With AI-powered smart devices like phones, 2025 brings great joy to anyone who loves taking shots. GoPro cameras and other similar devices help people capture some of the best moments in their lives. Even though these moments seem perfect on their screens, they’re not. All these smart devices made people think that they’re the masters of photography.
I hate to break it to you, but you’re not even close.
Professional photography is so much more than a simple press of a shutter button. It’s about capturing emotions, personalities, and stories. Portrait photography, in particular, requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of people.
Data USA research shows that 54% of photographers are male and 46% are female. Gender doesn’t matter in photography.
With this in mind, let’s unveil who portrait photographers are and why their work is valuable and important.
Importance of Having Great Portrait Photographers
A great portrait tells a story and reveals something about the subject — confidence, vulnerability, or joy. But achieving that takes more than just pointing a camera and pressing the shutter. It requires knowledge of the shutter speed, lighting, composition, and post-processing. Most importantly, it requires the ability to connect with people.
According to Aesthetics Photography, we have taken over 1.81 trillion photos worldwide. Although 93% of those photos are taken using smartphones, the vast majority are subpar.
What separates an average photographer from a great one? Let’s dive into the key qualities that define exceptional photographers and explore real-world examples.
1. Mastering the Art of Lighting
Lighting is the foundation of great portrait photography. It shapes the subject’s face, sets the mood, and enhances details. A skilled photographer understands how to control light to create the perfect effect.
Soft, natural light sources are often the most flattering. That’s why many portrait photographers prefer shooting during the golden hour — shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, diffused light creates soft shadows and highlights, making subjects look their best.
Studio lighting offers full control. Photographers use softboxes, reflectors, and strobes to manipulate shadows and highlights. Dramatic lighting techniques enhance the portrait by adding emotion and depth (split lighting, aka Rembrandt lighting).
Understanding lighting is essential for any great portrait photographer. Whether using natural light or artificial setups, the right lighting makes all the difference.
2. Connecting With the Subject
A great portrait is about more than appearance—it’s about personality. Skilled photographers build a connection with their portrait subjects to bring out their most authentic expressions.
Instead of forcing a pose, they engage in conversation. They make their subjects comfortable, allowing them to relax and express themselves naturally. A nervous or uncomfortable subject will show it in their facial expressions. That’s why professional photographers get to know their clients before shooting.
A relaxed subject results in a natural, compelling portrait. That’s why connection is key in portrait photography.
3. Understanding Composition and Framing
Composition is what makes a portrait visually appealing. It’s about positioning the subject, using negative space, and finding balance within the frame.
Great photographers follow the rule of thirds. Instead of placing the subject dead center, they position them slightly off-center, creating a more dynamic image. Leading lines, symmetry, and depth of field also play a big role in strong compositions.
Using negative space can add depth and focus attention on the subject. A blurred background will help make the subject stand out even more.
Famous photographers like Steve McCurry, known for Afghan Girl, masterfully use composition to draw attention to their subjects. His use of vibrant colors and balanced framing makes his portraits unforgettable.
The best portraits don’t just capture faces. They tell a visual story through thoughtful composition.
4. Choosing the Right Equipment
Camera gear doesn’t make a photographer, but the right tools help create stunning portraits.
Most portrait photographers prefer prime lenses like 50mm or 85mm. These lenses can provide you with a much shallower depth of field, making subjects stand out from the background. Full-frame cameras, with better sensors, capture more detail and depth.
However, it’s not just about the camera. Reflectors help bounce light. Tripods ensure stability and remote triggers allow for hands-free shooting.
5. Editing and Post-processing Skills
A raw photo is just the beginning. Post-processing enhances colors, adjusts exposure, and removes imperfections.
Great photographers refine their images using software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. They adjust skin tones, sharpen details, and add depth to their portraits. However, the best edits are subtle. Over-processing can make a portrait look unnatural.
Photographer Dani Diamond is known for his soft, polished portraits. His editing style enhances natural beauty without making images look fake.
According to Arma&Elma, over 90% of creatives use Adobe Photoshop. It’s no wonder editing is an essential part of portrait photography as it helps transform a good photo into a masterpiece.
6. Capturing Emotion and Expression
A technically perfect portrait means nothing without emotion. The best photographers capture raw feelings—joy, sadness, confidence, or vulnerability.
This is why wedding and lifestyle portrait photographers focus on candid moments. While posed shots can feel stiff, a genuine smile or thoughtful gaze makes a photo unforgettable.
One of the most powerful portraits ever taken is Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother. The woman’s eyes tell a story of struggle and resilience. That’s what makes it so impactful.
Emotion turns a portrait from a simple picture into a powerful story.
7. Adapting to Different Environments
Not every portrait is taken in a studio. Great photographers adapt to different environments, whether it’s a dimly lit room or a busy city street.
Outdoor portraits require knowledge of natural light and weather conditions. Studio portraits need precise control over artificial lighting. Even spontaneous street photography demands quick thinking and adaptability.
Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York, is a master at capturing portraits in unpredictable environments. His ability to work with different settings makes his portraits feel natural and relatable.
The best photographers don’t let their surroundings limit them. They use them to their advantage.
8. Experimenting With Creativity
Great photographers don’t just follow the rules—they break them. They experiment with angles, lighting, and composition to create something unique.
For example, surreal portrait photographers like Tim Walker use elaborate props and unconventional lighting to tell fantastical stories. Meanwhile, Richard Avedon was known for his minimalist, high-contrast portraits that focused solely on the subject.
Some photographers use reflections, prisms, and double exposures to add artistic elements to their portraits. Others experiment with black-and-white photography to create a timeless feel.
Creativity is what sets photographers apart. A unique vision makes their work stand out.
Wrap Up
Portrait photography is a fine mix of science and art. It requires technical skills, creativity, and connecting with people.
The best photographers master lighting, composition, and post-processing. They also capture raw emotion and adapt to different environments. Most importantly, they bring their unique perspective to every shot.
Focus on these key skills to improve your portrait photography. With practice and creativity, you can turn ordinary portraits into unforgettable works of art.
Author bio:
Nikola Pantic is a Partnerships Manager at uSERP, connecting with partners and nurturing those partnerships through mutual collaboration, and a seasonal writer who helps shape various industries through the written word.