Canon EOS 40D - Manual (Page 49)

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The <2> (Portrait) mode blurs the background to make the human
subject stand out. It also makes flesh tones and the hair look softer than
with the <1> (Full Auto) mode.
The further the distance between the subject and background,
the better.
The further the distance between the subject and background, the
more blurred the background will look. The subject will also stand
out better in front of a plain, dark background.
Use a telephoto lens.
If you have a zoom lens, use the telephoto end to fill the frame with
the subject from the waist up. Move in closer if necessary.
Focus the face.
Check that the AF point covering the face flashes in red.
2 Shooting Portraits
Shooting Tips
If you hold down the shutter button, you can shoot continuously to obtain
different poses and facial expressions. (Approx. 3 shots/sec.)
If necessary, the built-in flash will pop-up automatically.