The best average camera height for a head-and-shoulders type of portrait is slightly above the subject's eye level. This places the subject's eyes well above the center of the picture space. Slightly above eye level then is a good place to start. Most portraits are made from this camera viewpoint, but individual features and characters of the subject often dictate a higher or lower camera position.

For three-quarter portraits, either sitting or standing, the camera height may need to be changed. For example,

Figure 7-1. Subject looking directly into the camera.

you may want to start with the camera level at the upper chest or even at the eye level of the subject. Other factors that should be considered when selecting the camera height (especially with a head-and-shoulder portrait) include the shape of the subject's face and facial features, such as a long nose and the length of the subject's neck By changing the height of the camera in relation to the subject, you can make corrections to emphasize or de-emphasize features of the subject.

For full-length portraits, you should start with the camera height about waist level and the lens parallel to the subject. When the camera height is too high or too low and the camera lens is tilted, distortion of the subject occurs. When the camera is too low, the subject's feet appear large and the head small. When the camera is too high, the subject's head and upper body appear large and top heavy.

A camera position below the eye level of a subject can produce a side effect that may be distracting; that is, showing the nostrils more prominently and causing them to appear as two black holes. To help remedy this situation, you should place the modeling light higher to cast a shadow beneath the nose, so the nostrils appear to blend in with the shadow area.

Figure 7-2. Subject looking too far away from the camera.