Outdoor Portrait Photography: A Comprehensive Guide (+ Tips)

The post Outdoor Portrait Photography: A Comprehensive Guide (+ Tips) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

Capturing outstanding outdoor portraits is an essential skill, whether you’re looking to create refined shots for clients or casual images of friends and family. Outdoor portraiture is also incredibly rewarding; you get to create beautiful shots illuminated by gorgeous light, and you also get to appreciate beautiful natural and cityscape scenes along the way.

That said, creating gorgeous shots is no walk in the park. You have to work with your subject, choose the right settings, handle the light, consider your compositions, and much more. It’s no wonder that many would-be portrait photographers struggle to get started!

Fortunately, I’ve been shooting portraits for years, and in this article, I offer an array of helpful tips and tricks to improve your images, including:

• How to choose the perfect focal length
• How to focus for tack-sharp results
• The best light for outdoor portrait shooting
• Key settings and file types
• Much more!

Ready to level up your outdoor portraits? Let’s dive right in, starting with:

The best gear for outdoor portrait photography

Outdoor portraiture is one of the least gear-heavy types of photography you’ll ever encounter. To get good – and even professional – results, you essentially only need a camera, a lens, and some creativity.

But what’s vital is the choice of your camera and lens. This combination forms the backbone of your outdoor portrait setup, and while it’s true that creativity often surpasses equipment, equipping yourself with the right gear can significantly elevate the quality of your images. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank; a few careful selections can go a long way. Here’s my basic advice:

Choose the right camera

You can create beautiful outdoor portraits using literally any camera model, from the most basic smartphone to the most complex full-frame DSLR – but if you want to give yourself the best chance of success, I highly recommend you choose your camera carefully.

First, make sure you grab a DSLR or mirrorless model. These cameras offer major advantages over fixed-lens point-and-shoot units; for one, you can use a variety of lenses to capture a variety of perspectives and looks. Whether you choose a full-frame, APS-C, or Micro Four Thirds camera is up to you and will depend on your level of interest, your budget, and your portability requirements.

In general, full-frame cameras will offer the best image quality, especially if you want to shoot in low light (e.g., at dawn and dusk for ethereal blue-hour shots). But APS-C cameras also boast professional results, and Micro Four Thirds models are plenty capable (and very compact). Regardless of your choice, make sure you choose a camera that feels comfortable in your hands. Nothing is more off-putting than trying to use an uncomfortable camera for hours on end!

One additional feature to look for is eye-tracking autofocus. It’ll lock onto your subject’s eyes and keep your photos looking tack-sharp, even if you’re photographing in fast-paced or action scenarios. No, it’s not essential – and portrait photographers have worked without eye AF for centuries – but it’ll certainly make your job easier.

Pick the perfect portrait lens

Focal length and lens choice may not seem important, but the effect they can have on your photos is massive. You see, different focal lengths require you to be closer or farther from your subject, and the closer you get, the more you’ll end up with perspective distortion. Perspective distortion, if left unchecked, can often result in unflattering body proportions – and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a line of unhappy clients. (After all, the last thing you want to hear from a client is, “Why does my head look swollen?”)

That’s why I’d encourage you to avoid working with wider focal lengths, such as 28mm, 35mm, and even 45mm. Instead, pick a lens in the 50mm to 85mm range, which will allow you to capture tighter images without problematic distortion.

Note that you don’t need to go out and purchase a dedicated portrait lens; pretty much every kit lens covers some of these focal lengths, so even if you only own the lens that came with your camera, you’ll be just fine.

That said, if you want to really level up your outdoor portrait potential, it’s worth looking to a 50mm or 85mm prime, especially if they offer a wide maximum aperture, such as f/2.8, f/1.8, or f/1.4. Longer lenses naturally provide better background blur, but the wider the maximum aperture, the more you can lean into this effect to achieve professional results.

And while specific portrait lens recommendations are beyond the scope of this article, bear in mind that 50mm lenses tend to be better for full-body shots, while 85mm lenses will help you capture tighter images (e.g., headshots). If you like the idea of capturing close-ups, you can also look into 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses; while they aren’t cheap, the results are outstanding.

Consider a few useful accessories

Great portraits can be captured using just a camera and a lens. But as with many things in photography, sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. A few select accessories can elevate the standard of your portraits, enhancing both the quality and creativity of your images.

