>>2874486when you're physically close to your subject, you get lens distortion. So you want to step back as far as you can and go with the longest focal length you can (zoom in all the way to the 55mm). Nobody likes a camera right in their face, so the father away you can get your camera from your model, the more comfortable she will be.
pic related - Dylan Patrick cinematic headshot tutorial
select RAW format.
'A' aperture priority mode (set your aperture at F4)
Have your batteries fully charged and your gear ready to go.
Shoot outside in natural light.
Don't shoot during midday when the sun is highest in the sky. The later in the day you shoot, the better because the sun will be more golden and the light will be softer and much better. You'll see the shadows will be longer and not as harsh as midday sun.
Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks for refreshments. If you have folding chairs, bring those, too, so your model can relax while you set up shots.
Get somebody to be in charge of hair and wardrobe (if she's going to change outfits). They should be right off camera with a hairbrush ready at all times. They can also hold reflectors (or cardboard) to block sun, etc.
* watch youtube videos on composition for headshots and portraits. Newfags always make the same mistakes. Don't leave too much headroom (not composing tight enough). Make sure you nail the focus on your model's eye, that's what makes or breaks the portrait, imho.
And don't try to do any gimmicks with the background. Trust me, your model would look much better with a boring grey, white, or black background than placed against a brick wall, a tree, or even worse, a graffiti mural.
One more thing - youtube has tutorials for directing models in photography. Watch a few to learn how to direct your model to pose better. This can really help tremendously.
