Sep 29, 2026

[Photography] 6 Easy Photography Techniques to Diversify Your Portfolio

The post 6 Easy Photography Techniques to Diversify Your Portfolio appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

2026 Update: Ten years is a long time in photography, and some of the techniques in this article have definitely aged better than others. But the basic idea hasn’t changed: if your portfolio is starting to look a bit samey, you don’t necessarily need more gear. Try changing how you approach the shot instead. Move, experiment with reflections and motion, look for unusual angles, or simply photograph something familiar in a completely different way. The technology has changed since this article was written, but getting out of your photographic comfort zone is still one of the easiest ways to make your work more interesting.

OR… are you still using the same camera you were in 2016?

In today’s world of digital photography there is an even greater demand and possibility to capture unique and different photos. Over time, every photographer will develop their own “cheat sheet” of techniques that they find pleasing, and more importantly, that their clients can use. There are numerous techniques and styles to diversify your portfolio, but here are six of my personal favourites to get you started.

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1 – Put Yourself in the Picture

You see a beautiful vista and think the only thing that can improve it is having a person in the photo, to convey a sense of scale. But, you haven’t seen a single person in hours and are unlikely to see anyone anytime soon. This is when you can be your own model, and put yourself in the photo.

  1. Simply set your camera on a tripod and attached your cable release.
  2. Work out where and how you will appear in the photo (sitting down, leaning, etc.).
  3. Compose the photo and take a trial shot to ensure the lighting and composition work.
  4. Set the self-timer on your release for enough seconds to allow to get to the spot you need to get to (I find that 10 seconds is more than enough time for me).
  5. Press the release start the timer, then get into position (take your time, you can always add more time if you need to).
  6. Look at the result on your camera and make adjustments as needed (where you stand, etc.).
  7. Repeat the process until you are happy with the result.

It will take a bit of trial and error, but the key is to make sure the photo looks natural. The great thing about putting yourself in the shot is that you also have a model release (providing there are no other people in the photo).

2 – Tilt-Shift Photography

Without getting into huge detail, this type of photography, also known as diorama effect or miniature faking, is essentially a technique that uses the illusion of blurring parts of the photograph, to turn a real world scene into something that looks like a miniature model. This effect can either be created while taking the photograph using a tilt-shift lens, or more commonly, in post-production using Photoshop or Lightroom (there are plenty on tutorials showing the step-by-step process available).

Tilt-shift photography is a great way to add diversity to your cityscapes.

Tilt-shift photography is a great way to add diversity to your cityscapes.

Photos that are taken from a high view point looking down work best (not directly from above), and you need to ensure that the main point of interest is sharp, as that will work in contrast to blurred parts of the image. Experiment with some of the photos you have and you may be surprised by the outcome.

3 – Silhouettes

One of the great aspects of photographs that utilize silhouettes is that it simplifies the photograph to a basic level, of showing the subject in a two dimensional format. There are no textures, just a general outline of the subject. To capture successful silhouettes you need to find a subject that is easily recognizable in this basic format (i.e. people, buildings, etc.).

Simply compose the photograph keeping the sun in front of you (it doesn’t have to be behind the subject), and if your silhouette is not dark enough, stop down the shutter speed a couple of stops (shooting in Manual mode, or use -2 Exposure Compensation in Aperture or Shutter Priority) until you get the desired effect. Remember to make sure you turn off your flash. The best time for silhouettes is at the beginning or end of the day, when the sun is low in the sky.

Successful silhouette photographs need to be a form that people will easily translate.

Successful silhouette photographs need to be a form that people will easily translate, something recognizable.

4 – Using Motion Blur

Motion blur is a truly fantastic way of adding dynamism to a photograph. Whether it’s the blur of movement of objects, people walking, playing sport or dancing, water, clouds in the sky, or even light trails from passing cars at night, a photograph with the correct motion blur can stand-out in any portfolio. Digital photography makes it incredibly easy to experiment with motion blur. The key is to ensure that it looks intentional, and not like camera shake.

To capture any sort of motion blur you will need to play around with the shutter speed. Put simply, the slower the shutter speed, the more movement you will capture, thus meaning more blur. Depending on the speed of the object, and also your creative vision, you will need a different shutter speed. Motion blur usually works best if there are sharp parts in a photo that contrast against the blur, so when using slow shutter speeds you will often need a tripod.

Motion blur is a great way to convey movement and speed and can add real dynamism to your images.

Motion blur is a great way to convey movement and speed and can add real dynamism to your images.

5 – Bleached Effect

This is one of the Lightroom preset effects that I love using on certain type of photos. Usually for portraits where the light is fairly flat and uninteresting, and I feel the photo feels gritty, harsh, and could benefit from muted tones. There are lots of different preset effects in Lightroom, and sometimes it’s worth having a flick through them to see if there are any that can enhance a photo. Like always, the great thing is that you can always revert to the original.

There are plenty of presets on Lightroom. Have flick through them and you might find something that enhances the photo.