For instance, if you’re stuck shooting in intense light, you may find yourself unable to shoot at the aperture you want, and that’s where a neutral density (ND) filter proves invaluable. An ND filter acts like sunglasses for your lens, and in extremely bright conditions, it helps you utilize wider apertures – and achieve beautiful bokeh backgrounds – without overexposing your shots.

But light isn’t just about intensity; it’s also about direction and quality, and that’s where a handheld reflector can be your best friend. Whether you’re battling deep shadows under your subject’s nose or trying to add some detail to a backlit subject, a reflector can help balance the light beautifully. Consider investing in a five-in-one package; these reflector kits typically come with multiple reflector colors, such as silver for a cooler tone or gold for warmth, and often include a diffusion panel.

Lastly, while many photographers swear by natural light (and with good reason), there’s no harm in having a speedlight in your arsenal. Even if you’re primarily a natural light shooter, understanding the basics of flash can be a game-changer. When mounted on a light stand, a speedlight can fill in shadows, balance uneven light, and add some extra pizzazz to your portraits.

Essential outdoor portrait photography settings

Outdoor portrait photography is dynamic and unpredictable. The sun doesn’t wait, and neither do fleeting expressions. That’s why having the right settings dialed in can make all the difference. While many factors influence your choices, I’ve found a few settings that consistently yield stellar results:

Always shoot in RAW, not JPEG

These words have left my mouth a thousand times, and they will surely come out a million more. The RAW file format is an unmodified compilation of your sensor’s data during the time of exposure. It is your digital negative. And it gives you immense post-processing flexibility, not to mention improved image quality.

On the other hand, when you shoot in JPEG format, much of what you capture is stripped away. You lose lots of key information, including color nuance and tonal range. It’s a recipe for disaster.

For instance, a RAW file lets you recover clipped highlights and shadows, which can be a big deal when shooting contrasty outdoor scenes. A RAW file is also essential if you want to make heavy color modifications to your shots (e.g., you want to do artistic color grading). But a JPEG won’t allow for much detail recovery, and a JPEG will severely limit your photo’s color-grading potential.

So stick to RAW files. Yes, they’re larger and require processing. But unless you’re a photojournalist on an ultra-tight deadline, they’re worth the extra effort.

(If you love the shareability of a JPEG and can’t see yourself shooting without it, then consider using your camera’s RAW+JPEG mode, which saves both a RAW file and a JPEG file at the time of capture.)

Use Aperture Priority or Manual mode

For many photographers, venturing into outdoor portrait photography can be an exciting yet slightly daunting experience. Aperture Priority (often labeled as ‘A’ or ‘Av’ on most cameras) is my recommended mode for beginners, and here’s why: in this mode, you choose the desired aperture and ISO, and your camera intelligently picks a shutter speed based on the available light. In other words, you and your camera work together to get a good result.

This mode is also useful when working in changing light conditions, such as when clouds are alternately blocking and revealing the sun; Aperture Priority handles the shutter speed for you, freeing you up to focus on composition and connecting with your subject.

That said, for those who desire total control over exposure, depth of field, and image quality, Manual mode is the answer. In Manual, you’re free to directly adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to your liking. This mode is especially excellent for situations where the light is stable and will ensure consistency across multiple shots.

Note, however, that if you’re apprehensive about diving into Manual mode, that’s okay. You can always start with Aperture Priority and switch to Manual as you gain confidence. And always remember that both modes have their strengths. Many professionals switch back and forth depending on the situation.

Shoot with a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field

A wide aperture will produce a shallow depth of field effect, which blurs the background and makes your subject stand out. This is an essential part of the “look” that professional portrait shooters love, and it’s one of those things that can instantly elevate your images from mediocre to amazing.

So if you can shoot at f/2.8 or even f/1.8, you should. Of course, not all lenses can use such a wide aperture; some fail to go past f/5.6 and beyond. I’d recommend investing in a wide-aperture lens if possible (and there are plenty of wonderful budget options, such as a 50mm f/1.8).

Pick a reasonably fast shutter speed

Picking the right shutter speed is essential for capturing sharp images of your subjects, so even if you’re using Aperture Priority, make sure you regularly monitor the speed to ensure crisp results. But what shutter speed is best for outdoor potraiture?

For your standard posed portraits, I’d advise starting with a shutter speed of about 1/250s. This should be enough to freeze any minor movements, like a slight sway of the hair or the subtle flutter of clothing.

