9 tips for BETTER PORTRAITS

[@jamiewindsor]

*PLEASE NOTE:* *The bit about the law in this is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. It is also purely practical. Please do not infer any statements of morality from this. I am not saying any actions are ethically ok or not ok, just that some put you at higher risk of being sued than others.* *…and yes, I used a ring light that makes my eyes look weird. This was one of my first KZbin videos and I didn't anticipate how angry this would make so many people. I'm still not sure why tbh.*

[@CenturionPit]

Idk who's giving you grief, but I thought the video was great, insightful and very helpful. You gave your own time and effort to genuinely give advice to people like me, who is a beginner, to help them in their potential future careers. As for the ring light, I personally thought it was pretty cool!

[@StoicJason]

People who wish they were creators create nothing but drama and add nothing of value to the world. They complain about the stupidest things. I run across it very often.

[@pauls1ngh]

I like how the light highlighted your eyes. I’m jealous.

[@CallMeLexis]

That transition in the beginning was smooth like butter

[@jamiewindsor]

Thanks. It’s just a simple cut. I’m surprised how effective it came out.

[@quentinsf]

Yes, I went back and watched it at half speed to see what happened :-) lovely.

[@firerott]

Simple cut but it was sick XD

[@michaelhubert5367]

seriously that freaking awesome..... i'm like holy sh*t

[@Thatoneguyviner]

I thought I was the only one like shit that was smooth

[@bboyswoosh87]

I love that you post pictures from different photographers.

[@opxjay8793]

v nk.f v gvjdb li vzxk vkbcvjk acbask cjisbnuicNLK BCjhabhvc xbjkc v gsbhv hscuhbhdbxliviBcvs;vf.kbv;iaiv dbayifbdlivfclyervf wb feas djxc dsu cfuhlVFLcasfbyisvfsh ycvsyu fuw me tooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@Alvaro-em1dj]

Jr & Chris r/ihadastroke

[@blendernoob8993]

@@opxjay8793 r/kidsonyoutube or something like that

[@tomkenning5482]

Watching this as an absolute beginner photographer I realise that my main challenge is gonna not be learning how to take photos, but how to capture moments. It's not about just getting the right focus, exposure, whatever, it's about finding the right moment

[@Ahmad-os3si]

mine is what to capture

[@vg6761]

@@Ahmad-os3si lmao same. Camera has been in the box for a year. Nothing to shoot whatsoever. 😅

[@parksnewbornportraiture4989]

@@vg6761 there is always something to capture. One of my best recommendations (and I apologize to Jamie if you touch on this, as I am typing when I’m only 1:40 into the video) is to look at the light and shadows. Even the most boring subjects can be made interesting in certain light. Window blinds can give you really fun lined lighting, with stark shadows. Corners can block out the light, to give you split lighting effects that look really dramatic. Hard window light in an otherwise dark room can give you deep contrasts that showcase any subject.

[@bobbullethalf]

That statement there is 100% correct. I have figured out over the years that in order to get that perfect shot you have to be patient and wait.

[@HathamAlShabibi]

In a sea of videos rife with gear and technical elitism, this video is a gem. It reminds us of why photography is such a powerful form of art, it reminds us of the story and intuition we so passionately want to explore. Thank you!

[@hellyeahjeekie]

Absolutely. While technical aspects of photography is important, it makes me cringe when I see "photographers" that are obsessed with gears.

[@jeremyeade7827]

Isn’t it though!! I rewatch it when i want to be inspired

[@mr.gratitude7594]

Yes you're right.

[@54V4]

I must say... I really love your philosophy.

[@AlexPjz]

ImaginebySzP what part of the video did you like the most?

[@stocktonsphotography4049]

We watched this in a photography class recently. THANKS FOR THE TIPS!

[@jamiewindsor]

Really? Wow. You're quite welcome.

[@stocktonsphotography4049]

Thanks for replying! :D Have you been photographing in Utah? Its beautiful.Your Photograpghy is awesome!

