How To Shoot A Portrait Photo

Get the free course “Behind the Lens” here: www.joelgrimes.com/offers/8Cc...
In this episode, I teach you how to take incredible portraits without lots of expensive gear.
I show you how to work with the available light, supplement it with a single light, and create dramatic Rembrandt lighting, easily!
If you want to make your portrait dramatic, this tutorial can help you!
See my other photography courses here: www.joelgrimes.com/all-courses

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

Its the little things that make such a difference. There was a time when i might be wrestling with lights for 15min to get what you got in 1-2min. As we improve, our ability to troubleshoot happens faster

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome!

[@donwhite332]

It is very appreciative how you pass on years of experience in a easy to follow way.

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks, Don!

[@puck528co]

Thanks. My lighting hero!

[@joelgrimes]

🦸‍♂️

[@paullanoue5228]

Thanks, You are a real pro with a gift for teaching.

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks, Paul!

[@MichaelAdamsTheGuitarist]

this was a perfect tutorial. shows how to start out, how to improve the photo, why to do it, how to do it cheaply, and the great results, thx!

[@joelgrimes]

That was the goal! Thanks for the comment Michael

[@suegilmore8000]

This set up is simple, but so effective. Thanks Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for watching Sue

[@pramodvarma1582]

Sharing your experience is valuable. Thanks 😊

[@joelgrimes]

My pleasure 😊

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Just like a pro. Thumbs up.

[@richardweathers6194]

It's great to see pro's willing too share their knowledge & inspire others to create or enter the field. I just turned 48 and help like this gives me the skills, confidence and inspiration to do something radically different from what I've been working in my whole life. No matter what gear you are using, high-end or consumer, your content is always presented in a way that allows me to apply the same techniques. The results aren't at your level of course but it's in the ballpark enough for me to get good about the end result.

[@joelgrimes]

Fantastic Richard! Keep up the good work!

[@nelsono4315]

the master at work. absolutely love your work

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you, Nelson!

[@edboulter1705]

short and to the point, but soooooo informative, Thank you Joel.

[@joelgrimes]

🤓

[@vitabuonavita2565]

Oh my goodness i am learning so much from you.. I am a beginner, I have been an NURSE for 40 years, so I love people, my dad got me hooked on developing B & W photos as a Kid, he told me it was just a matter of looking through the lens, and shooting whatever gives you that goosebump moment, you just know it's gonna be a great shot

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome stuff!! Keep going!

[@lolabiuckians2290]

Thanks Joel. I love the simplicity. Keep it coming!

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you, Lola!

[@RawloftheDead]

Love your simple explanation of your shoots

[@JimmyDaboul]

I've learned so much from your online tutorials. I can't wait for your next in person workshop. Thank you so much for all your hard work Joel.

[@joelgrimes]

🤩 Thanks, Jimmy!

[@michakucyrka]

It's very nice to see you Joel 🙌🏻 You know what I like the most about your films ⁉️ The way you talk about photography 🙂 Thanks for the very valuable material 👏🏻

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you, Michal! I appreciate the kind words

[@Ragnovlod]

I love how you enjoy what you do. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@rogergroover4971]

Great, quick tutorial about portrait shooting! Thanks Joel, love your work!

[@sirright5283]

Genius, simple and great. Thanks

[@joelgrimes]

You're welcome!

[@clarelusher]

Thanks Joel. This is exactly what I'm looking for at the moment.

[@joelgrimes]

🤓

[@Jpackardphoto]

Always great instruction. Thanks, Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

🤓

[@FQuill-bg1ru]

Thank-you! As always, your content is fabulous - instructive, real, and to the point!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for the kind words!!

[@CasaPancho1]

The best, fantastic explanation.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Carlos. Thanks for watching!

[@nicholsonphotodesigns8700]

Great video, I love the Rembrandt lighting look, it's my favorite lighting method.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you like it!

[@anthonycrothers5420]

Great content Joel, concise, to the point and educational. Excellent! Thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks, Anthony!

