Subject - Camera relation

4 years 2 months ago #673189 by ClaudiaAnderson250
"As a rule of thumb, for headshots be in line with the tip of your subject’s nose. For three-quarter length portraits line up with their chest. And for full-length portraits line up with their waist."

Book: Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs of People by Henry Carroll

When the author says "For three-quarter length portraits line up with their chest", does line-up mean camera lens here? Does the camera to be at the chest height so the lens looks at the chest or the author mean something else?

Thanks.

PS: Please forgive me if this is a basic question. I am just a beginner.


,
4 years 2 months ago #673194 by effron
I assume he means camera at chest height, but I don't agree. There are many ways to photograph a subject...why just chest level?

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 2 months ago #673198 by Nikon Shooter
At the beginning, rules of thumb are good guides to
explore YOUR very own way in anything… but don't
let them overwhelm — read kill — your creativity.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 2 months ago #673452 by garyrhook
I think the advice is more about the typical placement of the subject within the (4x5) frame. You can look at classic paintings to get a sense of what was considered suitable, too. Then try yourself, and see what you like.

There are also tricks regarding placement of eyes that are fun to exploit. So go forth and google, research, and try.


Photo Comments
,
4 years 2 months ago #674047 by KCook
Books are supposed to explain things in a clear way. If that is not happening for you - then you are reading the wrong book!!!

Shameless plug -

photographyintro.com/portrait_books/

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

Too often, affordable online printing companies don’t meet your expectations of what a print should look like. But there are some choices that combine affordability with superb quality!

Apr 09, 2024

Self-critique is an important component of your journey to improving as a photographer. Use these simple tips about critiquing your work as a means to make faster progress with your art.

Apr 08, 2024