Better Portrait Photography Tips.

Portrait photography is an art form that focuses on capturing the personality, mood, and expression of a subject. Unlike landscape or event photography, portraits emphasise the human element—whether it’s a close-up headshot, an intimate moment, or a full-body pose in an evocative setting. It’s an exciting genre because it’s all about bringing out the best in your subject while also telling a story through light, composition, and expression.

In this blog, we’ll dive into some essential tips for creating better portraits, including approaching locations, lighting, posing, facial expressions, background selection, and more.

Why Portrait Photography? And Who Should Pursue It?

Portrait photography isn’t just about taking someone's picture—it's about capturing their essence. Whether you're working with a professional model, a client, or a friend, the goal is to highlight the unique qualities of that person, making them feel seen and understood. This style of photography is widely used for personal, professional, or artistic purposes.

For Clients: It’s a go-to choice for family photos, engagement sessions, senior portraits, and professional headshots.

For Models & Artists: Portraits offer an opportunity for personal branding and expressing emotions, creating images that convey deep meaning.

For Photographers: It’s a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills in lighting, composition, and storytelling.

As a photographer, you don’t always need an elaborate setup or an expensive studio. In fact, the beauty of portrait photography is that it can be done anywhere—whether outdoors or indoors. But certain techniques can elevate your shots.

Location: Think Big, Think Space

While many photographers focus only on the location when planning their portraits, I recommend you think about space more strategically. A good location should offer depth, allowing for foreground, middle-ground, and background elements to contribute to the composition.

Large Spaces: Wide open areas or spacious indoor environments allow for the layering of elements. This creates visual interest and adds depth to your portraits.

Versatile Environments: Choose places where you can experiment with different angles and perspectives. A park with trees in the background, or a building with interesting textures on the walls, can give you multiple looks in one shoot.

Remember, the background shouldn’t overwhelm the subject but should complement them. If your location offers both outdoor and indoor options, consider moving between them during your session for variety.

Lighting: Small Can Be Mighty

When it comes to lighting, many photographers assume that bigger is always better, especially when using light modifiers like large softboxes. However, small light sources can actually produce better results in some cases. A small, focused light can create dramatic, contrast-rich portraits with a stronger sense of mood, while larger softboxes tend to soften shadows and can flatten the image.

Use Reflectors: A reflector can help bounce light onto your subject’s face, creating a more balanced look. It’s a simple yet effective tool to add dimension to your portraits, especially when shooting in natural light.

Experiment with Angles: Change the angle of your light to see how it affects the subject’s features. A light source positioned above the subject creates a natural, flattering look, whereas lighting from the side can add depth and shadow.

Remember, the direction, size, and quality of light can completely alter the mood of your portrait. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Facial Expressions: Master the Art

Facial expression is one of the most critical aspects of portrait photography. A portrait without the right expression can feel lifeless or disconnected. Poor expressions can completely undermine an otherwise well-composed shot.

Understand the Subject’s Emotions: Before you start, discuss with your subject what kind of mood or feeling you want to convey. Should they look joyful, serious, or thoughtful? A happy, confident subject can instantly make a portrait feel engaging, while a somber expression may add depth and intrigue.

Do Your Research: Study various facial expressions before the shoot. Understand the nuances of each expression—what it looks like when someone is truly smiling versus forcing a smile, for example.

Direct the Model: If you're working with a model or subject who’s unfamiliar with posing, give clear instructions and cues. Don’t hesitate to guide them, especially when it comes to subtle facial movements like lowering the chin, slightly tilting the head, or relaxing the lips.

Poses: Plan Ahead

Good posing is a skill that takes time to master, but it’s critical for great portraits. You can’t rely on spontaneous, unplanned poses. Before the shoot, write down or collect reference poses in your diary or phone. Some of the classic poses that work well are:

High-Length Poses: These poses emphasize the full body and can create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Consider having the model stand with their body at an angle to the camera, but with their face turned towards the lens.

Sitting Poses: Seated poses can help create a relaxed, natural look. Have the subject sit in a way that elongates their body and angles their posture toward the camera.

Headshots: A close-up portrait requires careful attention to details. A slight tilt of the head or a change in the direction of the eyes can make a significant difference.

If you’re unsure about poses, it’s always helpful to have a notebook or a reference gallery ready for quick inspiration during the shoot.

Background Selection: Pre-Planning Matters

Choosing the right background is often a neglected aspect of portrait photography. But it can significantly impact the final image. If you’re shooting outdoors and don’t have an ideal natural backdrop, consider pre-planning the scene. Think about:

Contrast and Harmony: A model’s clothing should stand out against the background, not blend in. If your subject wears a vibrant color, make sure the background complements that without overpowering it.

Simple vs. Busy: If you don’t have access to a perfect background, don’t worry. In some cases, a simple, blurred background (using a shallow depth of field) can work wonders. When shooting in a more cluttered environment, carefully select the composition to ensure distractions are minimized.

If shooting in restricted areas, always ensure you have permission from property owners or authorities. Never shoot in locations that require permission without obtaining it first.

Communication: Directing Your Model

Clear communication with your subject is key to a successful portrait shoot. You can have the perfect camera settings and lighting, but if your model feels uncomfortable or unsure, it will show in the pictures. Instructions are essential:

Be Clear and Positive: Give specific instructions on how to pose or where to look. Provide encouragement to help your model feel confident and at ease.

Make Them Feel Comfortable: If working with someone new or a subject who isn't a professional model, keep the atmosphere relaxed. Chat with them, make them laugh, and allow for moments of vulnerability to shine through.

Final Thoughts: Pre-planning is Key

While editing can enhance a portrait, it’s far easier to achieve a great result with careful pre-planning. Take the time to think through lighting, posing, expressions, and location. Remember, the more effort you put into planning and preparation, the less work you’ll have to do during post-production.

Portrait photography is about understanding your subjects, lighting them beautifully, and helping them express their true selves. Whether you're capturing an intimate moment, creating a professional headshot, or experimenting with creative poses, always aim to connect with the subject and the scene you're creating. That’s what makes a truly memorable portrait.

The above-posted image was captured by Prasenjeet Gautam, Model Portfolio- Mr Kushal, India 

For more information and to explore our latest projects, please visit our website at www.prasenjeetgautam.com

Happy shooting!