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Best Lightroom Portrait Presets in 2021 (6 Gorgeous Picks)

29 Sep

The post Best Lightroom Portrait Presets in 2021 (6 Gorgeous Picks) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.

Finding the best Lightroom portrait presets can be a challenge for many photographers. With so many preset packs available in the marketplace, how do you find the right ones to suit your style?

In this article, I recommend some of my favorite Lightroom presets for portraits in 2021.

A quick note: When testing different preset packs, I loaded each option into Adobe Lightroom Classic. Then, to demonstrate each preset, I used the same RAW image taken on my Fujifilm X-T4 with the XF 56mm f/1.2 lens. I created multiple virtual copies in Lightroom, then had fun playing around with all of the presets and settings!

1. Brixton Film presets

First up for the portrait photographer is the Brixton Film preset bundle. These presets are brought to you by The Luxe Lens, a website that sells dozens of presets, Photoshop actions, LUTs, overlays, and much more. The names of each collection in the Brixton Film bundle evoke the type of mood they portray: Bold & Vibrant, Yesteryears, Earthy Moods, Film Essentials, and Love Story, to name just a few.

In particular, the Brixton Film Cinematic collection caught my eye, and I was instantly impressed when I applied the black and white Light and Lifted preset for a classic monochrome look:

Brixton Film presets — Brixton Film collection: *Light and Lifted*

There were a number of interesting color choices in this collection, but my next choice was the Teal and Berry preset, thanks to its eye-popping hues. It gave the portrait a completely unique look:

Another gorgeous collection from the Britxon Film stable is Oak & Ivy. This collection contains 25 film presets, 8 layer presets, and 62 tools presets, designed to bring out the organic colors of nature in your images. My favorite from this collection is Muted Forest, which did a great job of mixing earthy colors with clean skintones (see the image below). All of the Brixton Film presets were fun to use, instantly transforming my RAW file into a beautiful final product.

2. Mastin Labs

Mastin Labs are the market leaders for portrait and wedding photography presets, and it’s easy to see why.

These presets were first created over a decade ago by photographer and color scientist Kirk Mastin. After painstakingly scanning many different types of film, Mastin Labs developed a series of presets to give the classic look of your favorite film emulsions to digital images.

Mastin Labs claims to have the most authentic film emulation presets on the market, and many of their preset bundles reference names of classic film stocks, such as Portra Original, Fuji Original, and Fuji Everyday.

Full disclaimer: I’m a huge Mastin Labs fan. I’ve bought all three of the classic film packs I just mentioned, but while writing this article, I decided to use two new preset packs for the first time: Ilford and Portra Pushed.

Installation is a breeze; just download the presets, quit Lightroom, run the installer, and get ready to roll. Using the presets is simple with Mastin’s easy, three-step workflow: apply the preset, adjust the exposure, then adjust the white balance and tint.

Mastin Labs portrait presets — Mastin Labs Ilford: *Pan F* *with green filter*

Mastin Labs: Ilford Original pack

The Ilford Original pack contains three highly customizable presets that mimic classic British black and white film emulsions: Pan F, HP5, and Delta 3200.

Pan F gives you a high contrast look with low grain, the ever-popular HP5 delivers medium contrast and grain, and Delta 3200 gives your images glowing highlights and the chunkiest grain in the pack. Each emulsion gives you two further choices – 35mm or 120, with the latter giving you more subtle and smoother grain.

As with all Mastin presets, the Tone Profile section provides various combinations for making the highlights and shadows hard or soft in your image. It’s often hard to know which one you’d prefer without a bit of testing.

What I love most about the Ilford presets is the next two sections: B&W Filter and Paper. For decades, photographers have been using colored filters to control contrast and mood in their black and white photos. The clever people at Mastin Labs allow you to consider these creative effects by three different filter options: red, green, and yellow.

Next up are three paper types that mimic the effect of the image printed in the darkroom on warm-tone, cool-tone, or neutral paper. I really love these choices; I have a lot of fun playing around with them!

Mastin Labs: Portra Pushed pack

I’m a big fan of the Mastin Labs Portra Original pack, which is ideal for giving clean, warm tones and glowing skin to portraits. With this in mind, I was more than a little intrigued by the Portra Pushed pack. I’d heard it gave a wonderfully dark and moody look to images, but would it meet my expectations?

Note: You may be wondering why this pack is called Portra “Pushed;” pushed is a borrowed term from film development. A roll of film generally has a recommended ISO (e.g., 400), and you typically match it with the ISO dial on your camera.

If you set the ISO on your camera to 800 despite an ISO 400 recommendation, however, you are underexposing the film by one stop, so you’d typically ask for the film to be pushed in development one stop. In other words, you’d ask the lab to develop the film for longer to make up for the underexposure. Why would you want to do this? There are a couple of different reasons, but one is that the process typically gives color film more contrast and saturation.

The Portra Pushed presets mimic this effect with intense, moodier colors and boosted saturation. The pack has a choice of three different film looks – Portra 160, Portra 400, and Portra 800 – and with each, you can apply the one-stop or two-stop push look.

This pack may not have the B&W filter and paper options of the Ilford pack, but it does include a tone profile, a toolkit with auto white balance and lens correction, and a choice of 35mm and 120 grain.

I was impressed by the clean and consistent look of the Portra Pushed presets. They gave a high-contrast, moodier look to images than the Portra presets and really brought out the earthy tones.

3. Julia & Gil

For the last seven years, Julia & Gil have been photographing people in love all over the world. Not only are they skilled photographers, but it’s clear they’ve learned a thing or two about editing photos along the way.

Julia & Gil offer three stunning sets of presets: wedding, portrait and mobile. I took the wedding and portrait presets for a spin in Lightroom and was impressed by what I saw.

The Wedding collection is designed to add soft colors and “a little magic” to wedding photos. Julia & Gil are fans of soft tones, creamy whites, beautiful skin tones, and natural colors, as you can see from the image below. The collection is perfect for all lighting situations.

Best Lightroom portrait presets Julia & Gil — Julia & Gil Wedding: *Classic*

The Portrait collection is made up of eight presets for couple and portrait shoots. They are billed as “the modern answer to creating that popular film look” and are designed to add soft colors to your photos. As you can see from the Cream preset below, this collection gives a soft, dreamy look which I really love.

Both preset packs offer a range of tools, including colors down, colors up, a range of options for grain, three different sets of tones, vignette tools, and several ways to warm up your images. In just a click or two, Julia & Gil presets give a wonderfully unique look!

4. @rwpho Portrait Lightroom presets

@rwpho Portrait Lightroom presets are brought to you by Filtergrade, an online marketplace offering a range of resources for photographers and videographers, including actions, presets, LUTs, overlays, and templates.

Created by photographer Reed Walchle, the @rwpho presets are focused on adding warm, complementary, orange and teal tones to your images while keeping natural-looking skin. The presets shift the overall palette toward complementary colors to make photos stand out, adding character and depth. They seem to work especially well on pictures where the subject is well lit compared to the background.

There’s only a handful of presets in this pack, but sometimes less is more. I really liked the tones of both the Joyce Warm and Elena Cupcakes presets. All in all, the presets were easy to apply and gave great results instantly.

5. Etchd Portrait presets

The next set of Lightroom portrait presets come from award-winning portrait, landscape, and travel photographer Matt Horspool, better known by his Instagram handle, @etchd.

Matt is incredibly well traveled, having backpacked across 48 countries on all seven continents. His images and articles have been published by National Geographic, Australian Photography Magazine, The Australian, and Olympus Passion.

Etchd Portrait Presets Volume 1 contains 15 timeless and beautifully refined presets that “soften and breathe life into your portraits.” The presets come with a detailed, 37-page, step-by-step installation and application guide. I really like the information in the second part of this guide – Matt gives you a detailed description of each preset, along with information on what to adjust in your images. For example, there are tips on suggested adjustments to the RGB tone curve, white balance, and split toning.

Many of the preset names are a nod to Matt’s travels: Roadtrip, USA, India, and the preset I used for the image below, Verona. The latter preset comes with two versions, and the one I’ve used has a built-in Radial Filter. (The guide also gives step-by-step instructions on how to apply Radial Filters to your portraits.)

6. dPS

Last but certainly not least are the comprehensive range of portrait presets by our very own Digital Photography School team. The dPS preset bundle consists of three packs, each containing 101 presets: 101 Lightroom Presets, 101 Landscape Lightroom Presets, and 101 Lightroom Portrait Presets.

dPS portrait presets — dPS Portrait Presets: *Art Series 50s*

For this article, I tried out some of the portrait presets created by Rachel Devine. These give you countless image-enhancing options, and included in the pack are the Art Series, Black and White, Film Series, Traditional Series, and a Touch-Up Kit featuring 37 brushes.

I really love the look of all the Art Series presets, but perhaps my favorite was Art Series 50s, which gave my images a classic vintage appearance. Another fantastic preset is Found, which has a beautiful, warm effect reminiscent of film stocks such as Kodak Gold.

What are the best Lightroom portrait presets in 2021?

The best portrait presets for Lightroom will differ from user to user. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which look and feel suits the images you take!

I love using all of the preset packs recommended above; they’re simple and give incredible results.

So which preset is your favorite? Tells us in the comments below.

Best Lightroom portrait presets: FAQs

Should I use Lightroom presets for my portraits?

Lightroom presets are a fantastic way to get a consistent look in your portrait photo shoots.

Which Lightroom presets should I buy for portraits?

That depends on your photographic style and your budget. Take a look at the images above and visit the websites featured to find the presets best suited for your images.

Are Lightroom presets easy to use?

Most of the presets featured here are very easy to use. You can transform images in one or two clicks.

Do professional photographers use presets?

Yes, many professional portrait and wedding photographers use off-the-shelf presets.

The post Best Lightroom Portrait Presets in 2021 (6 Gorgeous Picks) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.

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7 Fall Portrait Photography Tips (for Outstanding Results)

25 Sep

The post 7 Fall Portrait Photography Tips (for Outstanding Results) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sean Gannon.

Autumn provides photographers with an abundance of colors and amazing light, which is why autumn is one of the best seasons for portrait photography. It offers up magical, moody, and even nostalgic photos like this one:

But while fall portrait photography can look amazing, capturing the best shots isn’t always easy. Yes, fall backgrounds look awesome and fall light is breathtaking, but you shouldn’t just aim your camera and hope for the best.

In this article, I’ll share my top fall photography portrait tips. And by the time you’ve finished, you’ll be able to create stunning images like a pro.

Sound good? Let’s dive right in.

1. Prepare your equipment and check the weather

Preparation is the key to any successful shoot – fall portrait sessions included.

Of course, ensuring your camera batteries are charged, your memory cards are clear, and your lenses are clean seems like a no-brainer, but it’s often the fundamentals that we overlook.

Pro tip: When clearing cards, double check that you have downloaded everything, then use the in-camera Format function to clear your images. Don’t delete photos via your computer – otherwise, you risk card-writing issues down the line.

Also, make sure you check the weather. In many parts of the world, the weather can change quickly, so it pays to stay informed. If you’re doing a paid session, you may have to schedule far in advance and you’ll simply have to make the best of a bad weather day – but if your fall portrait photoshoot is more informal, keeping an eye on the weather can make a big difference. At the very least, it’ll keep you from venturing out into the cold only to find that your session gets rained out within minutes.

By the way, if you and your subject/model are up for it, autumn portraits in the rain can look gorgeous. But you’ll need to protect your equipment (try a simple rain cover) and make sure you wear a jacket.

2. Get out when the light is best

Light can make or break a fall portrait, so this tip is critical. You can shoot autumn portraits on overcast days, especially if you’re after a moody, nostalgic look. However, I personally prefer the warm light of sunrise and sunset.

Now, dragging your family out of bed for a photoshoot is always going to be tough, so I recommend skipping the morning light; instead, aim to start your shoot about an hour before sunset. The low sunlight will be flattering, plus you might get a beautiful sunset to include in the background (or to use for fun autumn silhouettes).

By the way, make sure you look up sunset times for your local area before scheduling a shoot. You might be surprised to realize how early it gets dark, and you want at least a good hour of shooting before the sun goes down.

3. Choose the right clothing

Make sure everyone dresses appropriately. It’s getting colder, and if everyone stays warm – including both the model and the photographer! – you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Also, it may seem lovely and warm outside, but believe me: it gets cold pretty quick when the sun starts to go down. And advise your subject to bring a change of clothing. It can be wet and muddy, and you certainly don’t want to end the session with an accidental tumble.

As for clothing colors and aesthetic: In the fall, getting this right can make a huge difference to your images. Ask your subject to wear natural tones that will either blend in or complement the colors of the leaves and trees. For the photo below, my son wore a dark red sweater, as we knew the area had very vivid reds in the trees:

My daughter wore black and white, which is a timeless combination that blends in well. Also, my son wore a gray hood that worked well with my daughter’s clothes.

If you do have multiple subjects, try and avoid clashing patterns or colors. Discuss clothing choices in advance, and consider coming up with a color scheme that everyone can follow.

Also, avoid t-shirts or sweatshirts that have dominant logos. These can be very distracting, plus they can date an image.