[@anthonycrothers5420]

Joel Grimes Photography from my point of view concise to the point content is ‘on point’ I’ve been following your work for some time following a recommendation by my buddy Glyn. (Loved the Podcast you did with him BTW, really inspiring) I have a few of your start to finish tutorials and find they really motivate me. Keep up the good work. Best regards, Anthony 👍👍👍

[@sandstorm7476]

Just bought all of your courses online. Thank you. You are providing so much value.

[@joelgrimes]

Wow, that's awesome!! really happy to hear that!

[@adrianabocanegraphotograph8912]

Thanks Joel! You are a great teacher and very knowledgeable. The best explanation I have ever heard.

[@joelgrimes]

You're very welcome!

[@marktomphotography]

Wonderful how beautiful the light is when feathered so much. Thanks for the look into your process.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@wormemc]

Very easy to understand, and impressive results. 40 years of experience. It's fantastic you are sharing these skills.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you very much!

[@jmlivingston]

That was great, really nice to see how you took an image from simple to stunning with just a few pieces of equipment. The idea of using black cloth and tape is a good one, I'm going to add that to my bag of tools for sure! Really like how you did this whole thing in under 10 minutes too. One concept, simple to stunning, under 10 minutes. Love it!

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you, John!

[@phlotographer]

This is a concept I first heard in 1973 in Toronto at the 1st and only international PPA/PPOC annual convention run by Al Gilbert a world renowned MPA in both countries, plus more awards than I can possibly remember. While working for him I was photographing the events and attended briefly one seminar by Leon Kennemar and he spoke of Subtractive Lighting -- the creation of shadow by blocking light from one side of the face. Nicely done by Joel in this presentation. It can also be done easily outdoors and at the time Leon also created a blocking device which I think Wescott may have sold that not only blocked the light from one side but also had a portion that covered the head of the subject(s) to assist keeping out from under the eyes what is known as raccoon eyes. Even without that the judicious choosing of a location with hopefully some over hanging branches from trees the same result can be achieved. With time and the right location, one can also find an are as described that may have some nice back lighting coming through to accent the hair of the subject as well as doing edge lighting on the face.

[@korbynkolton7969]

i dont mean to be off topic but does any of you know a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@dexterishaan2093]

@Korbyn Kolton Instablaster =)

[@korbynkolton7969]

@Dexter Ishaan Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@rostanddarbouze5735]

brilliantly simple and effective. Thank you for a great tutorial

[@joelgrimes]

😉

[@ipadaccount5796]

Love this guys work.

[@joelgrimes]

You rock!

[@janinepruitt390]

Thank you Joel

[@andrewkeating8952]

Very accessible video - very many thanks - I am inspired to go off and practice now !!

[@joelgrimes]

Best of luck!

[@cristianarias2062]

I love the way you teach photography, that is way I admire you, for your humility;ity and creativity, learned from both of you guys, Joel Grimes y Kelvin P as well.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you for the kind words Cristian

[@_HMCB_]

Masterful, approachable explanation. Love your work and passion, Joel.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you!

[@elviraanderson5141]

Love it!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks!

[@samheadshots]

Thanks for all the videos Joel.

[@joelgrimes]

My pleasure!

[@ashfield001]

Legendary, Joel. Thanks for sharing.

[@joelgrimes]

My pleasure!

[@leafsfan71]

This was a great video! One of the more informative ones I have seen in a long time! Thank you!

[@joelgrimes]

Happy to hear it!

[@photolarson]

Joel, I have to say that you have the best videos and I have watched a lot! You provide the details necessary and the rationale for the steps you take. Its super helpful and educational for me as I progress in my lighting skills- and no ego. I absolutely appreciate your help. Thank you. Keep it up!

[@joelgrimes]

Wow, thanks!

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

It's a pleasure to see your videos as your life long experience and your willingness to share it with viewers comes through. Shooting portraits that makes people feel good about themselves makes us photographers proud.

