10 Essential Rules to Get Perfect Portrait Photography Every Time

Portrait photography is an art that allows you to capture the essence of a person in a single shot. Whether you're a professional photographer or someone just starting, mastering a few essential rules can drastically improve your results. In this blog post, we'll discuss 10 crucial tips to get better at portrait photography, perfect for those wanting to showcase their work on canvas prints online. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of what makes a great portrait, and how you can easily transform these images into beautiful pieces of art.

1. Lighting is Everything

Good lighting is the cornerstone of all great portrait photography. Natural light often works best, especially during the golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset. This soft, diffused light helps reduce harsh shadows and creates a pleasing, flattering effect on the subject. If you're shooting indoors, consider using a softbox or a ring light to control the light and avoid overly dramatic shadows.

For those who are looking to display their portraits on canvas prints online, the quality of light will directly impact the texture and feel of the printed image.

2. Choose the Right Background

A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus away from your subject. Opt for clean, simple backgrounds that complement your subject, not compete with it. Neutral tones or outdoor settings with natural elements often work well, but be sure that nothing in the background is "competing" with the person you are photographing.

If you are going to print the portrait as a canvas photo, a serene, unobtrusive background will ensure the subject stands out in a way that looks stunning on your wall.

3. Focus on the Eyes

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and in portrait photography, they are the focal point of the image. Ensure that your subject’s eyes are sharply in focus. This small detail can make a huge difference in the quality of your portrait. If you're capturing candid shots, even slightly blurred eyes can make the image feel disconnected.

Remember, when you turn your portrait into canvas prints online, this focus on the eyes will become even more noticeable and impactful.

4. Frame Your Subject Carefully

Composition is key. Ensure your subject fills the frame in a way that draws the viewer's attention directly to them. One classic method is the rule of thirds, where the subject's eyes or face align with one of the grid's intersecting points. Avoid cutting off body parts in awkward places, like the neck or limbs, to keep the photo feeling natural and balanced.

Good framing is critical, especially when you decide to get your portrait printed on canvas. Properly framed subjects look professional and polished when showcased as wall art.

5. Use Depth to Your Advantage

Adding depth to your portraits can create a more dynamic and visually interesting image. Consider placing your subject slightly away from the background to allow for a soft blur (bokeh) effect. You can also experiment with shooting from different angles to capture different perspectives and enhance depth in the shot.

Depth can make your portrait come to life, giving it a more 3D appearance, which is especially important when you plan to print it on canvas for wall display.

6. Experiment with Poses

While traditional portrait photography usually involves standing or sitting in front of the camera, try experimenting with different poses to capture your subject in a more relaxed and natural state. Ask them to look away from the camera, smile with their eyes, or change their body posture slightly to create a more intimate or unique shot.

When you capture the right pose, your canvas prints online will truly convey the personality and emotion of the subject.

7. Make Sure the Subject is Comfortable

One of the most important aspects of portrait photography is ensuring your subject feels at ease. If your subject is tense or uncomfortable, it will show in the final image. Spend a few moments chatting with them, building a rapport, and making them feel comfortable before clicking the shutter. Relaxed subjects tend to have more natural expressions and postures.

These moments of ease often result in more genuine, heartfelt portraits that shine when printed and displayed as canvas photo prints.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Props

Props can add an interesting layer of storytelling to your portraits. Whether it’s a musical instrument, a book, or something personal to the subject, props can give context and depth to the photo. Be careful not to overuse them—props should enhance the portrait, not distract from it.

Props can be a fun addition to your portraits, making them even more unique when turned into a canvas print online. However, always ensure they don’t overshadow the subject.

9. Pay Attention to Your Camera Settings

Understanding your camera's settings is essential in portrait photography. Play around with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to see how each affects the final image. Lower f-stop values (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) create a shallow depth of field, which helps your subject stand out sharply against a blurred background.

As you prepare to turn your portrait into canvas prints online, these settings will help you ensure the highest quality image, full of detail and vibrance.

10. Editing Makes a Difference

The right editing can turn a good portrait into a great one. Use editing software to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance to make the photo pop. Retouching can be done subtly to remove blemishes or smooth skin, but always keep it natural. Over-editing can make a photo look artificial.

When you print portraits as canvas photo prints, the subtle editing will ensure the image looks crisp and professional.

Conclusion

Mastering portrait photography takes practice, but these 10 rules will help guide you toward capturing stunning photos every time. From the importance of lighting to the value of the right pose, these tips will not only improve your photography skills but also ensure that your final images look fantastic when you turn them into canvas prints online. So, grab your camera, start experimenting, and let your photos tell your story!