Again, ensure there is one (or more) changes of clothes available. This will not only provide variety in your images, but will also prepare you to deal with any accidents in the wet and possibly muddy conditions.

4. Choose your location wisely

In autumn, you want to find the best colors and textures available, which often means heading to a botanical garden or a beautiful forest. Pay attention to the foliage, and feel free to check out a foliage predictor map; certain areas, depending on their elevation and latitude, will turn before others, and the more fall color, the better.

Also, note that fall conditions can change really quickly. Leaves turn over a couple of days, and it often won’t happen until later than you think (which is where a fall foliage map comes in handy!). You also need to check that the leaves are still present (a heavy wind can take them down overnight, so if you find a good place to shoot, don’t dawdle!).

For my most recent shoot, I searched online for arboretums, which often feature collections of interesting trees like this one:

One more quick tip: Use social media for location tags to see what other people have photographed over the last few days (at or near the same location). Instagram, Twitter, and even Trip Advisor work well. You may find a great location that you would never have considered otherwise.

5. Use the right aperture (and settings)

In fall portrait photography, your ISO should stay low to prevent noise, and your shutter speed should sit at 1/125s and above (I consider 1/60s to be my absolute minimum, assuming my lens or camera doesn’t include image stabilization).

But it’s your aperture that can really make a difference. I highly recommend you experiment with different apertures; that way, you can create beautiful blurred backgrounds, as well as backgrounds that emphasize the color and texture of the leaves.

To get a super blurry background, set your aperture to its widest option (i.e., the lowest number, such as f/4, f/2.8, f/1.8, etc.). For me, this is generally f/2.8, though with the kit lens that comes with your camera, you should be able to shoot at around f/5. Here’s the type of effect you can expect with a wide aperture:

girl with blurry background using an f/2.8 shutter speed

If you want greater definition in the leaves, try focusing on your subject but increasing the aperture to f/8:

And if you want everything in focus, from the subject in the foreground to the leaves in the background, you can increase the aperture to f/16 or even f/22. Be careful when shooting at f/22, though; your shutter speed will be significantly lower so you’ll probably need to increase your ISO, plus you’ll get image softening due to diffraction.

I always shoot in RAW, as it allows me that extra flexibility when editing. With modern cameras, JPEGs are very versatile, but I still recommend you capture RAW files if possible (some cameras allow you to capture a RAW and JPEG at the same time, which is a good option if you’re attached to JPEGs).

As for your camera’s White Balance setting: You can always leave it on Auto, but I like to use Cloudy White Balance for fall portraits. It warms up the colors, and while you can always adjust later on if you shoot in RAW, it’s helpful to get an accurate preview of the final result.

6. Aim to capture emotions and natural smiles

The best portrait photos tend to look natural, which requires natural poses, but also natural expressions.

Now, when it comes to encouraging natural expressions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. For adults, I generally recommend you get your subject comfortable in advance by talking with them, asking them about their life, etc. You can also try making them laugh, though this can be tough, or you can give them something to do (e.g., play the violin) and photograph them once they’re fully engaged.

For children, you can use props, you can tell jokes, or you can ask them to run toward you as fast as they can. You might also ask the parents for ideas, as they know their children best!

For the image below, I asked my children to laugh hysterically for no reason at all. This looked ridiculous, but as they calmed down, the smiles were more natural.

kids laughing hysterically during photo shoot

If you’re photographing more than one child, ask one to tell the other a secret. This will always get them giggling:

Another tip: If you’re photographing just one child, ask them to tell you about a subject they love. My son will talk for hours about anything Star Wars or Marvel. And I can ask my daughter her math questions for a range of reactions.

Basically, do anything to distract the kids or get a reaction – then be ready with your camera to capture the moment.

7. Enhance the colors in editing

The best autumn portraits – including my own! – go through some sort of editing process. Now, the editing program you use doesn’t really matter; Lightroom is great, as is Adobe Camera Raw, Capture One, Luminar AI, ON1 Photo RAW. Even free programs such as RawTherapee can fit the bill.

And you don’t need to be an expert editor to make your fall portraits shine. For the photos in this article, I actually kept the editing quite simple; aside from some little exposure and contrast tweaks, I went to the HSL panel in Adobe Camera Raw and saturated my Reds, Greens and Yellows. This really brought some extra punch to the images:

Of course, editing is mostly about personal preference, so feel free to experiment like crazy. I do recommend you boost the colors a little bit, if possible; that way, you can emphasize those gorgeous fall hues.

Fall portrait photography tips: final words

Well, there you have it:

7 fun tips to enhance your autumn portraits. The next time you’re out shooting, try a tip or two – I guarantee you’ll see some great results!

Now over to you:

Which of these tips do you like best? Do you have any fall portrait photography tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!

Portrait Photography

GENERAL
- 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid
- 10 Ways to Direct a Portrait Shoot like a Pro
- How to Photograph People: 7 Tips for Photographers Who Never Photograph People
- 10 Crucial Things You Need to Think About for Portrait Photography
- 5 Portrait Photography Rules You Should Probably Ignore
- Five Budget Portrait Photography Hacks to Save You Money
- 8 Lessons Learned from My First Attempt at Portrait Photography
- How Self-Portraiture Makes You a Better Photographer
- The Photo Critique: Portrait Edition
- 10 Shots, 10 Portraits, 1 Focal Length: Take this Photography Challenge
- How I Got The Shot: Portrait Style
PREPARATION
- Tips for Preparing for a Portrait Session
- 8 Tips to Help Make People Comfortable for Their Portrait Session
- Clothing for Portraits – How to Tell your Subjects What to Wear
- How to Plan a Successful Sunset Portrait Session
- 5 Secrets for Finding Great Indoor Photoshoot Locations
- 10 Christmas Portrait Locations (with Bonus Lighting and Composition Tips)
- How to Build a Bench Prop for Great Portrait Photos
- A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 1 – Preparation and Rapport
- How to Scout for Portrait Shooting Locations
- The Importance of Location for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Choose Urban Landscapes for Portrait Photography
SETTINGS
- The Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
- How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography
- How to Bypass the Portrait Mode on Your Digital Camera and Get Great Portraits
- Understanding the Focus and Recompose Technique
- Overcoming Depth of Field Problems in Portraits
- 9 Ways to Ensure You Get Sharp Images When Photographing People
- Stunning Portraits: Manipulating White Balance
- Shooting for HDR Portraiture
- How [Not] to Take a Self Timer Portrait
- How Focal Length Changes the Shape of the Face in Portraiture
LIGHTING
- 5 Tips How to Set Up a Home Studio for Dramatic Portraits
- Simple Portrait Setups You Can Create on a Tight Budget
- How to Eliminate Reflections in Glasses in Portraits
- Portrait Photography: How to Photograph People in the Harsh Midday Sun
- 4 Ways to Shoot Portraits in the Middle of the Day
- 6 Portrait Lighting Patterns Every Photographer Should Know
- 3 Lighting Setups for Photographing Headshots
- 6 Ways of Using Reflector to Take Better Portraits
- How to Create and Shoot Night Portraits
- How to Make Beautiful Portraits Using Flash and High-Speed Sync
- How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step)
- Fill Flash Photography: How to Get Beautiful Portraits (Even in Bad Light)
- A Lighting Ratios Guide: How to Make (or Break) Your Portraits
- How to Mix Ambient Light and Fill-Flash for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Photograph Fantastic Portraits with One Flash
- DIY How to Build and Use a Reflector to Take Better Portraits
- Understanding Light for Better Portrait Photography
- Tips for Doing Natural Light Headshots and Portraits
- 3 Reasons to do Headshots with Natural Light
- A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 2 – Lighting and Posing
- How to Create Stunning Wide-Angle Portraits (Using an Off-Camera Flash)
- Tips for Making the Most of Morning Light for Portraits
- 5 Ways to Use a Beauty Dish Light for Portraits
- Beginners Tips for Sunrise Portraits : Part I
- Getting to Grips with Fill Light in Portrait Photography
- How to Use Flash for Night Portraits
- What Size Beauty Dish is Right For Your Portrait Photography?
- How to Create Catch Lights in Your Natural Light Portraits
- Tips for Using Golden Hour Light for Portraits
- Side-by-side comparison between reflectors and diffusers for portraits
- 6 Tips for Taking Better Natural Light Classic Portraits
- How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits
- Simple Tips for Positioning Your Portrait Subject to Leverage Natural Light
- The Importance of Shadows in Portrait Photography
- So You Have No Model? Here are Ways to Practice Your Portrait Lighting With Toys
- How to use Colored Gels to Create Unique and Creative Portraits
- 3 Steps to Professional Looking Headshots Using One Flash
- How to Use Two LED Lights to Achieve Moody Portraits
- Made in the Shade – Why Taking Portraits in the Shade Can be Ideal
- What Is Good Light? (And How to Use It for Beautiful Portraits)
- How to do Accent Lighting for Portraits
- Tips For Great Indoor Portraits Using Natural Light
- 5 Reasons for Doing Natural Light Portraits
- Review of the Westcott Eyelighter for Headshots and Portraits
- How to Use Angle of Light in People Photography for Added Punch
- High Speed Sync Versus a Neutral Density Filter to Overcome Bright Sunlight in Portraits
- 5 Creative Portrait Lighting Tricks Using Only Phone Light
- How to Use Off-camera Flash to Fix Lighting Problems for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Create Awesome Portrait Lighting with a Paper Bag an Elastic Band and a Chocolate Donut
- Tips for Using Speedlights to Create the Right Lighting for Outdoor Portraits
- How to use a Gobo to add Depth to Your Portraits with Subtractive Lighting
- How to Use Hard Lighting to Create a Dramatic Portrait
- Portrait Comparison – Flash Versus Natural Light
- Stealing Light – Using Street Lights for Portraits
- Five Places for Perfect Natural Portrait Lighting
- How to See the Light for Portraits: A Quick Tip for Beginners
- Shooting with Available Light – Lifestyle Portraiture
- 5 Ways to Light Your Christmas Tree Portraits This Festive Season
- A Simple Lighting Technique for Couples Portraits
- Awash In Light: High Key Portraiture
- A Portrait Lighting Project for a Rainy Day
- Simple Portrait Lighting Setup: Gorgeous Result
- How to Achieve Great Portraits with Window Light
- A Simple Exercise on Working with Natural Light in Portraits
- Small Flash Portraits on Location with Adorama TV
- Portraits on an Overcast Day? Use a Reflector
- Tips for Using Flash for Beach Portraits
- How to Find and Use Natural Reflectors for Portraits
- How to Create Dramatic Portraits with Shadow Photography
- Tips for Portrait Photography in Overcast Weather
- How to Photograph People Outdoors Without Using a Reflector
- How To Use an Outdoor Studio for Natural Portraits
POSING
- Female Poses: 21 Posing Ideas to Get You Started Photographing Women
- Glamour Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Men
- Good Crop Bad Crop – How to Crop Portraits
- How to Pose and Angle the Body for Better Portraits
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Groups of People
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Couples
- Your Guide to the Best Poses for Engagement Photos
- How to do Gentle Posing: A Collection of Prompts to Get You Started
- Tips for Posing Large Families and Groups
- How to Pose People for Headshots
- Tips for Posing People in Outdoor Portraits
- 20 Tips for Getting People to Smile in Photos
- How to Avoid Fake Smiles in Your People Photography
- Tips for Posing Muscular Female Body Types
- Your Posing Guide for Maternity Sessions
- Handiwork: How to Pose Hands
- Your Guide to Posing Bands in Photography
- Posing Tip for Portraits – Which Way Should Your Subject Lean?
- Posing Tips – Waistlines, Thighs and Bustlines
- 3 Posing Tips for Young Siblings
- What Everybody Ought to Know About Posing for Portraits
- Poser: Achieve Perfect Portrait Expression
- Capturing Better Portraits Between Poses
- A Posing Technique from A Girl With a Pearl Earring
- Tips for Posing Men
COMPOSITION
- 6 Types of Portrait Backgrounds for Creative Images
- 6 Tips for Perfect Composition in Portrait Photography
- How to Find Great Backgrounds for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Make Colors Pop in Your Portraits – Without Using Photoshop
- How to Use Foreground Framing to Improve Your Portrait Photography
- How to Use Negative Space in People Photography
- 3 Simple Ways to Use Framing and Layering in Portraits
- Is Portrait Formatting always best for Portraits?
- Portrait Tip: Don't Fill the Frame
- How to Use Portrait Angles More Creatively: A Visual Guide
- How to Use Facial View and Camera Angle to take Flattering Portraits
GEAR
- Comparing a 50mm Versus 85mm Lens for Photographing People
- Comparing a 24mm Versus 50mm Lens for Photographing People
- 3 Tips for Taking Portraits with a Kit Lens
- Best Fujifilm X-Series Kit for Urban Portraits
- 3 Ways to Get Killer Portraits Using a Tripod
- Photographing Portraits with Classic Lenses (includes Example Images)
- Portrait Photographers: Do You Really Need a 70-200mm Lens?
- Essential Portrait Photography Gear You Need When Starting Out
- Portable Portrait Studio in a Bag: Now You Can Take Portraits While on the Road
- How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Lens
- Which 50mm Lens is Best for Portraits?
ADVANCED GUIDES
- 13 Tips for Improving Outdoor Portraits
- Create Beautiful Indoor Portraits Without Flash (NSFW)
- 10 Tips for Photographing Great Headshots
- 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography
- 11 Tips for Photographing High School Senior Portraits
- Tips for Doing Fall Portraits
  - 1. Prepare your equipment and check the weather
  - 2. Get out when the light is best
  - 3. Choose the right clothing
  - 4. Choose your location wisely
  - 5. Use the right aperture (and settings)
  - 6. Aim to capture emotions and natural smiles
  - 7. Enhance the colors in editing
  - Fall portrait photography tips: final words
  - 1. Prepare your equipment and check the weather
  - 2. Get out when the light is best
  - 3. Choose the right clothing
  - 4. Choose your location wisely
  - 5. Use the right aperture (and settings)
  - 6. Aim to capture emotions and natural smiles
  - 7. Enhance the colors in editing
  - Fall portrait photography tips: final words
- 6 Tips for Photographing Large People
- 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography
- How to Create Environmental Portraits (Tips and Examples)
- Capturing Unenthusiastic Teens: Forget the Perfect Pose and Get Photos You Truly Love
- Tips for Taking the Torture out of Extended Family Portrait Sessions
- Self Portrait Photography Tips
- What the Mona Lisa Can Teach You About Taking Great Portraits
- 5 Tips for Musician Portraits (So You Can Hit All the Right Notes)
- 5 Tips to Help You Take More Natural Looking Portraits
- 15 Tips for More Powerful Portraits
- How to Create Dramatic Portraits in Your Garage
- 9 Tips that Make Couples Happy During a Portrait Session
- 5 Tips for Taking Better Portraits in Nature
- Snow Portrait: Behind the Scenes
- Tips for Creating Dance Portraits
- How to Take Better Beach Portraits at Any Time of Day
- The Introverts Guide to Photographing People
- 6 Ways to Take a Candid Portrait of Somebody You Know
- 3 Body Language Hacks to Improve Your Portrait Photography
- 5 More Tips for Making Better Black and White Portraits
- Tips for Planning and Capturing a Creative Portrait
- 5 Tips for Creating Romantic Portraits of Couples
- 10 Tips to Create Emotive Portraits
- 7 Tips for Photographing a Bridal Portrait Session
- 3 Lessons I Learned by Doing a Self-Portrait Project
- The Ultimate Guide to Photographing People for the Shy Photographer
- Tips for Getting Yourself to Relax as a Photographer and Have More Successful Portrait Sessions
- Tips for Taking More Natural Engagement Portraits
- 6 Tips for Better Portraits on Location
- 7 Ways to Take Advantage of Autumn in Your Portrait Photography
- 7 Tips and Etiquette for Taking Portraits in Public
- How to Make a Unique Portrait in the City at Night
- 3 Tips for Creating Outstanding Portraits, Inspired by the work of Dutch Artist Van Gogh
- 5 Keys to Taking Beautiful Maternity Portraits
- Photographing People: To do Styled Portraits or Not?
- 7 Steps to Capturing Truth in Your Portraiture
- Engagement Portrait Shoots: 7 Professional Tips to take your Engagement Shoots to the Next Level
- Personalities and Portraits – and Getting Them to Mix
- 3 Reasons to Have Your Own Portrait Taken
- 5 Tips for Photographing Portfolio-Worthy Costume Portraits
- 3 Critical People Skills Portrait Photographers Need
- The Essence of Masculinity – Portraits of Men
- 5 Corporate-Style Portrait Techniques
- 5 Tips for Doing Portrait Photography in Busy Locations
- Tips for Great Beach Sunset Portraits
CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
- How to Create Portraits with a Black Background
- How Using Props in Portraits Can Make Your Photos More Interesting
- How to Take Unique Crystal Ball Portraits
- How to Create a Hollywood Film Noir Portrait
- How to Create this “Fight Club” Inspired Portrait using One Light
- Dragging the Shutter for Creative Portraits
- 5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography
- How to do Tilt-Shift Portraits
- Copper, Prisms, and Orbs, Oh My! – 3 Creative Techniques for People Photography
- Portrait Tip: Add Interest and Movement into Your Shots with Wind
- Glitter Portrait: How I Took It
- How to Create a Unique Bokeh Portrait for Under $ 10
- 5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits
- Room with a View: How to Create this Window with Blinds Portrait Anywhere
- 7 Steps to Perfect White Portrait Backgrounds in the Studio
- How to Make Unique Portraits Using Light Painting
POST-PROCESSING
- 11 Steps for Basic Portrait Editing in Lightroom – A Beginner’s Guide
- Five Common Portrait Retouching Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Create a Dramatic Cinematic Style Portrait Using Photoshop Color Grading
- How to Edit Corporate Headshots in Lightroom
- How to Create a Dark and Moody Rembrandt-Style Portrait In Lightroom
- How to Retouch a Portrait with the Adjustment Brush in Lightroom
- Photoshop: Red Eye Fix for Difficult Cases in People and Pets
- 3 Steps to Photoshop Retouching for Natural Looking Portraits
- How to do Frequency Separation Portrait Retouching in Photoshop
- Basic Portrait Post-Processing Workflow Tips to Help You Save Time and Stay Organized
- How to Add a Grunge Effect to Your Portraits Using Lightroom
- How to Create Twinkle Lights for Christmas Tree Portraits in Photoshop
- How to Enhance Portraits Using Gray Layers to Dodge and Burn in Photoshop
- How to Blur the Background of a Portrait Using the Magnetic Lasso Tool in Photoshop
- How to Use Photoshop Blending Modes for Fine Art Portraiture
- Stylized Techniques for Editing Portraits Using Lightroom
- How to Make a Bubble Portrait using Photoshop CS3
- Creating a Black and White High Contrast Portrait Edit in Lightroom
- How to Create a “Soft Portrait” Preset in Lightroom 4
- Basic Photoshop Tutorial – How to Add Creative Overlays to Your Portraits
- 3 Essential Photoshop Tools for New Portrait Photographers
- How to Make Creative Lightroom Develop Presets for Portraits
- 5 Reasons to Use Lightroom for Portrait Retouching
- Advanced Portrait Retouch on a Male Subject in Lightroom 4 – Part 1 of 3
- 3 Ways to Make Selective Color Portraits Using Lightroom and Silver Efex Pro 2
- Correcting For Under Exposure and Boosting Dynamic Range with an Environmental Portrait in Lightroom 4
- How to do Portrait Retouching With Luminar
- Tips for Portrait Processing with ON1 Photo RAW 2018.5
- 5 Tips to Cut Your Portrait Editing Time in Half
BUSINESS
- Portrait Consultations: Two Questions That Make A Big Difference
- How to Shoot a Self Portrait to Support your Brand Identity
INSPIRATION
- 5 Examples of Beautiful Simple Portraits
- DISCUSS: When you Photograph People in Black and White, you Photograph their Souls
- 21 Inspirational Natural Light Portraits
- 24 Photos of Perfectly Posed Portraits
- 19 More Creative Mirror Self Portraits
- 18 Stunning Self Portraits
- Interview with Fine Art Portrait Photographer Bill Gekas
- 11 Influential Portrait Photographers you Need to Know
- Black and White Portraits a Set of Images to Admire
- Nadav Kander on Portrait Photography [VIDEO]
- 21 Spooky Portraits
- Inspiring Portraits of Women – a Collection of Images
- 12.5 Years of Daily Self Portraits [VIDEO]
- Interview with Self Portrait and 365 Photographer – Anna Gay
- Triptych Portrait Series
- 8 Striking Portraits from Photograph Einar Erici [Shot in 1930]
- An Interview With Underwater Portrait Photographer Sacha Blue
- Masters of Photography – Yousuf Karsh Portrait Photographer
- 21 Fun Images of People Laughing
RESOURCES
- Portrait Photography: Secrets of Posing & Lighting [Book Review]
- The Luminous Portrait: Book Review
- The Portrait Photography Course by Mark Jenkinson – Book Review
- The Perfect Portrait Guide – How to Photograph People – Book Review
- Improve Your Portraits with these Courses from Ed Verosky
- People Photography and Portraits: Best Resources Toolbox

