How to find the “good side” of a persons face for a Portrait?

In this portrait tutorial, I will talk about portrait posing and how to find your subjects good side. When it comes to picking a subject’s best side for a portrait, there is a LOT of information online and in books that is based on science but unfortunately most of the science leaves out the variables of makeup and hair styles and camera angles and lighting and all that photography stuff.
I want to explain the science to you - in layman’s terms and Be sure to stay tuned until the end and I will explain what my experience has taught me about which is the best side and how to make that decision when shooting a portrait.
So, the science has taught us that we want to try to create balance and symmetry in the face to make our subject look their best
Remember that photographing people is a relationship game. So when I meet a model or a portrait subject for the first time I spend a few minutes talking with them to break the ice and while I am doing that I study them. I pay attention to their personality, their body language and yes - their face - specifically, I want to see how symmetrical their face is.
Public Service Announcement If you ever meet a someone with a perfectly symmetrical face - remain calm - don’t walk - RUN in the other direction - the Aliens have landed!!! NO human being is perfectly symmetrical
So I am looking to see if the person has a particularly crooked jaw or smile or nose and most importantly I am looking to see which eye is larger and if it is noticeably larger or just barely larger. I am also going to say things to get the person to smile and laugh during our conversation because sometimes that will cause one eye to be considerably larger than the other or even for a smile to go crooked.
Once I have gathered all that information, I can begin to make decisions about camera angles and lighting to flatter the face. By this time, I know what features I may need to hide.
I don’t pay too much attention to the left side of the face science - mainly because I know I can control perception of the face with lighting and camera angle and makeup and hair styling, so for me the MOST important factor in determining the best side is which eye is the smallest.
If there is very little difference between the two eyes - I will frequently photograph a person looking straight into my lens which is a very powerful view.
If one eye is noticeably smaller, then I simply use perspective to balance things out to get closer to that beauty concept of both sides of the face being equal.
The simple solution is to place the smaller eye closer to the camera lens which will make it look larger in relationship to the larger eye - hence - making them closer in size. You can do this with a ¾ turn of the face. Make sure the nose doesn’t break the edge of the face and be sure that you can still see the edge of the far eye - you don’t want the eye falling out of the face.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DON'T MISS OUT ON MORE WAYS TO LEARN
MY WEBSITE: www.JoeEdelman.com
This includes my portfolio, over 300 articles, and interviews!
WANNA SEE MY GEAR?
www.joeedelman.com/my-photography-gear
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LET'S CONNECT!
Follow on INSTAGRAM: joeedelman
Follow on FACEBOOK: thejoeedelman/
Follow on THREADS: www.threads.net/@joeedelman
Follow on X / TWITTER: joeedelman
Check my boards on PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/thejoeedelman/
Connect on LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/thejoeedelman/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FTC Disclosure: No sponsors have paid for or provided equipment or material shown in this video
#ishootpeople #joeedelman

[@DemCrumblies]

One of the most insightful photography videos on KZbin, amazing content. Don't know why you don't have more views on these. Much better content than all these comparison videos.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Dem Crumblies! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@DemCrumblies]

@@theJoeEdelman You're welcome, I've just been spending the last two days going through your videos, really appreciate you sharing what you've learned over the years with all of us.

[@hokira7880]

This is the first review I've ever given a KZbinr. I just have to tell how you how much I appreciate that your videos are CONSISTENTLY well produced and tasteful and that you have such a gift for taking complex subject matter and explaining it well and succinctly. There are concepts that I've struggled to understand for years and they finally made sense after watching your videos. Your explanations are truly illuminating (no photography pun intended :-). Thank you Joe!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you so much for the kind words Hollye K Brock ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@belialblack3182]

Thank you so much! Finally a professional who is not looking to sell or promote something but just wants to share knowledge! : )

[@phillt9134]

Probably the best information on portraiture on the net. No-one ever tells you this stuff. Brilliant, thank you

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Phill T ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@blackbird693]

You are now my favorite photography mentor.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks John Cook and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@frankjoyce76]

This video was incredible. I never knew this but the part about which side to part your hair was amazing. Thank you

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Frank Joyce ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@RickMentore]

This is an incredible lecture on portraits. I had never thought about eye ratio. I thought "my best side" was a mythical thing Again, thank you, this was premium knowledge

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks for commenting Rick Mentore!

