Hi! I'm new to photography (recently got an A6500 as a birthday present) and I would like to begin my journey learning portraits. I tried asking my friends to model for me but most either declined or are awkward in front of the camera.. May I ask how do the more seasoned/professional photographers start out? Or are there any like-minded groups that I can join? Thank you![emoji4]
Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk
Like Catchlights said you are trying to run before you learn to crawl so to speak. First thing first..welcome.
It's amazing that a young person like you is so trusting of technology and yes the A6500 can produce relatively good results even if you know nothing about photography because it can auto everything from focusing to exposure.
There are a few important things to learn about basic photography.
1. Exposure... the control of the amount of light recieved by image sensor
relative to the ISO ( light sensivity setting eg. 100-512000).There are 3 things controlling exposure or relationships namely by ISO setting, shutter speed and aperture ( size of opening through the lens barrel).What this simply means is how bright or dark the picture will turn out and whether
it has contrast or not that will make the picture stand out.
2. Composition...the arrangement of subjects spacially (people or inanimate objects) in the viewfinder frame that pleases the eye.The basic rule of thirds (imaginary lines that divide the frame into 3 parts horizontally and vertically). If you put your subject (main point of interest) in dead centre of the picture it will look boring or uninteresting. Lines and shape matter too.
3. White balance or colour balance...the colour of light changes throughout the day.Early moring tend towards blue and late afternoon towards sunset looks reddish or orange.So are artificial light in homes and buildings.Florescent lighting tend towards green.Incandescent and spotlights
looks orangey.Although setting to AWB (auto white balance) is convenient but you don't learn or understand why the light has a colour cast that impact on the human skin or mood of the picture.Humans reference the colour they see in daytime hence white balance...how white is white the colour during daylight hours. Actually can use grey colour too.
4. Metering... how the camera measures and determine an exposure referenced
to a shade of grey or middle grey or 18% grey as it's also termed.In extreme lighting conditions like very bright or dark scenes the meter can be fooled and expose incorrectly.You must learn to adjust shutter speed or aperture to compensate to get correct or accurate exposure which in turn means correct colour and contrast/details in shadow areas.These 4 things alone will take time to learn and understand.
You say you want to start your journey by doing portraits...this in itself is another big hurdle as in basic photography there are also things to learn and understand. Namely posing and lighting.There are a few basic lighting setups that is commonly used ( the direction of light illuminating the subject). Even professional photographers will say they need to refresh and learn the latest trends to stay on top of their game because it is a competitive and bitchy environment. In reality it's not that difficult either. A matter of practice, practice and practice.You will not get much help or tips here too.
The best way is to self learn/teach...read a few good books that you can download foc or websites. See youtube tutorials, there are no secrets just willingness to find info and learn.
With only a A6500 I assume you will be shooting with natural or existing sunlight.There is hard and soft lighting. Hard means hard/sharp shadows and soft means gradual tones of contrast.Both have their uses to make dramatic or dreamy/soft photos. The most pleasing look is soft light under shade or cloudy sky.For indoors window light is beautiful. Learn to see the different lighting.
Undoubtedtly you need to learn to shoot with natural as well as artificial light.Until you buy your off camera flash and wireless trigger that is another step forward.Start with your family members I'm sure they will be sympathetic.Another pool of talent will be old folks below your void decks.
Just befriend them and you have interesting characters to shoot.Worst senario buy a mannequin (commonly female)and use it..no complaints,patience or shyness. Always available.
Good luck.
Edit: Forgot to mention in portrait photography you are try to give the illusion of depth 3D on essentially a 2D medium. You do this by using light and shadow. Light illuminates the body/face and shadows give shape/form and define the body/face. Much to learn.
Most amateurs (includes myself) take a snapshot but the pros make/create a photo by skillful use of light and shadow among other things that's the difference.