Portrait fundamentals
- Keep the light source higher than the subject.
- Camera at the eye level of the main subject.
- Move lights further back for more even spread (inverse-square law).
- Longer focal length → stand further back; adjust distance to focal length and available light.
- Diffuse the light to soften the subject and reduce harsh shadows and shiny spots.
- Look for catch lights in the eyes; keep some contrast in the lighting for life and shape.
- With 3+ subjects, use triangles as framing guides.
Group shots — keep faces sharp
| Situation | Setting |
|---|
| Side-by-side | ~100mm, f/5.6 |
| Multiple rows | Widest that keeps a good background (down to ~50mm), f/11+ |
| Shutter | 1/60–1/125 s; set ISO/flash for correct exposure |
To show less background, step back and zoom in. Always take a test frame and zoom in on the display to confirm every face is sharp — if not, raise the f-number and reshoot.
The light window outdoors
Best outdoor light: 30 minutes before sunset to 45 minutes after. Sunrise gives roughly 20 minutes. For family groups, aim 45 minutes before sunset to 30 after. Place people in open shade, or put the sun behind them and use fill flash or a reflector.
Fast checks
- Focus the eye nearest the camera; lock, then recompose.
- Neck squashed? Chin slightly up and forward. Shoulders slumping in the half-body crop? Hands or legs locked straight in the full-length?
- Groups: mix head heights, smaller members to the front, keep everyone touching or close with no uneven gaps.
- Blinkers: whole group closes eyes, count to three, open and smile together.
Related cards
- Posing Individuals — curves and angles, hands, necks, legs
- Group & Family Portraits — arranging groups, planning a session
- Portrait Crops & Shot Sizes — where never to crop
- Natural Light Portraits — window light and catchlights
- Portrait Lighting Set-Ups — Rembrandt, loop, split, clamshell
- Reading the Light — reverse-engineer a lighting set-up
Consolidated from notes: Portrait photography; Group shots; Looking for Catch lights