[Photography] Do people still print their photographs?

The post Do people still print their photographs? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

The guys at Godox sent across a press release (A few weeks back now I’m sorry as I’ve been a little ‘offline’) for their then new Godox Portable Colour Photo Printer, the P100. And it got me thinking, even at a simple, easy to use level of printing like this little guy, who is still printing out their photographs?

We celebrated my dad’s life recently, and at the wake my brother had printed out a couple hundred photographs that showed the life and times of dad and those he cared about. There’s something very real about having a print you can hold in your hand, nothing to log in to, no computers to boot up, just a square of paper and your memories.

Before we share this press release, here’s a challenge: In the next couple of months, aim to have one of your photographs printed, and to take that one step further, I was just listening to a clip from a podcast (You can see it here) Print Swap, what a great idea, print one of your images and send it to someone – to have and to hold.

Right, the Godox P100, it’s not an A3 Epson printing onto some beautiful Canson Rag, but it’s WITH YOU, you can print images and have them. (I’ve been grabbing frames with the beautiful FujiFilm Instax Mini 99 which prints a little 45x62mm photo)

On with our press release, please keep in mind we have not tested the P100 ourselves.

Godox Introduces P100 Portable Color Photo Printer

Godox has announced the P100 Portable Color Photo Printer, a compact dye-sublimation printer designed to turn digital images into physical prints wherever you are.

The P100 uses 300 dpi high-precision dye-sublimation printing, with 1,256 printhead heating elements and support for 16.7 million colours. According to Godox, the combination is designed to produce smooth colour gradations, fine detail and vivid colour reproduction.

Each print also receives an automatic protective overcoat, helping protect the finished photo from dust, water, fingerprints, fading and everyday abrasion.

Print and personalise from your phone

The P100 connects to the Godox Cam APP via Bluetooth, while NFC tap-to-connect provides another quick way to pair the printer.

From within the app, users can capture and print photos directly, or work with images already on their device. Creative options include filters, frames, stickers and templates, along with tools for creating ID photos and collages.

The app also allows users to check remaining paper and battery levels, making it easier to keep track of the printer’s status.

Designed to travel

With its compact design and lightweight construction, the P100 is intended to be easy to take along to parties, family gatherings, housewarmings and other everyday occasions.

Rather than leaving photos sitting on a phone or buried in a cloud library, the P100 gives users a simple way to turn them into physical prints that can be displayed, collected, added to a scrapbook or shared with friends and family.

Automatic protection

The P100’s automatic lamination process adds a protective overcoat to every finished print. Godox says this helps protect prints against dust, water, fingerprints, fading and everyday abrasion, as well as humid conditions.

The process happens automatically after printing, so there is no additional lamination step for the user.

All-in-one cartridge

The P100 uses an all-in-one photo paper cartridge, designed to make replacing the printing supplies quick and straightforward.

Combined with wireless connectivity and the Godox Cam APP, the system is designed to keep the process from capturing a photo to holding the finished print as simple as possible.

A physical home for digital memories

The P100 is ultimately aimed at something increasingly familiar in photography: we take plenty of photos, but relatively few ever make it off our phones.

By combining portable dye-sublimation printing with a range of simple editing and personalisation tools, Godox says the P100 is designed to make printing those images easier, whether you’re sharing them with friends at a gathering or simply putting a favourite photograph somewhere you’ll actually see it.

The Godox P100 Portable Color Photo Printer is now part of Godox’s expanding range of photography accessories.

You can get them online for around $200 Aussie, do a Google and see what you can find!

Don’t forget, PRINT YOUR WORK.

The post Do people still print their photographs? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

it's from Digital Photography School https://ift.tt/j7apK0G
via Sime

[Photography] TAMRON announces the launch of the 16-50mm F2.8 A

The post TAMRON announces the launch of the 16-50mm F2.8 A appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

New lens alert from the team at Tamron.

TAMRON announces the launch of the 16-50mm F2.8 A¹ (Model B091), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens, compatible with four APS-C mirrorless camera mounts. The lens will be available for Sony E-mount ($529 USD / $729 CAD) and Canon RF mount ($549 USD / $749 CAD) beginning October 29, 2026, followed by Nikon Z mount ($549 USD/ $749 CAD ) on November 19, 2026, and FUJIFILM X-mount ($529 USD/ $729 CAD) on December 17, 2026.