[@robertfernandez645]

Jamie Windsor árr for addqq

[@Tianainflow]

Everytime I watch his videos I feel like I’m in class and I say this in the most positive way possible. It doesn’t just feel like a random tutorial I really feel like I’m learning. I appreciate you man.

[@Sadiquecat]

Great tips, I mostly do none posed portraits, just shooting people minding their own lives (with their permission), but I learn't a few things here ! many thanks

[@DistilledStills]

The tips about incidental portraits and drawing down people's public masks to get to the real person and the tips about street portraits and the law were particularly helpful!

[@ManuShapopi]

"A smile is a mask, Wait for it to drop. Find a truer representation of them" Last wedding shoot I did, as soon as the smile dropped both the bribe and groom looked angry/grumpy, hmmm I wonder why?😂😜

[@mrdogfight1]

Manu Shapopi maybe they just realized getting married is a bad idea. 😁😁😁

[@ManuShapopi]

mrdogfight1 Too late now😂😂

[@OlegZalizniak]

well, it never late, you always can divorce

[@realdavidpayne]

Damn dude. Dropping dimes.

[@jamiewindsor]

Ha. A genuine smile is different, of course. It's not something I try at weddings… "Now let's try one with the bride looking less happy".

[@ajiardiles]

Never have I learned so much philosophy in a photography video. Thank you for reminding me of how important a photo should feel, rather than just looks.

[@blankoko]

Love the tips! It makes photography less "technical" and more intimate. Just like the 1st tip - how the photo "feels". I think more often than not, a photograph catches us not because of the composition but how it makes us feel. Brilliant vid!

[@jhoneyands]

This is without a shadow of a doubt the best video on photography I have ever seen. Thank you so much for making this. Outstanding.

[@jamiewindsor]

joe honeyands Hi praise indeed. Thank you.

[@jeremyeade7827]

He’s very good at teaching. Engaging

[@juanquispe3494]

2:36 "You are an onlooker. An invisible voyeur." I did that voyeur thing you're talking about. Now I'm in prison. Thx Jamie!

[@jamiewindsor]

Juan Quispe *Invisible* voyeur. You need to listen. You clearly were visible. Rookie error.

[@joelscb]

Juan Quispe rookie

[@John-pg9bh]

bahaha

[@avtarsinghbhambra8304]

Diy school suply

[@johnwilsondorlon4655]

How are u in prison and on KZbin lol

[@TravisHenson777]

I walked past an advertisement today for a photography class that lasts four hours and the charge was $100. I laughed to myself, thinking how I could sit home for four hours and watch your videos in my underwear and drink coffee on my couch for free. Excellent content.

[@TravisHenson777]

I guess I should also add that I understand other people have to make money, and $100 isn’t bad for 4 hours of instruction. I’m just grateful for the Internet and people like you, that’s all. 😂

[@culleng.1653]

Jamie, this is quite a collection of tips. The section on making your subject feel natural is particularly superb. It's shrewd in the best possible way. An honest way. The whole video is full of first rate stuff worthy of any classroom. You have a gift. Thank you for offering it to us all completely free. People tend to treat their gifts like a compliment, selfishly or bashfully. You've managed to strike a rare balance between confidence and generosity. It shows in your videos. Also the transitions are pretty good too.

[@kimchikidbear]

I looked for hours to find a good source for taking better portraits and in the end this video has given me everything i needed to help me and more

[@lohne87]

Was that Adam Driver at 4:40 ? Usually i get annoyed listening to a person talk for 10 min straight - but you have a calm charisma and speak sense. Keep up the good work! Learned a lot in 15 minutes.

[@jamiewindsor]

Yep.

[@SuperBubbles71]

Totally agree!!

[@mantaholy6845]

As a beginner who is interested in taking up photography as a hobby, I found this very helpful and encouraging. Thanks!

[@BDBD05]

"Intuition is more important than the conscious mind" - a so very important statement!! Your videos are not at all didactic, though they have "sermons on a rock" type guidelines. A great one again Jamie!! Two thumbs up!!

[@shayu8717]

haha

[@zalle1]

You are an intelligent interesting person to listen to. Thanks for sharing your knowledge the way you do.

[@cheriehizer1075]

Awesome video!

