8 Common Portrait Photography Mistakes To Avoid

[@lgolden972]

FINALLY, someone on KZbin teaching photography that actually knows what they are talking about. He is one of the very few on KZbin that I would trust what he says.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind, cheers.

[@josephchan4198]

I will have to check out and review again old videos. Still useful for today hobbyist or part time worker.

[@josephchan4198]

I am glad you have this refresher course. Just in case you have campaign coming up or Portfolio. Thanks.

[@mfey53]

Great explanation, clear pronounciation, which I appreciate very much, because english is not my native language.

[@manfredoetting7694]

You are the best pronouncing speaker I ever saw on youtube. Although beeing no native English listener I understood every word of yours. Thank you therefore - and furthermore for your helpfull hints. Regards from Hamburg

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@jamesnetherian4981]

It's ridiculous how well thought out his outfit and the lighting is in this video. It's clean, straight and you can perfectly focus on the main subject. Even the umbrella in the top left corner creates sort of guiding lines to him. Background looks busy but not too busy and acts like a frame. Literally a "work"ing frame. I'm so amazed.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you, I'm trying to present visually and audibly in a way that provides as much clarity as possible.

[@mkzola5219]

Karl you’re just awesome 😎

[@sumkrishna]

My man Karl...I literally learnt photography in my initial days watching your videos. I keep coming back to your channel not just to watch new uploads but also to rewatch the older ones. It never gets old! Thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great to hear!

[@kamilkoszaka6737]

Watching Your films two or three times, every time with the same engagement :) Thanks a lot! And for the understandable english on the first place :D :D :D

[@promokator]

Great lesson. Thank you!

[@yaseenshahid8020]

Very helpful tips.... sometimes we're so concerned about the camera settings that we forget these little details... thank you so much sir

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidmilisock5200]

As usual Karl more professional level information in under 10 minutes then most college level courses! BRAVO!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Wow, thanks

[@tanweercaa]

Thanks a lot for excellent to the point 9 minutes, good job Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are welcome

[@christiannambayan]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@christinahanna6460]

Just getting started after not for a very long tome. This is all very helpful!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@jasoncario7063]

Thanks for the tips good Sir!!!! Nothing but admiration for how you critique correctively without being harsh. True professional indeed!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I appreciate that

[@artezannatto5065]

Thank God that I've found your channel. There's a LOT of things to learn within your videos (including the english language, because I'm brazilian)! Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome aboard!

[@oxanavulpe4489]

I love ur vedios as a beginner photographer they are extremely useful

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Happy to hear that!

[@ggarciacota]

Great video thank you!!

[@jlwilliams]

Another great summary. These definitely are mistakes to avoid. Often the hard part is figuring out HOW to avoid them! ...but at least being aware of the problems is a start.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@sebyaugustine8188]

Thank you Karl Taylor...!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@twoblink]

Just ridiculously useful... He passes useful information without sounding condescending

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Albert

[@adedoyintejumade9909]

This is impressing. I've been looking for an online photography class for a while now. And this has proven the most professional Karl. From Nigeria

[@adedotunajibade]

Karl is awesome!

[@sunwang3076]

Fantastic sense setting , it is so high-end

[@orthescribeee7938]

I didn't subscribe because of the free photography lessons but because every little detail is being explained well by you. Thanks for the great information. Loving your lessons! (just got my free ebook photography lessons from you) I should have known you before 😊😊😊

[@CmdrBondUK]

Thank you for producing this guide, I found it very helpful and insightful. I particularly appreciated the simple hand posing "steps" idea!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're very welcome

[@krishnapramod5350]

That was awesome, want to see your demonstration on white background shots for online. And also different lighting on white background. A very big thank you for this video.

[@afonsosantos8364]

Every single word you say has meaning and purpose. Perfect

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@jackjohn123]

Thank you karl...white on white demo please. 🙏

[@DrboazMkumboMD]

Your content is great Karl Taylor keep moving

[@CarmenFalkenburg]

Such a perfect teacher

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@jvusa]

Great Information, It will help us a lot...Thanks Karl Taylor...