The 16-50mm F2.8 A covers a highly practical focal range2 from a wide-angle to mid-telephoto. Starting at 16mm, it captures everything from expansive landscapes, architecture, and group shots like family photos in confined spaces to casual snapshots. While maintaining a constant fast F2.8 aperture, the lens remains remarkably lightweight and compact at just 3.2” (79.6mm) long, a mere 10.8oz (305g),3 and a Ø55mm filter size. Combined with high structural rigidity, it is the essential “Go-To Zoom” for everyday carry.

The fast F2.8 aperture delivers a beautiful combination of soft bokeh and high rendering capability, while enabling faster shutter speeds in low-light settings — perfect even as a first interchangeable lens. The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism delivers high-speed, high-precision tracking, effortlessly keeping pace with the erratic and spontaneous movements of children and pets. Furthermore, an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 6” (0.15m) at the wide end expands your creative options. Packed with advanced features in a highly mobile body, this 16-50mm F2.8 A fulfills your daily passion for both still and video shooting.

Product Features

1.Standard Zoom from a Wide 16mm — Landscapes, Group Shots, and Beyond All with One Lens 2. Lightweight and Compact Design — Your Essential “Go-To Zoom” 3. Fast F2.8 Aperture Produces Expressive Bokeh and Rendering 4. High-Speed, High-Precision AF Captures Every Scene Quietly 5. Perfect for Travel and Everyday Video Shooting 6. Close-Up Discovery – Adding Joy to Your Day-to-Day 7. Refined Lens Design – “Toned Profile Next” 8. Strap-Hole Front Cap for Enhanced Security and Workflow 9. Protective Features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating) *A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras *A full-frame equivalent of 24-75mm for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z mount and FUJIFILM X-mount, and 25.6-80mm for CANON RF mount. *Length and weight are for Sony E-mount lens.

You can find the full lens details over on the Tamron Australia website.

16-50mm F/2.8 A

The post TAMRON announces the launch of the 16-50mm F2.8 A appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

it's from Digital Photography School https://ift.tt/jSOVKxb
via Sime

[Photography] News: National Indigenous art prize puts Lismore on Australia’s cultural map

The post News: National Indigenous art prize puts Lismore on Australia’s cultural map appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

National Indigenous art prize puts Lismore on Australia’s cultural map

Some of Australia’s most exciting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will compete for $23,000 in prize money in Lismore this year, as finalists are announced for the 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award.

Run nationally from Lismore Regional Gallery in partnership with the Koori Mail Newspaper, the biennial award has grown into a significant platform for contemporary Indigenous art, attracting artists from across Australia and spanning painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, moving image and fibre art.

This year’s prize pool has expanded to $23,000, with the Major Award doubling from $10,000 in 2024 to $20,000 and a new $3,000 Youth Award for artists aged 18 to 25.

Lismore Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM welcomed the announcement of this year’s finalists.

“This award demonstrates that nationally significant contemporary art does not have to be centred in a capital city. From Lismore, we are providing a national platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and bringing extraordinary work from across Australia to audiences in regional NSW,” Ms Muddiman said.

“Combined with the Youth Award this year, the shortlist highlights incredible fresh talent alongside established artists whose work commands attention on the national stage. It promises to be an inspiring and powerful exhibition that we are honoured to present.”

The 2026 finalists are:

Major Award Finalists

Michelle Anderson, Kieron Anderson, Sonya Breckenridge, Luke Close, Ralph Close, Chris Curtis, Louise Daniels, Joe Dhamanydji, Jodie Dowd, Troy Firebrace, Margaret Rarru Garrawurra, Donna Gayford McLaren, Maddison Gibbs, Jodie Harris, Melinda Ingram, Clare Jaque Vasquez, Kieren Karritpul, Virginia Keft, Jaymi Lawrence, Tara Lloyd, Zali Morgan, Amber Morris, Kent Morris, Jodie Munday, Gail Naden, Ian Nicholas, Tracey Piccoli, Ross Potter, Brandi Salmon, Damien Shen, Kyle Slabb, Valerie Smith, Jasmin Stanford, Douglas Tamwoy, Anthony Walker and Jeremy Worrall.

