Portrait Photography How To

Whether you prefer portraiture, macro, or tabletop photography, it’s nice to have a choice of backdrops to make your images stand out. Unfortunately, many of us shoot against a plain wall because we can’t afford to invest in backdrops of various colors.

High-quality portraits can be difficult to make without a studio and a bunch of expensive gear. But if you have a willing model, a single light, a basic umbrella, and a simple backdrop (or even a white wall), you can capture some beautiful images.

We've been featuring photographer Manny Ortiz's "NO BS" series of portrait photography videos where he shares handy, real-world tips in less than five minutes. One of his recent "5 Minutes of No BS" tips features "straight to the point" advice for shooting portraits in urban, outdoor settings using only natural light.

Many photographers prefer to shoot portraits outdoors, either because they don’t have a studio or they like the look achieved with available light. There’s a bit more to this method than you may think, but it’s all explained clearly in the behind-the-scenes video below.

Yesterday we shared a lens shootout with you where a photographer compared capturing portraits with a 35mm lens vs an 85mm lens. If you decided that an 85mm is preferable to your shooting style, here's a great tutorial on how to get the most out of shooting portraits with that prime lens.

Everyone loves shooting people pictures, but amateurs are a distinct disadvantage when it comes to making compelling portraits. That’s because, unlike pros, hobbyists typically lack a studio with expensive lighting equipment and a budget for wardrobe and props.

There's been a movement in boudoir photography circles lately to keep posing and lighting simple to produce beautiful imagery that highlights dramatic sensuality and we're here for it. Recently, boudoir photographer Critsey Rowe shared her one posing secret with us and now Yuliya Panchenko explains how you only need one light and one pose to capture stunning boudoir photos.