There are plenty of presets on Lightroom. Have flick through them and you might find something that enhances the photo.

6 – Unique Angles

Capturing unique photos is becoming more and more difficult, so sometimes you really have to think beyond the obvious eye-level shot. Get above objects and they look completely different. Get close to them and you start to capture details that people normally don’t see. Crouch down and capture a low angle, suddenly the scene takes on a completely different look. Next time you have captured the first photo, to go beyond that and capture a few more, but at completely different angles.

I had to stand on my chair to capture this photo.

I had to stand on my chair to capture this photo.

This list is by no means all encompassing. Infrared photography, HDR, black and white photography, the list goes on and on. The important thing is to experiment and try out new techniques that you enjoy, find pleasing, and also help the final outcome. Over time you will build up a set of techniques and you will actively take photos for use with those techniques.

Now it’s your turn. What are your favorite techniques? Share them below.

The post 6 Easy Photography Techniques to Diversify Your Portfolio appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.



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Sep 24, 2026

[Photography] 8 Tips to Make Your Portrait Subjects Comfortable

The post 8 Tips to Make Your Portrait Subjects Comfortable appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by James Maher.

tips to make your subjects comfortable

2026 update: Not much has changed

It’s been a couple of years since we published this article, and honestly, not much has changed. Cameras have become smarter, autofocus has got ridiculously good, and you can now point a camera at someone’s eye and let it do an awful lot of the work. But none of that helps much if the person in front of the camera is uncomfortable. (Still!)

If anything, I think that’s worth remembering. We’re all used to cameras now. People take photos of themselves constantly, jump on video calls, post selfies and generally live with a camera in their pocket. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re comfortable having a photographer point a proper camera at them. The same basic rules still apply: talk to them, give them clear direction, keep things moving and, most importantly, give them a chance to forget about the camera. The techniques below are still the ones I rely on, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Take a Read Below – Let us know if you’re a nervous subject (or a nervous photographer!)

If you want to capture amazing portrait photos, then you must make your subjects comfortable. A comfortable subject looks natural and genuine; an uncomfortable subject looks stiff, withdrawn, and frozen.

So how do portrait photographers do it? How do they keep their subjects feeling relaxed, day in, day out?

I’ve been shooting portraits for years, and over time, I’ve developed a handful of techniques that help my subjects loosen up. While I can’t guarantee that my approach will work for every subject – some subjects will never relax no matter what you do – most of them will rise to the occasion if you can foster the right environment.

Below, I share my best advice for making your portrait subjects comfortable, so let’s dive right in, starting with my first tip:

1. Assess the subject’s personality

Business Portrait Session

Before you take a single photo, consider your subject. Everyone has a different relationship with the camera! Some subjects will have done portrait sessions previously and may be all business. Some will be extroverted and love the attention. Others will be uncomfortable at first but will open up after a little time.

The toughest folks to photograph are those who come in looking incredibly uncomfortable and stiff. To these people, a portrait session is worse than a trip to the dentist. (Seriously, there are many people who would rather go to the dentist than sit for a portrait session!)

These subjects will be the toughest to work with. They often feel they look terrible in front of the camera – in fact, they often do look terrible because their discomfort is instantly noticeable in their photos.

So make sure you spend some time analyzing your subject. Are they extroverted or introverted? Do they like to joke and talk or are they more reserved? Are they in the middle of a busy day, or do they seem more relaxed? Do they give you a stiff smile? These are all indicators that you can pick up on, and you can use these cues to figure out the best way to get through to them.

Bottom line: The better you can understand your subjects, the better you’ll be able to get them to enjoy working with you. And eventually, if you take the right approach, they’ll become comfortable in front of the camera (and take some great photos!).

2. Talk with your subject before the session

Whenever possible, as soon as you meet your subject, introduce yourself. Don’t get straight to the photography; instead, ask them how their day is going. Get them talking, then explain what you’re going to do and how the session will work.

Business Portrait Session

Tell your subject that you are looking for natural images, casual smiles, and comfortable poses. Let them know that you will direct them over the course of the session, but also mention that they can always bring up ideas if they have them.

Is there a way that they feel comfortable standing? Tell them to speak up. Do they want to try something new? Tell them to communicate it. In my experience, the best shoots are those that turn into a collaboration between the photographer and the subject.

3. Help them pose, then change it often

Many subjects are nervous about posing, so before you begin shooting, explain that you will direct them in different poses, but that you ultimately want them to stand in a way that feels comfortable.

If you have the time, you can have your subject collaborate on the poses. Ask them: How would you naturally stand or lean here? If you have specific poses in mind, demonstrate them. And if necessary, show them a few example images on your phone or tablet.

Business Portrait Session

As you work, keep your subject moving. Start with a clear pose, then ask them to change it slightly every few shots. This is about keeping them fluid and comfortable; the constant movement will prevent them from becoming stiff and still.

It’s hard to overemphasize the value of a pose change. The second your subject starts to look uncomfortable, get them to do something different. Change their hands or their stance. Move them to another location. Every time you change the pose is another chance for them to reset themselves and get comfortable.

