Portrait photography: What makes a successful portrait?

Good portrait photos are windows into the personality, feelings, and stories of the subjects. The art of portrait photography combines technical finesse, creative vision, and emotional intelligence. The perfect pose, the balance of light and shadow, and the story conveyed through composition are crucial to this genre of photography.

This guide offers essential portrait photography tips to help both beginners and experienced photographers bring their subjects to life. We also draw on the expert opinions of seasoned portrait photographers such as Christian Anderl (Instagram: @christiananderl), Marc Ludwig of FotoTV (IG: @fototv.de), and Dennis Wolf of PhotoArt (YouTube: @DennisWOLFPHOTOART).

Getting started with portrait photography

Getting started in portrait photography can seem challenging, but with the right knowledge, equipment and the right people it becomes an enriching experience.

A solid foundation in photography is essential to focus on the portrait and the person in front of the camera during a shoot, rather than being distracted by technical aspects. It's impossible to comprehensively cover all facets of portrait photography in a single magazine article; it's a lifelong learning process encompassing technique, lighting, and psychology.

The latter makes up a large part of portrait photography – good photographic technique alone is not enough. However, practical tips can make the first step easier in finding out whether this genre matches one's own interests.

A good introduction to the topic is provided by the YouTube video by Christian Anderl:

Equipment & Gear: The Right Tools

Basic considerations regarding photo equipment

One of the fundamental questions every photographer should ask themselves on the path to portrait photography is: What equipment do I need?

The answers to this question are as varied as the people you ask. Some will vehemently claim that a prime lens with a focal length greater than 70 mm, at least three flashes, various light modifiers, reflectors, an assistant, and ideally a professional studio are absolutely essential.

But in photography, there is rarely just one "right" perspective. Every opinion is understandable from the perspective of the person being interviewed. Certainly, all these tools mentioned can enrich portrait photography—and many other accessories as well. But the crucial question remains: Is all of this necessary to create a successful portrait?

Not at all! In fact, you can start working immediately with the equipment you already have. Some of the most impressive portraits in the history of photography were created with minimal equipment.

Which camera should I buy?

Lenses and their importance in portrait photography

The situation can become a bit more complicated if you only have a fisheye or super wide-angle lens. However, a standard or kit lens on your camera will suffice in most cases to begin with.

If you have a certain budget available or have already invested in other lenses, purchasing a fast lens . The larger the aperture, the softer the background and the more clearly the subject stands out. Longer focal lengths are also important for portrait photography. If you want to photograph faces with as little distortion as possible, you should consider focal lengths longer than 70 mm. One of Christian Anderl's preferred lenses, for example, is the Canon 85 mm f/1.2.

But shorter focal lengths also have their appeal in portrait photography. Therefore, there is no clear answer to the question: short or long focal length?

However, this doesn't mean you can't effectively use 35mm or 24mm lenses for portraits. The key is to proceed consciously and deliberately. If the resulting photo achieves your desired effect and you use the technique purposefully, you can achieve excellent results.

Useful accessories for portrait photography

As a portrait photographer, you should optimally prepared for all lighting conditions . For this reason, the following three items can be a helpful part of your basic equipment:

Light meter

A light meter, or exposure meter, is integrated into almost every camera nowadays, but external handheld exposure meters are also available. This device measures the brightness of the subject and calculates the required exposure, i.e., the aperture and shutter speed. This allows you to always adjust your camera settings to the ambient lighting conditions.

reflector

A reflector is a useful tool when certain areas of the face or body are insufficiently lit. Reflectors direct the light precisely into these dimly lit areas. This allows you to position your model in optimal light, even when natural light or studio lighting is inadequate.

Diffuser

Use a diffuser when you want to soften the light. Direct sunlight has a very small illuminating surface and therefore creates harsh shadows. It's advisable to photograph on cloudy days, in the early morning, or in the evening. However, if there are no clouds, a diffuser is an excellent alternative for artificially increasing the illuminating surface.

Basics of camera settings

Many photographers start by using automatic settings for their shots. These can be very helpful because they give you time to connect with your subject and focus on the lighting. However, if you want to improve, you should learn to adjust the following settings manually.

• Focus : Manually adjusting the focus gives you control over the depth of field. For portraits, it's recommended to ensure the eyes are in sharp focus. Incidentally, focus stacking However, this isn't ideal for portraits, as the subject must remain perfectly still for this technique.

• ISO : The ISO setting should be adjusted to the time of day and the ambient light. Most photographers typically use ISO settings between 400 and 800 when shooting outdoors. Keep in mind that the ISO setting also affects your aperture and shutter speed.