[@toastymitsu4374]

This was not what I was looking for, but it is what I needed. Thank you.

[@robertosswald5896]

Instead of obsessing with technical details (not that you're not technical), you actually explain how to be confident, and that's rare.

[@johnvienna3422]

Yet another great video. About the smiling in photos, I once asked a friend from Serbia why Eastern Europeans tend to look rather dour in photos. He said, "Why do we have to smile all the time? We're not clowns. If you don't smile all the time, why do it in a photo?"

[@thegardeninvestments]

Damn... that transition from outside to inside sitting down lol.

[@gutierrezjosh209]

Have to say thank you for the tips.. but much more for breaking down the phycology behind what your sharing with each tip.

[@ZacharyHeilman]

I have to say.. of all the videos for photography i've watched on youtube, yours are by far the most practical and personal, like if we were friends and you were really trying to tell me the things I quickly needed to know. Great job.

[@md.arshad2911]

your eyes are distracting me anyway what's this video about

[@MarcTelesha]

Ring lights are great but what they do to eyes drives me crazy. You break Rule #2 with ring lights.

[@umac76]

They distracted me for about the first minute.

[@teethmonkey]

I had to put my phone down and couldn’t watch

[@jjaylad]

Totally agree. To me, ring lights shouldn't be used for blodding.

[@vijaychaudhary8950]

hahahah....i thought i'm the only one

[@QuincyStallworth77]

After the transition at 00:17 I subscribe to your channel.

[@jamiewindsor]

Ha. Thanks.

[@hayleycoleman6190]

That might have been one of the most practical lessons/lists on photography I have yet to come across on KZbin. Thanks for taking the time.

[@lexthanexpected]

love it when people say that thing about "people don't think about you" thing, because HELLO i am the person who does pays attention and does think about the things strangers do

[@finallywoken13]

You're damn straight about not living with regrets! I really enjoyed what you had to say.

[@lostinalgeria8492]

I learned more about the human nature than about photography ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@diam8749]

Lost In Algeria its needed.

[@allanegan6502]

Pure gold wrapped in street smart wisdom. Thanks for the No Tips / All Sharing approach.

[@999rubina]

He has a good personality. Natural personality, a good advisor.

[@aseshbasu4816]

I already liked and subscribed when you began talking about subconscious and conscious information processing. Because for me, if someone can delve into topics like the subconscious for explain a photograph, I do deserve to learn from you. This is the first time I'm hearing anyone going *this* deep to describe a process. Hats off to your knowledge. Thank you for stressing all the time in making better shots out of existing equipments.

[@edc5338]

Chock full of good points. Simple, thoughtful.

[@agroves72]

I appreciate that lens choice was all the way down at #7, and camera bodies weren't mentioned at all. Finally a KZbin video that understands photography isn't primarily about gear. Nice work.

[@Jalypso]

I appreciate how you talked about having confidence when taking candid street shots. Not something I've seen considered in these types of videos before but as a beginner is a concern.

[@sharkusify]

Simply the best video I've seen on photography.A mini course. Thanks a million!!!!

[@MrsRobinNL]

I love how you used beautiful images to show exactly what you're talking about. Very clear and nice video, thank you!

[@bernios3446]

One of the most intelligent videos about portraits here on YT. Specially these days where everybody tries to make "fashion shootings" which are only about looking cool and hot - the beauty mask. Hmmm, but your eyes make you look like an Alien.

[@MusaonYT]

This video did not only have technical tips but it was philosophical and motivational as well. Loved it.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Jamie, this was just the video I needed to see !

[@paulortiz8063]

better portraiture! hmmmmm....... meanwhile you do this vid with the round/circle lighting that gives you the look of a devil. your blue eyes look....well, demonic. perhaps a 2 or 3 light set up with soft diffusion, without the white rings if light around the black spots or the pupil in each eye. just a suggestion. good info though but rather poor lighting--- for a photog. cheers!