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The post 7 Fall Portrait Photography Tips (for Outstanding Results) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sean Gannon.

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10 Essential Things to Think About for Portrait Photography

05 Sep

The post 10 Essential Things to Think About for Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darlene Hildebrandt.

10 essential things for portrait photography

Portrait photography isn’t easy, and in fact, there are many elements that go into a great portrait. You have to think about the technical stuff like exposure and focus, as well as the non-technical stuff like composition and working with a live subject.

If you’re just starting out with portrait shooting, all this can be pretty daunting. That’s why I’ve broken it down, piece by piece, into the 10 crucial elements you need to think about when doing portraits.

Starting with number one:

1. Lighting pattern

The lighting pattern refers to how the light falls on your subject’s face. Note that your lighting pattern will determine the mood of the final portrait and whether or not the subject is flattered. Therefore, it’s a critical piece of the portrait photography puzzle, one you must get right for impactful results.

There are four main types of lighting patterns:

Split lighting
Loop lighting
Rembrandt lighting
Butterfly lighting

And there are two lighting pattern styles:

Short lighting
Broad lighting

For a sense of what lighting can do, check out these examples:

Left: Split lighting | Right: Loop lighting

Left: Broad lighting | Right: Short lighting. Notice how different my subject looks in each image, particularly her nose!

So study different patterns. Test out different options. And note what works best in different situations!

2. Lighting ratio

A ratio is a comparison of one thing to another; here, the ratio compares the dark and light sides of your subject’s face. How much difference is there from the shadow to the highlight side?

Higher lighting ratios lead to greater contrast and increased moodiness. On the other hand, lower ratios lead to less contrast and will give your portraits a lighter, fresher feeling.

Look at the following examples:

Portrait tips lighting with reflectors

The ratio on the leftmost image is very strong, about 16:1 (four stops). The middle image ratio is about 4:1 (two stops), and the rightmost image ratio is almost 1:1 (even).

Note that, as I took these photos, the only difference from one to the next was a reflector (the more even the ratio, the more I included the reflector). And note how the mood and feel of the portrait changes as the contrast is adjusted.

3. Quality of light

Another aspect of lighting you need to think about when shooting? Whether you want your light to be hard or soft.

Hard light is produced by a small source and is characterized by high contrast, enhanced subject texture, added drama, and harsh, well-defined shadow edges. Examples of hard light sources are:

The sun (yes, it’s large, but it’s far enough way to be relatively small)
A bare light bulb
The small built-in flash on your camera
An unmodified speedlight

Here are two portraits with hard light. Which use of hard light is more appropriate for the subject?

hard light portrait

hard light portrait miner

Soft light is produced by a very large light source. It is low contrast (i.e., flat), less texture-enhancing, and is more forgiving and flattering for people photography. Examples of soft light sources are:

The sky on an overcast day
Large studio softboxes
A large reflector
An on-camera flash that has been bounced off a ceiling or wall

Here are two portraits done using soft light. Which use of soft light is more appropriate for the subject?

soft light portrait of a woman

soft light miner portrait

Along with the lighting ratio, the quality of light will have a major affect on the mood and feeling of your portrait. Choose soft light for flattering, beautiful portraits, and choose hard light for an edgier look with more grit and drama.

4. Lens selection

Your lens will change the appearance of both the subject and the background.

A wide-angle lens will introduce distortion and cause the subject’s face to look abnormal and stretched. It will also give you a large, sweeping view of the background.

wide-angle portrait of a woman in a classroom

Take a look at the example above. Notice how the shape of my subject’s face and her features are distorted by a 17mm lens? This is not an effect most folks will appreciate!

However, there may be instances when you want this look: a humorous portrait, kids having fun, or an editorial-style portrait of a street vendor at a market where you want to see both the subject and the environment.

wide-angle portrait of a man and a horse

The wide-angle view (17mm) adds to the comical nature of this portrait.

Telephoto lenses, on the other hand, compress perspective, which does two things:

First, it is usually more flattering to the subject because their facial features look less distorted.

Second, it simplifies the background – both by showing less and by defocusing background elements. This, in turn, puts more emphasis on the subject, which is what you want.

The image below was shot at 70mm. Compare it to the portrait at the start of this section, which portrays the same subject in the same setting but at 17mm. Do you see how the face is less distorted and the background is both out of focus and more compressed?

woman in a classroom

Here’s another portrait, this one shot at 105mm:

woman in a field

The long lens has compressed the background, and because it is so far away (on the other side of a river), the grass is really out of focus and provides a soft background that makes the subject stand out.

5. Background

One thing many photographers fail to think about is the background. It’s so easy to be focused on all the other stuff that you forget to even look at the background, which then ruins an otherwise great image.

Two questions you should ask yourself:

Does the background make sense with the portrait?
Does the background distract the viewer from the subject?

There are four background elements that can distract the viewer:

Contrast
Bright colors (warm tones are the worst, like red and yellow)
Sharpness
Bright areas

Watch for these in your viewfinder and adjust your camera position and composition accordingly. After all, the eye is attracted to the brightest and sharpest area of an image – so if you can keep the background dark, blurry, and low contrast, your subject will take center stage.

wedding couple with distracting background

See how the bright, high-contrast areas in the background draw your attention away from the wedding couple?

