[Photography] How to Create a Twirl Effect in Photoshop: A Quick Guide

The post How to Create a Twirl Effect in Photoshop: A Quick Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

The Photoshop twirl effect is a cool editing trick that can turn bland images into abstract art. Even if you haven’t heard of it by name, I’m sure you’ve seen it around – it’s very popular among Photoshop lovers.

But how does it work, and how can you apply it to your own photos? In this article, I explain how to create a twirl effect in Photoshop, and I also offer several tips and tricks to ensure you get the best possible results!

Let’s dive right in.

What is the twirl effect?

The twirl effect is a post-production technique that stretches and “twirls” an image, like this:

In this article, I focus on creating the twirl effect in Photoshop, but note that it’s not a PS-exclusive technique; you can apply it using a variety of comprehensive editing programs.

During the process, your image loses all detail and figurative references. First, you turn your photograph into an abstract scene formed by colored lines, which you then warp to create a twirl effect.

When is a twirl effect useful?

The twirl effect is a great way to achieve dreamy, abstract art, no matter the underlying image. I’d recommend using it whenever you’re looking to create some digital artwork; while the result won’t look natural, it’s often quite spectacular!

One of the good things about this technique is that you can apply it to pretty much any photo. You might have a few images lying around that, on their own, are nothing special. Perhaps they aren’t technically correct – for example, they’re blurry. However, by applying the twirl effect, you can create something beautiful.

How to create a twirl effect in Photoshop: step by step

It’s very easy to create the twirl effect, even if you have zero editing experience! Simply follow these steps and experiment with each filter until you get a solid result.

Step 1: Select and open your photo

Start by opening a photo in Photoshop. It doesn’t matter which image you use – the twirl effect can be applied to any subject or composition. And if you’re struggling to decide between a few different shots, why not try them all?

Step 2: Prepare a second layer

Next, you’ll want to duplicate the background layer (i.e., your photo). Drag it to the plus sign at the bottom of the Layers panel or simply choose Layer>Duplicate Layer in the menu.

Then convert the new layer to a Smart Object. You can right-click the layer and choose Convert to Smart Object, or you can choose Filter>Convert for Smart Filters.

That way, you can go back to each filter later on and make adjustments again without having to start over.

Step 3: Add a Mezzotint filter

To create the twirl effect in Photoshop, you need to apply a series of filters to your image. The first one is Mezzotint.

In the main menu, choose Filters>Pixelate>Mezzotint. This will open a dialog box. Beneath the preview window, you can open the Type menu and pick your preferred type.

At this point, choosing between the different types won’t make much sense unless you’ve done the twirl effect before. So don’t worry too much about it. You can also come back and change it once you’ve applied the next filters because you converted the layer into a Smart Object.

In this case, I’m using the Medium Strokes type, but don’t feel that you have to do the same.

Step 4: Apply the Radial Blur filter

The next filter you need to apply is a Radial Blur, so head into the menu and select Filters>Blur>Radial Blur.

In the dialog box, set the Blur Method to Zoom. As for the Quality: You can choose Draft to speed things up, or you can use Good or Best if the file isn’t too big. At this point, you still have to apply more filters, so it’s not a problem to keep the value as Draft.

I’d suggest setting the amount to 100. You can always come back later and experiment with different numbers to see how they influence the final effect.

Then add the Radial Blur filter again. When you open the Filters menu, you’ll find the last filter you used at the top, so go ahead and select it:

The Radial Blur dialog box will open once more, and it should feature the same settings as before. Simply click OK.

Finally, apply the filter a third time, but make sure you change the Quality to Best:

Step 5: Add the Twirl filter

At this point, your photo should be looking pretty abstract, which means it’s time to start the twirling process! In the main menu, select Filter>Distort>Twirl.

In the dialog box, boost the Angle slider to add the twirl effect. There isn’t a magic Angle value that works for every image. Simply move the slider until you like what you see in the preview window, then click OK.

Go ahead and duplicate your twirled layer using the same process discussed in Step 2.

Step 6: Modify the duplicated layer

Identify your duplicate layer in the Layers panel. Note that the duplicate layer will contain all the Smart Filters you’ve applied so far. So double-click on the Twirl filter to open its dialog box:

Drag the Angle slider to the left until you reach the negative of the number you previously chose. I used an initial value of 197, so I’ll use an Angle value of -197.