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@PhotoBrad]

Nice video (as usual) Karl. But, I was hoping you'd address my personal #1 "pet peeve" when it comes to portrait photography: smiling subject with his/her arms crossed in front of the chest. This is a disturbingly common pose in promo images of real estate agents, lawyers and other business people. Any decent portrait photographer must be a student of body language. How we "read" people is based on a variety of factors including facial expressions and body positioning. Smile = friendly, happy & open. Crossed arms = defensive, uptight & closed. The combination of smiling/happy face and crossed arms is a mixed message that virtually never occurs naturally. A good photographer will know to avoid that illogical and unnatural pose.

[@annedavis3340]

Every restauranteur in the universe gets posed that way in photography. It's hilarious if you're looking for it 🤣

[@AlirezaS]

Great video. But would you create an index for every parts of your video on your caption (or the description below the video)? Thank you 🌹

[@thalegacy6]

Dang, this was fantastic. This is why I love the art of photography, I have a lot to learn!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thalegacy6]

@@VisualEducationStudio Most definitely, I don't subscribe to channels often but this was well worth it. I'll be checking out your website this week as well. Again, thank you for your time!

[@ranjansharma33289]

Sir your great tutor on youtube about photography

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you think so!

[@grepompier]

It's again a perfect tutoriel :) Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you think so!

[@SayWhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat]

VERY GOOD AND VALID POINTS!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@Holiday-home-Dunamis]

Great tips! 👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MuhammadIkhwan95]

Very detail and well said full of knowledge 👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garyquintrell4878]

Very informative thanks Karl.....

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very welcome

[@kennypringle4580]

I always love your videos and your great work👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@GrandEpicPhotos]

Thank you Sir, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Can’t wait for your next video.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

More to come

[@szogipeter]

Very smart, clean, useful. And its nice!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you like it!

[@arunopal1751]

Thank you so much sir! This helps amateurs like us to improve a lot. Thank you very much.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Most welcome

[@andizech2603]

Great tips under 10 minutes no bla bla.. Thank you for the video.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@michaelbyz23]

Thank you Karl, been learning from you since 2010!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers, great to hear.

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

What a video.. very detailed explanation.. impressive.. even little tini tiny details are considered properly by you sir.. thanks..

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and welcome

[@vizmatter]

Great tutorial. As a former broadcast TV videographer, studio and location, transitioning to dance photography, I learned from many of the pitfalls that are demonstrated here in video production. Yet there are other issues to look for even in stills. Thanks.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

thank you

[@NicoGuarino]

Superior work, Karl. Your videos really stand out among the rest. You can tell how much time, preparation, and superb execution play into these videos. Cheers!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you like them cheers

[@nosiku8325]

I just started learning photography three months ago and your teachings are really helping me get better. Thank you so much karl

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Happy to help

[@adefenwaadeliyi8372]

Thank you for sharing karl

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure

[@yuqin405]

great tips. thanks, Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Any time!

[@Fifthimagez]

Excellent video great tips I needed this

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful

[@insanepictures1989]

Mistakes are a stepping stone for success thank you sir

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Absolutely cheers

[@j777]

I could say much good of the content but I just want to compliment the moon shirt :)

[@theraven6836]

Excellent advice

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you liked it

[@rolodexter]

If we're confined in terms of space what tips do you have for having to resort to green screen

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi I rarely use green screen but even to use that properly and not too close, you need to be careful or you'll get green bounce reflections on the subject.

[@gregorylagrange]

Have a thought about the hands. I have what might be a different take on it. If you get too heavy on instructing somebody on how to pose, or if whoever is getting their picture taken over thinks the posing, that leads to more likely awkward looking gestures. Give them a few ideas or comments about a feeling or a mood they can act out, you'll get a freer flowing time and you get a lot less stiff looking hands. Or anything else.

[@garygalt4146]

Then you are not a good enough photographer yet. Many customers don’t like a picture but don’t know why. A broad hand or a claw like fingers may be the answer. Karl is pointing out these very old known things that if you are taught to watch out for. Will improve your images. And a good photographer can quickly adjust a hand keeping your client relaxed and enjoying the shoot. You will find that you will notice these little things and change the pose quickly and naturally without the client really noticing or they will feel confident that they are in the hands of an expert. Who noticed the little things that make a great photographer. I was taught these things 40 years ago and I don’t even think about them I just do it. A little tip Karl didn’t mention here but I am sure he probably has is when placing fingers on the face. Tell the model to gentle touch the skin with a gossamer touch. Fingers pressed hard will distort the skin on the face.

