Capturing Powerful Portraits - Photographic Tips and techniques

In this one-hour seminar style movie Mark introduces you to his tips and techniques for capturing powerful portraits.
00:00 Start
00:07 Introduction
00:33 Light is our medium
01:16 Master the Ambient Light First
02:12 Learn to See the Shadows
02:37 Diffused Light
03:26 Engaging with Your Subject)
05:00 Studio Light or Ambient Light
05:52 When You Have to Modify Sunlight
06:52 Lenses for Portraiture
09:04 Composition Tips and Techniques
12:12 Placement of the Eyes/Chin
13:52 The Figure/Ground Challenge
16:04 The Impossible Background
17:11 Camera Settings
20:49 Position of Spot AF Point
22:53 Eye AF + Shallow Depth of Field
24:12 Take Two (or more) Subjects
27:00 The Open Door (lighting technique)
30:19 Making a Studion on Location
31:41 Introducing Flash
35:21 Lighting Modifiers
37:51 Flash use examples
42:51 Creative Flare from Rim Light
43:53 Beauty Dish as Primary Light Source
45:53 Soft Rembrandt Lighting
47:52 Multiple Flash Setup
49:53 Closing
I now offer personal technical support and assistance for Sony Alpha users from my Patreon site. A single $10.00 one-month membership will give you access to extensive learning support files including 15 eBooks, 26 member-only 1-hour seminars + my Alpha Q&A forums. There is no contract and no commitment beyond the first month. / markgaler
- you can join, download the eBook or all eBooks and then cancel your membership one hour later if you so wish.
Mark Galer is a Sony Alpha Ambassador for Australia.
Join Mark Galer on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars, 'over 15 downloadable' eBooks + cameras settings files (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month): / markgaler
DONATE to support content creation: PayPal.Me/alphacreativeskills

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler

[@keithjack9850]

Brilliant, a human, talking like a human, knowledgable about the subject matter with no gimmicks other than good communication skills, a totally refreshing change from many other you tubers.

[@MrOWarfield]

You are without a doubt if fantastic instructor.

[@thierryysebaert]

Complete agree ! :-)

[@shopobjetdart]

I agree. The Sesame Street approach which assumes everyone has a short attention expand is old already...

[@CBrandonChapman]

Especially that it's not just jump cuts because they can't figure out how to make their points.

[@modelnaturephotography]

50 minutes video, seemed like 5 minutes, really engaging and instructive.

[@GC-yi9nj]

i am so happy watching Mark's videos... there is no BS, only knowledge. there is no "whats up guys!!! subscribe to my channel!!!" straight to the point, not a waste of time. i appreciate all of mark's videos.

[@wimarzimmermann941]

I very much like the no-nonsense way in which you explain everything. Very good, thanks!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RohannvanRensburg]

I've literally watched 35 seconds of this and it's already in my favourites.

[@Boues91]

You‘re my great teacher, Mark. I‘m so glad to learning from you. Your pictures are so stunning. Especially your portraits I like the most, causing on the simplicity to telling a story and turning a normal face into unique, fascinating personalities in a small amount of time. I highly appreciate that!

[@vamsireddy1711]

A man who knows what he does. Clear and simple. Thank you so much.

[@sagarsapkota5662]

OMG! One of the most detailed presentations I have ever seen in Portrait Photography, full stop.

[@Hangs4Fun]

Excellent as always Mark. THANK YOU so much for all the time and effort you put into all of these videos and your website. It is greatly appreciated. Have a great day!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for the positive feedback

[@n4kk4]

This is by far the best video about portrait photography out of the approx. 100 videos I watched on this topic. So much details, tips and thoughts from your obviously long experience. Thanks a Lot!

[@lowrez2703]

Absolutely comprehensive, concise and professionally delivered. Your example work is inspiring and beautiful. Thanks for providing these videos free of charge, i've learned so much!

[@ChristophShyper]

Little long for a typical youtube tutorial, but once you start it's so engaging it cannot be stopped :) It waited in the bookmark for a month or so because of that length until I have the time, but it was so worth it! Now I finally know how to use exposure compensation for camera and flash, can't wait to try it out.

[@991106kk]

As a primary landscape photographer, I find this video extremely helpful step up my portrait photography

[@sajjadmalik9365]

You have exceptional skills of portrait photography and art of teaching in simplest form. keep shining.