(Pro tip: To quickly reverse the value, just click inside the value box and type a hyphen before the number.)

Now the twirl should go in the direction opposite that of the first layer. Click OK to apply it.

Step 7: Adjust the layer blend mode

At this point, you should have two layers, each featuring opposite twirls. However, the top layer will be completely blocking the layer underneath, and we need both layers to interact.

Simply open the Blend mode menu on the Layers panel, then pick a mode! Feel free to experiment with different modes to create different effects (and if you’re using Photoshop CC, you can preview the result as you hover over different blending options).

And that’s it; your twirl effect in Photoshop is done!

Tips and tricks to improve your twirl effect images

Once you can create a nice twirl effect, try a few of these tips to improve your workflow and level up your results:

1. Create an action

Making the twirl effect in Photoshop is very easy. However, it does involve a handful of steps. If you want to streamline your workflow and quickly apply the effect to any photo, you can create an Action.

Start by opening the image you want to modify. Then open the Actions panel. At the bottom, you’ll find a Plus symbol; that’s the New Action button.

Choose a name and start recording. Then follow the steps shared above to create the twirl effect. Once you’ve finished, stop the recording.

The next time you want to apply the twirl effect to an image, simply play the Action and Photoshop will automatically follow all the steps.

2. Apply the mirror effect

The twirl effect is nice, but if you want to get even more creative, you can apply the mirror effect to your image. To do this, you flip the image and put it next to the original.

You can even create a variety of different copies of the image, each rotated and cropped, and blend them together. There’s no limit to your creativity!

3. Use a mask to reveal part of the original image

Another creative application of the twirl effect? Combine the twirled file with part of the original image. You’ll need to use a layer mask to cover and reveal the different parts. Here’s how:

Create a new Group with the two layers that have the twirl effect. You can do this by selecting the layers and clicking on the folder icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Make sure the Group is selected, then click on the Layer Mask button. You’ll see a blank thumbnail appear next to the folder. Here, anything that you paint in black will be covered up, revealing anything that lies below (on the original background layer).

So use the Brush tool to paint black over the layer mask and reveal the unmodified shot underneath. And if you mess up while painting, don’t worry; you can always switch to a white Brush and paint over the mistake.

How to create the twirl effect: final words

I hope you liked this twirl effect tutorial! It’s a great way to produce plenty of interesting abstract effects – and you can apply them to pretty much any image, no matter their original quality.

So spend some time adding the twirl effect to your photos. Maybe even create an action. Good luck!

Now over to you:

Do you have any twirl effect photos that you’re proud of? Do you have any tips or tricks for better results? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post How to Create a Twirl Effect in Photoshop: A Quick Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

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[Photography] 12 Tips for Self-Portrait Photography (+ Examples)

The post 12 Tips for Self-Portrait Photography (+ Examples) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

Starting a self-portrait project? Want to capture beautiful portrait photos using nothing but a camera, a tripod, and your own ingenuity? Self-portrait photography can be an outstanding creative outlet, and it can be a lot of fun, too. But it can also be very challenging; you have to deal with a variety of factors, including lighting, gear choice, camera settings, composition, and more – and that’s where this article comes in handy.

Below, I share my favorite techniques and secrets for instant success. I also include plenty of self-portrait ideas and examples so you can gain inspiration along the way. Doing self-portrait photography isn’t always easy, especially when you’re just beginning. But as this article shows, once you get the basics down, your images will instantly improve – and you’ll be ready to create bigger, better, and even breathtaking photos.

Let’s get started.

1. Use the right camera and lens

The simplest self-portraits can be captured with a minimalist setup (i.e., a smartphone camera). However, to make things easier on yourself and ensure the highest-quality results, I do have a few additional recommendations.

First, it’s important that you grab an interchangeable lens camera, such as a DSLR or mirrorless model. The specifics aren’t important; you simply want a camera that is capable of high-resolution, tack-sharp images. However, if you’re struggling to choose, consider grabbing a portrait photography camera that offers solid resolution, decent low-light capabilities, and access to plenty of excellent lenses.

Interchangeable lens cameras don’t include built-in lenses, so if you do follow the advice I’ve given above, you’ll need to purchase a lens to mount on your camera body. A good starter lens is a 50mm f/1.8, which is offered by nearly every major camera brand, should be relatively cheap, and offers a very natural perspective. Additionally, thanks to the f/1.8 maximum aperture, you can create stunning background bokeh in your self-portrait shots.

