10 Tips to Instantly Improve Your Portrait Photography

Want to take your portraits to the next level? In this video, I’m sharing 10 powerful tips that will instantly improve your portrait photography-helping you capture more authentic, professional, and eye-catching images. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, these techniques will help you master your portrait photography storytelling.
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[@steadfast_1669]

I honestly appreciate the way you create and the value you provide. No rush, no artificial polish-just raw thoughts that unfold naturally. The depth, the honesty, the way you ramble-it’s what makes your content real. In a space flooded with quick cuts, quick-fix promises and empty engagement bait, your videos feel like a conversation, like something worth sitting with. You make people think, not just consume. And that’s rare. So thank you-for the value, the authenticity, and for not catering to the short attention span crowd.

[@adventureStaley]

This means more than I can say. Thank you so much for taking the time.

[@jjkdc62]

I've been shooting artsy portraits for about three years (as a hobbyist) and this is the "tips for portraits" video I would make if I had the interest in doing so. Connection, finding light, knowing your camera, and having fun is what it's all about. Great job Ben.

[@adventureStaley]

Really appreciate this.

[@RoyalFrenchiesofLA]

Thank You So Much for The Information & Motivation FAM

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TankDude]

Just when I was entering an inspirational block... Ben comes to the rescue! Thanks a lot for the awesome tips!

[@adventureStaley]

Well allright !

[@RichardJPhotog]

Ben, The appreciation goes both ways. You have a different "bedside manor". Youre open but not without fault. Photography is continuous learning and although you are great with the craft, youre along for the learning ride with your audience. Thank you for wahat you do. We are in a deep freeze here in the catskill mountains of New York but this gives us much to chew on when the weather breaks.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you Richard

[@DrJRaven]

The KISS principle is always a good thing.

[@adventureStaley]

🤘🏼

[@robertmccutchan5450]

"Focus on simplicity...." That's great advice for EVERYTHING in life, not just photography. I need to keep reminding myself of this. Great advice in this video....Thanks for posting this!

[@adventureStaley]

Yes sir. Thank you!

[@markbarkntrunk102]

Awesome thanks

[@adventureStaley]

🤘🏼

[@photo818]

Super inspirational tips to bring along on future shoots, definitely CONNECTION is key to a successful shoot!👍🏼👍🏼

[@adventureStaley]

Yes sir.

[@sprout995]

Thanks Ben for inspiration. Love the video and the content. I always found when shooting portraits. The session always goes better when you can make a connection.

[@adventureStaley]

Yes sir

[@mvjphotographie2617]

Hello! I've just discovered your channel. Even if I consider myself an experienced photographer I found this video very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you very much

[@tinboxlife]

Brilliant episode, Ben. While I'm not really into portraits, I find that a lot of those points could be transferred to any other photography genre. Nicely done!

[@adventureStaley]

Totally. I appreciate you watching.

[@lensman5762]

Eyes are the Windows to their soul, and our desires. If the eyes are not connecting through the lens with the photographer, the game is up. We have seen thousands of such soulless photos of beautiful women all over the internet, but I have always felt the connection you have with your models.

[@adventureStaley]

This means a lot, thank you.

[@mikebreazeale2563]

Wow! Great video my friend. I have been shooting for 50+ years, and I learn something new from you every time I watch your videos!! Nice work and please never stop. I love every minute of it. I wish I lived closer to you. I'd love to sit and have a coffee or something with you sometime. Peace...

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@julianray]

Spot on! I love how much work you put into your videos... and all to drive the message. Thanks

[@adventureStaley]

I appreciate that!

[@photohp2202]

Hi Ben, I absolutely agree with you: the pictures will be better if the work together is enjoyable, relaxed and team-based. Everything else comes in a second, third step. 👏😂

[@adventureStaley]

Well said!

[@janromo9753]

Great tips. You are on fire this year Ben! Keep that passion and drive alive!

[@adventureStaley]

Well Jan, I've been doing this youtube thing long enough, I figured its time to get serious! Thanks for always showing up man.

[@pascalthiebaud]

It's difficult to be negative in front an authentic person. I don't know if I will do Portrait photography one day, but now I have some Ideas. Actually I'm shooting with one lens but not always with the same one. I should consider going longer with one lens. Thanks Ben.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks for stopping by

[@jbrodersen]

Great video Ben... I love your energi 😊

[@adventureStaley]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@haroldgar1]

Just found this channel, I think the best tip is to carry around your camera for a year with just one lens, I'll start there.

[@adventureStaley]

I feel good about that one. Thanks.

[@PipsClips]

good vibes, really enjoy the tips and reminders - thank you :)

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@MartinH1701]

Always great lessons here!

[@adventureStaley]

Glad to hear that!

[@jesusbenavides7596]

Great tips Ben. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you for watching!

[@glphotography3375]

Another nice video mate! Some great advice 👍

[@adventureStaley]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@neumlephotodude]

love your inspiration and energy!

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you so much!!