In other words: Get your portrait subject away from the background (far enough to get trees and grass out of focus), and watch for hot spots that grab the eye. Sometimes, simply moving your camera a foot or two to the left or right can eliminate trouble areas and give you a cleaner background that lets the subject shine:

The background is now solid, out of focus, and does not take your eye away from the couple. Instead, it complements the portrait!

6. Exposure and metering

For a portrait of a still subject, I almost always use the following camera settings:

Manual mode
Single-shot drive mode (that is, I press the button to take a single image)
Single Point AF
One-Shot AF (i.e., AF-S focus mode) to focus and lock
Shade white balance (I am usually working in the shade, but if you’re in the bright sun, you might choose Direct Sunlight instead. Just pick one that matches your lighting condition and leave it.)
RAW format

Why do I like these settings? They give me the most control over one important thing: capturing a consistent exposure from one frame to the next. If you ever decide to do portraits for a friend or have paying clients, you want to be able to show images on the back of your camera without worrying about that random shot in the middle that was black because you forgot to adjust the exposure.

camera controls

(These settings also make editing much faster.)

So set your exposure, do a test shot (review it using the histogram), then don’t make adjustments unless you move to a new location or the light changes.

7. Focusing

I already mentioned my focusing settings above, but I’d like to recommend one more option:

Back-button focus, which lets you engage your camera’s focusing mechanism by pressing a button on the back of your camera, rather than the shutter button.

That way, you can lock focus on the subject – on their eye, if you’re close enough – then recompose the portrait and shoot away. Unless you or the subject move, there is no need to refocus.

Of course, if you’re shooting a moving target, like kids in action, you’ll want to choose different focus settings. Try continuous focusing (AI Servo/AF-C) plus your camera’s fastest burst mode.

8. Posing the subject

Getting your subject or model into a comfortable yet flattering pose can be tricky. People are generally nervous when being photographed and will look to you for guidance on how to stand, hold their body, turn their head, and adjust their hands. So you need to have a few posing ideas at the ready.

Here are some tips:

If it bends, bend it. In other words: Get your subject out of a stiff body position by bending one leg slightly, bend the elbows, and bend the wrists.
Ask your subject to shift their weight away from the camera for a more flattering pose.
Ask your subject to turn their body when standing. You can tell them to turn and point their feet (the body will follow naturally).
Turn your subject’s shoulders slightly to narrow the body width; this is flattering for most people.
Let your subject pose naturally at first, then make slight tweaks or adjustments. Watch how they move on their own so the final pose looks like them.

Check out the images above. The left shot is stiff and boring – but the right shot has bent limbs, shifted shoulders, weight toward the back, and more.

9. Facial view and camera angle

How you position the subject’s face is another factor that determines the portrait’s beauty and mood. Some people look really great in full face view (facing the camera directly), but most benefit from turning slightly to one side, thus narrowing the face a little.

People cannot see their profile view in the mirror, so most subjects have no idea what they look like from the side. Only by trying it out can you determine whether it’s flattering for them.

The key to choosing the right face angle is to observe your subject. Do they tend to turn slightly when talking to you? Take note; that is probably the side they subconsciously prefer.

head angles The images above show three different views of the same woman’s face. She has a really gorgeous profile and a square jaw. I think the profile and last image (¾ face view) are the most flattering, but she looks great in any image.

You must help your subject look their best by doing comparisons and making choices, and if you’re in doubt, just shoot various poses and choose later (or let them pick).

As for the camera angle: This will determine what you emphasize on the subject. A low camera angle can show height and make someone look taller, but it also emphasizes the body more, which is not a good choice if someone wants to appear slimmer.

On the other hand, a slightly-above-eye-level angle will emphasize the face and minimize the body, a good choice for most people. It also makes kids look smaller and can be effective if that’s the look you’re after. A really high angle will make the forehead more prominent (perhaps not the best choice for subjects with a receding hairline).

Just know that where you place your camera will affect the final look of the portrait.

10. Expression

Okay, this is the thing you need to get right for great portraits. You can nail all nine points above, but if the subject has a bad expression, they will not like the image.

Here’s my big tip for getting the best expressions:

Talk to the subject and interact with them. That’s how I got this shot:

This little girl is holding a photo of her auntie’s ultrasound; I just asked her to show me her baby cousin, and she did this.

I’ve photographed Bob (below) many times. He is a volunteer at an old coal mine where I do a workshop twice a year. He was a miner way back in the day and is as spry in his 70s as many people in their 40s! He loves telling stories about the mine and ghosts, so I just get him talking and let him go. We have fun, he loves being my model for a day, and it shows in the images.

man in a mine

Pro tip: Instead of putting your camera to your eye, try talking to your subject with your camera on a tripod, then shoot with a remote trigger. That way, you can have eye contact, which will significantly enhance your subject’s expression!

Portrait photography essentials: putting it all together

Whew! See, I told you doing portraits comes with a lot to think about. But you can do it. You got this. Just take it one step at a time. If you aren’t at the stage of getting all 10 of these things right, just pick one and work on it. Choose patient models that will help you practice. The only way to get better is by doing!

Now over to you:

Which of these portrait photography essentials do you struggle with the most? Do you have any tips for improving portraits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