However, if you’re dabbling in more dynamic shots – perhaps capturing a model in motion or a child running – it’s advisable to crank that shutter speed up a notch. Aim for around 1/500s or even faster to ensure complete clarity across the board.

Finally, if the light is limited, you might be tempted to lower that shutter speed substantially. While dropping it to about 1/100s can work, tread with caution. Even the slightest movement from your subject at slow shutter speeds can lead to an unwanted blur, turning a potentially captivating portrait into a missed opportunity.

Use a low ISO for the best image quality

The ISO setting on your camera is often a topic of debate among beginner photographers. As you increase your ISO, you do gain more detail in your shots, even if you use a fast shutter speed – which can be helpful in low-light scenarios – but it comes at the cost of adding noise or grain to your images.

Now, many of your outdoor sessions will have ample natural light. In such conditions, you’ll want to stick to your camera’s base ISO, which is typically ISO 100. This ensures you’re getting the crispest, cleanest image quality possible.

However, don’t be too afraid of increasing ISO when necessary. If you find yourself shooting under a canopy of trees or as the sun drops below the horizon, nudging your ISO to 400, 800, or even 1600 can still yield great results. Modern cameras handle noise remarkably well at these levels, so while starting at a low ISO is ideal, don’t hesitate to adjust as the situation demands. Plus, a slightly grainy image is always better than a blurry one!

Adjust your focus settings for sharp shots

If you want to take beautiful outdoor portraits with real consistency, then you’ve got to nail focus.

And a huge, huge focusing mistake I see beginners make? Using either the Auto AF area mode, where the camera picks the focus point for you, or using a large number of focus points in the hopes that one will cover the subject. Unfortunately, neither of those options works, and you’ll often end up with out-of-focus, blurry shots, especially if you’re working with a wide aperture.

Instead, I recommend two options:

1. For photographers using older cameras, pick a single focus point (the one in the center of the viewfinder works well). Then use that single point to lock focus (and recompose as necessary).
2. For photographers with newer cameras, consider using your model’s Eye AF technology. This will hone in on your subject’s eye and (ideally) nail focus. Not all Eye AF is created equal, so before you devote yourself to it, make sure your camera does a good job. But most Eye AF is very impressive, and if you do a test and come away with lots of sharp photos, then use it all the time!

Outdoor portrait photography tips

So you know how to choose the right camera, lens, and accessories for outdoor portraiture. And you can effectively set up your camera to capture consistently well-exposed, sharp images. That means you’re well on your way toward producing pro-level portrait shots – but you’re not done yet!

For the best results, you’ll need to master a few more essential elements, including lighting, posing, and composition. Below, I share my best advice to help you out:

1. Scout the location in advance

Preparation is vital in any form of photography, and outdoor portraiture is no exception. Scouting the location before the actual shoot can be the difference between an average photo and an exceptional one.

Arriving early allows you to understand the environment. It’s not just about finding the perfect backdrop or scenic locations for breathtaking compositions, but also about identifying any challenges you might face. This can include avoiding spots with too many onlookers or identifying potentially slippery surfaces after rain.

Cities often hide gems in plain sight: an interesting mural, a hidden alley with a play of light and shadow, or a viewpoint that offers a unique perspective on a common location. Similarly, in natural settings, the position of the sun at a particular time could illuminate a flower bed or create dappled sunlight on a forest path, and if you don’t scout, you often won’t know about these features!

On a related note, scouting gives you insights into the light’s behavior. Lighting can drastically change the mood of a photograph. Knowing how the light falls, its intensity, and the shadows it casts can be hugely important!

While scouting does require extra time, it can make a huge difference – so do your best to scout in advance!

2. Always focus on the eyes

It’s important that you nail focusing in your portrait shots, but what does that mean? Keeping the eyes tack-sharp, of course!

You see, the eyes are the windows to the soul and should be the focal point of any good portrait. Plus, the eyes are the most detailed element on the face and should be carefully rendered.

(When you’re shooting with a wide aperture and you’re focused on the eyes, the shallow depth of field effect will soften the skin, too.)

As discussed in the previous section, you should be focusing with either a single AF point or your camera’s Eye AF function. If you’re working with a single AF point, place it over the eye and lock focus, then recompose if required. If you’re working with your camera’s Eye AF, then make sure it’s finding your subject’s eye, then shoot with abandon!

One more tip: If your subject is turned to the side, make sure you focus on the eye that’s closer to the lens, not the more distant one.