Youth Award Finalists

Cameron Cooper, Keesia Close, Levi Roberts, Monique Vuong and Mayarr Yanner.
This year’s entries are being judged by Yorta Yorta curator, writer and academic Dr Kimberley Moulton, Senior Curator Exhibitions at Melbourne’s RISING festival and former Adjunct Curator of Indigenous Art at London’s Tate Modern.

Reflecting on the shortlisted works, Dr Moulton praised the remarkable breadth and strength of the entries.

“It’s an honour to judge this year’s Koori Mail Art Award. With a diverse combination of local and national works, city based and regional, it’s an incredibly strong year with artists sharing their stories, connections to country and culture,” Dr Moulton said.

Koori Mail Cultural Lead Trevor Kapeen said the award created opportunities for First Nations artists to share their work with a national audience.

“Every year this award brings a magnificent gathering of First Nations artistic talent into focus,” Mr Kapeen said.

“For the Koori Mail, supporting these artists is about creating tangible opportunities for national visibility and cultural exchange. We congratulate all the 2026 finalists and look forward to celebrating their achievements when the exhibition opens.”

Finalists will come together at Lismore Regional Gallery for a major exhibition opening on 7 November, putting regional NSW at the centre of a national showcase of established and emerging Indigenous artistic talent.

Council and the Lismore Regional Gallery are incredibly thankful to the generosity of the major sponsors, the Koori Mail Newspaper and Hurford Hardwood, and to the Friends of the Gallery for their contributions to the prize pool.

EVENT DETAILS

2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award Exhibition

* Exhibition Dates: 7 November 2026 to 14 February 2027
* Official Opening and Winner Announcement: Saturday, 7 November 2026
* Location: Lismore Regional Gallery, 11 Rural Street, Lismore
* Entry: Free
* Full Finalist List & Exhibition Info: https://lismoregallery.org/exhibitions/koori-mail-indigenous-art-award-2026-0

The post News: National Indigenous art prize puts Lismore on Australia’s cultural map appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

it's from Digital Photography School https://ift.tt/OKs4xf1
via Sime

[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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

it's from Digital Photography School https://ift.tt/eVBNKbM
via Kav Dadfar

[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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Table of contents

Portrait Photography

• GENERAL
  • 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid
  • 10 Ways to Direct a Portrait Shoot like a Pro
  • How to Photograph People: 7 Tips for Photographers Who Never Photograph People
  • 10 Crucial Things You Need to Think About for Portrait Photography
  • 5 Portrait Photography Rules You Should Probably Ignore
  • Five Budget Portrait Photography Hacks to Save You Money
  • 8 Lessons Learned from My First Attempt at Portrait Photography
  • How Self-Portraiture Makes You a Better Photographer
  • The Photo Critique: Portrait Edition
  • 10 Shots, 10 Portraits, 1 Focal Length: Take this Photography Challenge
  • How I Got The Shot: Portrait Style
• PREPARATION
  • Tips for Preparing for a Portrait Session
  • 8 Tips to Help Make People Comfortable for Their Portrait Session

