RANSVESTIA

However the greatest advantage of black and white is reproduc- tion. Before your photo can be seen in print, it has to be reproduced at least twice. First it has to be put on a plate or master of some sort, then .it has to be printed on the paper used in the magazine. In many cases there may be intermediate steps requiring additional reproductions. Since the final picture will be in black and white, the process can "see" gradiations in this medium better than a color print. In this regard, make sure the print you submit is as clear as possible. Every time a reproduction is made there is some degree of degredation of detail. Another point to consider is that in the final form the picture you submit will generally be reduced in size as much as half. This means more loss of detail. Also it always seems that if there are any flaws in the original picture, they are magnified during processing, never eradicated.

Don't be afraid to take lots of pictures. One good picture you can be proud of is worth the price of a roll of film. Try different poses, stan- ding or sitting. How about different angles? There is no law that says. you must show only a front view. Try some action shots, be walking, petting the dog or anything else that you can think of that you may feel will show yourself off to your best advantage.

Some added thoughts about posing. How many of you have seen photographs where the subject is standing at full military attention? Eyes staring straight at the camera, back erect so that you get tired just looking at it. Assume a natural position in which you feel comfor- table, but don't ever, ever slouch. Don't stare at the camera. Remember the old phrase, "Look at the birdie"? Well in the old days there really was a stuffed bird held by the cameraman, generally slightly above and to one side of the camera so the subject did not stare into the camera lens.

Think about lighting. For most of us, picture taking will be in- doors, probably utilizing a flash attachment. However you may be in a position to take your pictures during the daylight hours and utilize natural light. If you can this will be to your advantage. But if you can- not and must stay indoors, you may possibly be able to use it as an adjunct to the flash. The same use may be made of ordinary house lights. There can be a magnificent difference in the lighting of a pic- ture by the use of, or elimination of side lighting.