[@ShadHall]

*How do you not have more subscribers!?* I subscribed a few days ago and have been regularly watching your videos since. I'm a mixed-media artist, but have an insatiable appetite for learning. I understand photography only on a compositional level, but learning approach to that in photography and transferring those ideas over to my proverbial easel. *Thanks for making these videos. I already learned so much from the videos of yours I've watched thus far.*

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Shad Hall and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! Be sure to spread the word so I can grow that number!

[@ronaldpoisson5870]

Sound advice Joe. I read about this in a portraiture book recently. They also included other parts of the body as well and how even the body itself is never symmetrical. It was after this chapter that the book discussed short and broad lighting of both the body and face as well as positioning both in relation to the camera to introduce the appearance of symmetry when it does not exist. Thanks for the vid and all the effort you put into your work.👍🏼👍🏼💪🏼💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@theJoeEdelman]

You are very welcome Ronald Poisson! Thanks for commenting!

[@singsingmei]

No dislikes. Haha! That's gotta be a record. Well deserved, i must say. Very enlightening.

[@culritesh]

As a programmer and hobby guitarist, I understand that it takes years of practice to learn the skills needed to be a pro, but with the gurus like you, the learning curve becomes really short. Thank you.

[@findyourreason]

This is an excellent, informative video. I've been shooting for about 10 years, but my grandma told me, "Everyone knows something you don't, you just have to listen." So, I've been watching a number of your videos and certainly have learned quite a few things. This video is an example of your excellent ability to clearly and concisely educate. I know that your business model may require you to have a number of videos that are or border on being infomercials and I congratulate for arriving at the point in your life that your experience and abilities afford you credibility with vendors and your audience. In any case, thanks for sharing.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Dan Williams! I appreciate the kind words and support!

[@akesq01]

Wow! Next level portrait technique. Thank you! So smart!

[@rebbeck100]

Hey Joe I think I have seen every photographic presenter on the web and you would have to be the most gifted teacher of them all. Keep up the good work!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you so much for the kind words Graham Rebbeck. I can't take much credit - I have been fortunate enough to have had some outstanding teachers in my life and I am married to an amazing college professor, so I have had some excellent role models. THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@billmcdonald4335]

That's why I go to you, Joe. You always deliver a thorough exploration of the topic, with no 'quick and dirty' advice that I will only abandon later. Much appreciated.

[@debrafreeman7506]

Hey Joe! Am I the only one who didn't find you two years ago? I am so glad to meet you! I am a maternity and newborn specialists. We are a different breed, a lot of things will not work for us that do for grownups. I have Kelly Brown for that :) See you and maybe meet your wife in St. Louis, MO!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome Debra Freeman! Thanks for commenting!

[@hg77777]

He’s such a professional it’s amazing 😃🙏

[@DanielleE-zu2pi]

I started to watch the video with low expectations, but it's really very helpful! Thank you for sharing such useful information

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome Dani E ! Thank you! Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@Argyll9846]

Great information on shooting portraits and, as always, very enjoyable. By the way, as you were talking I did notice that I was focused mainly on the left side of your face, which is something I seem to do with people I talk with.

[@rochisarria]

Excelent and very enlightening, this video + the "One Light Portrait Lighting" will help me improve my portrait photos skills a lot! Thanks !

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it Rodrigo Sarria! I appreciate the comment!

[@stephenblack557]

great insight ! I was wondering once you have decided which side is the best side what are the Do's and Dont's when lighting the Best Side !

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words stephen black ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos! As for do's and don'ts - thats a whole different video - stay tuned! :-)

[@petecorsgz]

I kept watching the video to get all the details! Just Awesome!

[@leemcgrady254]

New to this channel but not to photography. ... fantastic video with return to this channel for sure. .. thanks Joe

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you lee mcgrady! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@GregWallis]

Excellent advice, Joe. I never cease to be impressed by your breadth of knowledge. Many thanks.

[@zwiesland]

I am learning so much from you. Hopefully, I can give people better portraits with all this knowledge. Thank you!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome zwiesland! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@punypunny]

Thanks! Your videos are short but packed with great info! You should write a book with packed all your tips, knowledge and experience!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words puny punny ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@dravikmondal6517]

I watch many channels but such basic things you told so simply, it was really helpful.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Dr Avik Mondal ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@SkiRinkevicius]

Thank you Joe for great explanation. Your lesions are my favourite tools seeking best in my works. Thumbs -up

[@richardmorris7363]

Another fantastically educational video Joe ...i learn more in 10 mins watching your vids than in hours of reading books etc...well done and many thanks....