If you’re a fan of wider-angle images – such as full-body shots – you might consider purchasing a 35mm f/1.8 lens instead. And if you think you might want to capture a range of shots at different focal lengths, including wider environmental images and tighter headshots, you could splurge on a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom, though – fair warning! – it’ll be very expensive.

2. Purchase a tripod and a remote release

If you’re serious about doing self-portrait photography, once you grab a camera and lens, a tripod should be your next purchase. Technically, you can get creative and prop your camera up on a table or some books, but a tripod will make your life so much easier.

What tripod should you buy? If you plan to shoot your self-portraits at night and without strong artificial lighting, then you will want to make sure your tripod is relatively sturdy (especially if you’ll be working outdoors). And if you plan to go for long hikes with your tripod, you’ll want to pick a model that’s lightweight and portable.

However, it’s important that you don’t worry too much about your specific tripod pick. At the end of the day, most decent-quality tripods will do a good job for the average self-portrait shooter. After all, you really just need it to hold your camera while you pose!

At this point, you should have a camera, a lens, and a tripod, which means you can declare your setup complete. But I’d also recommend one more (small) purchase: A remote shutter release. It’ll allow you to fire your camera from a distance using a handheld remote control; that way, you can trigger the shutter as you pose, rather than using the 10-second self-timer and running into position before the camera fires.

Fortunately, remote releases don’t cost much, but they can be an absolute game-changer!

3. Think about the light

Lighting is a key part of all portrait photography, and self-portrait shooting is no exception. If you want to capture great shots, you’ll need to learn to work with the light so you can create various moods and effects.

When you’re just getting started, I’d recommend shooting outdoors or relying on window light. If you’re photographing outside, try heading out on cloudy days or just before the sun sets. That way, you’ll be able to capture soft, flattering images that avoid harsh shadows.

Window light is also nice and often allows for a bit more drama. Experiment by standing near the window and capturing photos with different lighting angles. Notice how your images change as you position yourself so the light streams in from off to the side, from directly in front of you, from behind you, at a 45-degree angle, and so on.

Once you understand the lighting basics, you may wish to invest in a speedlight, a light stand, and maybe a softbox. You can grab the whole setup for around $100 to $200, or you can just grab a flash and a light stand in the $50 to $100 range.

Start by learning the conventional portrait lighting patterns, all of which can look great in self-portraits. Then try to improvise and see what you can create. You can eventually add additional speedlights and modifiers to your lighting kit, which will allow you to create a wide variety of looks (though there is plenty you can do with a single-light setup, so don’t feel you need to rush out and buy multiple flashes immediately!).

Pro tip: If you want to improve your artificial lighting skills fast, consider purchasing a software program that offers tethered shooting, like Lightroom or Capture One. (You might even be able to shoot tethered using software provided by your camera manufacturer.) This simply allows you to see your images on your desktop computer moments after you’ve hit the shutter button, and it’s a great way to inspect the results on a larger screen for technical, compositional, or lighting errors.

4. Use hobbies, interests, and other art to inspire ideas

If you’ve just started capturing self-portraits, you may have a few ideas, but you’re probably struggling to come up with enough inspiration to shoot dozens or hundreds of images. Don’t worry; this happens to pretty much everyone when they begin photographing. Fortunately, developing self-portrait ideas isn’t as hard as you think. You can find inspiration all around. For instance:

• Think about your favorite hobbies. Can you create any self-portraits that rely on its themes or props?
• Identify your interests, be it history, science, mathematics, old architecture, or cars. How can you turn them into self-portraits?

I’d also encourage you to look at other art. Don’t copy, but find inspiration in movies, TV, painting, and even other photography. Every time you see something that interests you, write it down. Pretty soon, you’ll have a long list of possible portraits!

By the way, you don’t have to stick to hobbies, interests, and visual arts. You might think about the settings you pass on the way to work or even your physical characteristics. One of my prominent features is my bald head, so I created a self-portrait that used it to my advantage:

At the end of the day, it’s really all about what you find compelling. Identify that first, then the ideas will flow!

One final note: Self-portraits are generally planned, but they don’t have to be. You might consider walking or driving around with your camera and tripod – in your neighborhood, in a park, or in the nearest city. Just see what you can find!

