Portraits preserve people

Since the earliest portraits were scratched onto cave walls, we've developed increasingly sophisticated tools for capturing human likenesses. Yet the motivation has changed little -- to freeze a human image as an art form, a means of communication, a piece of personal history. Whether formalized with elaborate settings and lighting or snapped at the beach to hold forever the pure joy in a child's face, portraits preserve people. Today's digital technology offers flexibility, economy, and almost limitless tools for perfecting your images, and these experts help you use it. * Discover the skills you need to move from serious amateur to professional photographer

* Learn how a snapshot differs from a casual portrait

* Identify what you want your portrait to communicate

* Investigate lighting equipment and how to use it in different scenarios

* Use natural or mixed light to create unique effects

* Explore composition, posing, and handling challenges

* Handle props, backgrounds, color, location shooting, and studio shots

* Work with groups, children, and pets

* Perfect image-editing methods and final-touch processes that produce high-quality, professional images

* Find resources that can help you in setting up your own portrait business