woman intense portrait

Portrait Photography

GENERAL
- 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid
- 10 Ways to Direct a Portrait Shoot like a Pro
- How to Photograph People: 7 Tips for Photographers Who Never Photograph People
- 10 Crucial Things You Need to Think About for Portrait Photography
  - 1. Lighting pattern
  - 2. Lighting ratio
  - 3. Quality of light
  - 4. Lens selection
  - 5. Background
  - 6. Exposure and metering
  - 7. Focusing
  - 8. Posing the subject
  - 9. Facial view and camera angle
  - 10. Expression
  - Portrait photography essentials: putting it all together
  - 1. Lighting pattern
  - 2. Lighting ratio
  - 3. Quality of light
  - 4. Lens selection
  - 5. Background
  - 6. Exposure and metering
  - 7. Focusing
  - 8. Posing the subject
  - 9. Facial view and camera angle
  - 10. Expression
  - Portrait photography essentials: putting it all together
- 5 Portrait Photography Rules You Should Probably Ignore
- Five Budget Portrait Photography Hacks to Save You Money
- 8 Lessons Learned from My First Attempt at Portrait Photography
- How Self-Portraiture Makes You a Better Photographer
- The Photo Critique: Portrait Edition
- 10 Shots, 10 Portraits, 1 Focal Length: Take this Photography Challenge
- How I Got The Shot: Portrait Style
PREPARATION
- Tips for Preparing for a Portrait Session
- 8 Tips to Help Make People Comfortable for Their Portrait Session
- Clothing for Portraits – How to Tell your Subjects What to Wear
- How to Plan a Successful Sunset Portrait Session
- 5 Secrets for Finding Great Indoor Photoshoot Locations
- 10 Christmas Portrait Locations (with Bonus Lighting and Composition Tips)
- How to Build a Bench Prop for Great Portrait Photos
- A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 1 – Preparation and Rapport
- How to Scout for Portrait Shooting Locations
- The Importance of Location for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Choose Urban Landscapes for Portrait Photography
SETTINGS
- The Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
- How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography
- How to Bypass the Portrait Mode on Your Digital Camera and Get Great Portraits
- Understanding the Focus and Recompose Technique
- Overcoming Depth of Field Problems in Portraits
- 9 Ways to Ensure You Get Sharp Images When Photographing People
- Stunning Portraits: Manipulating White Balance
- Shooting for HDR Portraiture
- How [Not] to Take a Self Timer Portrait
- How Focal Length Changes the Shape of the Face in Portraiture
LIGHTING
- 5 Tips How to Set Up a Home Studio for Dramatic Portraits
- Simple Portrait Setups You Can Create on a Tight Budget
- How to Eliminate Reflections in Glasses in Portraits
- Portrait Photography: How to Photograph People in the Harsh Midday Sun
- 4 Ways to Shoot Portraits in the Middle of the Day
- 6 Portrait Lighting Patterns Every Photographer Should Know
- 3 Lighting Setups for Photographing Headshots
- 6 Ways of Using Reflector to Take Better Portraits
- How to Create and Shoot Night Portraits
- How to Make Beautiful Portraits Using Flash and High-Speed Sync
- How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step)
- Fill Flash Photography: How to Get Beautiful Portraits (Even in Bad Light)
- A Lighting Ratios Guide: How to Make (or Break) Your Portraits
- How to Mix Ambient Light and Fill-Flash for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Photograph Fantastic Portraits with One Flash
- DIY How to Build and Use a Reflector to Take Better Portraits
- Understanding Light for Better Portrait Photography
- Tips for Doing Natural Light Headshots and Portraits
- 3 Reasons to do Headshots with Natural Light
- A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 2 – Lighting and Posing
- How to Create Stunning Wide-Angle Portraits (Using an Off-Camera Flash)
- Tips for Making the Most of Morning Light for Portraits
- 5 Ways to Use a Beauty Dish Light for Portraits
- Beginners Tips for Sunrise Portraits : Part I
- Getting to Grips with Fill Light in Portrait Photography
- How to Use Flash for Night Portraits
- What Size Beauty Dish is Right For Your Portrait Photography?
- How to Create Catch Lights in Your Natural Light Portraits
- Tips for Using Golden Hour Light for Portraits
- Side-by-side comparison between reflectors and diffusers for portraits
- 6 Tips for Taking Better Natural Light Classic Portraits
- How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits
- Simple Tips for Positioning Your Portrait Subject to Leverage Natural Light
- The Importance of Shadows in Portrait Photography
- So You Have No Model? Here are Ways to Practice Your Portrait Lighting With Toys
- How to use Colored Gels to Create Unique and Creative Portraits
- 3 Steps to Professional Looking Headshots Using One Flash
- How to Use Two LED Lights to Achieve Moody Portraits
- Made in the Shade – Why Taking Portraits in the Shade Can be Ideal
- What Is Good Light? (And How to Use It for Beautiful Portraits)
- How to do Accent Lighting for Portraits
- Tips For Great Indoor Portraits Using Natural Light
- 5 Reasons for Doing Natural Light Portraits
- Review of the Westcott Eyelighter for Headshots and Portraits
- How to Use Angle of Light in People Photography for Added Punch
- High Speed Sync Versus a Neutral Density Filter to Overcome Bright Sunlight in Portraits
- 5 Creative Portrait Lighting Tricks Using Only Phone Light
- How to Use Off-camera Flash to Fix Lighting Problems for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Create Awesome Portrait Lighting with a Paper Bag an Elastic Band and a Chocolate Donut
- Tips for Using Speedlights to Create the Right Lighting for Outdoor Portraits
- How to use a Gobo to add Depth to Your Portraits with Subtractive Lighting
- How to Use Hard Lighting to Create a Dramatic Portrait
- Portrait Comparison – Flash Versus Natural Light
- Stealing Light – Using Street Lights for Portraits
- Five Places for Perfect Natural Portrait Lighting
- How to See the Light for Portraits: A Quick Tip for Beginners
- Shooting with Available Light – Lifestyle Portraiture
- 5 Ways to Light Your Christmas Tree Portraits This Festive Season
- A Simple Lighting Technique for Couples Portraits
- Awash In Light: High Key Portraiture
- A Portrait Lighting Project for a Rainy Day
- Simple Portrait Lighting Setup: Gorgeous Result
- How to Achieve Great Portraits with Window Light
- A Simple Exercise on Working with Natural Light in Portraits
- Small Flash Portraits on Location with Adorama TV
- Portraits on an Overcast Day? Use a Reflector
- Tips for Using Flash for Beach Portraits
- How to Find and Use Natural Reflectors for Portraits
- How to Create Dramatic Portraits with Shadow Photography
- Tips for Portrait Photography in Overcast Weather
- How to Photograph People Outdoors Without Using a Reflector
- How To Use an Outdoor Studio for Natural Portraits
POSING
- Female Poses: 21 Posing Ideas to Get You Started Photographing Women
- Glamour Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Men
- Good Crop Bad Crop – How to Crop Portraits
- How to Pose and Angle the Body for Better Portraits
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Groups of People
- Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Couples
- Your Guide to the Best Poses for Engagement Photos
- How to do Gentle Posing: A Collection of Prompts to Get You Started
- Tips for Posing Large Families and Groups
- How to Pose People for Headshots
- Tips for Posing People in Outdoor Portraits
- 20 Tips for Getting People to Smile in Photos
- How to Avoid Fake Smiles in Your People Photography
- Tips for Posing Muscular Female Body Types
- Your Posing Guide for Maternity Sessions
- Handiwork: How to Pose Hands
- Your Guide to Posing Bands in Photography
- Posing Tip for Portraits – Which Way Should Your Subject Lean?
- Posing Tips – Waistlines, Thighs and Bustlines
- 3 Posing Tips for Young Siblings
- What Everybody Ought to Know About Posing for Portraits
- Poser: Achieve Perfect Portrait Expression
- Capturing Better Portraits Between Poses
- A Posing Technique from A Girl With a Pearl Earring
- Tips for Posing Men
COMPOSITION
- 6 Types of Portrait Backgrounds for Creative Images
- 6 Tips for Perfect Composition in Portrait Photography
- How to Find Great Backgrounds for Outdoor Portraits
- How to Make Colors Pop in Your Portraits – Without Using Photoshop
- How to Use Foreground Framing to Improve Your Portrait Photography
- How to Use Negative Space in People Photography
- 3 Simple Ways to Use Framing and Layering in Portraits
- Is Portrait Formatting always best for Portraits?
- Portrait Tip: Don't Fill the Frame
- How to Use Portrait Angles More Creatively: A Visual Guide
- How to Use Facial View and Camera Angle to take Flattering Portraits
GEAR
- Comparing a 50mm Versus 85mm Lens for Photographing People
- Comparing a 24mm Versus 50mm Lens for Photographing People
- 3 Tips for Taking Portraits with a Kit Lens
- Best Fujifilm X-Series Kit for Urban Portraits
- 3 Ways to Get Killer Portraits Using a Tripod
- Photographing Portraits with Classic Lenses (includes Example Images)
- Portrait Photographers: Do You Really Need a 70-200mm Lens?
- Essential Portrait Photography Gear You Need When Starting Out
- Portable Portrait Studio in a Bag: Now You Can Take Portraits While on the Road
- How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Lens
- Which 50mm Lens is Best for Portraits?
ADVANCED GUIDES
- 13 Tips for Improving Outdoor Portraits
- Create Beautiful Indoor Portraits Without Flash (NSFW)
- 10 Tips for Photographing Great Headshots
- 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography
- 11 Tips for Photographing High School Senior Portraits
- Tips for Doing Fall Portraits
- 6 Tips for Photographing Large People
- 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography
- How to Create Environmental Portraits (Tips and Examples)
- Capturing Unenthusiastic Teens: Forget the Perfect Pose and Get Photos You Truly Love
- Tips for Taking the Torture out of Extended Family Portrait Sessions
- Self Portrait Photography Tips
- What the Mona Lisa Can Teach You About Taking Great Portraits
- 5 Tips for Musician Portraits (So You Can Hit All the Right Notes)
- 5 Tips to Help You Take More Natural Looking Portraits
- 15 Tips for More Powerful Portraits
- How to Create Dramatic Portraits in Your Garage
- 9 Tips that Make Couples Happy During a Portrait Session
- 5 Tips for Taking Better Portraits in Nature
- Snow Portrait: Behind the Scenes
- Tips for Creating Dance Portraits
- How to Take Better Beach Portraits at Any Time of Day
- The Introverts Guide to Photographing People
- 6 Ways to Take a Candid Portrait of Somebody You Know
- 3 Body Language Hacks to Improve Your Portrait Photography
- 5 More Tips for Making Better Black and White Portraits
- Tips for Planning and Capturing a Creative Portrait
- 5 Tips for Creating Romantic Portraits of Couples
- 10 Tips to Create Emotive Portraits
- 7 Tips for Photographing a Bridal Portrait Session
- 3 Lessons I Learned by Doing a Self-Portrait Project
- The Ultimate Guide to Photographing People for the Shy Photographer
- Tips for Getting Yourself to Relax as a Photographer and Have More Successful Portrait Sessions
- Tips for Taking More Natural Engagement Portraits
- 6 Tips for Better Portraits on Location
- 7 Ways to Take Advantage of Autumn in Your Portrait Photography
- 7 Tips and Etiquette for Taking Portraits in Public
- How to Make a Unique Portrait in the City at Night
- 3 Tips for Creating Outstanding Portraits, Inspired by the work of Dutch Artist Van Gogh
- 5 Keys to Taking Beautiful Maternity Portraits
- Photographing People: To do Styled Portraits or Not?
- 7 Steps to Capturing Truth in Your Portraiture
- Engagement Portrait Shoots: 7 Professional Tips to take your Engagement Shoots to the Next Level
- Personalities and Portraits – and Getting Them to Mix
- 3 Reasons to Have Your Own Portrait Taken
- 5 Tips for Photographing Portfolio-Worthy Costume Portraits
- 3 Critical People Skills Portrait Photographers Need
- The Essence of Masculinity – Portraits of Men
- 5 Corporate-Style Portrait Techniques
- 5 Tips for Doing Portrait Photography in Busy Locations
- Tips for Great Beach Sunset Portraits
CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
- How to Create Portraits with a Black Background
- How Using Props in Portraits Can Make Your Photos More Interesting
- How to Take Unique Crystal Ball Portraits
- How to Create a Hollywood Film Noir Portrait
- How to Create this “Fight Club” Inspired Portrait using One Light
- Dragging the Shutter for Creative Portraits
- 5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography
- How to do Tilt-Shift Portraits
- Copper, Prisms, and Orbs, Oh My! – 3 Creative Techniques for People Photography
- Portrait Tip: Add Interest and Movement into Your Shots with Wind
- Glitter Portrait: How I Took It
- How to Create a Unique Bokeh Portrait for Under $ 10
- 5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits
- Room with a View: How to Create this Window with Blinds Portrait Anywhere
- 7 Steps to Perfect White Portrait Backgrounds in the Studio
- How to Make Unique Portraits Using Light Painting
POST-PROCESSING
- 11 Steps for Basic Portrait Editing in Lightroom – A Beginner’s Guide
- Five Common Portrait Retouching Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Create a Dramatic Cinematic Style Portrait Using Photoshop Color Grading
- How to Edit Corporate Headshots in Lightroom
- How to Create a Dark and Moody Rembrandt-Style Portrait In Lightroom
- How to Retouch a Portrait with the Adjustment Brush in Lightroom
- Photoshop: Red Eye Fix for Difficult Cases in People and Pets
- 3 Steps to Photoshop Retouching for Natural Looking Portraits
- How to do Frequency Separation Portrait Retouching in Photoshop
- Basic Portrait Post-Processing Workflow Tips to Help You Save Time and Stay Organized
- How to Add a Grunge Effect to Your Portraits Using Lightroom
- How to Create Twinkle Lights for Christmas Tree Portraits in Photoshop
- How to Enhance Portraits Using Gray Layers to Dodge and Burn in Photoshop
- How to Blur the Background of a Portrait Using the Magnetic Lasso Tool in Photoshop
- How to Use Photoshop Blending Modes for Fine Art Portraiture
- Stylized Techniques for Editing Portraits Using Lightroom
- How to Make a Bubble Portrait using Photoshop CS3
- Creating a Black and White High Contrast Portrait Edit in Lightroom
- How to Create a “Soft Portrait” Preset in Lightroom 4
- Basic Photoshop Tutorial – How to Add Creative Overlays to Your Portraits
- 3 Essential Photoshop Tools for New Portrait Photographers
- How to Make Creative Lightroom Develop Presets for Portraits
- 5 Reasons to Use Lightroom for Portrait Retouching
- Advanced Portrait Retouch on a Male Subject in Lightroom 4 – Part 1 of 3
- 3 Ways to Make Selective Color Portraits Using Lightroom and Silver Efex Pro 2
- Correcting For Under Exposure and Boosting Dynamic Range with an Environmental Portrait in Lightroom 4
- How to do Portrait Retouching With Luminar
- Tips for Portrait Processing with ON1 Photo RAW 2018.5
- 5 Tips to Cut Your Portrait Editing Time in Half
BUSINESS
- Portrait Consultations: Two Questions That Make A Big Difference
- How to Shoot a Self Portrait to Support your Brand Identity
INSPIRATION
- 5 Examples of Beautiful Simple Portraits
- DISCUSS: When you Photograph People in Black and White, you Photograph their Souls
- 21 Inspirational Natural Light Portraits
- 24 Photos of Perfectly Posed Portraits
- 19 More Creative Mirror Self Portraits
- 18 Stunning Self Portraits
- Interview with Fine Art Portrait Photographer Bill Gekas
- 11 Influential Portrait Photographers you Need to Know
- Black and White Portraits a Set of Images to Admire
- Nadav Kander on Portrait Photography [VIDEO]
- 21 Spooky Portraits
- Inspiring Portraits of Women – a Collection of Images
- 12.5 Years of Daily Self Portraits [VIDEO]
- Interview with Self Portrait and 365 Photographer – Anna Gay
- Triptych Portrait Series
- 8 Striking Portraits from Photograph Einar Erici [Shot in 1930]
- An Interview With Underwater Portrait Photographer Sacha Blue
- Masters of Photography – Yousuf Karsh Portrait Photographer
- 21 Fun Images of People Laughing
RESOURCES
- Portrait Photography: Secrets of Posing & Lighting [Book Review]
- The Luminous Portrait: Book Review
- The Portrait Photography Course by Mark Jenkinson – Book Review
- The Perfect Portrait Guide – How to Photograph People – Book Review
- Improve Your Portraits with these Courses from Ed Verosky
- People Photography and Portraits: Best Resources Toolbox

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The post 10 Essential Things to Think About for Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darlene Hildebrandt.

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How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography

22 May

The post How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darlene Hildebrandt.

How can you create a beautiful, soft blurred background, like the one you see below?

It’s a question I hear over and over from my students. But there’s a major misconception among new portrait photographers: that to achieve such a stunning background blur, you need to go out and buy an expensive lens.

And this is just plain wrong.

Because while it’s true that certain (often expensive) lenses are better for creating blurred backgrounds, it’s also true that several other key factors go into achieving the soft background look – and most photographers fail to consider these factors and how they can be used for gorgeous results.

In other words:

You are capable of creating a lovely blurred background, and you can probably do it with the lenses you already own.

So if you want to learn how to create that gorgeous background, then read on!

Four factors affect background blur

Whenever you see a beautifully blurred background, know that four factors together produced the effect:

the aperture setting
the focal length of the lens
the distance between the subject and the background
the distance between your camera and the subject

If you use a wide aperture, you’ll get a blurry background, sure – and this is what most photographers think of when they see beautiful background bokeh.

But you can use a relatively narrow aperture and achieve the same look with a longer focal length, or by increasing the subject-background distance, or by getting closer to your subject.

So even if you have a lens with a relatively narrow maximum aperture, such as f/5.6, you can get the look you’re after. You just have to carefully control the other background blur factors.

Make sense?

The background blur factors: a quick demonstration

To demonstrate the factors affecting background blur, I’ve created some example photos of a friend’s daughter (she was a more willing subject than my husband!).

This first set of images was taken with my subject about two feet away from the front door of the house. The focal lengths used for all the example shots are (on a full-frame body) 16mm, 35mm, 70mm, and 150mm; note that I backed up with each shot to keep the framing constant. Also, I am deliberately not divulging my aperture, though it is the same for every image.

Now, the second set of images below was taken with my subject about 20 feet away from the house. Again, each time I changed focal lengths, I moved farther away to keep my subject the same size in the frame.

example portraits with subject farther from background

Now take a careful look at each set of images. What do you see?

Did you notice how much softer the background is in the second set of images? Especially at the 150mm focal length?

Remember: All eight images were taken with the same aperture. The only adjustment made for the first set is the lens focal length. And the only difference between the first set and the second set is the distance between the subject and the background; I had my subject move several feet forward.

But what about the aperture?

As you know, I deliberately withheld the aperture – but would you be surprised if I said that all the images were taken at f/5.6?

It’s true! I used an f/5.6 aperture for each shot. Not the first aperture you think of when someone says “blurred background,” right?

Which means that, as long as you have a lens that can shoot at f/5.6, you can get the same exact look.

One more comparison using f/2.8

Just to further prove the point, here are two more sets of images. All the shots are taken at f/2.8, though the first set shows my subject positioned close to the house, whereas the second set shows my subject positioned away from the house.

Can you see how much more the focal length and the distance between the subject and the background affect the background compared to the wide aperture? There’s not a big difference between these shots and the shots at f/5.6 – but there is a huge difference between the images shot at different focal lengths, as well as the images shot with the subject close versus far from the background.

background blur at f/2.8 (taken farther away from the background)

Capturing blurred backgrounds: key takeaways

While using a wide aperture is a factor in creating a blurred background, it is not the only factor. And in my opinion, it’s not the most important.

Instead, if you want to create beautiful backgrounds, make sure you:

Use a longer lens (I generally shoot at 85mm or longer for portraits)
Ask your subject to move away from the background (note that this also depends on the environment, so make sure you do a bit of location-scouting before taking out your camera!)

You can also consider getting closer to your subject; this will increase the blur, though it’ll also tighten up your framing – just something to keep in mind.

Now, go look at the image at the top of the article again.

It, too, was taken at f/5.6! Bet you didn’t guess that the first time you looked at it, am I right?

And here’s one last set of examples to show you the power of a long focal length plus a distant background:

portrait of girl at f/2.8 background blur camera — Taken with a 200mm lens at f/2.8

portrait of girl at f/2.8 with blurry background — 200mm lens at f/2.8

portrait of girl at f/5.6 blurry background in-camera — 200mm lens at f/5.6

Background blur: final words

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know how to create stunning background blur – and you know that you don’t need an expensive f/1.2 lens to make it happen.

In fact, I challenge you to test this out yourself. Find a willing subject, start them close to the background, then slowly move them forward. Test out different focal lengths, different apertures, and different distances to your subject.