5. Include a prop (or three)

Self-portrait photography doesn’t need to just be about the self. You can also include various props that add interest, make your shots more complex, and are all-around fun to use.

You don’t want to go prop-crazy – too many items can be highly distracting – but I’d recommend throwing in an element or two when it fits the idea and composition. Here are a few prop ideas, though I certainly encourage you to get creative:

• Hats
• Canes
• Coats
• Balloons
• Pets
• Toys
• Cooking implements
• Sports gear

Note that the best props will add to the portrait without taking attention away from the main subject (i.e., you!). If you’re not sure whether a prop will work, feel free to try it out and see what you think. If you’re not a fan, you can always reshoot!

6. Every self-portrait should have a theme

When you’re just starting out, you may be tempted to set up your camera (and lighting), select a pose, and start shooting. But that will get old very quickly, and even if you take the best self-portraits in the world, you’re going to get bored after a few days.

Instead, use the interests I talked about earlier in the article to create themes. Work with props, backgrounds, and even other people to create images that offer some concept, tell some story, or send a message. It doesn’t have to be serious, either; here, I asked my pregnant wife to participate in a silly self-portrait:

Your theme doesn’t need to be complex, but it should be present. Even a small prop or two can make a big difference.

By the way, a theme doesn’t necessarily need materials. As I discuss later in this article, you can use a specific emotion to anchor the shot, which often relies purely on your acting skills.

7. Don’t forget about the background

Since you’re a self-portrait photographer, you’re probably tempted to focus on the subject and (maybe?) a few props.

But the background matters, too. In fact, a good background will elevate your shot to the next level, while a bad background will relegate it straight to the trash.

Fortunately, once you understand the importance of a good background, it’s easy to incorporate one into your portraits. For instance, a neutral background is a great way to emphasize your subject:

While a black background creates drama and emphasizes emotion:

As you come up with more sophisticated ideas, you might consider adding a colorful backdrop, or even a background that provides context:

If you’d prefer to use natural backdrops (e.g., buildings in the city, trees at the park), you can get great results, but you’ll give up a measure of control. One way to handle a background that looks nice but is a little too distracting is with a long lens and a wide aperture; you’ll get a nice, blurred background that provides some context without overwhelming the viewer.

8. Dress the part

I’ve discussed the importance of themes and props, but I’d also like to direct your attention to clothes, which can add that final touch to an already-strong photo.

Think about your chosen theme, then pick clothing that matches. You don’t need to invent a whole outfit, of course; just determine the parts of your body that will appear in the image and give yourself a quick makeover.

If you really like your idea, you might even consider shopping for clothes at a thrift store. Maybe add an accessory or two, like glasses and a hat.

Also, remember that you’re often playing a part, which means you should do your best to act. You don’t have to give an Oscar-worthy performance, but really give it your all and see how things turn out. If you shoot tethered, you can always check to see whether the acting works or whether you’re better off with a more generic approach. (Alternatively, you can check the back of your LCD screen.)

For this shot, I made sure to wear a brimmed hat and leather gloves, which really created that “farmer” effect:

9. Pay attention to the composition

As you set up each self-portrait shot, make sure you know exactly where the edges of the frame sit – and how you fit within them. This can dramatically affect the overall feel of the shot, and it can be the difference between a great image and a bland one.

For instance, by positioning yourself dead-center in the middle of the frame, you’ll get an intense, in-your-face result – and by standing off to the side, the image will feel more dynamic and less confrontational. I recommend reading up on basic portrait photography composition, but it’s often a good idea to try out a handful of different options and see what you like best.

At the end of the day, each photographer – and each photoshoot – is different. Don’t feel you have to compose your photos a certain way just because it’s what lots of other photographers are doing. There are many ways to create a stunning shot, and you certainly don’t have to follow Instagram trends to get great results.

10. Portray emotion

Want your photos to look boring? Then act boring. After all, the facial and body expressions you convey can massively impact a photo’s tone.

So instead of standing in front of the camera and staring, do what you can to create emotion. I suggest aiming for an over-the-top expression, like this:

In my experience, the more emotion you can show, the better the photo will look.

Of course, this is really all down to personal taste. I’d recommend experimenting with different levels of emotion – subtle, intense, and wild – until you arrive at an effect you like. You don’t need to remain consistent from shot to shot, however; one theme might call for an extreme expression, while another might be better complemented by a milder look.