[@giorgisad]

very helpful tips. they were real tips and not tech related. once i saw a portrait tutorial of a guy shooting in overcast weather with a model that was clearly nopt feeling well about being there. the photos were technically good but they lack of feel

[@SuperSF100]

This video was so good that I forced myself to watch it again to write down all the tips. This is gold.

[@digitalkmultimedia]

It's not just what you said, it's also how you said it. As others have commented makes me realize why I got interested in photography to begin with.

[@subcinctus]

2:38 "YOU'RE AN INVISIBLE VOYEUR" I LOST IT

[@davidpinder4587]

Some excellent tips and advice there Jamie. Thanks.

[@agentbl]

At 0:13, that is a fantastic transition from street to living room. It is awesome.

[@Avectwigg]

I revisit this video every year or so for its stupendous wealth of invaluable top-est of tips. Thanks Jamie

[@RickMentore]

I glad you said "there is no perfect portrait length." As a learner, I was led to understand that any focal length under 50mm was "a no-no" and the shorter than 50mm should only be used for group portraits. Your talk was inspirational and educational.

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you. Absolutely, any lens can be a portrait lens, it's just depends on what you're going for with your image. A close-up with a wide lens could be considered a "no-no" if you're doing commercial headshots for office workers and you were trying to make people look attractive, but even then, different face shapes suit different focal lengths.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Break the rules!

[@nikhilchandra9258]

You sir, deserve more subscribers.

[@jamiewindsor]

Nikhil Chandra Thank you. They’re going up. Not long before Xmas I only had a thousand or so.

[@nikhilchandra9258]

well deserved. wrt to this video, there are so many youtubers with millions of subscribers, who, in the name of photo tutorials, tell only about camera specs. Any young ones watching their videos would believe that photography is more about camera and having the "latest technology" and less about your own vision. They are so misleading!!! This video finally talks about those nuances, finer details. And i love how you used 5D mark 1 here, while everyone on youtube is crying over how bad dslrs have become.

[@kipmay5101]

The quote by David Foster Wallace, "You'll worry a lot less about what people think of you when you realise how seldom they do." is a liberating thought. This is very helpful in street photography, don't over think it, just take the image. Helpful video. Thank you.

[@genghis2510]

KZbin is awash with tutorials and reviews of still cameras turned into video cameras. This is one of the few nice videos using a still camera for still photography. Thumbs up.

[@johnfranklin4386]

Well said. I like the intuitive approach to portraiture you underscored, with examples. It helped set me at ease. Nicely done.

[@nikki8009]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@AnandaGarden]

Wonderful. I got over my hesitancy about taking pictures of people by first doing sports photography, then journalism. I would still much rather take pictures of people working, singing, dancing, acting, hammering and sawing.

[@TarekAliFazle]

Yes, after a series of junk videos about setting hair finally a real video; thanks

[@dominicbarnes712]

Man, you're amazing. Super video, really intelligent advice.

[@Hvrafnur]

I know this is an old video... But I am going through all your KZbin videos and I really like what you have to say. It’s not the usually “do this” don’t do that” etc. It’s a much deeper discussion and I really enjoy it. It makes me think and gets my creativity going. Thank you!

[@RonakBlinkGaming]

I love those candid shot idea's and I do them a lot, always calling my friends and taking pictures of them... I don't know something about that look they give is so perfect.

[@lukemakayabu4369]

another gem! with the beloved classic Mk1

[@jamiewindsor]

It's often the Mk1 I reach for because I just leave it lying around as it's cheap enough to not be precious about. My Mk3s and L-lenses are normally packed away, still in some set-up that I used for my last commercial job.

[@jona.vagabond]

Awesome. A bit different approach, I like it! Great storyteller too

[@theamariearmstrong4809]

one of the best, non-clickbait, actually informative vids on how to take natural and personal photos, BIG LOVE 4 tHIS VID

[@jayw5789]

Love the honesty in your vids, not following the “pack” type advice is refreshing to hear from you. Those who create greatness never did it following a well worn path. Being instinctive is what will forge your own style.

