5 Simple Tips for Better Portraits

Portrait photography is more than clicking a shutter—it’s about capturing emotion, personality, and presence in a single frame. The best portraits feel natural, even when they’re carefully composed. Whether you’re shooting with a professional DSLR or your phone, these five practical tips will elevate your work right away.

1. Find the Light

Lighting is the soul of portrait photography. It defines shape, mood, and texture. The key is to look for soft, natural light. Early morning or late afternoon (often called “golden hour”) gives you flattering, even tones and warm highlights.

If you’re shooting indoors, position your subject near a window with diffused light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows. For a simple setup, use a white wall or reflector to bounce light back onto the face.

Pro Tip: Cloudy days are your friend—think of them as nature’s softbox.

2. Focus on the Eyes

The eyes are what draw people into a portrait. Make sure they’re in perfect focus. Even if other parts of the image are softly blurred, sharp eyes create instant connection and depth.

If your camera allows it, use single-point autofocus and aim for the eye closest to the lens. For smartphone photographers, tap the eyes on your screen to lock focus and exposure.

Pro Tip: Encourage your subject to look just past the camera or toward a light source—it often creates a more candid, relaxed gaze.

3. Master Your Angles

Angles can completely change how a portrait feels. Experiment with slight head turns, different camera heights, and varied framing. Shooting from slightly above eye level can create a softer look, while shooting from below conveys power and confidence.

Pay attention to posture and lines. Subtle adjustments—like tilting the chin, relaxing the shoulders, or shifting weight—make a big difference.

Pro Tip: Try the “triangle rule” in posing: create visual triangles with the subject’s arms, head, or legs to add movement and flow.

4. Create Connection, Not Just Composition

Even the most technically perfect photo falls flat if the subject seems uncomfortable. Building rapport is the secret ingredient to genuine portraits.

Take a few minutes to talk before you shoot. Ask your subject about their favorite music, how their day’s been, or what makes them laugh. When they relax, their real expression will shine through.

Pro Tip: Keep the camera ready and shoot between poses—those candid moments often become the best images.

5. Edit with Intention

Editing is the polish, not the foundation. Keep it natural. Adjust lighting, contrast, and color balance to highlight your subject’s personality rather than mask it. Avoid over-smoothing skin or using filters that change natural tones.

Think of post-production as storytelling—what mood or message do you want your portrait to convey?

Pro Tip: If you’re editing for consistency (say, for a brand or series), develop a signature color tone or preset to tie your work together.

The Takeaway
Portrait photography is about more than technique—it’s about connection, clarity, and presence. When you combine strong lighting, focused eyes, intentional posing, genuine emotion, and thoughtful editing, your portraits will start to feel alive.

At Media Concepts, we believe every image has the power to tell a story. These five steps will help you tell it well.