Hey Stranger!

Have you ever wondered what makes a portrait photographer a great portrait photographer? Don’t we all want to be in that path towards greatness? I know that this is a very subjective question and that there are many elements that can catapult a person from being an unknown photographer to being considered a great photographer, luck being one of those elements. BUT, there are certain undeniable qualities that separates a common portrait photographer from a great portrait photographer, and if you want to jump into the path of greatness keep reading below!

The best portrait photographers in the world are known for their ability to capture stunning and expressive photos of their subjects. They possess a range of technical and artistic skills, as well as personal qualities, that enable them to create beautiful and memorable portraits. Some even reach the level of recognizable style, by which the mainstream public knows exactly who the photographer is at first glance.

What are these undeniable qualities in a Portrait Photographer?

1. Technical expertise:

   Let’s start with the obvious one! The best portrait photographers are skilled in the use of camera equipment, lighting, and composition, and are able to produce high-quality images that showcase the subject in the best possible way. This means that, to even be considered in a professional category, you NEED to master the basics. That means:

   • Grab your camera and start shooting! Learn every aspect of your camera, since it is the tool you will be using to capture your art. There’s no other way around this, you need to master how cameras work and how subtle changes reflect in your portrait photography.

   • Studying the top portrait photographers and learn from their work and how can you apply it to your own. In my case I devoured Annie Leibovitz’ work and still learn from her every time a new photo shoot is published.

   • Learn the basic rules of lighting, from how natural light works in different times of the day to how artificial light is used to express an emotion.

   These are just a few ways to begin building your arsenal of tools and knowledge and be a professional.

2. Creativity and vision:

   The best portrait photographers have a unique and distinct artistic vision and are able to create original and compelling photos that stand out from the crowd. This sense of vision and artistry also comes around when you begin building your own library of references, other artists that you look up to and eventually your sense of style and vision will flare up in your portrait photography.

3. Empathy and emotional intelligence:

   This is what separates humans from machines! Developing emotional intelligence will help you be more aware of your subject’s emotion and either expand it or guide it towards something more suited to what you are looking for. The best portrait photographers are able to connect with their subjects on an emotional level and are able to capture the essence and personality of their subjects in their photos.

4. Attention to detail:

   Being detailed oriented is what constitutes art creation, it is in those details where most of your artwork will be focused. Portrait photographers are meticulous and are able to create portraits that are carefully composed and flawlessly executed. Either waiting for that perfect light to shine your subject or finding the right composition that unveils the emotion you were looking for. All of these subtle differences are what actually push you to develop and express true artistry.

5. Adaptability and flexibility:

   Adapt, change, think fast, always leave space for the unknown! Portrait photographers adapt to different situations and environments and are able to create great photos regardless of the conditions. Sometimes you need to allow the natural human conditions to step in and work with these.

6. Professionalism and reliability:

   This is something that usually gets better as you get more experience and deal with different clients. But the sooner you understand that being professional means keeping your word no matter what, the faster you will gain every client’s trust. The top portrait photographers are reliable and trustworthy and will always do what’s in their power to deliver high-quality photos on time and on budget.

7. Passion and enthusiasm:

   This one will be the quality that will keep you pushing when you feel like giving up. Portrait photographers are passionate and enthusiastic about their work and are committed to creating beautiful and meaningful photos that reflect their subjects' personalities, emotions and stories. You need to be passionate about your work, about the relationship you are building between the subject and the portrait you are creating. This passion is the ingredient that will allow you to be better and eventually being the best in your field.

Well, now that you’ve had an overview of what all of us need to be great at portrait photography, you can begin polishing some of the areas that need work. I know none of us are perfect or are at the same stage of our portrait photography career but knowing these qualities can help you design a roadmap of the qualities that need work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog! I look forward to sharing more on being a portrait photographer.

Stay tuned for the next blog post!

Xx, Yeya