    • 2026 update: Not much has changed
    • 1. Assess the subject’s personality
    • 2. Talk with your subject before the session
    • 3. Help them pose, then change it often
    • 4. Tell them what they are doing right
    • 5. Prepare conversation topics and jokes
    • 6. Use your strengths to your advantage
    • 7. Don’t show the subject images while you are shooting
    • 8. Know that you can’t win them all
    • Making your portrait subjects comfortable: final words
    • 2026 update: Not much has changed
    • 1. Assess the subject’s personality
    • 2. Talk with your subject before the session
    • 3. Help them pose, then change it often
    • 4. Tell them what they are doing right
    • 5. Prepare conversation topics and jokes
    • 6. Use your strengths to your advantage
    • 7. Don’t show the subject images while you are shooting
    • 8. Know that you can’t win them all
    • Making your portrait subjects comfortable: final words
  • Clothing for Portraits – How to Tell your Subjects What to Wear
  • How to Plan a Successful Sunset Portrait Session
  • 5 Secrets for Finding Great Indoor Photoshoot Locations
  • 10 Christmas Portrait Locations (with Bonus Lighting and Composition Tips)
  • How to Build a Bench Prop for Great Portrait Photos
  • A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 1 – Preparation and Rapport
  • How to Scout for Portrait Shooting Locations
  • The Importance of Location for Outdoor Portraits
  • How to Choose Urban Landscapes for Portrait Photography
• SETTINGS
  • The Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
  • How to Achieve Blurred Backgrounds in Portrait Photography
  • How to Bypass the Portrait Mode on Your Digital Camera and Get Great Portraits
  • Understanding the Focus and Recompose Technique
  • Overcoming Depth of Field Problems in Portraits
  • 9 Ways to Ensure You Get Sharp Images When Photographing People
  • Stunning Portraits: Manipulating White Balance
  • Shooting for HDR Portraiture
  • How [Not] to Take a Self Timer Portrait
  • How Focal Length Changes the Shape of the Face in Portraiture
• LIGHTING
  • 5 Tips How to Set Up a Home Studio for Dramatic Portraits
  • Simple Portrait Setups You Can Create on a Tight Budget
  • How to Eliminate Reflections in Glasses in Portraits
  • Portrait Photography: How to Photograph People in the Harsh Midday Sun
  • 4 Ways to Shoot Portraits in the Middle of the Day
  • 6 Portrait Lighting Patterns Every Photographer Should Know
  • 3 Lighting Setups for Photographing Headshots
  • 6 Ways of Using Reflector to Take Better Portraits
  • How to Create and Shoot Night Portraits
  • How to Make Beautiful Portraits Using Flash and High-Speed Sync
  • How to Make a Low Key Portrait (Step by Step)
  • Fill Flash Photography: How to Get Beautiful Portraits (Even in Bad Light)
  • A Lighting Ratios Guide: How to Make (or Break) Your Portraits
  • How to Mix Ambient Light and Fill-Flash for Outdoor Portraits
  • How to Photograph Fantastic Portraits with One Flash
  • DIY How to Build and Use a Reflector to Take Better Portraits
  • Understanding Light for Better Portrait Photography
  • Tips for Doing Natural Light Headshots and Portraits
  • 3 Reasons to do Headshots with Natural Light
  • A Beginners Guide to Taking Portraits of Elderly Clients: Part 2 – Lighting and Posing
  • How to Create Stunning Wide-Angle Portraits (Using an Off-Camera Flash)
  • Tips for Making the Most of Morning Light for Portraits
  • 5 Ways to Use a Beauty Dish Light for Portraits
  • Beginners Tips for Sunrise Portraits : Part I
  • Getting to Grips with Fill Light in Portrait Photography
  • How to Use Flash for Night Portraits
  • What Size Beauty Dish is Right For Your Portrait Photography?
  • How to Create Catch Lights in Your Natural Light Portraits
  • Tips for Using Golden Hour Light for Portraits
  • Side-by-side comparison between reflectors and diffusers for portraits
  • 6 Tips for Taking Better Natural Light Classic Portraits
  • How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits
  • Simple Tips for Positioning Your Portrait Subject to Leverage Natural Light
  • The Importance of Shadows in Portrait Photography