One more thing: The hands are at least as important as the body. If the subject’s hands feel comfortable, there is a good chance the rest of their body will fall into place. Some subjects can get very stiff with their hands if you don’t give them direction, so be sure to offer hand posing suggestions. Do you want the hands in front, in the pockets, or crossed over their chest?

I usually start by giving some suggestions, then I ask them to position their hands the way that they would normally stand (this often yields a very comfortable pose). When I’ve exhausted those photo opportunities, I’ll ask them to cross their arms, then go from there.

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4. Tell them what they are doing right

If your subject is doing something right, tell them! Give them positive reinforcement. Never tell them they look awkward; they will just freeze up even more. I constantly say some variation of, “That looks great!” or offer more specific compliments. Positivity just keeps things heading in the right direction.

If you like someone’s smile, let them know. They will instantly feel good, and it will help them recreate the look when you need it. You can later say, “Give me that smile from before.” If they have trouble doing it, plead and beg them for it in a funny way so they feel comfortable again.

You can tell subjects not to do specific things, but be careful with your phrasing. You don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable or kill your momentum. Instead of saying, “Your hands don’t look right,” try, “I think your hands might be a little better this way.” Even criticism can be spun in a positive way.

Business Portrait Session

5. Prepare conversation topics and jokes

It might sound cheesy, but if you prepare a few lines of conversation, you’ll have a much better chance of getting through to your subjects. After you introduce yourself, ask a couple of simple questions, such as “Are you from [blank]?” or “How has your day been?”

And if your subject isn’t in a rush, keep asking questions, even as you shoot. Try to hone in on a topic of interest. I find that a good conversation over the course of a session can make the whole thing much more comfortable. The more you get your subject talking, the more they can break out of their shell. At the very least, they’ll like you!

Business Portrait Session

You don’t need to write knock-knock jokes, but I do recommend you think of some funny things ahead of time to talk about or to use in tough situations. When a subject begins a session by explaining how much they hate being photographed, I try to say something like, “Well, you’re going to hate me, then!” A dentist joke will work, as well. I then tell them that they are in good hands and not to worry. A quick and funny comeback will make them feel like you are prepared.

And I’ll always have conversational topics that I bring up as needed – on current events, sports, the weather, and more.

DPS_business_portraiture_3

6. Use your strengths to your advantage

Are you an extrovert who can charm and joke with anyone? Then use your social skills! You’ll definitely have an easier time getting your subjects to laugh and open up, though you’ll need to be careful not to overdo it. If you talk too much, you risk stopping the subject’s personality from showing through in the images.

Instead, bring the jokes and conversation, but also make yourself ask questions. Stop and listen a little bit more. Don’t just lay on the charm; create an environment where the subject feels comfortable enough to open up to you.

Are you an introvert who is uncomfortable trying to joke and talk with subjects? If you play your cards right, this can actually be an advantage – but you’ll need to gain some experience working with people.

You see, your advantage is your ability to listen and react. Ask your subjects questions, then play off what they say. Pay attention to their emotions. Get them talking about things they are passionate about. Have them open up to you.

Business Portrait Session

Be confident and explain what you are doing, but take on a more reactive role. Watch videos of other portrait photographers, both the talkative ones and the quieter ones, and pay attention to what they say. Think about funny things you can say.

In my experience, introverts initially need to put in extra effort to get good at in-session conversation, but after enough experience, the advantages can swing back in their favor due to their listening skills.

Business Portrait Session

7. Don’t show the subject images while you are shooting

I always try to avoid showing subjects the images until the very end. Sometimes they’ll insist on seeing the shots and you’ll have no choice, but do what you can to prevent this.

You see, when subjects look at photos of themselves, especially if they seem self-conscious, it can quickly ruin their ability to feel comfortable later on in the session.

Plus, only about 20% of your shots will actually be good, and if your subjects look at the back of your camera, they’ll see the 80% that you’ll end up deleting.

Business Portrait Session

Finally, for the most uncomfortable subjects, the photos at the very beginning of the session just won’t be good. The first group of shots is about going through the motions to make them feel comfortable over the course of the session. In such cases, showing your subjects the images midway through the shoot will throw them off their game!

8. Know that you can’t win them all

No matter how charming or funny or thoughtful you are, and no matter the number of many tricks you try, you will probably fail a few times.

You can only work with what your subject gives you! Portrait photography can be stressful, so always keep that in mind. Always put in maximum effort, and spend more time with the subjects that are having trouble, but at the end of the day, you can’t force an uncomfortable subject to feel comfortable. That’s just not how it works.

Making your portrait subjects comfortable: final words

Capturing natural-looking portraits might seem hard, but now that you’ve finished this article, you’re ready to handle nearly anything!

So remember these tips. Prepare the necessary jokes and conversation topics. And have fun!

Which of these tips do you like best? Which will you use in your next portrait session? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Portrait Photography

The post 8 Tips to Make Your Portrait Subjects Comfortable appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by James Maher.



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