[@MrAndyGA]

Can't help but feel that this video was inspired our meet and my subsequent questions and discussion around lighting & portraiture at the Sony stall at Highpoint Shopping Centre a couple of weeks back, Mark! Thanks very much for such an in depth video. It has helped answer many of the questions that I had had. All the best, Andy.

[@ScottWhitley]

This video is absolute gold!! Thanks so much for creating it.

[@sathishkrishnan1845]

A great learning experience! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and techniques. Beautiful photos and beautiful presentation!

[@grahamharris5241]

How wonderful that you did't play music through this video. I was able to hear every thing you said. I'm very greatful. Graham.

[@glenconverse1327]

So. far 37 people appreciate not having music played during. their vlog. They mean well, but it id extremely distracting. Thank your for your pure, non-musical discussion.

[@vshakir622]

When there is this much brilliant information being shared...the "music" is the artistic inspiration being created by the teaching. Thank you so much for your generosity, Mister Galer!

[@LivingTech]

EVERY video of yours that I have seen has been so helpful. Thank you Mark!

[@abdoulazizngom2264]

I really love the way you teach things Mr Galer, with simplicity, knowledge and style. so keep up the good work. Thank you. Aziz.

[@savaskeskin6692]

I very much enjoyed the presentation. Thank you very much Mark!

[@janlasalle8845]

So happy I found you. I mainly shoot dance in studio and performances. I rarely do anything outside but now I am inspired. So kind of you to share all of this information.I too appreciate the lack of annoying music in the background. Thank you again for an amazing lesson. Jan in NYC!

[@damdremusic]

i used to watch bob ross before going to sleep but now I watch you becaus you're voice is so calm and soothing, and I also actually learn something too. thanks for all this great content !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Wow, thank you!

[@BDBD05]

This is such a brilliant piece of content. Matter of fact and no-nonsense! Two thumbs up

[@AbrahamHernandez]

I've watched probably hundreds of photography/portrait videos and this is by far the best one, everything goes straight to the point, well illustrated with examples from real world situations. This definitely feels like a class.

[@glenconverse1327]

Lovely review of age old guidelines on , aesthetics of composition.

[@thierryysebaert]

Outstanding explanation !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@3-piece129]

Wow! Amazing video. Not sure how i stumbled upon this but I feel more educated than ever. Nicely put, loads of information, hungry for more - awesome job!

[@AlexGarcia-tl2eb]

these images are super super sharp and professional, my GAWD

[@johnchiasson8163]

Great work Mark. Thank you so much! Informative and well spoken.

[@juanbrezzo5380]

Very helpful as always and thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone.

[@Asif.A]

your video are an honest source to learn and improve. May you will always be successful

[@1288joshua]

Just wonderful. Excellent video. You are a natural teacher. Thank you.

[@TNrick]

Excellent information presented clearly and succinctly. Thanks!

[@edc5338]

Great presentation and thoughtful tips!

[@gernerchristensen8114]

So enlightening Mark. Learned a lot here. Thanks for that :)

[@jetbike85]

excellent video!!!! thanks for sharing your great experience and your knowledge!

[@tonyhaltmar5982]

You keep doing it, and you're THE BEST! THANK YOU, MR. GALER!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thank you too! - Please subscribe to the channel to support my work.

[@steveyinasia]

Another highly informative video, loved the tips around shooting portraits in landscape mode.....I have to give it a try.

[@EdwardKilner]

Nice production, well scripted, photos simply stunning. Really like your style, in photos and explanations.

[@hurleygreen927]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL! I am going to put ALL of these portraiture tips into practice! :)

[@jolygirl]

Thank you so much! Very informative and great examples.

[@wishnuwijaya5327]

This is a masterclass of photography 👏

[@jakespivey3716]

One of the best tutorial videos I'm every seen, thank you.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for the positive feedback- join me on Patreon ti engage in group and one-on-one discussions.

[@fabsac86]

just a wonderful video I learned a lot..thank you Mark!

[@bhagyashreelandge7784]

Very well explained, thank you so much!!!

[@JamesJackson-mf9uz]

Thank so much for sharing your experience! This is invaluable information and instruction.

[@francequirion9547]

Very interesting and very useful tutorial, and you really share very valuable things, it is more than evident that you know the art and craft of portraits photography. I want to mention that it is really wonderful also to listen at your soft, calm and just enough strong voice. Thank you so very much for the time you have invested to make this tutorial of great quality.

[@braunaaron]

Thank you for this! Learned a lot from you.

