Portrait Photography How To

Beautiful people make for beautiful photographs. While that statement may be up for debate, we can widely agree that the majority of people in the world are not runway models or celebrities gracing the pages of Vogue or People magazines. So, what are some ways photographers can create fabulous portraits of their subjects, even if they aren’t fashion models?

(Editor’s Note: Exploring Light is a monthly Shutterbug column featuring tips, tricks, and photo advice from professional photographers in Canon's Explorers of Light education program. This month's column is by Joel Grimes on how to shoot portraits with a tilt-shift lens.)

There’s something about a 50mm lens that will never get old. Indeed, this classic focal length, which is sometimes referred to as a “Nifty Fifty” lens, has found a place in photographers' bags for a long time.

You may not consider yourself a portrait photographer, but trust us: Sooner or later you’ll be asked to work some magic with family members or friends. And it’s likely your “model” will be just as inexperienced as you are.

Shutterbug readers know their way around a camera and consistently shoot really nice images. But if you want to make the leap from “good” to “amazing,” the video below is just what you need.

The difference between making captivating portraits and those that don’t quite work often requires nothing more than some solid advice from an expert. If you’re struggling to capture stunning portraits, the quick video below may forever change your technique. 

If you’re running out of fresh ideas, and need a quick jolt of inspiration, this fun video will provide a quick jump-start and get your creative juices flowing once again. You’ll pick up five eye-popping ideas in less than three minutes, enabling you to shoot images with the WOW! factor.