In the end, you’ll have some stunning shots – even if you only shoot at f/5.6 and beyond.

Now over to you:

Do you struggle to get perfect blurred backgrounds? Which of the tips from this article are you going to use first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darlene Hildebrandt.

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5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography

08 May

The post 5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Alana Orth.

Silhouette portrait photography produces some of the most gorgeous images imaginable – which is why I recommend every portrait shooter try a silhouette shot or two.

In this article, I’m going to show you exactly what you need to do for perfect silhouette portraits. I’ll share plenty of tips and tricks I’ve learned from my own time as a portrait photographer. And by the time you’re done, you’ll be a portrait silhouette expert.

So let’s get started.

portrait silhouette photography kissing couple

1. Shoot low and head to toe

Powerful silhouettes start with clear, minimalistic compositions. Here’s what I recommend:

Place the subject’s entire body, from head to toe, against the sky. To pull this off, you’ll need to be lower than the subject, so try lying on your back or stomach.

If you are unable to get low enough, you may need to have your subject get higher; ask them to stand on a rock, small hill, or sand dune. In most circumstances, this will allow you to get an angle that places the subject’s entire outline against the sky. (You can see a variety of examples throughout this article.)

Why is this so important?

If you can’t place your subject’s body against the sky, they will merge with the background, and the recognizable silhouette will be lost. You’ll end up with a lot of confusing darkness, and your viewer won’t be able to immediately tell what’s going on.

Also, pro tip:

It’s so, so, so important that your subject’s feet are outlined against the sky! Legs in a silhouette portrait that are cut off above the feet look like weird, short stumps:

perfect silhouette photography woman by a tree

Even with all this composition advice in mind, there will be times when you just can’t find a suitable spot for a full-body-framed-against-the-sky type silhouette.

And when that happens, you don’t need to give up on silhouettes entirely. Just get closer to your subject and create tighter compositions, focusing on the areas of your subject that are framed by the sky.

2. Shoot at the right time of day

Silhouettes work best around 20-30 minutes before sunset. The ideal time does vary with the angle you are able to achieve; the greater the height difference between you and the subject, the earlier you will need to take the shot.

Because if you wait too long, the sun will hide behind whatever your subjects are standing on, and the sky might not be bright enough to make a silhouette.

Shooting too early is also a problem, however; the sky’s colors can be a bit boring and you will have other issues, such as sun flare.

kissing couple perfect silhouette portrait photography

Pro tip: Silhouettes can be taken earlier in the day (i.e., before sunset) if the sun is partially blocked or filtered through strong clouds.

3. Choose your portrait silhouette settings carefully

Perfect silhouettes require careful settings.

Set your camera to Aperture Priority mode and dial in an aperture of f/2.8 and an ISO of 400. Select Evaluative Metering; that way, the camera will consider the whole scene when determining the exposure.

If you fill the frame with your subject’s face or body, the camera will expose for their skin even with a bright background (see the photo below, left).

But if you fill the frame mostly with a very bright sky, then the camera will expose for the sky – bringing out the natural sunset colors and making everything else dark (see the photo below, right).

So place your subject directly against the bright sky and make sure their body takes up a small portion of the frame. The subject will be heavily underexposed, and the sky will retain detail.

The result? A perfect silhouette portrait!

Both the photographs above were taken with the settings I mentioned above (just seconds apart).

The difference? What was filling the frame – subject or sky.

4. Use perfect silhouette portrait posing

Silhouettes are very forgiving of poor facial expressions (because you cannot see them!). But silhouettes are very harsh when it comes to posing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when posing subjects for a silhouette:

Hugging poses do not work. A hug silhouette looks like a great big blob monster. Instead, all subjects need to be clearly defined, which means they need to be at least a couple of inches apart from each other. It’s nice for subjects to still be connected – but by holding hands or kissing, not by hugging.
Have your clients look away from the camera. Face profiles look beautiful and natural.
Watch the clothing. Very baggy clothing won’t work well for silhouettes; the shape can become unflattering. It is best to wear form-fitting clothes, as this helps clearly define your subject against the sky.

5. Take portrait silhouettes whenever you can (because they sell!)

Try to capture at least one silhouette at every photo shoot, whether it is a family portrait, maternity, engagement, or wedding.

Why? Because silhouettes sell!

Here are some reasons why silhouettes are great for client shoots:

Silhouettes add variety to the series. Silhouettes are so different in their colors and style – and the variety they give instantly makes any shoot more interesting. Plus, because silhouettes are unique compared to standard portraits, they’re easy to sell individually as a piece of artwork.
Silhouettes are perfect for shy clients. Some clients hate the idea of their faces hanging up on the wall. This makes silhouettes the perfect compromise! A silhouette can be marketed to a client as the perfect piece of personalized artwork – without making them feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
Silhouettes look better when printed big! Wide-angle silhouettes and scenic, environmental compositions look great, especially when printed large. So if you do capture wider silhouettes, you can sell them as a large piece of artwork. The client will love it, and it’ll be a more profitable sale for you.

portrait silhouette photography people by a tree

Perfect silhouette portrait photography: final words

Well, there you have it:

Five simple secrets to capture stunning portrait silhouette photography.

Silhouette portraits are a lot of fun – so the next time you’re doing a portrait photoshoot, try a few shots! I’m confident you’ll love the results!

The post 5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Alana Orth.

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11 Portrait Photography Ideas to Inspire You

22 Apr

The post 11 Portrait Photography Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

Coming up with fresh portrait photography ideas is challenging for many photographers. Whether you take a lot of portraits or are a beginner, it’s always best to have a few good ideas up your sleeve.

So here are 11 portrait photography ideas to create great images of whoever is in front of your camera, starting with…

1. Communicate well

Let your portrait subjects know what you want from them. Talk to them about what you are doing with the lighting, props, and background. This will build their confidence in you and show them you are serious about taking some great portraits.

Don’t be shy. Be interested in who they are and how they are feeling. Ask them questions. Show an interest in what they want.

Woman in a field — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/3.2 | 1/2000s | ISO 200
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

2. Light based on the mood

Style your lighting to suit the mood of the portrait you are creating. If you want a soft, gentle portrait, use soft lighting and add lights or reflectors to reduce strong shadows.

Alternatively, embrace the darkness and generate a sullen atmosphere by creating a shadowy, dark effect. Purposely underexpose so you create a sense of mystery.

portrait of a woman in the market — Nikon D800 | 50mm | f/2.2 | 1/250s | ISO 200
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

3. Make use of the environment or isolate your subject

Wherever you are, look around and think about how you can incorporate elements of the environment into your portrait photos. Think about whether showing some of the location will add to the portraits you are making.

If there’s nothing suitable to include in the photo, then isolate your subject. Blur the background by using a shallow depth of field, or find a plain, blank background to position your subject in front of.

a monk sweeping leaves portrait photography idea — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/4 | 1/400s | ISO 200
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

4. Ask your subject what they want

Even if you have some good portrait photography ideas of your own, ask your subject what they want. You may be surprised at what they have to offer.

The young lady in the photo below told me to include ice cream in our planned portrait session. So I bought ice cream. We were challenged by the weather. Even indoors with the air conditioning on full, the ice cream melted too quickly. So we made the most of it!

a young woman with an ice cream — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/6.3 | 1/200s | ISO 100
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

5. Use many lighting and background setups

Think outside the box and use different lighting setups and backgrounds during the portrait session. By controlling the lighting and backgrounds, you can create a strikingly diverse set of portraits.

portrait photography idea a young woman with an ice cream — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/9 | 1/200s | ISO 100
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

6. Take a series of portraits

Take a series of portraits with the aim of displaying them together. Keep the lighting and background the same for each shot and capture a range of expressions and poses from your model.

If you isolate your model on a plain background, you can print the entire series as a single image. Or you can frame each shot on its own but hang the series together.

Three portraits of a girl in a green scarf — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/8 | 1/160s | ISO 400
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

7. Photograph your subject’s hands

Hands bring a fresh dynamic and can help add more story to your pictures. You can have the hands holding something, or you can just arrange them nicely.

Giving your subject something to do with their hands will often help them relax. People can feel uneasy when they don’t know how to place their hands. So guiding the hands with some directions or suggestions will help your subject feel more comfortable.

portrait photography idea of a woman with a snake — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/11 | 1/200s | ISO 400
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

8. Go with the flow

Sometimes, your subject may have some great ideas that are quite different from yours. Go with the flow and include these. Take the photos they want because they will always be enthusiastic and more expressive when trying out their own ideas.

Even if the ideas your subject suggests are not so stellar, take the photos anyway. This will help your subject build confidence and strengthen the relationship between the two of you.

Then, once you’ve spent some time capturing the photos they want, move on to your own portrait photography ideas.

two kids acting out a scene — Nikon D800 | 55mm | f/5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 200
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

9. Capture the moment

Be prepared to capture special moments as they happen. Don’t be peering down at your camera and fiddling with the settings. Instead, engage with your subject. Be constantly aware of what they are doing and how they are looking. You want to be ready when they smile (and even when they grimace).

When your subject is engaged in an activity, getting your timing right can be more challenging. For the street portrait below, I had to move to keep up with my subject. He was demonstrating the quality of the wallets he had for sale. He poured lighter fluid on one and set it alight to show that it was not made of plastic. It all happened very quickly!

Man with a wallet on fire — Nikon D800 | 20mm | f/4 | 1/125s | ISO 400
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

10. Incorporate some movement

Portraits do not need to be still. Movement can help add liveliness to a photo.

Have your subject walk or jump. You can also get them to turn their head quickly, like I did for this photo:

portrait photography idea a woman spinning around — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/2.8 | 1/160s | ISO 200
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

Head movement works best when a person has long hair, but it can be a good idea even for shorter-haired subjects.

Any movement can make way for spontaneity, so don’t forget about the importance of capturing the moment (as I discussed in the previous section). Be ready for anything that might happen.

11. Expose for good skin tones

I’ll add one technical idea:

Set your exposure so your subject’s skin tone is well exposed. This is especially important when there’s a lot of contrast in your composition.

For instance, wedding portraits of a bride and groom can be challenging. A stunning bride in a white dress and a groom looking handsome in his dark suit can make it difficult for you to find a balanced exposure setting. So spot meter off their faces; this will ensure you end up with a good exposure.

Two Akha woman having a laugh portrait photography idea — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 400
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

Bonus tip: Show your subject the portrait

Here’s a bonus portrait photography tip:

As soon as you have a few good photos, show your subject. Until you do this, they may not have a clear idea of what you are doing or how you are framing them. But once you show them how good you are making them look in the portraits, they will feel better about themselves. This boosted confidence will only lead to more great portraits.

portrait photography idea a woman with an elephant — Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/11 | 1/100s | ISO 400
© Kevin Landwer-Johan

Portrait photography ideas: final words

It can be challenging to come up with good portrait photography ideas, so I hope this list was helpful.

The next time you have a person in front of your camera, remember these ideas – and use them!

Do you have any portrait photography ideas? Share them (and your portrait photos) in the comments below!

The post 11 Portrait Photography Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

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21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos

11 Mar

The post 21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

Preparation is key to any successful photoshoot, and having plenty of family portrait ideas will help ensure your session goes as smoothly as possible.

Whether you’re working with friends, repeat clients, or new customers, you want to make your family portrait sessions fun and engaging, because this will always lead to better pictures.

So if you’re stuck in a rut or just looking for something new to try, check out these 21 ideas. They’ll stimulate your creativity and get you thinking about fun ways to take pictures of families.

Let’s get started.

1. Standing together

This one won’t win any awards for creativity, but it’s a classic. It just works.

Position everyone close together, with those on the outside turned slightly inward. Kids can stand on the ground or be held by an adult.

family portrait ideas standing — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/400s | f/2.8 | ISO 1400

I always like to start with shots like this to cover my bases before I try new and creative ideas. That way, you can always deliver a classic posed image your clients will love, in case your other ideas don’t quite work out.

2. Look for interesting backgrounds

While the focus of your family photos should always be the people, it can help to use different locations – especially if you find yourself working with repeat clients.

Introducing new background elements or other scenery can dramatically alter the look and feel of an image, and will give your clients pictures they will remember forever.

family portrait ideas background — Nikon D750 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8G | 1/250s | f/4 | ISO 100

3. Group hug!

Family portraits should be a celebration of love and togetherness.

So find ways to use that in your images!

Get the kids to snuggle up with the parents so everyone’s near each other.

Let the family, and others who see the photos, remember the love that can barely be contained in a single image.

family portrait ideas group hug — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/350s | f/4 | ISO 800

4. Go for a walk

Tell everyone to stand back, get in a line, and slowly walk toward you.

Here’s an example:

family walking — Nikon D7100 | Nikon 85mm f/1.8 | 1/500s | f/2.8 |ISO 200

This type of shot is a classic for a couple of reasons. For one, families love it. Plus, it’s the type of photo you can’t get with a mobile phone.

I recommend using a zoom lens, because you can zoom from telephoto to wide as the group gets closer.

It also helps to have a camera with a fast continuous shooting speed and a deep buffer, so you can take as many shots as you need to nail the perfect one.

