How I VASTLY Improved My Portrait Photography (4 Secrets!)

Learn the 4 Secrets to VASTLY improving your Portrait Photography!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:00 1. Light Textures & Visual Interest
5:00 2. Use Light To Create ‘Subject Separation’
5:42 3. Boost Depth / Dimension (Create 3D Look!)
8:07 4. Low-Light / Nighttime Photography
***ACCESS Portrait PRESET Pack (PS & LR): go.justinlaurens.com/access
***JOIN Full Portrait Editing/Retouching Courses: go.justinlaurens.com/access
***ACCESS the products used in this video (+ see my Gear / Desk Setup): kit.co/justinlaurens
Follow me: / justinlaurens
* SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this!
* Music via SoundStripe: Peppermint Mocha (by Mala) & Epidemic Sounds

[@SH4PE5]

9/10 Striaght to the point and full of great examples 1:05 The secret to good photos’s “Lighting” 2:13 Natural light leaks 2:45 Household objects 4:54 Creating good separation with light Tip: Have a bright fore ground but a dark background *****6:25 Window lighting 7:05 Negative fill 8:05 Low light photography and why it’s a high tier photography skill

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks for that! Really appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@aronschauer]

feels like ive seen every photography video there is but you still managed to add some new and valuable ideas. one is that most people talk about "understanding light" but no one ever mentions to see light as paint, which i really think describes it perfectly. or that negative fill can be achieved by your models hair! that's some real life tricks you are giving us

[@justinlaurens]

Aaron man, thank you for this, and thanks for watching! 🙌

[@BevJoseph]

Wow I’m a beginner and just started documenting my journey and you answered literally every point I’ve been thinking of about how to use light in an different way. Awesome video, thanks!

[@justinlaurens]

You're so welcome! thank you very much for such a nice & encouraging comment :)

[@elkwesi2098]

I mostly work in studios now, but your video really makes me want to do back to doing location shoots with natural lighting. You do really good work.

[@justinlaurens]

For me it’s the opposite I’ve just started dabbling with studio work and I’m really starting to love it but yes there is something special about natural lighting / location shoots. Will always return to it :) thanks for watching & for the kind words 🙌

[@Xploit61]

Another fantastic video mate! Super informative and full of simple and effective ways to improve portrait photography 🙌🏻 🔥

[@justinlaurens]

Ah man these kind of comments mean so much to me... thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏 🙌

[@BraisFernandez]

The best photography video I’ve seen in a while … great job mate and thanks 🤘🏻

[@justinlaurens]

Glad you enjoyed it Brais, thank you so much for this nice comment. 🙏 If there's any other topics you'd like me to cover in the future, feel free to let me know!

[@pat_unit]

Maximum creativity and talent here!! awesome channel Justin!!

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much 👍

[@johnvienna3422]

When you said that a dark background can help draw attention to the model, I had to laugh, because it's fair to say the models already had my full attention. Dude, where do you find these stunning women?

[@justinlaurens]

Hahah 😅 thanks man I'm actually making a video on how I was able to collaborate with all the models I work with. Thanks for watching John!

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Amazon

[@iamjkiing114]

I really appreciate what you shared here. Gave me a ton of ideas. Thank you.

[@justinlaurens]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching & leaving a nice comment man. It is appreciated!

[@user-lw5fv2mt9p]

Outstanding video...thank you!

[@justinlaurens]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@sebbsebb9570]

Damn, this is the most helpful video about photography since I figured out aperture, shutterspeed and all the basics a few month ago. Cant wait to especially pay attention to what you showed us. Thanks a lot.

[@justinlaurens]

Ah Sebb, you legend, thanks so much man glad it was so helpful. Let me know if you have any questions at all. 🙏

[@infamismworldwild6248]

Outstanding video, so well explained and brilliant points such as negative fill and practical examples on identifying it, all these can be implemented immediately. Highly appreciated.

[@justinlaurens]

Ah thanks so much man. Hey, if you liked this video - consider joining my new Portrait Photography Masterclass: go.justinlaurens.com/beta

[@basaraya]

Thank you so much Sensei! You are a blessing!