[@goranpavletic2145]

Great video. Thank you Mark!

[@holgereble]

Thank you very much, Mark!

[@tinctanc]

thank you so much Mark. I found this very helpful. You have a very natural way of passing your experience. I appreciate that very much.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shanley1190]

Simply informative,thank you!

[@arifshahrum1634]

Brilliant content as always Mark.

[@shawvercreations9703]

Another amazing video Mark!!

[@DavidWilliams-ov4kn]

Fantastic presentation, Mark. My second look through. Learning a little bit more each time. Thanks!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mbenjamin292]

I love this channel, I am a new sub. thanks for all your time.I love how I can here you with no music it's just your voice the reason you have a peanut gallery lol.peanut gallery is for the people who serve up negativity to your hard work only....you are my number one channel again thank you Mark! Your monkey picture wow brought tears to my eyes the true love that comes spilling out overwhelmed me.

[@ConsumerFanatics]

Wow, I learned so much from this video! Thank you, Mark!

[@MrOWarfield]

I I am a 78-year-old retired photographer, I totally enjoyed this tutorial, many things I’ve learned and practiced over the years, and you simplify it for everyone. Keep up the good work, wishing you a very happy healthy prosperous new year.

[@alexma6956]

This video is a real value, thanks !!!

[@Chris-rj5kn]

If you can only watch KZbin video on portraits, this should be it. Bravo, and thank you.

[@tasmiatdishan1483]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@gje2122a]

Thank you so much, Mark.

[@ninhpham1698]

I am new in the portrait section but this one is the most skills that I learn. Thanks

[@opusmax8171]

Awesome vid Mark ! Thank u for this !

[@WojciechKalka]

Beautiful and radiant photo & photography :)

[@MendocinoCoastFilms2]

Excellent video and info - thank you so much!

[@sudarmaji77]

many of the shots were taken in Indonesia thank you for this fantastic tutorial

[@bhaskardevkonwar]

Obliged.Keep sharing ur knowledge.

[@StephenHsiang]

This made me realize that flashlight should be considered as a supplement and only needed when necessary while shooting portrait out of the studio. Great course, thanks.

[@jcam783]

Great tutorial , I really enjoyed this .

[@99davinci]

Best and most relaxing video i've seen on Photography I learnt a lot thanks Maestro

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TheBlackice38]

One of the best videos ever made about photography!!!!!!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Praise indeed 👍🙂

[@JensChrStrandos]

Great. You make it look easy:-) Excellent tutorial!

[@steveatesh]

Really useful advice and tips thanks Mark

[@SaifElnasrphotographylovers]

Thank you for all that perfect tips and Technique you gifted to us 💕👍🏻

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Happy to help!

[@vanwheelsontour]

I love your amazing videos. Hello from Germany. I look forward to see more...

[@2024Warren]

Really helpful Mark! Thank you.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

I really like the way you showed the power settings 49:07 of each light. My Dad has been a photographer for over 5 decades and he never teaches me what settings he's setting the lights.

[@eugeneclarke672]

Best instructional video on this subject I've come across thanks.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoelDino]

Your videos are very awesome...educational and inspirational. Thank You.

[@riasharma561]

Totally engrossed. Thanks for the knowledge

[@ssuryakanta1]

Thanks for sharing useful tips.

[@dr123hall]

Powerful light composition - Guru Galer!!

[@Bassbarbie]

Really informative and well presented with no waffle, thank you. I'm also really happy that there is no background music. Now subscribed :)

[@TheBoez]

Outstanding.

[@henrynguyen4132]

Thank you. Great video.

[@mzand95]

Excellent video very helpful million thanks

[@abtyne]

Accurate, complete and consistent

[@AndysTravelBlog]

Great video Mark, got some good usable info!

[@theanglohouse601]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@kristynahatcher]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@lincarerom]

Superb video, thank you !

[@bala1000mina]

Hi Mark, Thank you so much for the great tutorial! Very informative with your warm voice! God bless you!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RobMoreno335]

Thank you, Mark.

[@rjtuts-photoshoptutorials1611]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing!

[@scottgoodacre4407]

This was such a wonderful masterclass, and your photographs are stunning. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@technoalah]

Amazing video. Cheers

[@meditationdaily1129]

You share a wealth of knowledge, thank you!!

[@bbcannelle4805]

Merci beaucoup pour les presets :)) très bonne année à vous :))

[@maheswarpatra9556]

Very useful, Thanks Mark.