[@KlarqueGarrison]

Wow Jamie, that was more good advice than I've received from any ONE Photog with real relevant info! HUGE thanks sir #the50yroldman

[@jamiewindsor]

Klarque Garrison Glad to be of help. I’m glad this video seems to have been received positively. I thought maybe people were more into gear reviews than stuff like this and gear reviews aren’t really what excites me about photography. I shall make more videos along this line now.

[@zer0L0]

My thoughts exactly

[@zer0L0]

Jamie Windsor please do more like this. Too many low value gear blather sites out there. Too few on photography, by a professional photographer, what more done with reference to photography as a craft tradition, unpronounceable names and all.

[@51Daedalus]

MAN!! I usually hate these "X tips for Y thing" videos as they feel isolated a lot of times and quite often, many channels repeat themselves on these (watching a lot of music production stuff especially :D) But shit your videos are great! Your tips are so useful, applicable, easy to understand yet deep with so much potential for exploration that I am stunned! And they are also so full of heart! Thank you so much!! :)

[@coolhallo8357]

Crazy how informativ and creativ this video is. Its like listening to the process of art.

[@taraweber7005]

i discovered your channel last night and now i've already reached a point where i LIKE your videos as i just start to watch them

[@Jakepf]

When he said they most likely wont challenge you, my anxiety went away haha

[@perkingspice2076]

you have the prettiest eyes

[@jamiewindsor]

Ha.

[@mcmoose64]

I got more from this than from 1000 gear reviews . I have only just discovered your channel and am settling in for a binge . Keep up the wonderfull work .

[@simongarcia5547]

Ive probably watched 20 videos tonight trying to learn more about being productive as a photographer.. you handed out gold, i appreciate it. Feels like you gave genuine advice and are focused on creating connection rather than followers. Ill be lookin for more videos

[@wwklnd]

Since I'm watching this so late and there are a lot of comments, I'm sure others have mentioned it, but I think it's worth pointing out that the best focal length of lenses for different applications will vary a lot depending on the size of your camera's sensor! Since I shoot with an APS-C sensor, for example, a 35mm lens will give about the same result as using a 50mm lens on a full frame camera. :)

[@jamiewindsor]

wwklnd Yeah. I neglected to say “…or equivalent” when talking about focal lengths. My bad.

[@wwklnd]

Jamie Windsor It's a small thing and I'm sure a lot of people learn it eventually!

[@lsamoa]

Not exactly true. A crop is just a crop. You'll get the same field of view / framing using a 35mm with a crop sensor as a 50mm full-frame, sure. But you won't get the same compression, since the lens has a wider focal length. 35mm faces look different from 50mm faces. It's important to understand the difference between focal length and field of view when doing portraits.

[@dheevesh16]

5:02 Is that a plastic bag on her head? I really love the positive vibes of the video. Plus, you’re a likeable person. :)

[@certainlyitis]

I think I could listen to you talk all day. Thanks for all the great tips and ideas. Very helpful!

[@aileer467]

Did I just get hypnotized? Wow! Your eyeballs. Love all of your content, very informative with some nice bits of wisdom sprinked in. Thanks for sharing😊

[@JulianMakes]

What an awesome list! i'm just about to get my first camera (so i can hopefully take nice portraits in order to paint them later) and this has been sooo helpful thanks! PS love the Hendrik Kerstens image :) i painted one of his daughter wearing a lampshade on my channel (#013) - thanks loads + subbed

[@zakiNBG]

6. TL:DR could also be "you miss every shot you dont take" :D

[@brianknight7208]

Some comments here are picking apart your video for flaws and missteps. Please don't let it get to you though, as a vast majority of criticizers have not created better content themselves. But I would like to thank you for putting your insight onto KZbin. I think your videos are unique, and well made, and it really helps me where I am at right now.

[@joelangelis9158]

Am I the only one noticing how INSANE these in camera transitions are?? Bro you're on another level!

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Great tips; Rude Boy Jazz; not so sure about the ring light thing though… LOL

[@MarlonKingShow]

Some really valuable tips that don’t all involve spending thousands of pounds. Nice video dude.

[@jamiewindsor]

Thanks. Too many videos out there that promote the idea that buying expensive gear is the way to get good photos.