[@justinlaurens]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and leaving a nice comment :)

[@Slayer670]

very good stuff man. Thanks!

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much man, means a lot. Stay tuned for more ☺️

[@EliInfante]

Great video Justin! I'm going to try some of these techniques.

[@justinlaurens]

Hey Eli, thanks my man. Really appreciate it!

[@Rafael-wv8wk]

this program works great! exactly as I wanted

[@justinlaurens]

Program?

[@dancu9271]

A lot of thanks for making and sharing your video!!

[@justinlaurens]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed!

[@SusanneGeert]

Soooooo many great and helpful tips - thanks for sharing this 🙌

[@justinlaurens]

You're so welcome!

[@greenteablogger5873]

fantastic ideas and explanations! Thank you.

[@justinlaurens]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching 😊 (P.S. I love green tea haha)

[@tommynikon2283]

Justin- GREAT stuff buddy!

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks so much Tommy, appreciate you watching & leaving a nice comment man. 🙏

[@MrFreakinside]

Nice tips. Thank you!

[@justinlaurens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chipcurry]

Very nice work, and I recognize your model. I watched one of your videos many times to understand your retouching techniques. Your knowledge goes very deep! However the lighting Techniques you speak of Ain’t so easy to pull off. But you’ve got us thinking and that counts! Beautiful stuff, thanks for the time.

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you very much! Really appreciate these kind words and glad to hear you're getting value from my vids. :)

[@2Tubist]

For a nine & half mins video you have to sit through & record a 5 hour session. The video looks so easy but the amount of work that goes into it is incredible (& the editing). Oh, BTW, the tips are fantastic.

[@justinlaurens]

Wow thanks for saying that, very kind it is appreciated a lot! 😊 Thanks for watching my friend

[@thinkbetter7690]

Amazing !

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@freddylopez7536]

Thank you my friend. Your channel is the best. Beautiful work and generosity. F

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@GordonFromTaipei]

agreed！ photograph with the lights.

[@bobl2833]

Interesting as always. Very good

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jasemuzz]

Awesome Justin 🙌

[@justinlaurens]

Cheers Jason 👊

[@andrewkeating8952]

Super helpful video - many thanks 🙏

[@justinlaurens]

You're welcome!

[@SylvainRaymond]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks Sylvain 🙏

[@Revi200x]

Amazing video thank you 🙌👏👏👏

[@justinlaurens]

You are so welcome! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice message 🙏

[@fingers1971]

Very good content Justin

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you Oscar 🙏 stay tuned for more! :)

[@RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

"Seeing light in a new light" got me to upvote this, and I'm not ashamed to admit it 😂

[@justinlaurens]

Hahah legend 🙏

[@jhoppertan4452]

OMG THANKS SO SO MUCH THIS HELPED!!!

[@justinlaurens]

Haha glad it helped man!!

[@manilaltv]

Very useful tips. Thank you very for sharing. Expecting more videos on portrait photography as it is my main interest.

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks, will do! Appreciate the comment 🙏 Subscribe for more!

[@mrfoo6814]

Wow these tips are really helpful!

[@justinlaurens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@stevepuddlejumperpilot6062]

holy smokes are u creative........great video and presentation!!!

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much 😀 Really means a lot, stay tuned for many more vids like this!

[@Digmen1]

Some great tips there - just subscribed

[@justinlaurens]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Seethesmall]

Great video !! thanks Justin! your video always add New idea & New point of view ! let people learn a lot of professional photo technique !! thanks justin your are great!

[@justinlaurens]

Ken dude - thanks so much for this! Really means a lot 🙏

[@Seethesmall]

@@justinlaurens hi justin ! i really want to learn your profression , my hobby is snapshot, i always think if i can learn your skill , i will very happy!

[@Seethesmall]

@@justinlaurens hi justin ! i really want to learn your profression , my hobby is snapshot, i always think if i can learn your skill & mindset , i will very happy!

[@normboarder]

I really enjoyed the great tips! Thank you!