I’d also recommend you consider your expression in the context of the self-portrait theme. An angry expression may seem out of place when used in a chess photo, while a mild expression might seem confusing if the background is post-apocalyptic.

So once you have your theme, think about expression. Act as best you can. And check your results to see if any adjustments are needed!

Speaking of checking results:

11. Look at your photos

The fastest way to improve your self-portrait photography is by evaluating your work with a critical eye.

So as soon as you finish a shoot (or a few hours afterward, if you want to gain some distance), take a look at your images. Identify what you like about each shot. Identify what you dislike. Then, while the photoshoot is still fresh in your mind, note what you should modify for your next self-portrait.

Pretty soon, you’ll have a sense of what you want to include and exclude from your self-portraits. And you’ll have a little book of lessons learned from each photoshoot.

Of course, if a photo didn’t work, you can always resolve to try again another day. And if it did work, then appreciate the result. Share it with friends. Post it to social media! (Though before you share the image, I’d recommend doing a bit of processing, as I discuss in the next section.)

12. Post-process your self-portraits

Even once you’ve nailed the camera setup, the settings, the lighting, and the composition, you still have one last step in the standard photography workflow: editing.

By subtly adjusting the exposure, the white balance, the contrast, and the colors, you can make your images far more compelling and refined. Pretty much every professional edits their portraits, and if you can learn to do the same, your photos will look that much better.

Grab a subscription (or a trial) to Lightroom, Capture One, ON1 Photo RAW, or Luminar. Then dive in and just experiment with different editing tools and sliders. Focus on the basics, but don’t be afraid to have fun with more complex tools, such as color grading and vignetting. At the same time, don’t go overboard; beginners often crank up the processing, which results in unnatural-looking colors and tones. Have fun, but keep it authentic!

Self-portrait photography tips: final words

Self-portraits are incredibly rewarding, but starting out – developing ideas, selecting gear, working with backgrounds – can be a little daunting. Hopefully, you now feel ready to capture some stunning self-portraits.

So grab a piece of paper. Jot down some ideas. Then have fun shooting!

This article was written by portrait photographer Nathan Marx. To learn more about Nathan, check out his blog.

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
  • 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 is urban landscape photography?
    • 1. Use a wide-angle lens
    • 2. Photograph with a narrow aperture
    • 3. Take advantage of golden-hour light
    • 4. Shoot street photos in context
    • 5. Photograph from above
    • 6. Have fun with long exposures
    • 7. Shoot urban landscapes at night (including light trails!)
    • 8. Feature interesting architecture
    • 9. Head back during different seasons (and weather)
    • 10. Use leading lines
    • 11. Include negative space
    • 12. Post-process your urban landscapes
    • Urban landscape photography: final words
    • What is urban landscape photography?
    • 1. Use a wide-angle lens
    • 2. Photograph with a narrow aperture
    • 3. Take advantage of golden-hour light
    • 4. Shoot street photos in context
    • 5. Photograph from above
    • 6. Have fun with long exposures
    • 7. Shoot urban landscapes at night (including light trails!)
    • 8. Feature interesting architecture
    • 9. Head back during different seasons (and weather)
    • 10. Use leading lines
    • 11. Include negative space
    • 12. Post-process your urban landscapes
    • Urban landscape photography: final words
    • 1. Use the right camera and lens
    • 2. Purchase a tripod and a remote release
    • 3. Think about the light
    • 4. Use hobbies, interests, and other art to inspire ideas
    • 5. Include a prop (or three)
    • 6. Every self-portrait should have a theme
    • 7. Don’t forget about the background
    • 8. Dress the part
    • 9. Pay attention to the composition
    • 10. Portray emotion
    • 11. Look at your photos
    • 12. Post-process your self-portraits
    • Self-portrait photography tips: final words
    • 1. Use the right camera and lens
    • 2. Purchase a tripod and a remote release
    • 3. Think about the light
    • 4. Use hobbies, interests, and other art to inspire ideas
    • 5. Include a prop (or three)
    • 6. Every self-portrait should have a theme
    • 7. Don’t forget about the background
    • 8. Dress the part
    • 9. Pay attention to the composition
    • 10. Portray emotion
    • 11. Look at your photos
    • 12. Post-process your self-portraits
    • Self-portrait photography tips: final words
  • 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

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