[@joelgrimes]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@phlotographer]

enjoyed the tutorial Joel. Amazing all the changes since I retired in 2000. For years, one system -- Hassy. Now I think I have gone through half a dozen and have a bunch still around since 2001 but all for pleasure now. Will watch for other videos.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ForeverYoung007]

Very cool. Very simple but great results with minimal equipment. Great to hear why you are doing what you are doing (HSS for shooting 1.4 to achieve a shallow DOF, Black foam core to suck in light and create a shadow, etc). Also good to hear the tips in there from your past experience (hanging block cloth as a substitute to the foam core).

[@stephenpinkston3350]

Love seeing your videos. Iv enjoyed your tutorials for years now.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you so much!

[@omarello666]

best like usually

[@winklelaltlanchhunga4313]

amazing light control

[@jacobdacosta3980]

Wow, what a great tutorial, very easy to follow and you explain what it is you're doing and why. Excellent!

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you very much!

[@buckeyesportsvideo2006]

Wonderful video, Joel! Thank you so much! I just ordered your Complete Pack and I'm excited to dive in👍.

[@joelgrimes]

Have fun!

[@cowboyup1967]

Great info as always Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks David!

[@deepak.daniel]

Excellent, simple. You are a great teacher.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you think so!

[@philwyckstandt8869]

Thanks Joel! As a beginner your instructional videos are extremely helpful! FYI - I did purchase your "Start to Finish" bundle and it is absolutely worth it! Thank you!

[@joelgrimes7822]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for your support.

[@bradstoops8862]

Amazed at how simple you were able to make this (or at least how simple you were able to make this *look*). It gave me hope that I could actually begin to achieve striking results once I'm able to get a strobe that supports HSS. Thanks for an excellent tutorial!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for that brad. You can do it!

[@PABERCRO]

Great work Joel... what a difference... keep them coming

[@joelgrimes]

I'll try!

[@fredpartyka2705]

WOW Great!!! Never thought black could so much with a flash. Thanks Fred Partyka

[@ModelFaceMakeup]

Thank you Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

You're welcome!

[@lokdhojshah6975]

Great Great VDO, Thanks so much Joel

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@londonken]

That is such a good video, clear, unfussy and to the point.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@veroniqueleduc6791]

You make it look so easy! Beautiful results.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@denwills8534]

Great tutorial. Very simply explained and easy to put into practice. Thank you for sharing!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for watching, Den!

[@ralumirella]

I'm learning a lot from you. Thanks for sharing all the info. You're the best!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks Ralu! That's very kind

[@Kenmcfarland001]

Great vid thanks

[@azuniga2005]

Thank you! I learn something today

[@joelgrimes]

Amazing, that's my goal!

[@duckchorus]

Fabulous photo! Thanks for explaining how you did this. And, the why ...

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks!!

[@fritz1339]

A great video that makes you want to do more studio photography. Thank you very much for this, Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TCPresents]

Thank you. From flat to fantastic is what every client deserves. Appreciate you sharing your wisdom.

[@joelgrimes]

You are so welcome!

[@johnhawkins1606]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SevenSparrowsFarm]

Exactly what I was looking for! Love this style and also that beautiful image of the little girl on the wall! Thanks Joel!

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you like it!

[@souadchatta7997]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[@joelgrimes]

You are welcome!

[@HectorGonzalez-dj8be]

Great and easy to understand. Thanks

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you liked it

[@leilasmama01]

Love this! Super helpful 😁 I’m a hobbyist and getting more interested in improving. Thank you 🙏

[@joelgrimes]

Great to hear !!! Keep shooting!

[@michaelwalker4808]

Great work!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for the visit

[@wilmerkrusen7501]

Another excellent and motivating video

[@joelgrimes]

So glad!

[@LuisMinare]

Thanks!

[@CanadianArchivist]

My camera is incapable of high speed sync. However, I have seen people demonstrate an ND filter to allow wide open apertures and flash. I enjoy your content. Good short instructional video on how to take a portrait. Looking forward to more videos

[@joelgrimes7822]

You are correct. An ND filter is a good option.