[@justinlaurens]

You are so welcome! I’m posting another video in this style for outdoor portraits in a city/urban setting. Stay tuned!

[@normboarder]

@@justinlaurens That sounds awesome, I'll keep an eye out for it in my sub notifications. Have a great week!

[@justinlaurens]

Send me a DM on Instagram - I’ll share the inside scoop of what I’m working on :) Www.instagram.com/justinlaurens

[@marios739]

great video thank you

[@justinlaurens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching Maro

[@ZairVillanueva-qn1ph]

Love your videos thank you for so much great information I have learned a lot from you I way from Central America.

[@justinlaurens]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JennieBMurphy09]

Very useful!

[@justinlaurens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching :)

[@juandeveraturda4392]

Thank you, thank you. 😍🇵🇭

[@justinlaurens]

You are welcome brother ☺️ 🇨🇦

[@IAmR1ch]

Great video thanks.

[@justinlaurens]

You bet. 👌

[@savannah6722]

Thank you, this was so helpful!

[@justinlaurens]

You're so welcome! :)

[@savannah6722]

@@justinlaurens ❤

[@ashiqbahar9202]

Sir you're incredible

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks brother 🙏

[@ozarksdigitalcreations9254]

Great video, def subscribed after watching. I was shocked though with the different types of light no mention of off camera flash.

[@justinlaurens]

Awesome, thank you! Yeah this vid was more to show different ways to see light as a creative tool (at a higher level). Didn't really go into the specifics of the light source, but - could be a good idea for a future video. 😊

[@PeterSodhi]

Excellent

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@phelix920]

You are a very good photographer

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you my man 🙏

[@user-jo8nj]

quality content!

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks my friend, appreciate the watch!

[@corito9154]

merci beaucoup a toi :))

[@justinlaurens]

:))

[@moisemahano5057]

i like the way he talked!

[@justinlaurens]

Cheers Moise, appreciate that! 🙏

[@itsmahdisadeghi]

I rarely comment on any video but this one, you made me say wow❤❤❤❤

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much 😀 always means a lot!

[@Weedeogram]

Great tips. keep up the good work

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks, will do! 🙏 (BTW love the name haha)

[@Weedeogram]

@@justinlaurens what name?

[@bgabbard1454ify]

One of the best videos I've seen on the creative side of photography!

[@justinlaurens]

Wow, thanks! Really means a lot my friend 🙏

[@bgabbard1454ify]

@@justinlaurens I've only been doing photo shoots for a couple of years. And I haven't quite figured out how to use light in different ways. A lot of times it is my enemy! Lol. This video helped a lot!!

[@justinlaurens]

That is great to hear that it was so helpful. Yes, I feel you on the challenges with lighting - it’s definitely harder than it looks! 😅 But knowing how is half the battle - the rest is practise, practise, practise! Feel free to check out the rest of the vids on my Channel for more tips & tricks!

[@bgabbard1454ify]

@@justinlaurens I will certainly do that! Thanks! Love you're editing work too! I'm still looking for my own style. If you ever do a video where you critique or edit other people photos, I would be first in line! 😊

[@justinlaurens]

Awesome, will take note of that! Let me know if you need anything and feel free to message me/share your work on my Instagram DM. 👌

[@ronak_maira_28]

Models are so beautiful😍💓.... ❤

[@justinlaurens]

🙏 🙏

[@ronak_maira_28]

@@justinlaurens 😁🥰❤your photography is very good

[@ryancooper3629]

This is so true, one thing I always suggest photographers do who want to level up their skills is pick up a copy of Joe McNally's "Sketching Light" as he is one of the true masters of lighting and that book is a bible on lighting. Imo the biggest other way to improve your work is another quote from MacNally: "The best way to take more interesting photos is to point your camera at more interesting subjects". This might be the biggest level up a lot of photographers can leverage. The wildlife photographer who is only taking pictures of Magpies and Squirrels near his home will instantly find he has more impressive photos by going into the backcountry at dawn shooting rare owls. The beauty photographer who normally shoots more or less average people she finds in her every day life will suddenly jumpstart her portfolio by working with experienced top tier models. A street photographers who normally just walks around his neighbourhood will be amazed at how muchmore opportunity travelling someplace with a rich culture and environment will do to create better photo opportunities. The list goes on and on. Even looking at Justin's portfolio, yes his photography skill suddenly jumped as he mentions but he also started regularity working with world class quality models. Finally, the last thing I'd mention is that by learning how to make your images look razer sharp you can give the shots more of a polished look. (Get it sharp in camera and then boost that sharpness strategically using post processing. A high quality lens helps but isn't necessary to capture shots that look sharp)

