Settings Breakdown
Wide apertures create that beautiful background blur (bokeh) that separates your subject from the background. This is the defining characteristic of professional portrait photography.
Outdoor daylight provides ample light, so keep ISO low for the cleanest image quality with minimal noise. Higher values only when light drops or you need faster shutter speeds.
Eye autofocus is a game-changer for portraits. It tracks and locks onto your subject's eye, ensuring perfect focus even at wide apertures where depth of field is extremely shallow.
Center-weighted or spot metering exposes for your subject's face rather than the entire scene. This is critical when backgrounds are significantly brighter or darker than your subject.
Shade white balance adds warmth to skin tones, which is universally flattering. Auto works well in mixed lighting but may cool down warm golden hour light.
Aperture Priority gives you control over depth of field while the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed. This is the most efficient mode for changing outdoor light conditions.
Lighting Scenarios
Golden Hour
The hour after sunrise or before sunset. Warm, soft, directional light that's universally flattering. Position subject facing the sun or use it as backlight.
Open Shade
Under trees, awnings, or on the shaded side of buildings. Soft, even light with no harsh shadows. Best for midday when direct sun is too harsh.
Backlit
Sun behind the subject creates a rim light effect and soft, glowing skin. Use a reflector or expose for the face to avoid silhouettes.
Overcast
Clouds act as a giant softbox, creating beautiful diffused light from all directions. No harsh shadows, easy to expose. Great for beginners.
Pro Tips
Eyes Are Everything
Sharp eyes make or break a portrait. Always focus on the eye closest to the camera. If both eyes are equidistant, focus on the dominant eye (usually the one lit better).
Find the Catchlights
Position your subject so you can see the light source reflected in their eyes. These "catchlights" add life and dimension to portraits. No catchlights = flat, lifeless eyes.
Create Separation
Distance between subject and background increases blur. Move your subject 10+ feet from the background for maximum bokeh, even at moderate apertures like f/4.
Use a Reflector
A simple white or gold reflector fills shadows on the face when shooting in direct sun or backlit situations. Position it below face level, angled up toward the subject.
Shoot Through Objects
Position leaves, flowers, or other foreground elements in front of your lens (out of focus) to add depth and frame your subject. Creates dreamy, layered compositions.
Direct Your Subject
Give specific instructions: "Turn your shoulders toward the light," "Tilt your chin down slightly," "Look at my hand." Small adjustments make big differences in the final image.
Common Mistakes
Harsh overhead sun creates unflattering shadows under eyes, nose, and chin (raccoon eyes). The light is too contrasty for good skin tones.
At wide apertures, focusing on the wrong spot means soft eyes. The depth of field at f/1.8 is only a few inches — the nose may be sharp but eyes are soft.
Distracting elements like poles, signs, or bright spots behind the subject pull attention away from the face. Even blurred, these elements compete for attention.
Centering the subject vertically leaves too much empty space above the head, making the portrait feel awkward and unbalanced.
Recommended Gear
Portrait Lenses
- 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 — Classic portrait focal length
- 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 — Versatile, great for environmental portraits
- 70-200mm f/2.8 — Excellent compression, professional standard
- 35mm f/1.4 — Environmental portraits, tighter spaces
Modifiers
- 5-in-1 Reflector — White, silver, gold, black, diffuser
- Circular Polarizer — Reduce reflections, boost colors
- ND Filter — Shoot wide open in bright conditions
- Diffuser panel — Soften harsh midday sun
Helpful Extras
- Gray card — Accurate white balance reference
- Lens hood — Prevent flare in backlit situations
- Spare batteries — Long sessions drain power
- Step stool — Get the right angle on taller subjects