[@johananGR]

Thank you!

[@HumbleAmberyedke]

Nice educational videos 🙏. Please make videos on constant LED light photography with camera settings... Nowadays it's what we all need n would like to learn. Thank you 👍🤝

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias.

[@ipadwong9507]

Thank you, you make some key ideas that I could improve my skills much better. I really want to join your live talk and practical class (if you have), but I'm in Asia.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi thanks, you can join our live workshops online on our website.

[@ipadwong9507]

@@VisualEducationStudio Yes, I am considering this.

[@Savage1776_]

Free video! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lawrenceleung4354]

Posting hands , i prefer naturally.. with the shoot of indecent expose of the hand from nowhere is very interesting. Big shouder up front showing in a portrait is also an interesting argument.

[@catchlite5196]

I always like your videos. Awesome instructions and great photos. This one is an amazing one. Enjoyed it. Have you ever noticed your hand movement during a video? Mute the audio and take a look. 😁 Cheers!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks. Ha I hope it doesn't look like anything rude!

[@catchlite5196]

Karl Taylor nah, you’re fine. 😆

[@hlk466]

Not to sound super dumb but how did you selectively control exposure in photoshop?dodge and burn or something else?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, there are various ways - we cover them all in depth here - karltayloreducation.com/post-production/ but in this case it's usually just using the lasso tool with a wide feather to select an area then choose adjustment layer curves and pull them up or down. The finer techniques are covered along with others on my site.

[@azar0418]

thank you for the tips, details are always the key

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Always

[@AlexandreLollini]

About retouching, my best experience is : don't retouch expecting to save an otherwise poor shot. Retouch the best, only. After years of photoshop, the luxury is when you don't really need it. Peace of mind is when you leave the shooting location knowing you gave the good ones in raw in the memory card. And most of all : never submit to the girl request for skin, keep the truth natural look, it's always better. Never leave the location without some available light shots, those are often keepers. Turn slowly, move slightly, look at the light, the framing, there are pearls to be found there.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Good advice.

[@EkaHP123]

thank you for the advice

[@limagepicture9023]

Thank you very much.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are welcome

[@themileshighclub]

Signing up for your classes ASAP

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and I look forward to delivering you our very best content!

[@pradeepfp]

Thank you sir for this tips. This will be a great help for us

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Most welcome

[@geko9425]

Really useful Tips. I agree in every of them.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you think so

[@siddeshredkar4699]

Thankyou sir video was very informative

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Most welcome

[@johnl4469]

G'day Karl. Particularly liked this one, thanks mate. Stay safe.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks 👍

[@CamWilliamsonOfficial44]

Amazing thank you for this video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Our pleasure!

[@benjireid798]

Thank you for the reminder.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Any time

[@13thelly]

Thank you sir carl

[@VisualEducationStudio]

thank you.

[@nononsense6875]

Claw Hands and Bear Paws .....my family can’t help themselves....and I position them! Bless their hearts!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

🤣

[@adamgregorynyc]

Superb!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gillescoutlee2379]

Don't hesitate...become a member, this site is truly worth your money and well above most sites I've known and practiced...

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you so much.

[@Mr.mallaer]

Who decides what is acceptable look? Why should all photography fit someone’s idea of what they should look like? As long as they are in focus and the light is good who is to say they are mistake?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

They don't even need to be in focus but I'd agree light is often the defining factor. No person can decide what is an acceptable look but the perception of images is a visual science mixed with human biological and emotional responses based on the content of the images and it's representing narrative. From a visual science point of view it has been discovered that human vision reacts better to certain aesthetics, often related to particular contrast range, colour, diagonals and object positioning. This is all based on the human evolution and how our visual systems have evolved for survival reasons, things like, understanding camouflage, distinguishing certain coloured berries against a bush or assessing the threat of a moving item in your peripheral vision. The other part is how an image makes you feel and this can be based on previous emotional responses to situations, imprinting or cultural definition and biological emotional reaction. Essentially the story of the image may also make you feel something in combination with the visual science and then emotional aspects. I've spent many years studying this area and the work of scientists can demonstrate these things at a neurological level. So it's not really who decides, much of it is just a combination of science and interpretation but there are key things that mean while music is subjective that just like music if it's in the wrong note then you know something is clearly wrong.

