Capturing someone’s personality in a single frame—that’s the art of portrait photography.
Whether you’re shooting a friend, a family member, or a client, great portraits go far beyond simply pointing your camera and clicking. With a few smart tips, you can dramatically improve your portraits—even if you’re just starting out.
This guide will walk you through simple, effective ways to take better portraits, no matter what camera you use.
1. Focus on the Eyes
The eyes are the emotional anchor of a portrait. If they’re not sharp, the whole image can feel off.
How to do it:
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Use single-point autofocus and place the focus on the eye closest to the camera
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On smartphones, tap the eyes to focus
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Use f/2.8 or wider for soft background but be precise—shallow depth of field can be tricky
Pro Tip: Sharp eyes + soft background = instant portrait upgrade.
2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
Natural light is soft, flattering, and free. It’s perfect for portraits—especially for beginners.
Best sources:
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Window light: Soft and directional
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Open shade: Under trees, porches, or next to buildings
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Golden hour: Warm and dreamy, right after sunrise or before sunset
Avoid harsh midday sun, which creates strong shadows and squinting.
3. Choose the Right Background
A busy or distracting background can ruin an otherwise great portrait.
How to improve:
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Use simple, neutral backgrounds
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Place your subject away from the background for more blur
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Look for textures (brick, wood, nature) that complement the subject
Tip: The more space between your subject and the background, the smoother the blur.
4. Get the Right Framing and Composition
How you frame your subject matters just as much as lighting.
Try these:
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Rule of Thirds: Don’t always center your subject
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Headroom: Leave a little space above the head—but not too much
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Fill the Frame: Get closer and capture facial expressions
Bonus: Crop tight for emotional impact or wide for environmental storytelling.
5. Use a Wider Aperture for Background Blur (Bokeh)
Want that soft, creamy background? Use a wide aperture (low f-number).
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f/1.8 or f/2.8 = perfect for portraits
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Creates separation between subject and background
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Focus must be accurate—watch the eyes
Even phones in portrait mode simulate this effect well.
6. Talk to Your Subject and Keep It Comfortable
Stiff or awkward expressions kill a good portrait.
Make your subject feel at ease:
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Talk casually while shooting
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Give simple, clear directions
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Ask them to move or laugh naturally
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Show a few shots as you go—they’ll feel more confident
Pro Tip: A relaxed subject always looks better than a perfect pose.
7. Experiment with Angles and Perspectives
Don’t shoot everything from eye level.
Try:
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Slightly above eye level for a flattering look
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From the side for profile or candid vibes
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Lower angles for a powerful or dramatic feel
Bonus: Use foreground objects (like plants or windows) to frame the subject creatively.
8. Mind the Hands and Poses
Awkward hand placement or stiff poses can ruin a shot.
Easy posing tips:
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Avoid flat palms toward the camera
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Ask them to hold something (jacket, hat, coffee cup)
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Slight shifts in weight or turning shoulders can make a big difference
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Natural is better than perfect
Look for subtle movement and expression, not stiffness.
9. Edit to Enhance, Not to Hide
Post-processing is part of the portrait workflow—but go easy.
Focus on:
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Brightness and contrast
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Skin tone correction
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Background blur (if needed)
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Crop and straightening
Avoid excessive smoothing or filters—you want your subject to look real, not plastic.
10. Practice With Real People
The best way to improve portrait photography is to shoot real people—often.
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Ask friends or family to model
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Try different ages, styles, and lighting situations
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Study their expressions and reactions
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Analyze your results and keep notes on what worked
Final Thoughts: People First, Camera Second
Portrait photography isn’t just about settings and gear—it’s about connection.
Your job as a portrait photographer is to:
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Make your subject comfortable
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Observe light and expression
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Capture authenticity, not perfection
So pick up your camera (or phone), find someone willing to smile for you, and practice. With every shot, you’ll get better—and soon, you’ll be creating portraits that truly connect.