• Exposure time : You should learn this setting thoroughly. Portrait photography is about portraying everything as realistically as possible. Over- or underexposure can make it difficult to correct the image in post-processing. Some portrait photographers recommend investing in a light meter.
• Aperture setting : If you want to emphasize a model's eyes, you should adjust the aperture. Portrait photographers recommend f/2.8 to separate the person from the background and bring the eyes into focus. A shallow depth of field is an excellent starting point for this. Everything around the model's eyes will appear blurred. However, if the background is important to the narrative of the photo, choose a greater depth of field to make it stand out again.
• Shutter speed : Make sure to choose a sufficiently fast shutter speed (for example, 1/125s or faster) to prevent motion blur. For static subjects, you can also use longer shutter speeds.
• White balance : White balance ensures the correct color temperature. Set it manually or use the automatic setting to achieve natural skin tones.

Portrait composition and image design

The impact of a photograph, especially portraits, depends significantly on the image design and composition. This refers to the arrangement of the subjects within the frame. Our brains tend to focus on interesting subjects in the center, which leads inexperienced photographers to automatically place their subjects centrally.

A classic technique for overcoming this automatic tendency is the rule of thirds . An imaginary grid divides the image into nine equal parts, and the subject is placed along these lines or at their intersections. A slightly off-center subject creates visual interest without disrupting the overall balance.

Leading lines – such as paths, arms, or even lighting patterns – can naturally guide the viewer's eye to the model and enrich the visual narrative with additional context. This technique creates balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and dynamic compositions.

Another effective tip for portrait photography is to position the subject at the edge of the frame . This unconventional placement confuses the brain and arouses its curiosity, thus drawing more attention to the photo. To try this out for yourself, photograph your subject once in the center and once at the edge, observing the difference in effect.

Additionally, use natural or architectural elements such as door frames, windows, or tree branches to create a frame within the photo . This technique directs the viewer's eye straight to the model's face and adds depth and creativity to the images.

Negative space also be used strategically to enhance the impact of a portrait. Deliberately isolating the subject emphasizes its presence and works particularly well in minimalist and monochrome images. This technique is often used in genres such as abstract , fine art, and narrative photography. Crop the image strategically in post-processing to optimize the framing.

Adjust the focus to emphasize the main subject. If necessary, change the background and remove distracting objects or distractions.

Capturing genuine emotions

Genuine emotion that resonates with the viewer is at the heart of every photograph – regardless of style or genre. A forced smile or a stiff expression can ruin even the technically perfect image. A natural, sincere expression, on the other hand, can make a simple shot captivating and expressive.

Start by making your model feel comfortable. A relaxed conversation or gentle guidance during the session will help ease any nervousness and allow the person to express their unique personality without fear. You can ask your model to recall a funny memory to elicit genuine laughter, or a nostalgic moment to create a reflective mood. This will establish an authentic emotional connection that is reflected in the images and invites the viewer to become part of the narrative.

A subtle smile, a calm gaze, or even a thoughtful expression can tell a powerful story. Pay special attention to eyes – they often convey the most emotion. Emphasize the key elements in post-processing with subtle portrait editing . However, keep in mind that over-edited images can look artificial and unnatural.

Adjustments should be made selectively and carefully. Preserve the natural skin texture and "perfect imperfections" such as moles or freckles. A plastic look can ruin the overall impression in seconds. Ensure that your model's natural beauty is enhanced—not obscured.

"The eyes are the window to the soul."

This timeless saying applies particularly well to photography. Our brain is capable of perceiving even the smallest nuances in the eyes, which is why these are crucial in portrait photography.

Experienced photographer Guido Karp has earned an outstanding reputation in the art of portraiture and developed a wealth of valuable tips for making his models' eyes sparkle. One remarkable and proven trick is simply to ask the model to stick out their tongue. This small, playful element not only relaxes the face but also leads to amusing moments that are then reflected in the eyes, ultimately making your portrait photos appear vibrant and expressive.

Light and lighting in portrait photography

Proper lighting is crucial for successful portraits, especially to avoid harsh shadows. These shadows are caused by natural light, which usually comes from above. Reflectors, even those made from materials like cardboard or polystyrene, are a simple and effective solution for softening shadows and making the subject's expression more vibrant.

The use of reflectors can significantly improve image quality – a video featuring experts from FotoTV demonstrates their application in detail. Furthermore, collapsible reflectors can be a practical and cost-effective option for ambitious photographers.

Properly set lighting determines the mood, highlights the best features, and enhances the story being told. Natural light is particularly advantageous due to its softness and versatility. The light of the golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) gives your model a warm and flattering glow. When working indoors, position your model near a window to avoid harsh shadows.