3. Always use a gray card

Some outdoor portrait photographers prefer to work without gray cards. However, I’m a huge gray-card fan, and I encourage you to use one for each and every photoshoot.

Why? To avoid confusion, I am going to explain this backward. When opening Adobe Camera Raw or any other RAW image editing application, there is always a way to select a custom white balance. Usually, it is an eyedropper of some kind that you can use to click on what you think is neutral gray in your image.

Now, imagine a world where your photoshoot involved 4 locations and a total of 800 images, and all day your camera was set to Auto White Balance. You might end up with 800 different white balance values, a post-production nightmare.

But if at each location you have your subject hold the gray card on the first shot, you will save hours of work. When you open images in your favorite post-production application, all you have to do is click the eyedropper on the gray card, select all the photos from that location, and synchronize the edit. Precious hours will be saved.

By the way, it can be wise to take a gray card shot once every 30 minutes or so to compensate for the changing light of day, and if you’re working in the evening or the early morning, you may want to add in that gray card even more frequently.

Note: If you forget to use a gray card, or you don’t take gray-card shots frequently enough, it’s not the end of the world. You can still fix any white balance problems in post-processing; it’ll just take far longer.

4. Shoot when the light is soft

Outdoor portrait photography thrives on the magic of soft light, which beautifully illuminates the subject’s features without producing harsh shadows. It offers an even, diffused light across the face, minimizing the appearance of imperfections and creating a gentle, dreamy atmosphere. But how do you find this type of illumination?

Firstly, shoot on overcast days. Clouds act as a massive diffuser, softening the sunlight and dispersing it evenly. This neutralizes harsh contrast and allows for flattering portraits.

Alternatively, consider the golden hours (just after sunrise and right before sunset). The sun’s position near the horizon casts a soft, warm glow so that portraits taken during these hours often have a romantic quality – thanks to the long shadows and a rich color palette.

Finally, the blue hour, which occurs shortly after sunset or just before sunrise, provides a cooler, mystical hue. While it can produce enchanting images, the limited light may be challenging. During these moments, don’t hesitate to raise your ISO, use a wider aperture, or even add a touch of fill flash as needed.

And whatever you do, avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. It’s harsh, it’ll make your subject squint, and it creates hard directional shadows and unpredictable white balance conditions. (By direct sunlight, I’m referring to the hard light of late morning and early afternoon, not the golden-hour light produced just after sunrise and just before sunset.)

5. If you must use direct sunlight, work carefully

In the previous section, I explained why you should never shoot in direct sunlight. But sometimes you get stuck: a client insists on a particular photoshoot time and place, or the sun comes out from behind the beautiful clouds, and you’re forced to work with what you have.

And in such situations, you can take certain steps to get the best possible results.

First, pay careful attention to the direction of the light. Putting the sun directly behind your subject isn’t a good idea unless you are trying to make a silhouette. Instead, try putting the sun at your back, then have the subject look off-camera (away from the sun) to prevent squinting. Another great trick is to wait for a cloud to move in front of the sun; this usually creates a very bright-yet-contrasty look.

Also, if possible, use some sort of reflector to minimize shadows on your subject. Invest in a portable, pop-up reflector, or – if necessary, use an existing reflector, which I discuss in more detail in the next section. Another option is to work with a flash, which can give great results (though it does come with a real learning curve!).

6. Work with a natural reflector

While outdoor photography might seem reflector-free, there are actually plenty of natural and human-made reflectors you can use to improve your photos. So if you don’t want to carry a reflector (or you forget yours for a shoot), you can always rely on the surrounding environment.

Here are just a few outdoor reflector ideas:

• White delivery trucks
• White building walls
• White cars
• White sand
• White signs
• White tables

You get the idea? And if you’re heading into a location where a natural reflector might not exist, then make sure you double- and triple-check your setup to make sure you bring one along. As I mentioned above, you can buy a pop-up reflector, though you can also make one out of foam core or white cardboard.

7. Avoid powerlines and signs

We have already discussed keeping your camera focused on the eyes – but you must also keep the viewer’s mind focused on the image as a whole, specifically on your portrait subject.

Powerlines, signs, long single blades of grass, single pieces of garbage, and sometimes even trees can be serious distractions in an otherwise great outdoor portrait photo.

So before you take a single shot, look carefully at the area surrounding your subject. Do you see any distractions? Anything that might take away from the photo? If so, either clean it up or move your subject into a position where such background distractions aren’t visible.