[@qubitrev]

Thanks for the great video! What kind of clock do you have in the background?

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks Hunter! Links in the description 👌

[@onlinegaming916]

You will definitely become the top 1 who makes cracks

[@justinlaurens]

Haha what do you mean cracks?

[@rapmeister5242]

Hello Justin! I'm just starting out on portrait photography. I would just like to know what lens you use for these photos. I'm torn between a 50mm and an 85mm lens. Not sure what to get. Also, please do a low light photography video. :) Thanks!

[@abhishekchakraborty1067]

Justin, please upload video regularly.. please 🙏 🙏

[@Triplebuc50]

Best DSLR Camera settings, Aperture, etc.

[@vishaladhikari4044]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sharmaom6665]

nice sir

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks and welcome! Subscribe for many more videos like this 😊

[@PaulHarp]

cool video. But seriously, where did you get that awesome little LED clock? lol

[@Nickporter17]

after a couple of years learning photography, I finally can see light a little better. Just like you it happened fairly suddenly. Where do you find these models?

[@justinlaurens]

I will be making a video exploring that topic soon. Mostly discovery methods on social media and 'new faces' at modelling agencies.

[@ronak_maira_28]

Mobile photography tips.... 😁😁... Please

[@hawg427]

Good video. I see the current trend of light is to let the sun flare in the background. Only thing that I don't like about that it creates a distracting hot spot. When I went to my 2 yr. Professional photo school in Daytona Beach our instructor would have circled the popular hot spot with a red marker. LOL Example at 6:21The glow around her hair looks nice but the background is blowout.

[@justinlaurens]

Haha yeah to each their own! But ya that's why I suggest shooting back lit portraits in front of a dark background if possible, to avoid any blowouts whilst also help to 'separate' the model from the background (& look more 3D).

[@johnnyc.5979]

All you need to remember is "next level."

[@justinlaurens]

Haha thanks my man! 🙌

[@durjoy-datta]

Dang! This is so helpful, also your photography is so amazing!

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much Durjoy! Where are you from ?

[@durjoy-datta]

@@justinlaurens I'm from Bangladeah

[@justinlaurens]

Awesome thank you for watching man! 🙏

[@durjoy-datta]

@@justinlaurens you're welcome and also thank you so much for making such contents, helping people like me.

[@dbsouza1]

I wish I would have watched this video decades ago!!

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@TheMarkSasuke64]

Clearly the photographs and techniques are greats, but I can't help but think this advice will get you 50% of the way. The remaining percentage is pure editing skills like with 8:30. Definitely not knocking the tips, though--even without the stellar editing they're great portraits. Like a yummy cake before the yummy icing.

[@justinlaurens]

Yeah 100% that sounds about right lol but nothing wrong with that editing is my favorite, and most elaborate part of the process

[@onelittlenest8084]

Sir, what camera do you use to take these photos?

[@justinlaurens]

I use a Sony a7rii. Thanks for watching, subscribe for more videos. 😊

[@user-sw9xp8jk4y]

I love you forever 😍 ❤️ 😍

[@justinlaurens]

Haha aw I love you too. I do make these for you 🙌 😁

[@Triplebuc50]

A large size subject Portrait ideas

[@adhavanprintersarumugamv.c4578]

Sincerely speaking the site ⬆️ up here delivered a great job on time

[@photovision_90]

Nive video edits

[@justinlaurens]

Thanks man

[@OOOMYGOD]

Please provide raw image for practice

[@misterstratocaster]

I did most of this stuff in my years operating a portrait studio back in the film days - using window light, black reflectors, etc. Unfortunately, most of today's self-professed professionals are unable to do these things because they have no basic understanding of light and shadow and the other basics of the art.