  • So You Have No Model? Here are Ways to Practice Your Portrait Lighting With Toys
  • How to use Colored Gels to Create Unique and Creative Portraits
  • 3 Steps to Professional Looking Headshots Using One Flash
  • How to Use Two LED Lights to Achieve Moody Portraits
  • Made in the Shade – Why Taking Portraits in the Shade Can be Ideal
  • What Is Good Light? (And How to Use It for Beautiful Portraits)
  • How to do Accent Lighting for Portraits
  • Tips For Great Indoor Portraits Using Natural Light
  • 5 Reasons for Doing Natural Light Portraits
  • Review of the Westcott Eyelighter for Headshots and Portraits
  • How to Use Angle of Light in People Photography for Added Punch
  • High Speed Sync Versus a Neutral Density Filter to Overcome Bright Sunlight in Portraits
  • 5 Creative Portrait Lighting Tricks Using Only Phone Light
  • How to Use Off-camera Flash to Fix Lighting Problems for Outdoor Portraits
  • How to Create Awesome Portrait Lighting with a Paper Bag an Elastic Band and a Chocolate Donut
  • Tips for Using Speedlights to Create the Right Lighting for Outdoor Portraits
  • How to use a Gobo to add Depth to Your Portraits with Subtractive Lighting
  • How to Use Hard Lighting to Create a Dramatic Portrait
  • Portrait Comparison – Flash Versus Natural Light
  • Stealing Light – Using Street Lights for Portraits
  • Five Places for Perfect Natural Portrait Lighting
  • How to See the Light for Portraits: A Quick Tip for Beginners
  • Shooting with Available Light – Lifestyle Portraiture
  • 5 Ways to Light Your Christmas Tree Portraits This Festive Season
  • A Simple Lighting Technique for Couples Portraits
  • Awash In Light: High Key Portraiture
  • A Portrait Lighting Project for a Rainy Day
  • Simple Portrait Lighting Setup: Gorgeous Result
  • How to Achieve Great Portraits with Window Light
  • A Simple Exercise on Working with Natural Light in Portraits
  • Small Flash Portraits on Location with Adorama TV
  • Portraits on an Overcast Day? Use a Reflector
  • Tips for Using Flash for Beach Portraits
  • How to Find and Use Natural Reflectors for Portraits
  • How to Create Dramatic Portraits with Shadow Photography [video]
  • Tips for Portrait Photography in Overcast Weather [video]
  • How to Photograph People Outdoors Without Using a Reflector
  • How To Use an Outdoor Studio for Natural Portraits
• POSING
  • Female Poses: 21 Posing Ideas to Get You Started Photographing Women
  • Glamour Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started
  • Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Men
  • Good Crop Bad Crop – How to Crop Portraits
  • How to Pose and Angle the Body for Better Portraits
  • Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Groups of People
  • Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Couples
  • Your Guide to the Best Poses for Engagement Photos
  • How to do Gentle Posing: A Collection of Prompts to Get You Started
  • Tips for Posing Large Families and Groups
  • How to Pose People for Headshots
  • Tips for Posing People in Outdoor Portraits
  • 20 Tips for Getting People to Smile in Photos
  • How to Avoid Fake Smiles in Your People Photography
  • Tips for Posing Muscular Female Body Types
  • Your Posing Guide for Maternity Sessions
  • Handiwork: How to Pose Hands
  • Your Guide to Posing Bands in Photography
  • Posing Tip for Portraits – Which Way Should Your Subject Lean?
  • Posing Tips – Waistlines, Thighs and Bustlines
  • 3 Posing Tips for Young Siblings
  • What Everybody Ought to Know About Posing for Portraits
  • Poser: Achieve Perfect Portrait Expression
  • Capturing Better Portraits Between Poses
  • A Posing Technique from A Girl With a Pearl Earring
  • Tips for Posing Men
• COMPOSITION
  • 6 Types of Portrait Backgrounds for Creative Images
  • 6 Tips for Perfect Composition in Portrait Photography
  • How to Find Great Backgrounds for Outdoor Portraits
  • How to Make Colors Pop in Your Portraits – Without Using Photoshop
  • How to Use Foreground Framing to Improve Your Portrait Photography
  • How to Use Negative Space in People Photography
  • 3 Simple Ways to Use Framing and Layering in Portraits
  • Is Portrait Formatting always best for Portraits?
