Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12356&Form.ShowMessage=692661

To see the differences in the Camera Focal settings and how they would enhance a Portrait Render, have a peek at
http://www.buckalew.net/lisa/tutorials/camerafocusing.html

There are several photographers that frequent the forums here that perhaps can add to this thread and give you all a technical point of view and the general rules to follow when doing a portrait.

HTH!

Lisa

Thanks for the tip. The pictures really help illustrate how different focal lengths affect the portrait. smerc

Portraight photographers like the longer lenses because: 1. gives a nice working distance to the subject, camera not too close or too far to make subject comfortable. 2. less depth of field makes the background softer, drawing attention to subject. 3. big features, like noses, are flatten somewhat.

holy hairy mackarellis!!.. it's amazing how much difference these little things can make huh?.. the focal length of the camera is a feature I've somewhat looked over in the past. thanks for bringing it to my attention, I'll be using (or abusing - I'm not really that goodL) it with careul consideration from now on :) Thanks again Dolphy.. ;D

nice texture map too

Speaking for myself, I think when working on a portrait picture the important factors to realise are that the main focal point is the subject or character under observation. Therefore the three most important fundamental elements of any image are composition, lighting and texture. Images containing a large scene can lead an observer to key areas within the scene through linear perspective alignment. While working on close-up work I concentrate more on expression and detail. A smile, frown, raised eyebrow or anything that breaks the stiff lifeless pose. The idea is to breathe life into the subject. When working on a new character I often work with a mirror next to my PC and find myself pulling various faces and trying to duplicate the expressions. This exercise gives you a good insight into basic facial expressions. Experimentation is a good route to a good image. Practice, patience and time is all thats needed, above all remember that the image is for you! .. It doesnt matter if the image does not get the feedback you anticipated, just stick at it and remain positive. Good luck! Cada

good points. I think most Poser portraits have problems with lighting and symetry. Look at the sudlty of shadow in the portrait above and the differences in left and right halves of the face. These are details we might gloss over in a medium shot, but are the bread and butter in the portrait.