I debated whether to start this series, but felt that since the Internet is basically a visual experience, that it would be useful.

Taking model photos should not be difficult, yet every week I see that there is a need to pass along some information on doing just this. Many think that it is a simple matter of pulling out the cell phone, aiming it at the model and snapping an image. Well, that is simply not the case and it often shows in the images I get that are not well lit nor in complete focus.

We can basically break down photography of any sort into three sections. One is equipment, one is lighting, and the other is composition. It is what you do with each of these components that will determine how your image turns out.

I'll start with equipment and will add info as time goes on. There are two options for folks today. One is the cell phone and the other is the dedicated camera. Regardless of which you use, you need equipment that is capable of taking a sharp image with a good depth of field. Most phones don't have f/stop adjustments so a dedicated camera that does is recommended. Adjusting the f/stop (or what passes for it digitally) is the best way to get the sharpest image possible.

If you think you cannot afford a digital camera, think again. These are not expensive. An inexpensive digital camera can be had for relatively few dollars. All it has to have is the ability to adjust the shutter speed and the f/stop. Number of pixels isn't a major issue as what you see is limited by the quality of your screen. I've been using a 6 megapixel Canon S3IS for the last 15 years or so and it does everything I want. You can get an S5IS for about a hundred dollars, which I dare say is less than your phone.

In closing, your equipment as much as anything decides how good your images are. Whatever you use, take a lot of test photos to see what gives you the best results. If using a phone, go into the settings for the camera option and see what's there.

I'll leave things at that for this round.