  • Portrait Tip: Don't Fill the Frame
  • How to Use Portrait Angles More Creatively: A Visual Guide
  • How to Use Facial View and Camera Angle to take Flattering Portraits
• GEAR
  • Comparing a 50mm Versus 85mm Lens for Photographing People
  • Comparing a 24mm Versus 50mm Lens for Photographing People
  • 3 Tips for Taking Portraits with a Kit Lens
  • Best Fujifilm X-Series Kit for Urban Portraits
  • 3 Ways to Get Killer Portraits Using a Tripod
  • Photographing Portraits with Classic Lenses (includes Example Images)
  • Portrait Photographers: Do You Really Need a 70-200mm Lens?
  • Essential Portrait Photography Gear You Need When Starting Out
  • Portable Portrait Studio in a Bag: Now You Can Take Portraits While on the Road
  • How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Lens
  • Which 50mm Lens is Best for Portraits?
• ADVANCED GUIDES
  • 13 Tips for Improving Outdoor Portraits
  • Create Beautiful Indoor Portraits Without Flash (NSFW)
  • 10 Tips for Photographing Great Headshots
  • 3 Simple Ways to Create Stunning Eyes in Your Portrait Photography
  • 11 Tips for Photographing High School Senior Portraits
  • Tips for Doing Fall Portraits
  • 6 Tips for Photographing Large People
  • 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography
  • How to Create Environmental Portraits (Tips and Examples)
  • Capturing Unenthusiastic Teens: Forget the Perfect Pose and Get Photos You Truly Love
  • Tips for Taking the Torture out of Extended Family Portrait Sessions
  • Self Portrait Photography Tips
  • What the Mona Lisa Can Teach You About Taking Great Portraits
  • 5 Tips for Musician Portraits (So You Can Hit All the Right Notes)
  • 5 Tips to Help You Take More Natural Looking Portraits
  • 15 Tips for More Powerful Portraits
  • How to Create Dramatic Portraits in Your Garage
  • 9 Tips that Make Couples Happy During a Portrait Session
  • 5 Tips for Taking Better Portraits in Nature
  • Snow Portrait: Behind the Scenes
  • Tips for Creating Dance Portraits
  • How to Take Better Beach Portraits at Any Time of Day
  • The Introverts Guide to Photographing People
  • 6 Ways to Take a Candid Portrait of Somebody You Know
  • 3 Body Language Hacks to Improve Your Portrait Photography
  • 5 More Tips for Making Better Black and White Portraits
  • Tips for Planning and Capturing a Creative Portrait
  • 5 Tips for Creating Romantic Portraits of Couples
  • 10 Tips to Create Emotive Portraits
  • 7 Tips for Photographing a Bridal Portrait Session
  • 3 Lessons I Learned by Doing a Self-Portrait Project
  • The Ultimate Guide to Photographing People for the Shy Photographer
  • Tips for Getting Yourself to Relax as a Photographer and Have More Successful Portrait Sessions
  • Tips for Taking More Natural Engagement Portraits
  • 6 Tips for Better Portraits on Location
  • 7 Ways to Take Advantage of Autumn in Your Portrait Photography
  • 7 Tips and Etiquette for Taking Portraits in Public
  • How to Make a Unique Portrait in the City at Night
  • 3 Tips for Creating Outstanding Portraits, Inspired by the work of Dutch Artist Van Gogh
  • 5 Keys to Taking Beautiful Maternity Portraits
  • Photographing People: To do Styled Portraits or Not?
  • 7 Steps to Capturing Truth in Your Portraiture
  • Engagement Portrait Shoots: 7 Professional Tips to take your Engagement Shoots to the Next Level
  • Personalities and Portraits – and Getting Them to Mix
  • 3 Reasons to Have Your Own Portrait Taken
  • 5 Tips for Photographing Portfolio-Worthy Costume Portraits
  • 3 Critical People Skills Portrait Photographers Need
  • The Essence of Masculinity – Portraits of Men
  • 5 Corporate-Style Portrait Techniques
  • 5 Tips for Doing Portrait Photography in Busy Locations
  • Tips for Great Beach Sunset Portraits
• CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
  • How to Create Portraits with a Black Background
  • How Using Props in Portraits Can Make Your Photos More Interesting
  • How to Take Unique Crystal Ball Portraits
  • How to Create a Hollywood Film Noir Portrait
  • How to Create this “Fight Club” Inspired Portrait using One Light
  • Dragging the Shutter for Creative Portraits
  • 5 Secrets for Creating Perfect Silhouette Portrait Photography
