Photography Portrait Photography Techniques 3

Question 1

What is the primary goal of an 'environmental portrait'?

Accepted Answer

To show the subject within their natural environment to reveal context about their life or work

Answer

To use entirely natural available light

Answer

To blur the background as much as possible

Answer

To photograph the subject exclusively outdoors

Question 2

What key-to-fill light ratio of approximately 2:1 or 3:1 is preferred for natural-looking portrait lighting?

Accepted Answer

It produces a subtle, realistic contrast that mirrors outdoor lighting

Answer

It creates a completely flat, shadowless look

Answer

It results in very dramatic, high-contrast noir lighting

Answer

It overexposes the highlights for a high-key effect

Question 3

What defines 'high-key' portrait lighting?

Accepted Answer

A brightly lit image with minimal shadows and a light, airy overall tone

Answer

Placing the main light at a high vertical position

Answer

Using a high ISO to brighten the scene

Answer

Intentionally overexposing to white out the background

Question 4

Why do portrait photographers often position catchlights at the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position in the eyes?

Accepted Answer

This position mimics natural skylight and appears most lifelike and flattering

Answer

It is the only position where modern off-camera flashes can fire

Answer

It prevents red-eye in all camera sensors

Answer

It creates the strongest possible specular highlight

Question 5

What shooting technique helps a portrait photographer keep a moving subject's eyes in sharp focus during a session?

Accepted Answer

Back-button focusing combined with continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI Servo)

Answer

Using manual focus locked to a preset distance

Answer

Setting a very small aperture like f/22

Answer

Switching to a wide-angle lens

Question 6

When photographing a group portrait, what depth-of-field guideline helps ensure everyone is in focus?

Accepted Answer

Stop down to a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8) and focus on a subject in the middle row

Answer

Always use f/1.4 to blur the background

Answer

Focus on the person closest to the camera

Answer

Use a very long telephoto lens at maximum aperture