[@justinlaurens]

Highly unfortunate

[@allisonbaum8423]

when was the last time you got published or went to school or made a penny with photography or held a real photograph or negative?

[@justinlaurens]

Never 😢 I wasn’t loved as a child…

[@allisonbaum8423]

@@justinlaurens thought so. what ever it is, you have a bad eye.

[@adamclancy694]

Great tips, but its key to mention that most of these shots were taken with the use of a strobe, studio lights or a reflector

[@justinlaurens]

Thank you, but none of these shots were taken using a strobe, studio light or reflector. None. It's just how I edit my photos, which you can learn here: www.justinlaurens.com/access

[@Sanjay-Chaudhary]

Bro make a video on portrait retouching in Lightroom

[@justinlaurens]

Ok man I will put it on the content calendar. 👌

[@Sanjay-Chaudhary]

@@justinlaurens will be waiting brother

[@ANBU_YTT]

Sri which PS you used

[@justinlaurens]

Latest version 2023 - its really good upgrade

[@nla.videography]

Do u have portrait classes

[@justinlaurens]

Yes, I do. Feel free to apply here and I will reach out to you: go.justinlaurens.com/beta

[@maybemaks]

Советую посомтреть метод двоцного разложения! Для обработки портрета, потому что вы делаете пластилин

[@WhoDis1959]

Yo yo

[@justinlaurens]

Yo yo yo

[@WassimJelassi]

1st tip to make you pictures pop: Find stunning models

[@justinlaurens]

🤦‍♂️

[@JMeSkepTa]

I think the before is lowkey better than the after...

[@ItsEzlan]

cool video alot of these styles were popular a few years ago, think a lot of your images were ruined by the need to over edit to match that IG "aesthetic" also try working with " non models " and see where that gets you

[@justinlaurens]

lol

[@theoell2049]

Well the right light showing your right ear, maybe not a good idea:)

[@dat2ra]

I know it's fashionable now, but I find most of the "light leaks" to be distracting to the point of annoying. Other ideas helpful. Thanks.

[@senshivt8763]

If it weren't for you, I don't know what to do, I don't want to spend money on it

[@alanartme1]

You forgot to mention that you need to have an artistic and a talented eye for creating....otherwise...remember Salieri in "Amadeus"?

[@justinlaurens]

I don't know about that, yes it helps, but these skills can be learned like anything else. I come from a background of Marketing & Economics. haha

[@russellbaston974]

I can’t see any, let alone (4 secrets!) in this.

[@justinlaurens]

Sheesh I wouldn’t admit that

[@pagpapaitim]

and of course, your subject has to be ultra beautiful. lol.

[@justinlaurens]

Na that didn’t really change on my improvement journey. Many other factors responsible

[@chrissan6015]

you talk about straight out of camera concept but you do not talk about the amount of post processing done.

[@justinlaurens]

Hey Chris, yeah that is a whole other concept, which I go into in the other videos on my Channel. I also have an in-depth portrait editing & retouching course: www.justinlaurens.com/access

[@relaxingphotography7130]

e

[@justinlaurens]

e

[@ciaranmcginn2234]

dude I cant tell you how many times I've been requested to edit out light from customers faces as they just want to look smooth and flat. Just be aware that what you think looks amazing, the client may turn around and not like them as the light spots are a bit distracting. I would suggest you shoot 90% normal style and only 10% creative style like this to be safe. Go back and look through the images that customers actually bought and you will probably see a ration similar to this 80 to 90% are classic shots and 10 to 20% are creative shots. 16 years shooting and selling portrait photos to real life every day people.

[@Jestunes]

Hate to tell you but your then pic was MUCH better than your now pic. You captured more sexy and emotion in the first pic. The 2nd pic had better ambient colors but the subject wasn't captured very well. IMHO

[@justinlaurens]

Wow for to hear my old Photography was already so good that it rivals my Photography today is a huge compliment thank you 🙏