[@ericrobinson8078]

From my perspective the best range of advice I’ve heard, possibly because I agree with and already use these, but his condensed friendly, calm form of presentation is spot on.

[@shankapa3182]

There is a veritable sea of videos about photography on the internet, but this one in particular stands out. Your style is wonderfully casual albeit informative at the same time. Also the cadence of your voice is quite calming. Thank you for this.

[@vulgata0154]

Hi Jamie, I just stumbled upon your videos, and I think they are seriously good. I’ve been a commercial photographer for years and I find your philosophy refreshing. One thing though, your ID shot makes you look much older than you appear to be. Jus sayin.

[@jamiewindsor]

Colin Edwards Hi. Thank you. Just out of interest, how old do you think I am and how old does my profile picture make me look?

[@RunNGunPhoto]

*Great go-to tips Jamie, thank you! Posing is crucial for beginners!*

[@nadinelinington5932]

I really like how you cover these tips! Really helpful.

[@davidberi7008]

great insight, helpful. portrait photography isn't all about posing and commercial side... you can creat a beautiful image by just observing a person, what they are doing and their surroundings

[@kwomack5399]

The halo light is probably not the best for close up portraits. A single point of light makes a better catch light.

[@jamiewindsor]

Indeed. But I had my reasons for using the set-up I did.

[@codenameGIZM0]

A pub is not really a public place, at least not like a square or a park. It's a privately owned business to which the public have access. There's a difference. Whether they're having a private event or a normal night they reserve the right to deny entry, kick people out, refuse service, set their own rules - even regarding photography - that could be very different to a public setting (ie the street).

[@jamiewindsor]

codenameGIZM0 Indeed. I think I wasn’t communicating what I meant here very well. I was using the term ‘public’ to describe the expected use of the space rather than the ownership. A lot of the law relies on what is considered ‘reasonable’ and as people commonly take photos in pubs and bars, unless the ownership has clearly expressed otherwise, it would probably be considered a reasonable position to assume you can take photos. But even with parks, a lot are privately owned. The beginning part of this video on the south bank for example. That space is privately owned (although the public have access) and they have a ‘no tripod’ rules for photography. I would imagine this is more a health and safety issue though due to the volume of people who walk down that stretch.

[@codenameGIZM0]

Jamie Windsor very true! Just wanted to specify the different types of "public" places. I worked in a pub for years to pay for law school and the amount of dickheads who thought they were untouchable because it was a "public place, free country" was ridiculous. Good tips, though! Subbed after seeing this vid.

[@brittanywheeler1635]

I like the idea of them looking away and back at you to get the candid shot, initially.

[@hannahdunne7966]

This video was so helpful and I loved seeing how much you clearly love photography

[@Divineshot]

Very helpful tips!

[@ttoniross]

i really love this video. I've learn a lot can't wait to try it out & practice w/ my friends. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas from the Philippines 🇵🇭 i SMASHED the like button & i hit subscribe 😊😊😊

[@silvestrossouthernitaly9795]

300%. I click one of your videos thinking I'll learn something about some subject that I know little about and I end up learning 3 times what I expected to learn before clicking. Great work.

[@photomitch]

Thank you for your videos, the advice is helpful and I started sharing them with my co-workers. We work for a company that photographs family portraits and we are always looking to learn new things and ways of shooting people. My biggest challenge is dealing with the physiology of the sitter. Mainly, trying to get children to cooperate and women to not be so self conscience about the way they appear. I have done what I thought would be a great session of photo of a couple and in the process of showing them the results of the shoot, the woman will hate, hate, hate every thing she see because she feels he make-up or hair wasn't right, an article of clothing she's wearing ended up not looking the way she wants ( I had one woman who sat the cried because her blouse was the wrong color) or she not in a good mood that day. I am learning to over come these type of objections and having to talk to people before their photo session to get them comfortable before I start shooting. I love photography, its fun and challenging and I am learning a lot..Thanks again for your videos..

[@sarahwaters4448]

sneaky portraits! . . ive used a 70d &a 7O-3OO! great! . . if i had another choice, micro 4/3rds and 7O-3OO f2.8!