Perspective is a matter of distance and has an effect on facial features and the observed three-dimensional feeling in a two-dimensional photograph. Proper lighting is a big part of this, but that’s another question. First I’d choose the distance between camera and subject. I prefer close-up portraits that show only the head and partial shoulder, if even that much. How close to my subject should I go to have natural facial proportions, given that I have a choise with it? Not talking about candid photos taken at opportunity.
My problem is that I don’t feel comfortable to be at so short distance to a person I’m photographing. If the situation allows I want to be several meters away from subject, but then with too long distance the result is a “flat” face.
These images were shot from distances between under 1 meter to over 4 meters:
You see I’m only a beginner in portraits, trying to learn as I go on.
Quote from cameras.about.com “Perspective in photography refers to the dimension of objects and the spatial relationship between them.”
In a portrait photo we use distance between camera and the subject in such way to create a pleasing and hopefully natural looking perspective. I like a pretty tight crop of only face, neck and usually only one shoulder fully inside frame, sometimes not even that much. I believe it is priority to be at the right distance, and secondary to choose the right focal length of lens. I hope I’m clear enough that I am not asking for recommendations for lens focal lengths. This question is about the distance between camera and subject’s face.
At what distance do experienced portrait photographers take their head and shoulder shots?