[@edmontontangobar4991]

Love your approach, I'm making it my ethos

[@adventureStaley]

Cool

[@jorsetti]

Thanks Ben! Nothing beats experience…great tips, great video! Enjoying your videos and work🙏🏻

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@dylanhill1640]

Ben, another fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your passion for photography these tips are super helpful! A+

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you for watching!

[@luissalazar2021]

I do like the last,, fine someone who will tell you the truth, that’s amazing thanks for sharing.

[@adventureStaley]

That’s what it’s all about.

[@280bunny]

Inspiring as always! Great instructional video!😀

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jwill9311]

Really good tips and ideas. Some definite food for thought

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@domannicette]

Hey Ben! Love the takes, love the energy. It makes me want t shoot way more! I'm not the most comfortable guy in front of my subjects. But by applying your advice, it removes some pressure. Also, I would add to be prepared for the session. Like come with an idea, with a moodboard, communicate it in advance with your model. Communicating before the shoot is actually a good one to get to know each other a bit more. That was my 2 cent. Anyway, keep providing us with such good content! Thanks! 🙂

[@adventureStaley]

Yes! Being prepared is so key. We could have a list of 100 things easy!

[@danbrowning2418]

Great tips, Ben. Thoroughly enjoyable. You evoked several images/memories. I particularly liked your comment about play. I don't know why, but I immediately remembered being in kindergarten and having to join the other kids in the sandbox. I was reticent at first. I didn't understand the social cues. I watched and learned, and eventually fit in. Well, as much as I ever fit in. Why did that memory come up? I'll have to ruminate on that.

[@adventureStaley]

Children hold so much wisdom that we forget... Thanks Dan.

[@J.EnriqueMurciano]

Excelente consejos. Un saludo.

[@adventureStaley]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@08-15-dude]

Great video and tips. Thanks! I love doing portraits in black and white - especially since I started using again more M43 (love the ratio❤). My problem is most of the time people who feel awkward in front of a camera and the posing. First problem you can solve by talking to the person, as you also mentioned. But there are sometimes people who are AFRAID in front of the camera. Hard to solve. But my personal biggest problem is... posing. Giving instructions how to move etc. ... that's why I ended up doing more documentary shooting of families 😂 But if you have some thoughts to share about "posing", maybe worth a video. Greetings from Finland. Martin

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks Martin, noted. I don't really know how to pose people and don't really do it other than "stand over there.." But I'll give this some thought.

[@bnwchris]

Thank you for this interesting and inspiring video. Great work 👏 Last year i bought a Q2M and only used this one camera. Youre absolutely right. Keep it simple is a fantastic thing. I learned a lot and was surprised whats pissible with one camera / focal length. Shot some of my favourites with this camera. I tried portraits with it and learned it is aboslutely possible. Yes, you´ll not have the look and compression of an 85mm f.e. But i learned a lot. I´m happy with the pictures and the 'models' too. Beside that... image quality of this camera is amazing ;-)

[@adventureStaley]

Bravo man, you’re on the path

[@tommynikon2283]

Uh….you don’t have to be a “people person”- BUT it helps! to be a portrait photographer. You DO have to be able to direct people. I learned that as a location photo assistant for a magazine shoot in the 1990’s. The photographer didn’t have any particular rapport with the subject, didn’t coddle, almost…didn’t care. But she KNEW exactly what she wanted. And the shots produced months later were great. That shooter was… Annie Leibovitz.

[@adventureStaley]

Lots of ways to make an omelet and we all do it a bit differently. I love this story.

[@msyt2007]

Less is so much more - thank you for the video.

[@adventureStaley]

Thanks for watching!

[@chriscard6544]

Im unable to get weird, I only shoot classic portraits, I would like to loose control, but Im stuck.

[@adventureStaley]

Well at least you know what you must do. Find a way.

[@stefanski8287]

what's your set up for your youtube videos? I'd love to see a BTS

[@adventureStaley]

Its pretty simple. I thought about making a video about how I make videos... Yeah?

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

If you want to be a good portrait photographer just keep shooting portraits until you come up with something that everybody likes and then just keep doing more of the same!

[@adventureStaley]

Yes sir

[@AdamRuczko]

You are a great inspiration to me, thank you for that. I envy you this studio. In my neighborhood every piece of concrete is painted over with ugly graffiti.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you. There are options. Use what you have. I know you can find something. My studio is getting very dirty and i'm hesitant to use any more...

[@AdamRuczko]

@@adventureStaley Any advice on what to look for ?

[@martinsivakov1481]

Greetings from Finland🫶🏻 Thanks for the video. Your portraits are truly stunning.

[@adventureStaley]

Thank you Martin

[@NeoPlatina2009]

Sir, I have to applaud you for this video. Btw, would you be interested to be yourself a model for a short portrait shoot? If I will get to LA that is and when. I am based in Europe, but I will travel to Las Vegas this spring and I might take a little detour through LA. I find you very interesting and I think I can capture some of your essence in a few portraits. If I have the chance to get to LA, I will contact you through Instagram, show you my work and if you like it and have the time, maybe we can set up something.