[@jenniferberry793]

Easy to understand, I’m going to get a strobe light, makes all the difference. Thanks 😊

[@joelgrimes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@harvymckiernan93]

It' lovely to see a proper professional approach from another photographers perspective. Although I'm fully aware of this technique, your video has reminded me about the importance graduating the light fall off as opposed to just directing and bouncing the light. I always say to others, "sculpture the light!" We're always learning. Thank you for sharing

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@margaretevonjezierskigalea8811]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@joelgrimes]

you are so welcome!

[@margaretevonjezierskigalea8811]

@@joelgrimes awesome 😁✌️

[@fcoker73]

Thanks Joel for your great teaching. It was quick and right to the point!! I will have to practice this with my boys if they have the patience to deal with me and stand in front of the camera.

[@joelgrimes]

Please do!

[@raquelosmer2177]

Great nugget of information!! Following now! 😉

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome, raquel. Happy to have you!

[@alsaffar1966]

Hello Joel Always great to watch your videos and how you create your beautiful outstanding work. Thanks for posting this video 🙏

[@joelgrimes]

So nice of you

[@morgannelson884]

Fantastic video!

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for the visit

[@LouMires]

Thank you. I’ve been focusing on lighting and composition with my iPhone as well as editing techniques. I have a Nikon D7000 with kit 18-105mm, but I need to learn about speed syncing among other techniques. Your channel helps a lot.

[@joelgrimes]

Great to hear!

[@patriotarmament7407]

Sir. It’s obvious the hard work you are putting into everything you do. Your work is absolutely cutting edge. I will be purchasing your lessons. Thank you.

[@joelgrimes]

Wow, thank you!

[@shaynejohnston3892]

Hey, awesome video. I just purchased the mega bundle, I can’t wait to get into it. I’ve been doing photography for 10 years, now I want to step up my game.

[@joelgrimes]

That's awesome Shayne! I look forward to seeing your images!

[@Jerry-kg9pr]

Thank you for sharing . very helpful and useful ..😇

[@joelgrimes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@damianp5968]

Thanks! I found you by your photography, not just random youtube recommendation.. Great you're getting the results in camera not by silly ''over editing '' process like many content creators here.

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome, thank you!

[@unoatlanta9537]

Very simple and got to the point. Wish I saw this before my last shoot. Thanks Joel

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks Jeancarlo!

[@ArtChickTV]

very simple and to the point.

[@joelgrimes]

Thanks for watching!

[@bstreetbistro]

Nice! That portrait captured just what I like in a picture: you stare at it and the subject's expression seems to change as it's viewed and the mind combines parts of the face with guesses what the subject was thinking.

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you very much!

[@transparent1054]

I really like you simple approach here Joel using a single light and negative fill. It becomes a very slippery slope when you begin complicating and you're just starting out.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad to help

[@jpnewsome1]

Wonderful. I just bought one of your courses.

[@joelgrimes]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ridderus]

Thnaks :) a very helpfull video, i was always the natural lightning guy lol. I bought strobes, lihgts, reflectors and stuff, and learning how to now :)

[@Bobi-ow6ou]

This is beautiful I have learnt a lot as a beginner photographer

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome Bob!!

[@dominicknapoli8918]

Great - Very informative.

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BRUNO-cj9wd]

You’re very talented!

[@joelgrimes]

Thank you so much!

[@DohertyMusic]

I took my first portrait photo the other day, I don't have any lighting but I will now definitely invest in some inexpensive lighting, this was great.

[@joelgrimes]

Great to hear!

[@inakiizetavidaller3287]

Hi Joel! I haved seen some of your videos. Thanks for to share your knowledge! Greetings from Spain

[@joelgrimes]

Glad you like them!

[@bewithabob]

Nice simple technique and good explanation . Could do this with a speedlight....

[@joelgrimes7822]

Yes, you can do it with a speed light as well.

[@JasonBonnicksen]

This helps. I need to understand the science and art of light a bit more.