  • How to do Tilt-Shift Portraits
  • Copper, Prisms, and Orbs, Oh My! – 3 Creative Techniques for People Photography
  • Portrait Tip: Add Interest and Movement into Your Shots with Wind
  • Glitter Portrait: How I Took It
  • How to Create a Unique Bokeh Portrait for Under $10
  • 5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits [video]
  • Room with a View: How to Create this Window with Blinds Portrait Anywhere
  • 7 Steps to Perfect White Portrait Backgrounds in the Studio
  • How to Make Unique Portraits Using Light Painting
• POST-PROCESSING
  • 11 Steps for Basic Portrait Editing in Lightroom – A Beginner’s Guide
  • Five Common Portrait Retouching Mistakes to Avoid
  • How to Create a Dramatic Cinematic Style Portrait Using Photoshop Color Grading
  • How to Edit Corporate Headshots in Lightroom
  • How to Create a Dark and Moody Rembrandt-Style Portrait In Lightroom
  • How to Retouch a Portrait with the Adjustment Brush in Lightroom
  • Photoshop: Red Eye Fix for Difficult Cases in People and Pets
  • 3 Steps to Photoshop Retouching for Natural Looking Portraits
  • How to do Frequency Separation Portrait Retouching in Photoshop
  • Basic Portrait Post-Processing Workflow Tips to Help You Save Time and Stay Organized
  • How to Add a Grunge Effect to Your Portraits Using Lightroom
  • How to Create Twinkle Lights for Christmas Tree Portraits in Photoshop
  • How to Enhance Portraits Using Gray Layers to Dodge and Burn in Photoshop
  • How to Blur the Background of a Portrait Using the Magnetic Lasso Tool in Photoshop
  • How to Use Photoshop Blending Modes for Fine Art Portraiture
  • Stylized Techniques for Editing Portraits Using Lightroom
  • How to Make a Bubble Portrait using Photoshop CS3
  • Creating a Black and White High Contrast Portrait Edit in Lightroom
  • How to Create a “Soft Portrait” Preset in Lightroom 4
  • Basic Photoshop Tutorial – How to Add Creative Overlays to Your Portraits
  • 3 Essential Photoshop Tools for New Portrait Photographers
  • How to Make Creative Lightroom Develop Presets for Portraits
  • 5 Reasons to Use Lightroom for Portrait Retouching
  • Advanced Portrait Retouch on a Male Subject in Lightroom 4 – Part 1 of 3
  • 3 Ways to Make Selective Color Portraits Using Lightroom and Silver Efex Pro 2
  • Correcting For Under Exposure and Boosting Dynamic Range with an Environmental Portrait in Lightroom 4
  • How to do Portrait Retouching With Luminar
  • Tips for Portrait Processing with ON1 Photo RAW 2018.5
  • 5 Tips to Cut Your Portrait Editing Time in Half
• BUSINESS
  • Portrait Consultations: Two Questions That Make A Big Difference
  • How to Shoot a Self Portrait to Support your Brand Identity
• INSPIRATION
  • 5 Examples of Beautiful Simple Portraits
  • DISCUSS: When you Photograph People in Black and White, you Photograph their Souls
  • 21 Inspirational Natural Light Portraits
  • 24 Photos of Perfectly Posed Portraits
  • 19 More Creative Mirror Self Portraits
  • 18 Stunning Self Portraits
  • Interview with Fine Art Portrait Photographer Bill Gekas
  • 11 Influential Portrait Photographers you Need to Know
  • Black and White Portraits a Set of Images to Admire
  • Nadav Kander on Portrait Photography [VIDEO]
  • 21 Spooky Portraits
  • Inspiring Portraits of Women – a Collection of Images
  • 12.5 Years of Daily Self Portraits [VIDEO]
  • Interview with Self Portrait and 365 Photographer – Anna Gay
  • Triptych Portrait Series
  • 8 Striking Portraits from Photograph Einar Erici [Shot in 1930]
  • An Interview With Underwater Portrait Photographer Sacha Blue
  • Masters of Photography – Yousuf Karsh Portrait Photographer
  • 21 Fun Images of People Laughing
• RESOURCES
  • Portrait Photography: Secrets of Posing & Lighting [Book Review]
  • The Luminous Portrait: Book Review
  • The Portrait Photography Course by Mark Jenkinson – Book Review
  • The Perfect Portrait Guide – How to Photograph People – Book Review
  • Improve Your Portraits with these Courses from Ed Verosky
  • People Photography and Portraits: Best Resources Toolbox

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

it's from Digital Photography School https://ift.tt/rHl0swB
via James Maher