Perfect Portraits: 7 Professional Hacks for Passionate Photographers

Photography is a multifaceted art form. Every artist may feel drawn to a particular style of photography. Whether they photograph landscapes, capture the world around them in a journalistic style, or work with people – every photographer leaves a lasting impression with their images .

Portrait photography is often considered the most demanding field. Working with people ensures that every shot and every photograph is unique. Capturing the right emotions and those fleeting moments is an art in itself.

If you're just starting out in portrait photography, you're in for a rewarding learning experience. Here are seven portrait photography tips you should know as you explore this form of artistic expression.

Retouching – removing blemishes

Since portraits are all about getting close and personal, a blemish or a stray hair can be distracting. If you're getting into the art of portrait photography, take some time to practice on yourself first. Learn how to remove stray hairs from selfies and how to whiten teeth without them looking unnatural.

In the following portrait photography tutorial, portrait photographer Milou PD (YouTube Channel: @MilouPD) taking good portrait photos

 

Once you are familiar with the basics, work with others to expand image editing skills

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to master complex programs like Photoshop . Instead, you can acquire all the necessary skills with a free portrait editing program . Just make sure that the software you choose offers both basic functions like color correction and sharpening , as well as advanced retouching tools for changing skin tone, removing blemishes, optimizing body shape, and other adjustments.

Editing portraits is a demanding task, because you want to show the subject in the best light, not completely change them. Your efforts should never blur the personality and characteristic features of the person depicted.

Removal of noise and image defects

If you've been taking photos for a while, you've probably heard the term "noise" or "image noise ." In this context, noise in a photograph refers to anything that reduces the quality of your image. Noise can manifest as grainy textures or shadows, as well as unwanted objects in the background (e.g., a bag of trash on the curb). And if you prefer a different umbrella term, you can simply call it all "image defects .

Avoiding or removing flaws in a photograph is a two-step process that takes place before and after the shot. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to choose a truly good background—even though it's an important consideration when selecting a shooting location.

 

It's important to understand that both concepts ("noise" and "image defects") are subjective. Your own threshold for acceptable noise or an acceptable number of image defects may differ from that of another photographer. A beginner taking photos as a hobby will likely have a very different threshold than a seasoned professional. Remember that there's always room for improvement, and that every shot is an opportunity to learn.

Here are the most important things you should learn if you are trying to avoid or eliminate noise and flaws in a portrait.

Camera settings: avoid poor quality

The first consideration when avoiding noise in a photograph is to learn the fundamentals of photography and understand how to pay attention to your surroundings. This means learning how to adjust your camera and lens settings to the lighting conditions, movement, and so on.

One of the main causes of image noise is using a high ISO setting in low light. While a higher ISO brightens the image and allows you to capture detail in the shadows, it also increases grain. Increasing the ISO should only be a last resort; try changing the shutter speed or aperture first.

Camera settings for portraits (aperture, ISO and shutter speed), video tutorial by JULIA × GIL (@juliaandgil)

 

Sensor size also affects image noise, which poses a significant challenge for mobile photographers using smartphones and small Terms & Conditions camera) is noise reduction at high ISO values.

sensor's pixel density also plays a role. The higher the pixel density, the more susceptible the camera is to noise. Long exposure times and shadows also contribute to noise, especially at higher ISO settings. The noise might not be visible in the bright blue sky behind your subject, but it will be noticeable in the dark shadows under the chin of the person you're photographing.

Do these considerations mean that you need the best possible camera to get started, or that you should never shoot with a high ISO setting? Not at all! It's about finding the golden mean and learning more about your camera and composition in the process.

Background considerations

When choosing a location for your portrait photography, the background plays a crucial role in the final result. You can take two contrasting approaches when selecting a background for your portrait photography. You can either choose a background that doesn't draw attention, or you can choose something that adds dimension to the photo.

There's no right or wrong answer when choosing a background. The goal is to select something that complements the image without distracting from the main subject. Make sure that everything visible in the background belongs there. If you can't avoid including another person or a lamppost in the shot, there are tools available to remove them during post-processing.

The correct handling of your model

The ability to take a good photograph is one thing, but the ability to guide your model is quite another. Some of your subjects are very comfortable in front of the camera lens, while others are awkward and stiff. In any case, it's up to you to guide them in such a way that you can capture the perfect portrait.

