Portraits on the run

Portrait photographer Holly Wren explains the challenges of a quick portrait session, and how these can be overcome when time is limited

Whether your talent is working to a tight schedule, you are shooting on the fly or you need to meet an editorial deadline, time is sometimes limited on a shoot.

Portraits can be challenging at the best of times, but even more so when shooting to a strict time schedule. Often as the photographer, you may have never met the subject before, visited the location or be able to control the light. So what are the key components of taking a successful, but quick portrait in these conditions? Over the following pages we’ll explore some simple ideas to keep in mind when working quickly.

However, before considering the setup and location, it’s important to have the right kit. If you’re working hastily you’ll probably be moving quickly, setting up with speed and carrying your own gear, so you’ll need to keep your bag as simple and lightweight as possible.

An ideal lens for this situation is the 50mm; nicknamed the ‘nifty fifty’, it’s popular because it’s small and lightweight, with a focusing distance that enables you to be close enough for a headshot, or further away for a full length portrait. Arguably, at 50mm you may see some distortion in the face, so consider having longer lenses to hand. An 85mm or 105mm are ideal accompaniments, as the focal lengths are perfect for portraiture. They flatter the face, and offer a good amount of compression and wide maximum apertures for shallow depth of field and attractive bokeh.

For your lighting, simple is better – work with natural light, and where needed consider adding in a silver or white reflector to push light back into the face and eyes. If you need to add more light, a single flash setup will be sufficient to shape the key light on your subject. Using a speedlight (off-camera) or location light will help make your shots look more considered. But the light needs to be softened, so take a modifier such as a small softbox or umbrella, along with a stand.