[@weddingstudioumarpada]

Too good Sir, Realy So Useful Tips.... 🤘🤘

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and welcome

[@nyamabok3914]

You sound like a professor...great tips.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@thomashenn1568]

Great job! If I wasn't already a member I would become one.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha thanks

[@m77ast]

Guys if you are just starting to learn photography. We have been doing photography for a while and I can tell you as far as photography is concerned - Karl Taylor is the King at the top of that mountain. The best of the very best.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you

[@lightchaser2999]

Great advice

[@VisualEducationStudio]

thanks

[@subirthapa8542]

Hello There Karl, What are the Prices for Lifelong Courses that you have? I saw the option before but can't see the prices now. Please let me know

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi they are on the sign up page on the site

[@Paladin1649]

Karl -- NICE SHIRT! (Neil was a friend of mine.) Did you ever hear how he and NASA settled for the cost of the forgotten camera?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks, Hasselblad gave it to me last year when it was the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo landing. That's amazing to hear Neil was a friend of your's, did you see the film 'First Man', I really enjoyed it. I also read a couple of Buzz Aldrin's books recently too but I've never heard about the 'forgotten' camera, only ones that were deliberately left behind?

[@prestonlhouse]

Damn! Karl just dropped some serious knowledge in just 10 minutes.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@Govannonart]

Great explanation of common mistakes. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. Cheers from Mother Russia

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@Aniki91PL]

Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're welcome

[@lordr9485]

Karl taylor is rolls royce of photographers !

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha thank you, but I'd prefer to be a Mercedes :)

[@adamfreemotion8849]

When I set my Nikon d5300 camera for auto-focus and want to shoot, the camera focuses on other objects than what I expects (which usually the eyes or some objects in the frame). So I periodically half-push the button to see if it focused on the right thing. I tried to use manual focus but it is very hard to be precious; I assume the focus is right, but when I want to work on the photo on my computer, I notice the focus was not completely sharp. I can't determine if I've focused, for example on the eyes or other parts of the body or even the other stuffs around environment when I try to use viewfinder. Is there a way to fix this?

[@jmackultra]

Buy a better camera? Nikon's auto-focus is suspect. If not maybe change it to spot focus and move it on the eye before the shot?

[@tHaH4x0r]

Do you use single point autofocus? Do you use focus and recompose? Which lens do you use? Also yes, the easiest way to review focus, is to play back your image on the screen, and zoom in to 100%. On my D800 I can assign the main control pad button to instantly zoom in 100% to the focus point of an image, which makes it significantly easier to quickly check focus. You can usually find it under the 'controls' section then 'multi selector center button'. I am not 100% sure if it's available in the 5xxx series though.

[@wongkohping4944]

amazing explanation even a layman can understand.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@AnujithRajasekharan]

Thankyou ❤️

[@VisualEducationStudio]

No worries!

[@Jun-wz5xi]

Really good tips getting distracted by a really good watch 😉

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Seb16291629]

Me too. Looks like a nice Rolex

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It's a precision diving instrument called a 'Submariner', that's what I told my wife 😊

[@klay6899]

تصويرروعة مع الاستديو

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

#2 is what I live by! you can save yourself minutes of retouching by moving stray hairs, wrinkled clothes in real life instead of in PS. I had my first Covid-age shoot last week, and i had taken 5-6 shots before i realized the models jean care tag was sticking out of her waistline and on her stomach (she had on a croptop) we had to do those shots over, but I'm glad I took a second to look at the whole scene before

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly

[@hallo-tienan]

Hands: I know exactly what you mean. But in the shown examples on 3:46 I must say that I like them both.