Chapter 2

The Camera

A

s a minimum requirement for quality portrait
photography,thephotographershouldideallyhavethe
use of a DSLR (digitalsingle lens reflex) or an MILC
(mirrorlessinterchangeable lens camera),one where you
areabletochangelensesandshootinamanualmode,as
this level of equipment will allow the greatest possible
control of the settings.

Photographersshouldbeawarethatwithalldigitalcameras
thesizeofthesensorcanvary;some cameraswillhave
croppedsensors and others willhavefull-framesensors.
Thesensorsizewillultimatelydictatethefocallengthof
thelensused.Forexampleacroppedsensorwilllengthen
the perceived focal length of a lens.

PREPARATION

Ifyoulookafterandmaintainphotographicequipmentwell
itwillrarelyletyoudown.Ensuringthatlensesandsensors
arekeptclean and dust-free–by eithercleaningwith a
purpose-made kit (kits such as Lenspen are great for
smaller dust removal) or by getting them cleaned
professionally – will significantly lessen time at the
processing stage when trying to edit these out. If dust