Newbie need Advice...

[EddieIp]

Have been using a 450D for over a year and and wanted to attempt some portrait photography, its an area I've never tried or explored and seemed like a good time to try now.

My question for advice from the pro's are where are the best locations around london to achieve a interesting, yet contemporary backdrop full or vibrant colours? I've been researching around and so far have come up with using: -

- canary wharf for the skyscape buildings
- ladbroke grove (using a well known graffiti wall)
- south bank (infamous skateboarder haunt part of the concrete jungle)
- oxford st (people-scape)

Any ideas and pointers from the pro's?

[shank_ali]

The background is not important for portraits as your focus is on the model and the background should be blurred or out of focus to highlight the modes featuresl.
You should however invest in a speedlight and tripod and try fill flash and try night photography with your model.
Night photography is my favourite genre.It's a different world !

[chris-p]

Hi Eddie

Personally I think it depends on what sort of portraits you want to shoot. Shank_Ali is right about blurring backgrounds but you might not always want to do that. Places like Canary Wharf are really good for unusual portraits as you can use all the glass to get reflections of your model as well as your model themselves.

I often find the most striking portraits are those shot in a juxtaposed location. For example, if your model is dressed up to the nines (imagine a ball dress/black tie or similar) and you shoot him/her in an area like Ladbroke Grove against all the graffiti.

In places like Oxford Street you could try some long exposure shots with your model. If they stood still and you used a long(ish) shutter speed you would blur all the people walking around the model and have them sharp and in focus.

I think all your locations have merit and, rather than trying to find new locations, try to find another way to shoot your model.

[EddieIp]

@shank_ali, thank you for your advice. I've never tried nightscape with a model. This will be added to my list of genre's to try and achieve.

@Chris, your advice is great, and appreciate the time to point me in the right direction. i think i understand that to get the a creative imagine is to think outside the box and look at the environment as just a backdrop rather than another element to the picture rather using it to maximise the impact of your model. Will go away and have a think to get inspired.