20 Portrait Photography Do’s & Don’ts Photographers must Know
Daniel • updated July 8, 2025 • 12 min read
Lights, camera, action! Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the magical world of portrait photography do’s and don’ts. In this captivating show, we’ll uncover the secrets to capturing jaw-dropping portraits while avoiding the dreaded mishaps that can make your subjects cringe.
If you’ve been searching for the definitive list of 20 Portrait Photography Do’s & Don’ts, you’re in the right place. After years behind the camera and countless portrait sessions, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. This guide will save you from common mistakes and help you nail those stunning portraits every time.
Quick Reference: Portrait Photography Do’s & Don’ts
| DO | DON’T |
| Build rapport with your subject | Rush into shooting immediately |
| Use natural light when possible | Forget about catchlights in the eyes |
| Focus on the eyes first | Ignore your background |
| Communicate throughout the session | Let your subject stay rigid |
| Try different angles and perspectives | Stick to the same boring pose |
| Use a reflector to fill shadows | Rely only on your camera’s built-in flash |
| Pay attention to hands and posture | Cut off joints awkwardly |
| Shoot in RAW format | Forget to check your settings |
| Consider your subject’s comfort | Overshoot without breaks |
| Practice posing and directing | Assume everyone knows how to pose |
The 20 Portrait Photography Do’s & Don’ts That Change Everything
The Do’s: What You Should Always Remember
1. DO Build Real Connection With Your Subject
The best portraits happen when people feel comfortable. Start each session with casual conversation. Ask about their day, their work, or something they’re passionate about. This isn’t just small talk – it’s the foundation of great portraits.
Most people get nervous in front of cameras. When you create a relaxed atmosphere, their genuine personality shines through. If your subject is particularly camera-shy, check out our guide on how to photograph camera-shy people for extra tips.
2. DO Master Natural Light First
Natural light is your best friend, especially when you’re learning. Window light creates gorgeous, soft illumination that flatters almost everyone. Position your subject at a 45-degree angle to a large window for beautiful directional light.
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) gives you that warm, dreamy glow everyone loves. For more on timing, read our article on the best time of the day for portrait photography..
3. DO Focus on the Eyes Every Time
Sharp eyes make or break a portrait. Even if other parts of the face are slightly soft, crisp eyes draw viewers in immediately. Use single-point autofocus and place it directly on the nearest eye.
If your subject is turned at an angle, focus on the eye closest to the camera. For more on facial photography techniques, explore our guide on how to photograph faces.
4. DO Direct Your Subject Confidently
Most people have no idea how to pose naturally. Your job is to guide them with clear, specific instructions. Instead of saying “look natural,” try “bring your chin down slightly and think about something that makes you smile.”
Give continuous feedback during the shoot. “That’s perfect!” or “Great expression!” keeps people engaged and confident. If you’re working with couples or groups, our group, couple, and family portrait photography guide has additional posing tips..
5. DO Experiment With Different Angles
Don’t just shoot from your standing eye level. Try getting lower for a more powerful look, or higher for a softer, more intimate feel. Profile shots can be incredibly striking, especially when the lighting is right.
Move around your subject, not just side to side, but up and down too. Some of my favorite portraits came from unexpected angles that I almost didn’t try. For creative inspiration, check out different portrait photography types to expand your style.
6. DO Use a Reflector to Control Shadows
A simple white or silver reflector can transform your portraits. It fills in harsh shadows under the eyes and chin, creating more even, flattering light. You can use anything white – a poster board, a wall, even a white t-shirt.
Position the reflector opposite your main light source. If window light is coming from the left, place your reflector on the right side of your subject. If you’re shooting outdoors, our outdoor portrait photography guide covers more lighting techniques.
7. DO Pay Attention to Hands and Posture
Hands can make or break a portrait. Avoid clenched fists or awkward finger positions. Have your subject relax their hands, maybe touching their face gently or holding a meaningful object.
Good posture makes everyone look more confident. Ask your subject to imagine a string pulling them up from the crown of their head. Props can add personality, see how to take cool portrait photos with props for ideas.
8. DO Shoot in RAW Format
RAW files give you incredible flexibility in post-processing. You can recover blown highlights, lift shadows, and adjust colors without losing image quality. This is especially important for portraits where skin tones matter.
Set your camera to RAW+JPEG if you want the convenience of immediate sharing while keeping the processing power of RAW files.
9. DO Consider Your Subject’s Comfort
Long photo sessions can be tiring. Take breaks, offer water, and check in with your subject regularly. Comfortable subjects give you better expressions and more authentic moments.
If someone seems uncomfortable with certain poses, move on quickly. There’s no point forcing a shot that makes your subject unhappy.
10. DO Practice Your Posing and Direction Skills
Before any portrait session, practice your communication skills. Know how to explain poses clearly and quickly. The faster you can get someone into a flattering position, the more natural they’ll look.
Watch other photographers work, study portrait photography, and practice with friends or family. The more comfortable you are directing, the better your subjects will feel.