5. Go for a run!

This one works great if you have children involved. Just tell everyone to back way up and then run toward the camera.

(Kids love doing this type of shot!)

family running — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 135mm | 1/200s | f/4 | ISO 360

Make sure everyone is holding hands; otherwise, the speedier ones will end up ahead.

Also, quick tip:

Use your camera’s high-speed shooting functionality combined with a fast shutter speed to freeze the action.

6. Showcase the generations

When doing a multigenerational family portrait session, it’s a good idea to get at least one shot showing the eldest couple plus the family.

Put the eldest couple in the middle and surround them with their children, grandchildren, and other relatives. This creates a sense of closeness and family bonding that’s immediately apparent to anyone who looks at the photo afterward.

family portrait ideas generations — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 130mm | 1/180s | f/4 | ISO 280

7. Headshots of each person

This might seem like cheating because a single headshot isn’t the same as a family portrait.

But I love taking headshots for my family clients since they require almost no extra effort on my part and the families always enjoy the results.

(I’ve found that most people aren’t expecting individual headshots when you do a family portrait session. So they’re seen as a fun bonus and will keep clients calling for repeat business.)

Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO 360

7. Use backlighting

It’s always important to look for the light any time you’re taking photos, and it’s especially true for family portraits.

Normally I like the light to be behind me, but it’s fun to play around with backlighting and see how it can dramatically alter your images.

In this example, the fountain behind the couple adds a brilliant shine to the shot, thanks to the power of backlighting:

family portrait ideas backlighting — Nikon D7100 | Nikon 85mm f/1.8 | 1/2000s | f/2.4 | ISO 100

The sun also adds a nice rim light to the newly engaged couple. See how they shine in the late afternoon sun?

The couple was thrilled with the result, and your clients will be, too.

8. Group the genders

Grouping the genders isn’t exactly new or groundbreaking. But it’s a tried-and-true formula for success – one that your clients might not think about in advance but will greatly appreciate afterward.

So put all the women together and take some shots, then do the same for the men.

My clients always have fun doing this, and it gives them some great photos to hang on their wall.

family portrait ideas genders — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 175mm | 1/180s | f/4 | ISO 220

9. Show playfulness

Kids love to laugh, play, and run around.

So why not embrace that during a photoshoot?

Ditch the poses for a minute and let your clients just have fun. This works especially well with young kids; parents will pick them up, swing them around, and have a great time just enjoying the day.

But have your camera ready to capture those moments!

father and child playing — Nikon D750 | Nikon 85mm f/1.8 | 1/200s | f/1.8 | ISO 400

10. Build photo benches

I did many family photo sessions that left me frustrated. You see, I didn’t have a great solution for a very basic problem:

I didn’t have a spot for people to sit.

If you’re in a controlled studio environment, you can deal with this easily. If you like to shoot out in nature, however, you might not be so lucky.

Thankfully, with a few cheap pieces of wood from any home improvement store, along with some tools and a free afternoon, you can build your own photo benches (and solve this problem once and for all!).

I now have three benches in different sizes that I use to accommodate a variety of families. They can be used separately or placed together as one long bench. It doesn’t even matter if they get scuffed or dirty, since imperfections add to a sense of character.

And the results are amazing, plus I no longer worry about finding a spot for my clients to sit comfortably.

family portrait ideas photo benches — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/250s | f/4 | ISO 640

11. Just the kids

Amidst the joy and chaos of a family photoshoot, it’s easy to overlook this classic pose – but it’s one that you’ll regret leaving out.

Parents love shots with their kids together, and even when not all the kids are happy and cheerful, I still get positive comments. Pictures like this show the unique personalities of each child, and I usually get one or two kids smirking, grinning, or doing their own thing, to which their parents say, “Yup, that’s just who they are!”

family portrait ideas kids — This old coffee table was what I used before I built my own photo benches.
Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/200s | f/4 | ISO 250.

12. Involve the pets

Bringing pets to a photoshoot can be a mixed bag. When you introduce a four-legged friend to a formal family photo session, you add a lot of uncertainty, and it’s almost impossible to make the animal do what you want it to.

Even so, there’s a host of important benefits: It puts your clients at ease, helps them remember their pets fondly, and can make for some genuine smiles.

I find this works best if you do your photo session at your clients’ house. But if you do go out, make sure the clients bring a portable kennel or some treats to keep the furry friend occupied when it’s not in the shot.

family portrait ideas pets — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/250s | f/4 | ISO 100

13. Use structures

I like going out around town to do family photo sessions (preferably to a handful of places I have scouted in advance and used many times before).

The nice thing about some of these spots is that they have built-in structures and other accoutrements that allow you to take fun, sometimes unplanned, pictures of your clients.

So don’t be afraid to include these! Embrace the structures around you and use them to add flair to your photos.

kids on a structure — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/180s | f/4 | ISO 280

14. Show affection

This one is a little tricky, but the results can be absolutely heartwarming.

Just be careful how you talk with your clients and direct them during the shoot. You don’t want signs of affection to be forced or uncomfortable, and unless you are good friends with your clients, you might not know where to draw the line.

That being said, I’ve had nothing but positive results just by asking parents to give a quick hug or kiss to their little children. These simple signs of affection often end up being my clients’ favorite shots.

family portrait ideas affection — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/500s | f/4 | ISO 2200

15. Read a book

Any time you do a family photo session with kids, particularly younger ones, you have to be willing to accept a degree of uncertainty.

After all, the kids might be hungry, fussy, or defiant – and it’s your job to make the best images possible in spite of these obstacles.

I don’t recommend handing out sweets or treats to children, as this can introduce even more unwanted uncertainty. But if you want to get the kids to cooperate, ask your clients to bring along some of their child’s favorite books. This helps them relax and can lead to some very special pictures.

parents reading to daughter — Nikon D7100 | Nikon 35mm f/1.8 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 200

16. Use their home

I do almost all of my work for clients outdoors. But sometimes I’m invited inside their homes, and this can make for some very special sessions.

If you schedule a shoot at your clients’ house, ask if you can arrive early. Assuming you get the go-ahead, come before the session and politely look for good spots to take pictures. Look for furniture, toys, and large windows that will let in plenty of light.

Ideally, you want to schedule a pre-consultation with your clients to discuss the session. Treat these at-home opportunities with the respect and dignity your clients deserve, and they will be glad to ask you for future photo sessions.

family interacting at home — Nikon D750 | Nikon 35mm f/1.8 | 1/90s | f/4 | ISO 5600

17. Show context

I sometimes get asked to photograph singular events in my clients’ lives: birthdays, graduations, and other milestones.

And while you can always use these opportunities to capture the same types of portraits you would normally shoot, what really matters is context.

So find ways of incorporating visual elements from the event into your photos, as I did in this image:

family portrait ideas context — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 70mm | 1/4000s | f/4 | ISO 560

My friend asked if I would take pictures when he received his Ph.D., and I made sure to include campus buildings in the frame to serve as a reminder of his time in graduate school.

18. Capture candids

Sometimes the best shots of a photo session are completely unplanned. While posed pictures are nice, it’s also fun to get pictures of your clients just walking around, laughing, talking, and enjoying one another’s company.

In other words:

When photographing a family, show them being a family!

And it’s okay to cheat a bit here, too. For the shot below, I asked the couple to walk across the veranda, then I caught them in a candid moment of joy.

family portrait ideas candids — Fuji X100F | 23mm | 1/125s | f/5.6 | ISO 400

19. All hands on deck

When taking pictures of a large family, especially one that spans multiple generations, make sure to get an image with hands.

Clients love seeing mementos like this, and they can instantly pick out which individuals were present just by looking at the hands.

Plus, an image like the one below captures myriad details that are missing in headshots and full-body portraits: wedding rings, the weathered hands of the grandparents, and the small hands of children next to their mother’s and father’s hands. It’s a touching image that speaks volumes about the family without showing any faces at all.

hands together — Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 86mm | 1/500s | f/4 | ISO 280

20. Use their ideas

Any time I do a family session, I make sure I’m well prepared. I have a clear idea of my goals for the session, where I want to be, what kinds of images I want to get, and of course, plenty of spare batteries.

But you have to be willing to adapt and incorporate your clients’ ideas, too. They might want to try something different, go to a new location, or pose in a way you hadn’t considered.

Don’t shut these ideas down! Even if the images aren’t your personal favorites, your clients might love them, and they will certainly appreciate your willingness to listen to their suggestions.

couple on a bridge — Nikon D750 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8 | 1/4000s | f/1.8 | ISO 100

21. Use a silly noise-maker

This idea is last because you have to use it carefully. If you know your clients well, and if there are young children in the family, then one fun thing to consider is a remote-controlled fart machine.

Yes, I know that seems absolutely ridiculous, but nothing sends kids into a gleeful bout of giddiness quite like an unexpected breaking of wind.

These little gadgets are inexpensive and can be hidden underneath a bench, taped to a stool, or tossed behind a tree. Right as you prepare to take a shot, click the remote and watch the kids erupt with laughter.

Adults might roll their eyes, but the kids will love it, and you’ll get some of your favorite shots of the session.

family portrait ideas noise machine — If you want to get genuine smiles and laughs from kids, this can definitely help. But don’t use it with new clients. Make sure you have a good relationship with clients and their kids first.

Family portrait ideas: Final words

There’s no guarantee that these family portrait ideas will result in perfect pictures. Any number of things can go wrong on a family shoot, but any number of things can also go right.

The point here is to fill your mind with possibilities. That way, you can do everything in your power to get the best possible shots.

And above all else, try to relax, have fun, and enjoy the session!

Your clients will love the results…

…and they’ll soon be asking you to come back for more pictures.

Frequently asked questions

What should my clients wear for a family session?

I recommend solid colors in matching groups (such as some people wearing blue, others wearing green, etc.). But remember that the photos are for your clients, and even if they show up in clothing you wouldn’t recommend, your job is to take good photos regardless.

Do I need a tripod for family photos?

Absolutely not! You can use one if you prefer, but I find that tripods and even monopods are more of a hassle than a help. You need to move around, especially if you’re shooting pictures of kids – and if you are tied down to a tripod, you won’t be nearly as flexible and adaptable.

You do a lot of outdoor family photos. What’s the best type of location to look for?

I try to avoid popular spots like botanical gardens and college campuses (which often have beautiful landscaping) and look for spots that are off the beaten path. My primary consideration is light: I like spots with tall trees and even lighting, even if there aren’t flowers or fountains. Choose your locations so the emphasis in your images will be on the people, not their surroundings. 21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos

What camera is best for family portraits?

You can use almost any camera for family photos, but I recommend one with a large buffer and the option for a battery grip. The former will prevent you from wasting time waiting for your camera while photo opportunities slip by. The latter will give your camera enough battery power to last for hours, which means one less thing for you to think about during the shoot.

Do I need an expensive portrait lens?

No, but if the only lens you have is the kit lens that came with your camera, I would recommend at least investing in a single prime lens. A 35mm or 50mm lens won’t be expensive and can yield amazing results, especially for family photos.

The post 21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

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How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step)

27 Feb

The post How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sean McCormack.

If you’re looking to create a stunning low key portrait, then you’ve come to the right place.

Because in this article, I’m going to give you a simple, step-by-step process for creating low key photos.

In fact, it’s the same setup I use when capturing my own low key shots, so you know it works.

(And I include quite a few examples, so you can see what I’m talking about!)

Ready?

Let’s get started.

What is a low key portrait?

A low key portrait has tones that are mostly dark. Like this:

Compare it to a high key image, where most of the tones are lighter than 50% gray.

Low key portraiture replaces a light, airy feel with a more moody, dramatic look. And your histogram will be bunched up on the left-hand side.

That’s not to say you’re underexposing the subject to get a low key look. You’ll still need correct exposure on the face.

A lot of action movies or thrillers have posters with a low key feel. Think drama, and you’re in the ballpark for how a low key portrait will turn out.

The background and lighting

Your background needs to be dark, usually dark gray or black. And your subject’s clothing needs to be dark, too (though black clothes aren’t necessary). Also, avoid clothes with patterns, as this will draw attention away from your subject’s face.

Set your lighting to create drama; I recommend loop lighting, Rembrandt lighting, or some other form of sidelight. Take your cues from film noir.

The photos don’t need to be in black and white, though you may find that the absence of color in low key images can lend itself to this look.

Lighting a low key portrait

You don’t need to use artificial lighting to get a low key portrait. You can always use natural window light.

But to control the natural light, you must close the curtains down to a tiny slit. Then, with the room lights off, place your subject in the light and expose for their face.

You can also shoot in the studio, so let’s discuss how to light a low key studio portrait.

You’ll need a lighting setup that is flattering and controllable. A strip box will help control the light, as will a beauty dish. If you don’t have either, you can add some material over a standard softbox to create a strip light.

If you have a grid, even better. As long as you can control where the light goes, you’ll be able to nail a low key portrait. You can even block your light from the background using a black card (items that block light are referred to as flags).

Creating a low key portrait from scratch

For the examples below, I used an Elinchrom softbox with a white beauty dish and a white reflector.

However, as I’ve mentioned, you don’t need this exact gear to get these shots. Gear is only a small part of the equation.

