woman uses just window light to make some really nice portraits.

http://www.jinsey.com/headshots/mainheadshotpage.html"

 

WOW! Most of the other pictures posted in this thread are rather impressive too!