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Richard Morris !

[@Darebakk]

although i have heard most of the info before, it was always bits here and there.. this video sums very useful tips up and puts them together in a nice way. thanks for a great recap.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Your very welcome Darebakk - glad you enjoyed it!

[@sarajitsil]

Hi Joe, This was one of the very difficult topic. It keeps me wondering how lucid your explanation was! I am simply in love with your knowledge bank! Thanks a bunch for your time in making this video for us! Regards

[@theJoeEdelman]

You are very welcome Sarajit Sil! Thank you for the kind words!

[@audi_kid]

Just seen this video during my day job lunch break and I’m so mind blown!!!! Made my lunch amazing !!! Thank you so much amigo!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome MOSKITO GOMEZ! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@sjsphotog]

wow great video. a LOT to absorb for the science of the shot. keep it up

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephen Soukup! Thanks for the kind words!

[@jeffreykeyser9435]

Wow, Joe! This may have been your best tip, yet. Thanks!

[@johnmcdermott6683]

Great Joe, lookin forward to seeing them. I am promoting your tutorials in our camera club (in west of Ireland) keep up the good work.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks John McDermott - I appreciate the promotion and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@EddieKangBoBo]

Your lectures have being the most enjoyable ones I have learned so far Joe. You delivered a punch right at my nose about "Practice". That's exactly what I need to do. Thank you so much.

[@willparsons32]

Not a problem Sir! Just watching your YTube video - "How to find the good side...." Very informative!!

[@willparsons32]

WOW! Your videos are incredibly awesome and easy to understand.Awesome stuff -Keep up the great work!!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Waxy Parsnips! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@Nelsontron1]

Wow. I learned a lot in this video. Thank you so much.

[@dksilas]

A superb video. Maybe the best I've seen from a true master. Thanks Joe!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks chichi ya and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@dksilas]

Hey Joe, recently retired (age 64) and moved from the Philly area (Huntingdon Valley/Hatboro) to Savannah, GA. Opening a portrait studio in my Living Room, no basements in Savannah. I love portraiture. I also love my Tokina 100mm 2.8 on the D750 along with my Nikon 70-200 2.8, 85 1.8 etc. Your use of Fluorescent lighting amazes me. I've seen your images which are stunning. Maybe we could Skype or I could connect with you. I'm willing to pay for your expertise and respect your knowledge. Just got my backdrop (Grey) and 2 light stands. Been using my one sb700 with an umbrella softbox ($28) and getting ok results. Will need help with lighting purchases. I study ever day and shoot every week, mostly events, indoors without flash. First camera was 1976, Canon AE-1. Then, the corp exec role for many years but went back to photography 7 yrs ago. Won't take up any more space in my post but will be following you closely. I think you are the best! Rich B.

[@theJoeEdelman]

We can do that chichi ya - visit this web page to set it up: www.joeedelman.com/learnfrom-joe

[@dksilas]

Will do. Maybe when I'm back to visit, I can schedule a day too. Allentown is pretty close. Thanks again.

[@wahabdilawar]

Brilliant video. I have never come across any other video on KZbin regarding this very important topic BUT I am sure that none of them can be as informative and well put together as this one. So much new information for someone like me, who are too late to go to a photography school and learn the basics. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Wahab Dilawar! It's never too late to learn!

[@HarryReisenleiter]

Wow, I really appreciate this video. Great presentation, and an important set of skills to put in the "kit". Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks for the very kind words Harry Reisenleiter and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@JTFuller]

Fantastic....

[@robkennedyphotography1766]

Great video Joe. I found your channel recently and I’m slowly going through all your videos. I really like your style of presenting /teaching. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience 🙂

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Rob Kennedy Photography! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@keinniclifeafter1193]

Sometimes videos like this can be very dry and boring, but you made it interesting and I learnt a lot from this video. Thanks! :)

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks JUN and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@miguelneves212]

3:40 "there has to be a joke in there... somewhere" Epic!!! Thanks again for another gem of a video... truly excellent pointers

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome Miguel Neves! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kelkschiz]

Loved this video, some very useful tips, thanks!

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for another great video on photography and philosophy.