Trust as the key to successful photos

Start building rapport with your subjects before the photoshoot. Depending on your approach, you can meet them beforehand to get to know each other, or you can have a brief chat on the day of the shoot, just before the photos are taken. The more comfortable your subjects feel with you, the better the photos will be.

Brush up on your small talk skills, find common ground, and become a friend to the person you are photographing.

Help with the poses

When working with inexperienced models, offer some guidance with posing. Show them where to look, how to tilt their chin, and what to do with their hands. Don't hesitate to use props to help them relax—sometimes holding an object can reduce uncertainty about hand position and promote a more relaxed atmosphere.

Even experienced models need help with posing. Don't hesitate to suggest where they should stand, what they should hold, etc., to ensure you capture exactly what you need.

Posing tips for business portraits, by Boris Baldinger ( @BorisBaldinger)

How to photograph candid portrait poses, tutorial from MT Foto Journal (@MTFotoJournal)

In this video, the MT Foto Journal team demonstrates how photographers encourage models to act in relaxed poses during portrait photoshoots. An authentic, vibrant look is achieved not through stiff posing, but through relaxed interaction with the model.

Capturing emotions

Perhaps the greatest challenge in portrait photography is capturing genuine emotions. Overly posed or awkward shots appear artificial and fake.

Provide your models with a scenario to guide the process. For example, ask them to close their eyes and recall the funniest thing they've ever seen, then open them on the count of three. Ask them to look into the distance and think of a serious problem that's troubling them, so they adopt a more serious expression.

Correct distance and zoom

Finding the right distance and zoom is another skill you'll learn over time. Portrait photography is all about filling the frame, whether you're taking a top-body shot or focusing solely on the face.

Choosing the right lens

Choosing the right lens is crucial when you're into portrait photography. But remember: if you don't have a good lens, that's no reason to wait to get started with photography. Even with an entry-level camera, you can learn a lot about image composition.

There are several excellent portrait lenses available for all camera brands. Which one you choose depends on your camera. When selecting a lens, consider a prime lens for your portraits and take the sensor size into account.

Choosing the right lens for your portrait isn't so much a question of "right" or "wrong," emphasizes experienced portrait photographer Christian Anderl . You have the option of working with focal lengths of 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, but also 35mm or even 24mm. The crucial point is that you are clear about WHY you are choosing this lens and what kind of expression you want to achieve.

 

Christian Anderl is a photographer, filmmaker, and the founder of Shootcamp.at . A former Canon ambassador, radio host, technical draftsman in the construction industry, and hotel management graduate, he belongs to Generation X (never call them Boomers) and has accumulated more experience than he cares to admit. On his YouTube channel @christiananderl, he shares his perspectives on photography, creativity, and life.

Lighting as a priority

It's the lighting that ultimately determines whether a photo is good or great. A stray shadow or harsh sunlight can negatively impact the image composition.

Facing towards the light

When taking a portrait, it's ideal to position your subject with their face towards the light source. This eliminates shadows from the side or above and captures the facial features more effectively.

When shooting outdoors, it's not always possible to position the subject directly in the light. To start, invest in reflectors or a simple ring light. These are budget-friendly options that will allow you to hone your skills until you're ready to spend more on your lighting.

Optimal light for portraits

Natural daylight is ideal for portrait photography. Cloudy days offer the advantage of neutral and even light distribution, which is why they are also your best friends.

If you are in a room where you do not have a lighting system, you should try standing by a window and using a white cloth as a makeshift diffuser.

The eye trick for a strong expression

With a simple trick, you'll be able to make side portraits more expressive. This works whether you're using window light or doing portrait photography Stephan Wiesner reveals how this simple eye trick works and shares other practical photography tips on his YouTube channel @StephanWiesner .

 

Landscape photography and portraits in the photo studio are the specialty of the photographer from Lower Saxony.

Learn the rules... so you can break them

When you learn the science of photography, you'll find there are an overwhelming number of rules. Learning these skills and rules will likely feel like a chore, taking the joy out of photography. However, it's important to learn these rules so you can break them later.

A solid foundation in portrait photography gives you the freedom to explore and experiment, developing your own style. Once you understand the nuances of lighting, you can break the rules and play with shadows on the face. Knowing how to adjust the ISO allows you to deliberately push the boundaries to create a true work of art.

These six tips for portrait photography can help you embark on your journey to becoming a successful portrait photographer and artist. Practice your skills, get creative, push your boundaries, and be open to continuous learning and improvement.