The Don’ts: Common Mistakes That Ruin Great Portraits
11. DON’T Rush Into Shooting
I see this mistake constantly. Photographers start clicking away before their subject is ready. Take time to set up properly, check your settings, and establish that connection we talked about.
Quick setup leads to technical problems and uncomfortable subjects. Slow down, breathe, and make sure everything is right before you start shooting.
12. DON’T Ignore Your Background
A messy or distracting background can ruin an otherwise perfect portrait. Always check what’s behind your subject before shooting. Look for distracting elements like poles “growing” out of heads or busy patterns that compete for attention.
Simple backgrounds work best. A clean wall, open sky, or blurred foliage let your subject be the star of the image.
13. DON’T Let Your Subject Stay Rigid
Static poses look awkward and unnatural. Encourage small movements – a slight tilt of the head, a gentle shift in weight, or a natural gesture. These micro-movements create life in your portraits.
If someone looks stiff, have them take a deep breath, shake their shoulders, and reset. Sometimes you need to break the tension to get back to natural.
14. DON’T Rely Only on Your Camera’s Built-in Flash
Built-in flash creates harsh, unflattering light that makes people look washed out. If you must use flash, try bouncing it off a ceiling or wall to soften the light.
Better yet, learn to work with available light or invest in an external flash with a diffuser. Your portraits will improve dramatically. For alternative lighting, learn how to take candlelight portraits for a softer effect.
15. DON’T Cut Off Joints Awkwardly
When cropping portraits, avoid cutting through joints like wrists, elbows, or ankles. These crop points look uncomfortable and unnatural. If you need to crop, do it through the middle of limbs or at natural breaking points.
Full-length, three-quarter, or head-and-shoulders crops work best. Avoid cutting through the neck or just below the chest.
16. DON’T Forget to Check Your Camera Settings
Nothing is worse than realizing your ISO was at 6400 when you thought it was 400. Check your settings before every session and between different lighting conditions.
Make it a habit: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus mode. A quick mental checklist saves you from disappointment later.
17. DON’T Overshoot Without Breaks
Digital cameras make it easy to take hundreds of shots, but that doesn’t mean you should. Overshooting exhausts your subject and makes editing a nightmare later.
Take breaks between setups. Review your shots, adjust if needed, and give your subject time to relax. Quality over quantity always wins.
18. DON’T Assume Everyone Knows How to Pose
Even models need direction. Never assume your subject knows how to position themselves. Be specific with your instructions and demonstrate when necessary.
“Turn your body slightly to the left, but keep your face toward me” is much better than “pose naturally.”
19. DON’T Ignore the Importance of Catchlights
Catchlights are the reflections of light in your subject’s eyes. They bring life and sparkle to portraits. Without them, eyes look flat and lifeless.
If you’re not seeing catchlights, adjust your lighting or have your subject look toward a light source. Even a small reflector can create beautiful catchlights.
20. DON’T Forget Post-Processing Can’t Fix Everything
While editing can improve your portraits, it can’t fix fundamental problems like poor focus, bad lighting, or awkward expressions. Get it right in camera first, then use post-processing to polish your work.
Learn basic editing skills, but don’t rely on them to save poorly executed shots. The best portraits need minimal editing.
Advanced Tips for Portrait Photography Success
Working With Different Personality Types
Every subject is different. Some people are naturally comfortable in front of the camera, while others need more encouragement. Learn to read people quickly and adjust your approach accordingly.
Introverts might need more time to warm up, while extroverts might give you too much energy too quickly. Find the right balance for each person.
Technical Settings That Actually Matter
While gear isn’t everything, understanding your camera settings makes a huge difference. For portraits, start with these basics:
- Aperture: f/2.8 to f/5.6 for individual portraits, f/8 or smaller for groups
- Shutter Speed: At least 1/focal length (1/85s for an 85mm lens)
- ISO: Keep it as low as possible while maintaining proper exposure
- Focus Mode: Single-point autofocus on the nearest eye
The Power of Continuous Shooting
Don’t just take one shot and move on. Expressions change constantly, and the perfect moment might happen between poses. Use continuous shooting mode to capture those fleeting expressions.
This technique works especially well with children or anyone who has trouble staying still.
Creating Depth in Your Portraits
Depth makes portraits more interesting and professional-looking. You can create depth through:
- Shallow depth of field: Use wide apertures to blur the background
- Layering: Include foreground, middle ground, and background elements
- Leading lines: Use architectural elements or natural lines to guide the eye
- Lighting: Create dimension with directional light and shadows
Conclusion: Your Journey to Better Portraits
Portrait photography is both art and craft. The technical skills can be learned, but the ability to connect with people and capture their essence develops with experience.
Remember these 20 Portrait Photography Do’s & Don’ts as your foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and break rules when it serves your vision. The best portraits often come from taking risks and trying something new.
For more inspiration, explore fine art portrait photography or conceptual portrait photography to push your creative boundaries.
What are your tips about Portrait photography do’s and don’ts? Let us know in the comments.
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