It’s how you use the gear that counts!

Making the background darker

In this first shot, you’ll see the model against the wall, photographed with a butterfly lighting pattern.

Though the tones are dark, the image itself is too bright to be considered a low key portrait.

By moving both the model and the light away from the wall, you’ll notice the light on the subject stays the same, but the background gets darker:

portrait with a darker background — Moving the model away from the wall means the light falls off and the background gets darker.

Move the light to the side

If you move the light around to the side into a short lighting position, you’ll see the background darkens even more and the shot becomes dramatic. We still have some light spilling onto our background, though:

Add a grid to your lighting modifier

By adding a grid to your modifier, you can control the light even more.

The grid restricts the light to a narrower beam; when a grid is in place, no light bounces around or spills past your subject.

Low key portrait of a woman setup — Light with a grid added.

Add light onto the hair

While you’ll now have a very cool low key effect, you’ll see that the hair is starting to blend in with the background. If you want separation between the hair and the background, you need to add a fill light.

You could use a reflector, but a second light offers more control. For the photo below, I added a strip light on the other side of the subject (opposite the main light).

Make sure the hair light doesn’t hit your lens; otherwise, you’ll get flare. Use a grid or a flag to block your modifier, if necessary.

Low key portrait setup with a hair light — Here you can see two lights: the main light plus a hair light.

Low key portraits: Make sure you practice!

Hopefully, these steps will help you create your own stunning low key portraits.

The trick is to control the light so you darken the surroundings. Use the narrow curtain trick if you don’t have any lights.

You can even try putting a flash outside a window to replace the natural light source for more control.

Good luck with your portraits!

Now over to you:

What type of low key portrait do you plan to take? Please share your plans in the comments below!

The post How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sean McCormack.

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10 Tips for Doing Your First Family Portrait Session

30 Jan

The post 10 Tips for Doing Your First Family Portrait Session appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Louise Downham.

Photographs from a good family portrait session will be treasured for many years to come. It’s an incredibly rewarding area of photography, but it can also be a little daunting for new photographers. You need to build a rapport with the family, keep the children on board, and meet the parents’ expectations with gorgeous photographs.

So where do you start? Which camera settings should you choose?

Here are some important pointers to make your first session go smoothly, and to help you take great family portraits every time!

1. Get down on their level

If you’re photographing children, get down on their eye level. This will lead to far more engaging photographs, and will also help you interact better with the child.

2. Use the center AF point to focus

Different focus settings suit different photographers, but using the center point to focus tends to be the most useful for family portraits. As you take more and more family images, you’ll get a feeling for whether this setting suits you.

But it’s a great starting point for your first session.

3. Choose an appropriate aperture

Your aperture settings will be influenced by the style of photography you prefer.

As a starting point, many lifestyle family photographers choose to shoot wide open for individual portraits (f/2.2 works really well if you’re after beautiful background bokeh), and around f/5.6 for group shots to ensure everyone is in focus.

Here’s an example of the effect you get with a wide aperture:

girl in the park family portrait — This image was shot at f/2.2.

And here’s what you get when shooting at f/5.6:

Family portrait dad and son black and white — This image was taken at f/5.6.

4. Choose a fast shutter speed

Children move fast, and sometimes unpredictably.

That’s why you generally want a faster shutter speed, at least compared to your average portrait settings. A good place to start is 1/250s, which will still deliver sharp photos, even if children are rolling over or waving.

If you have a situation where someone is moving very fast, such as a child jumping or racing off into the distance, choose a much faster shutter speed (such as 1/800s).

family portrait baby held up high — To capture a sharp shot of this child being tossed in the air, I shot at 1/800s.

5. Use Auto ISO

While you’re familiarizing yourself with the apertures and shutter speeds that work for family portrait sessions, consider setting your ISO to Auto. The results are usually satisfactory, and it’s one less thing to think about when shooting.

As you gain experience and confidence, you can start to select the ISO manually.

6. Experiment with metering modes

Certain metering options suit some photographers better than others. As you take more family portraits, you’ll soon see which mode works best for you.

To start with, try using Spot metering for individual portraits, and Evaluative metering (also known as Matrix metering) for group shots.

family portrait mother and baby — This photo was taken using Evaluative metering mode.

7. Shoot in RAW format

If you shoot in RAW, you’ll have a far greater range of colors and details in your images – which you can then use for stunning edits in Lightroom.

8. Use Auto White Balance

Set your white balance to Auto if you’re doing a location shoot.

Why?

Because you’ll be working with a variety of scenes with different lighting, and you won’t have much time to change the white balance as you go.

Plus, correcting white balance is an easy edit in Lightroom, so you’d be better off spending the time engaging with the family you’re photographing.

9. Choose your lenses carefully

Carefully consider which lenses to take to the family portrait session.

If you don’t have several lenses, consider renting some. This can be surprisingly economical, and it’ll give you the opportunity to try out different focal lengths to see which suit your style of shooting.

Family portrait baby at 85mm — This baby photo was taken with an 85mm lens.

Using several lenses in a family portrait session will also help you vary your compositions, and it’ll ensure you can cope with most locations. A zoom lens like a 24-70mm will give you lots of flexibility, while a popular prime lens for family portraits is an 85mm lens (it creates very flattering photos!). A wide lens, such as a 35mm prime, will help you set the scene.

As you gain experience photographing families, you’ll develop a sense of which lenses work best for your style. And once you know what you like, I recommend you invest in the highest-quality lenses you can afford.

family portrait siblings at 35mm — This sibling photo was taken with a 35mm lens.

10. Set limits

Limit yourself to capturing five versions of each scene. This will train your eye to look for the details and expressions you want to capture, and will teach you to include everything you need in a single photograph.

Family portrait photography tips: Conclusion

So there you have it – family portraits in a nutshell!

Practice makes perfect, though, so be prepared to work hard and hone your camera skills. Above all, a friendly and professional attitude combined with careful preparation for each family portrait shoot should make for happy clients and repeat business.

Do you have any family portrait photos you’re proud of? Share them in the comments below!

The post 10 Tips for Doing Your First Family Portrait Session appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Louise Downham.

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7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography

17 Jan

The post 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by John McIntire.

In the era of digital cameras capable of capturing millions of colors, why would you choose to do black and white portrait photography?

For me – and many others – it’s a simple matter of aesthetics. A good black and white treatment has a way of stripping unneeded information from an image, helping you emphasize specific elements without the distractions color can create.

And fortunately, portrait photography is a genre where black and white images can really shine.

However, like any photographic technique, there are tips you can follow to make sure your images have the most impact. In this article, I offer 7 simple tips that will instantly improve your black and white portraits – no matter your level of experience.

So if you’re looking to take your black and white portrait shooting to the next level, read on!

1. Start with black and white in mind

Black and white portrait photography tips

For many photographers, black and white is more than a creative choice at the post-production stage; instead, it’s a mindset. If you can start creating an image knowing that you ultimately intend it to be black and white, you can take steps to ensure that all of the elements of a good monochrome image are in place before you press the shutter.

Things like tonal contrast, lighting contrast, and appropriate expressions from your subjects are all elements that are difficult, if not impossible, to fix after an image is taken.

If you have trouble imagining how an image may look in black and white, try using the monochrome setting on your camera. While I don’t recommend you use an in-camera black and white conversion for your final image, as long as you shoot in a RAW file format, then all of your image’s color data will still be present in the file, and Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw will reset the photo back to color once it’s imported.

Working in black and white will give you an idea of how an image will look without color, while still providing the highest amount of versatility in post-production.

2. Keep the eyes sharp and well-lit

In the majority of portraits, the most important part is the eyes. Eyes are usually the focal point that the rest of your image is built around.

And this is especially true in black and white.

Due to the lack of color, a black and white image often breaks down into graphic forms and shapes. Eyes are shapes that everyone recognizes, and they immediately capture the attention of your viewers.

So make sure that your subject’s eyes are well-lit and in-focus for a stunning black and white portrait.

3. Expressions are emphasized in black and white portraits

woman's expression emphasized in black and white

As with the eyes, other facial features become very prominent in a black and white portrait.

Use this to your advantage by conveying emotion in your images. Even tiny changes in your subject’s expression can make a difference. Things like a raised eyebrow, a twitch at the corner of the mouth, and smile lines under the eyes can all be used to great effect.

Here is an exercise you can do with your portrait subjects to get a mixture of great expressions:

Prepare a list of words or phrases, then ask your subject to react to each one.

The words you choose can be simple descriptors of emotion, such as love, sadness, joy, anger, and melancholy.

For more diverse expressions, try abstract words. You can even go for funny words, such as cheeseburger, politics, Teletubbies, or Hulk smash. Plus, if you have a subject who’s tense or nervous, this can easily lighten the mood.

4. Do your lighting carefully

When it comes to lighting black and white portrait photography, there are no hard and fast rules. If you like high-contrast images with hard gradations in tone, then choose a harder source of light. If you like soft tones and subtler images, then you want a softer light source.

It’s all about personal preference, here. If you’re not sure what you like, search for black and white portraits on the internet. Find the first ten black and white portraits that stand out to you the most and see if you can deconstruct the lighting.

Then try to use those lighting techniques in your own images!

5. Add contrast with light

If you want to create high-contrast black and white portrait photos, the best advice is to add contrast with light, not Photoshop.

Small global adjustments are okay and won’t hurt your images, but definitely do not crank the Contrast slider to 100. Try to keep it between +15 and -15.

For local adjustments in post-processing, use a dodging and burning technique of your choice. The key point here, and in all post-production, is subtlety.

Ultimately, you can use contrast adjustments while editing. But strive to make the largest changes with your lighting setup!

6. You can’t save a bad image with black and white

If you’re working on an image that you feel isn’t up to scratch and you ask yourself if it might work in black and white, the answer is probably “No.”

A black and white treatment will often emphasize the flaws that made you question the image in the first place – and a bad photo is a bad photo, regardless of its color scheme (or lack thereof).

7. Choose black and white in spite of color

Certain subjects practically beg to be shot in black and white.

Other subjects may not be so obvious.

Bright, punchy hues make for vivid color photos. But by removing the color element, you can completely change how a subject or scene is perceived. When you want to ensure your viewer is focused on a particular element, color can become a distraction.

So try getting rid of it.

This can be a difficult concept to understand without seeing it in action, so I have included the color version of one of the black and white portrait photos above.

Look at the image, then ask yourself: How did my perception of the photo change? What did I notice first in each version of the image? Do I respond differently when I see the image in color versus black and white?

Hopefully, you can see that even though bold colors can make for vivid images, so can a lack of color.

Black and white portrait photography: Conclusion

If you’re new to black and white portrait photography, do remember that these are guidelines, not rules.

So if you need to stray from my tips to get the result you’re after, do so without hesitation.

Finally, if you try black and white and you like it:

Welcome to the addiction!

Now it’s your turn:

Do you have any tips for black and white portraits that I missed? Do you have a favorite black and white portrait technique? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by John McIntire.

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Posts Tagged ‘Portrait’

1. Brixton Film presets

2. Mastin Labs

Mastin Labs: Ilford Original pack

Mastin Labs: Portra Pushed pack

3. Julia & Gil

4. @rwpho Portrait Lightroom presets

5. Etchd Portrait presets

6. dPS

What are the best Lightroom portrait presets in 2021?

Best Lightroom portrait presets: FAQs

1. Prepare your equipment and check the weather

2. Get out when the light is best

3. Choose the right clothing

4. Choose your location wisely

5. Use the right aperture (and settings)

6. Aim to capture emotions and natural smiles

7. Enhance the colors in editing

Fall portrait photography tips: final words

Table of contents

Portrait Photography

1. Lighting pattern

2. Lighting ratio

3. Quality of light

4. Lens selection

5. Background

6. Exposure and metering

7. Focusing

8. Posing the subject

9. Facial view and camera angle

10. Expression

Portrait photography essentials: putting it all together

Table of contents

Portrait Photography

Four factors affect background blur

The background blur factors: a quick demonstration

But what about the aperture?

One more comparison using f/2.8

Capturing blurred backgrounds: key takeaways

Background blur: final words

1. Shoot low and head to toe

2. Shoot at the right time of day

3. Choose your portrait silhouette settings carefully

4. Use perfect silhouette portrait posing

5. Take portrait silhouettes whenever you can (because they sell!)

Perfect silhouette portrait photography: final words

1. Communicate well

2. Light based on the mood

3. Make use of the environment or isolate your subject

4. Ask your subject what they want

5. Use many lighting and background setups

6. Take a series of portraits

7. Photograph your subject’s hands

8. Go with the flow

9. Capture the moment

10. Incorporate some movement

11. Expose for good skin tones

Bonus tip: Show your subject the portrait

Portrait photography ideas: final words

1. Standing together

2. Look for interesting backgrounds

3. Group hug!

4. Go for a walk

5. Go for a run!

6. Showcase the generations

7. Headshots of each person

7. Use backlighting

8. Group the genders

9. Show playfulness

10. Build photo benches

11. Just the kids

12. Involve the pets

13. Use structures

14. Show affection

15. Read a book

16. Use their home

17. Show context

18. Capture candids

19. All hands on deck

20. Use their ideas