Recent Portraits Articles

How to Capture Stunning Portraits on Cloudy Days

When it’s cloudy, you might think it’s the worst time to take portraits. The light is often flat, and contrast is missing, but those clouds are actually providing you with a soft, even light that’s ideal for bringing out natural skin tones. This approach can open up new creative possibilities when you learn how to make the most of that natural light.

The Best Camera Settings for Studio and Outdoor Portraits

Understanding how to control your camera settings can make a big difference in portrait photography. The right combination of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture helps you capture well-exposed, sharp images.

Tips for Creating Beautiful Family Portraits on Location

There are few more important images to a person than those of their family and yet it's not that common a shoot. If you do find yourself in a position to conduct one, however, watch this behind-the-scenes video of a successful one for some useful tips.
In Defense of the Square Photograph

Are squares better? Come with me as we throw a fork in the photographic microwave and investigate why you shouldn't underestimate the 1:1 image format.

How to Use Two Lights for Outdoor Portraits

Lighting can make or break a portrait. Knowing when and how to use a two-light setup can elevate your work and help you control tricky lighting situations.

Creating Powerful Portraits with Simple Lighting Techniques

Light is more than just a way to illuminate your subject—it’s the key to creating mood and emotion in an image. With a blank wall and a single subject, the right use of lighting can turn an ordinary scene into something that tells a story.

How to Balance Flash and Ambient Light Like a Pro

Understanding how to balance ambient light and flash can transform your photos. With so many types of flashes and varying methods of control, it's essential to grasp the basics and build from there.

Balancing Natural and Flash Light for Perfect Outdoor Portraits

Balancing natural light with flash can be tricky, especially in outdoor settings. Bright sunlight often causes squinting, and shadows may not fall in the most flattering ways. Learning to use a mix of both light sources effectively can elevate your outdoor portraits, making the subject comfortable while still achieving the desired look.

Skylum Launches Aperty, a Portrait Editor With AI Offering Fast Results

Skylum, who made quite a splash in the image editing space with Luminar and then Luminar Neo, is setting out to conquer portrait photography editing with Aperty. The company says it's aimed at professionals and serious near-professionals, and it will be available on November 7.

Elevate Your Portraits With These Essential Tips

Portrait photography can be tricky, especially when it comes to capturing authentic expressions and emotions. It’s not just about your camera settings; it’s also about how you interact with your subject, the environment, and the mood you create. In fact, being able to put your subject at ease and make thoughtful choices in framing and lighting are what separate good portraits from great ones.

Mastering Flash: Key Methods for Tackling Common Lighting Problems

Using flash can completely change the way you approach your shoots, especially when natural light just isn’t cutting it. Whether you’re in a dim venue, dealing with color casts, or just trying to add a bit of pop to your images, flash can solve a lot of problems. But it’s not always straightforward. Knowing when and how to use flash is a key skill that can take your work to the next level.

How to Capture Perfect Family Photos in Challenging Lighting Conditions

Family portraits can be a challenge, especially when you're working with larger groups, such as grandparents with grandchildren. Capturing these moments in a way that feels natural yet beautifully lit can be tricky, but it’s important for creating memories that last a lifetime. Lighting becomes a key factor when you want to ensure everyone is evenly illuminated and the setting feels organic, not overly staged.

Achieving Perfect Flash and Ambient Light Balance

In tricky lighting conditions, knowing how to balance different light sources is crucial. When you get it right, your photos look natural and well-composed, without any harsh shadows or blown-out highlights.

Common Natural Light Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Natural light is one of the most versatile tools in photography, but it can also be tricky to master. The way you use it can make or break your images, and getting it right takes some practice and attention to detail.

How Subtle Lighting Changes Elevate Your Photography

Understanding how to control and manipulate light can transform an ordinary photo into something extraordinary. This is especially important when shooting in challenging conditions or trying to achieve a specific look, where ambient light alone might not suffice.

The Power of Simple Lighting Techniques

Creating dramatic sports imagery requires more than just a camera and a subject; it demands a thoughtful approach to lighting and composition that elevates the final image to match the intensity of the event.

How to Photograph Wrinkles: Tips for Effective Lighting

Photographing skin with texture or wrinkles requires careful consideration of your lighting choices. Whether you want to emphasize the character of someone’s face or gently soften their features, understanding how light interacts with texture is essential.

How to Use Backlighting for Dynamic Portraits

Backlighting is a powerful technique that can transform your portraits by adding depth, dimension, and a distinct visual impact. By positioning a light source behind your subject, you can create striking highlights that outline the contours of your subject’s hair and body, making them stand out against the background.

PortraitPro 24: Redefining Digital Retouching

Retouching has long been a time-consuming process that not many of us photographers enjoy. Yet, it is inevitable to have to retouch your photos. Fortunately, PortraitPro 24 is introducing more advanced features and capabilities that have further cemented the software’s reputation as a must-have tool for portrait photographers. Read on to find out why.

Mastering Harsh Sunlight for Stunning Portraits

Shooting portraits in challenging light can be intimidating, but it’s also a great opportunity to explore creative possibilities. When you’re out in bright, harsh sunlight, knowing how to manage that light is key to producing compelling images that stand out.