Look at the photo below. Do you see how clean the background is? That’s the goal.

8. Try capturing some environmental portraits

When it comes to outdoor portraits, the environment plays a pivotal role. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a character that complements your subject, telling a richer, more layered story.

Imagine a portrait where the subject is standing against an expanse of golden fields, swaying gently with the wind. Now contrast that with a portrait taken amidst urban chaos, with tall skyscrapers looming in the background. Both environments offer different narratives, emotions, and dynamics.

So don’t merely focus on tight, close-up shots. Allow some breathing space in your frames to include elements of the environment. Capture the essence of the location, whether it’s the serenity of the countryside or the hustle of city life.

You can use a wide-angle lens to highlight a person wandering amidst towering trees in a forest, making them seem small yet connected to nature. Or depict a subject against a mural or graffiti wall, letting the colors and patterns accentuate the graphical elements of the composition!

9. Incorporate outdoor elements into your poses

The beauty of being outdoors is that it offers an almost infinite palette of backdrops and props. This provides a unique opportunity to produce natural, captivating poses that incorporate the environment.

Instead of relying on traditional studio poses, invite your subjects to interact with their surroundings. It not only adds depth and context to the photo but also allows the subject to feel more relaxed and connected to the scene. Here are some ways to integrate the environment:

• City portraits: In urban environments, instruct subjects to lean against graffiti walls, perch on the edge of a fountain, or casually stroll across a pedestrian crossing. The textures and structures of the city can add dynamic lines and patterns to your shots.
• Nature portraits: These environments offer a myriad of organic elements. A subject can playfully hold leaves, dangle their feet in a stream, or gaze upwards towards the canopy of trees. The idea is to make the person look as if they belong to the environment, blending seamlessly into the nature around them (see the previous section!).

Remember, while the focus is on the subject, the environment can greatly influence the story you’re trying to tell. So encourage subjects to explore and engage, while you, as a photographer, find that perfect balance between person and place.

Outdoor portrait photography: final words

Well, there you have it:

Plenty of advice to take your outdoor portraits to the next level. Whether you’re capturing outdoor headshots, full-body shots, or even group shots, these tips should serve you well, so commit them to memory and use them the next time you’re out shooting.

Most importantly, have a great time! Enjoy what you’re doing, and it will show in your work!

Now over to you:

How will you improve your outdoor portrait shots? Do you have any tips that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This is a guest post by James Pickett.

Table of contents

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 [video]
  • Tips for Portrait Photography in Overcast Weather [video]
  • 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

    • The best gear for outdoor portrait photography
    • Choose the right camera
    • Pick the perfect portrait lens
    • Consider a few useful accessories
    • Essential outdoor portrait photography settings
    • Always shoot in RAW, not JPEG
    • Use Aperture Priority or Manual mode
    • Shoot with a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field
    • Pick a reasonably fast shutter speed
    • Use a low ISO for the best image quality
    • Adjust your focus settings for sharp shots
    • Outdoor portrait photography tips
    • 1. Scout the location in advance
    • 2. Always focus on the eyes
    • 3. Always use a gray card
    • 4. Shoot when the light is soft
    • 5. If you must use direct sunlight, work carefully
    • 6. Work with a natural reflector
    • 7. Avoid powerlines and signs
    • 8. Try capturing some environmental portraits
    • 9. Incorporate outdoor elements into your poses
    • Outdoor portrait photography: final words
    • The best gear for outdoor portrait photography
    • Choose the right camera
    • Pick the perfect portrait lens
    • Consider a few useful accessories
    • Essential outdoor portrait photography settings
    • Always shoot in RAW, not JPEG
    • Use Aperture Priority or Manual mode
    • Shoot with a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field
    • Pick a reasonably fast shutter speed
    • Use a low ISO for the best image quality
    • Adjust your focus settings for sharp shots
    • Outdoor portrait photography tips
    • 1. Scout the location in advance
    • 2. Always focus on the eyes
    • 3. Always use a gray card
    • 4. Shoot when the light is soft
    • 5. If you must use direct sunlight, work carefully
    • 6. Work with a natural reflector
    • 7. Avoid powerlines and signs
    • 8. Try capturing some environmental portraits
    • 9. Incorporate outdoor elements into your poses
    • Outdoor portrait photography: final words
  • 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 [video]
  • 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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