Artificial lighting offers creative control, stability, and consistency. It is particularly suitable for indoor photography. A single light source, such as a softbox or off-camera flash, can create dramatic contrasts or mimic natural light to achieve balanced exposure.

Experiment with the direction and intensity of the light.”

Side lighting emphasizes textures and adds drama to the image, while front lighting softens facial features and creates a more supple look. Fine-tune highlights, shadows, and tones in post-processing to ensure the final portrait photo conveys the desired mood.

Light modifiers are essential tools in photography, allowing you to precisely control light. Softboxes , umbrellas and beauty dishes help to diffuse light more softly or precisely, enabling you to optimally shape the shadows in your image. By using these light modifiers intelligently, you can create atmospheric portraits with subtle shading.

For most purposes, you can rely on classic lighting setups such as Rembrandt, butterfly, or split lighting as a guide. These tried-and-tested lighting configurations allow you to create various moods and effects in your portraits. Integrate these techniques into your photography and give your images a special depth and character.

The background

In portrait photography, the background can play just as important a role as the subject itself. Often, the importance of the background is neglected when photographing a person, even though it has a significant impact on the overall effect of the image. A calm, darkened background doesn't distract the viewer's eye from the subject and enhances its expressiveness.

To achieve this effect, special backgrounds such as paper rolls or fabrics can be used. Inspiring examples come from renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz . If an artificial background isn't possible, more natural options like bushes or dark-colored walls also offer opportunities to create appealing portraits.

Posing techniques

Make your model feel comfortable and confident while ensuring the pose flatters their individual features. Opt for simple gestures and relaxed body language. Adjustments should be subtle so the pose remains interesting yet authentic. Even a slight shift in weight or a tilted head can have a significant impact.

For the hands, simple movements are recommended – have the model rest them loosely in their lap, hold an object, or put them in their pocket. Encourage natural movements to capture spontaneity. Your model can take a few steps forward, look back over their shoulder, or interact with the surroundings. This creates a relaxed atmosphere during the shoot and gives the images more depth and context.

Correcting a slightly hunched posture or adjusting the position of the arms and shoulders with photo editing software can improve symmetry and balance. Smoothing out uneven clothing or slightly correcting the head angle can also optimize the pose without compromising its naturalness.

Communication with the model – putting the human being at the center

To create compelling portrait photos, it's crucial to build a trusting relationship with your model. Choose someone whose charisma captivates you and who has their own unique story.

Accident, physiotherapy, business challenges, the death of a dog… the essence of these blows of fate can be found in Christian Anderl's self-portrait. And yet, one would like to summarize it with a completely different word: optimism.

Authentic and insightful portrait photography requires establishing a connection and engaging in dialogue with the model before the shoot to help them relax. The location of the shoot should make the person feel comfortable; only then can they present themselves naturally.

Avoid forced poses or artificial smiles – a relaxed environment encourages genuine emotions and spontaneous expression. Also, allow yourself ample time to interact with and get to know your model.

Patience is the key to creating authentic and expressive portraits.

Image editing in portrait photography

Essential processing techniques

Image editing is a crucial step to unlocking the full potential of your portrait photos. Start with basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness to create visual appeal.

For these basic editing steps, programs like Adobe Photoshop , Lightroom , or Capture One ideally suited. However, these professional tools also require a certain amount of training. The photo editing solution Aperty . This advanced, AI-powered photo editor, also used by professionals, reduces editing time while still producing impressive, high-quality portraits.

Retouching and skin smoothing

In portrait photography, it's common practice to retouch minor blemishes or unevenness on the skin. It's important to ensure the skin doesn't appear unnaturally smooth. Use tools like the clone stamp tool or the healing brush in Adobe Photoshop to perform your retouching work precisely.

Don't overdo it with skin smoothing – the goal is to achieve an authentic and timeless result.

Color correction and adjustment

The correct color scheme plays a crucial role in the impact of a portrait. Correct any color casts and adjust the color temperature to preserve natural skin tones. Use the color correction tools in your image editing software to selectively influence individual colors.

Experiment with different color looks and styles to create a specific mood or atmosphere in your image.

Creative effects and filters

You can add a personal touch to your portraits with creative effects and filters. For example, use vignetting to draw attention to your subject, or add a subtle film grain effect to create a nostalgic feel. However, use effects and filters sparingly – the goal is to avoid an overly cluttered look.

Always remember: Image editing should enhance the quality and impact of your portrait without distracting from the main subject.

Closing remarks

Portrait photography is the art of thoughtful posing, skillful use of light, and attention to detail. Experiment with different techniques, try new angles, and focus on capturing the unique essence of your model.

Practice continuously and develop creative approaches. The right balance of preparation, intuition, and post-processing will make your visual stories exceptional.