ransvestia RAN

There is one more advantage in the use of black and white film. Depending upon the type of camera you have, there is a better oppor- tunity to get a wider latitude of film speeds than you can with color. Incidentally, film speeds indicate the amount of light necessary to take a picture. The higher the film speed the less amount of light need- ed. Of course you don't get something for nothing. The faster film has a bit more grain than the slower film. For practical purposes, unless you want to go into portrait work or make enlargements, you will never notice the difference in grain size.

Next check your background. Is there a lot of clutter that may prove distracting or contrary to the impression you wish to convey? Don't be afraid to move furniture, lamps or any other items that may get in the way of you getting a better photograph. Remember the pic- ture you take should be of you. Not a coffee table hiding your legs or where you have to assume an awkward pose to avoid a light fixture. In- cidentally, in many cases, the background may be an asset or liability in showing relative sizes and shapes. For instance, if you happen to be heavy set, don't choose a chair with close fitting arms so that you wind up with the appearance of overflowing it.

Now, we have you thinking about film, lighting and background. What else do you do? When you have decided that now is the time to photograph yourself, you take particular pains in preparing yourself. If you use make up, do it tastefully. If you don't, make sure that you will not have a shadow. I would recommend, at least for this one time, that you use a cover cream, be sure to blend it in. Remember a camera takes what it sees, and is quite perceptive to shadow areas that the human eye often overlooks. This care should be extended to clothes. Unwanted wrinkles or bulges show up with dismaying clarity. Also think about any body areas that you may wish to cover.

We are now properly dressed. We have selected our location, lighting and background so we're all set. Not quite. The camera must be located. For most of us this will require an accomplice to hold the camera. The position of the camera should be considered. In general, appearance of height or size can be enhanced or diminished by the location of the camera in relation to the subject. Do you wish to appear

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