Portraits

Unwanted shadows can significantly degrade your image quality. Here's how to fix them with better lighting.

Creating magazine-quality portraits doesn't require an elaborate lighting setup or years of experience. A simple two-light technique can consistently deliver professional results when you need to work quickly and efficiently.

Jennifer's heart rate spiked the moment she saw the camera. Her shoulders tensed, her smile became forced, and her natural warmth disappeared behind a mask of visible discomfort. The photographer, confused by her sudden transformation, kept shooting while Jennifer grew increasingly rigid and self-conscious. By the session's end, both parties felt frustrated—the photographer couldn't understand why such a vibrant person became wooden in front of the camera, while Jennifer felt embarrassed about her obvious discomfort and disappointed with the stiff, unnatural results.

No matter how meticulously you plan a portrait session, something can still go wrong. This article tells the story of a photoshoot that didn’t go to plan, and why I continued instead of canceling.

Wide angle portraits are uncommon because most people assume distortion ruins them. But understanding distortion can elevate your photography by giving you deliberate, dynamic control.

Lightroom's AI tools offer a practical solution for common touch-ups when time is limited. Here's how to make the most of them.

Backlighting is one of those techniques in portrait photography that can quickly elevate your work if you do it correctly. Understanding how different types of backlights work and how each impacts your image is crucial to creating portraits that have depth rather than feeling flat.

Portrait lighting isn't about gear; it's about control and intention. Getting consistent and distinctive images is about mastering one tool deeply enough to shape precisely the mood and emotion you want.

Photography’s power to freeze memories, creating timeless images, relies heavily on mastering precise lighting and thoughtful composition. Understanding these techniques can significantly improve your ability to make compelling photographs that stand the test of time.

If you've struggled to understand Lightroom, or if your photo edits feel inconsistent and unpredictable, this tutorial provides a clear path forward. Clearly grasping each editing step helps you consistently achieve professional-quality results.

Understanding how to effectively utilize natural lighting allows you to capture striking images without complex equipment. Here's what you need to know.

Using a large umbrella for lighting portraits can significantly change the mood and quality of your images. Whether you're after smooth, wrinkle-free skin or dramatic shadows, understanding this versatile setup is great for getting exactly the look you want.

Choosing between shade and backlighting for outdoor portraits can dramatically affect how your subject appears. Knowing when to use each can elevate the quality and style of your photography significantly.

You don’t get good fast prime lenses at a bargain price—definitely not below $400. That’s what we thought. But this lens from Sirui seems to be an absolute hidden gem that we need to talk about.

Creating a clean, white background for portraits can be tricky, especially if you’re limited to just one light. Getting this right without relying on heavy editing can improve your skill set and streamline your workflow.

Lighting portraits demands creativity and a clear vision. Whether you're aiming for elegance or drama, understanding lighting setups can dramatically improve your portrait photography.

Adobe has just released a Lightroom update with a new landscape masking feature designed to streamline your editing workflow. If you frequently edit landscape photos, this update is worth exploring for its practical improvements.

When starting out, posing subjects naturally can be tougher than mastering camera settings or lighting techniques. Getting someone comfortable in front of the lens is a crucial skill that directly impacts your images.

When you're starting out in portrait photography, creativity doesn't always come easily. Many struggle with seeing composition naturally, but it's a skill you can build through focused practice.

Your camera gear doesn't define how good you are at taking portraits, but the lenses you pick do matter—a lot. Choosing the right lenses affects your flexibility and helps shape your distinct style as a portrait photographer.

Are your portraits consistently coming out softer than you expect, even after careful focusing? Clarity makes a significant difference in the professional appearance of your images. Here's how to achieve it.

Exploring how to intentionally push your creative limits can dramatically improve your portrait photography. Whether you're seasoned or starting out, understanding how to control lighting effectively shapes your style and widens your capabilities on set.

I’m obsessed with color. Like, deeply. Bold tones, dreamy palettes, warm hues—color is one of the main reasons I fell in love with photography. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the raw emotion and timeless feel of a strong black and white photo.

Balancing on‑location flash with existing light sits at the heart of compelling portrait work. Photographers who understand how a slight shift in ambient exposure reshapes mood and subject separation gain tools that make creative intent feel effortless rather than frustrating.

In my first portfolio review, my critic was drawn to the cat photos, “because I know how hard that is,” he said. I didn’t let on that it’s not so hard. I volunteer at a local shelter and have learned a trick or two. And it turns out that best practices for cats also apply to dogs, horses, birds, and, come to think of it, people.

Using a beauty dish in portrait photography is often misunderstood or avoided because of misconceptions around harsh lighting and challenging shadows. Yet, mastering this lighting tool can elevate your outdoor portraits significantly, creating a natural, defined look that large, soft modifiers can't replicate.

Knowing how to quickly achieve professional results without sacrificing quality is crucial when editing portraits, especially when you have limited time. Here's how to do it.

Natural light versus flash is one of photography's enduring debates, influencing how you control mood, exposure, and sharpness. But what if you could have natural light whenever you wanted?

Strobe misfires aren't typically celebrated, but sometimes, these unintended mistakes create standout images.

So, paying attention to light direction is vital. And by the way, I have used studio photographs in several instances here because they more adequately illustrate the concept I am discussing. The point of that, of course, is that concepts and principles cross genres of photographic work. They are basic principles.