[@TomKaszuba]

Pure. 100%. Solid. Gold. Thank you man.

[@theJoeEdelman]

My pleasure Tom Kaszuba!

[@leojavierfa76]

thank you Mr Joe for make theses amazing videos I been learning a LOT from them.

[@oncheugbabe6509]

Deep. Lot to learn here. Thank you Joe.

[@user-jw4fn6fh2x]

Great info. Thanks Joe. I like the way you made it easy to understand.

[@CarlosSanchez-kd8et]

Mr Edelman thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Gracias!

[@georgeeharrison4293]

Really loved the Face Book idea. Will you it for a upcoming shoot I have. Keep up the great video's

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks george harrison and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@Nikolai79Le]

Good advices Joe! I think it is "simply" focusing on details and practice !!!! I'm learning a lot with your videos and, at the same time practicing my English a little. By the way, this is an spaniard living in Toulouse (France), I really love your "adios" at the end of your videos. Thanks Joe, gracias... merci ;-)

[@jam06477]

Joe Edelman, you are a base hit. Thank you for your videos!

[@theJoeEdelman]

You're very welcome jam06477! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@anthonyscott16]

Thanks for the lesson Joe. This was really helpful. I appreciate you!

[@douggubbe]

Hi Joe, Just wanted to tell you that I love your Vodcasts (video on demand). Very informative, well orchestrated, and entertaining. I appreciate how much time it takes putting these together. You have a great persona and I look forward to each broadcast. I have a question you. I was recently taking some room photo's for a relative for a rental apartment and my first thought was, "How would Joe set this up to make the rooms stand out from the crowd?" I had some ideas, but was looking for your inspiration as it is more than just "decorating the room". Lighting? Warmest regards, Doug

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Douglas Gubbe and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! As for your interiors... I am a people shooter, but I have shot my fair share of house interiors for myself and friends and relatives. That said my main tips would be as follows... Regarding the rooms - Take the time to stage them. Remove excess furniture and any unnecessary clutter to make the room look as spacious as possible. No reality involved in real estate photography. Regarding gear - wide angle lenses - BUT be very careful about distortion and keystoning. Keep the camera's sensor perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the walls you are photographing. This can sometimes require a little perspective control in post production in you are in a very tight space. Regarding lighting: Keep it simple stupid. I am all for stacking images of multiple exposures to create the perfect exposure. Don't let the outdoors blow out in the windows - unless the outdoors looks like crap. Keep your lighting to a minimum and especially in small apartment rooms - only use light to enhance - don't try to actually light the room. I hope this helps!

[@douggubbe]

Much appreciated. I found an interesting feature on my Samsung Note5 called Panorama which allowed me to carefully swing the camera from left to right to capture more of the room creating the feel of a wide angle. You have to be careful though as too much swing can result in unintended distortions, largely software related. Wish this feature was available on my SLR to capture that extra space with a standard lens. Happy shooting (people of course)! :-)

[@davirosa]

Really usefull tip - while shooting subjects with eyes of diferent sizes. Before a Photograph a person I usually ask them what is theyr side that they like best... Just to avoid them to be shy or mad on me just not to be shooting "their best". But I never thought to much about that, why do they prefere one side over the other, specially when they are kind of symetric :D Thanks Joe!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Davi Rosa and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@1mollymom]

Great information; thank you so much!

[@rodolfo_ribas]

Another fantastic video! Thanks!

[@kevincull1091]

Joe this was an amazing video, late at night and what a revelation, promoting headshaots to local businesses, learned so much Awesome! THANK YOU!

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Great video Joe, I found and subscribed to your channel about two months ago, you are definitely one the best photography “you tubers”, I’m surprised that you don’t have at least a million subscribers (I’m not kidding). Rick.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank for the very kind words RickBSO and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! As for the million - I'm working on it. Please help spread the word!

[@byteaesx1373]

In my opinion right proportions >= symmetry As always, many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@thomasjamieson2165]

Thanks Joe love your videos 👍🏼

[@Mrcherrardcohen]

Wow! I have a shoot this weekend! New tips to try!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Awesome Cherrard Cohen! Let me know how it goes!

[@Mrcherrardcohen]

Will Do!

[@leroy5007]

Excellent video, great information, and thank you for giving me substance that will improve my photography. I really enjoy your videos.

[@adeypoos]

Awesome yet again Joe. As you say, attention to details, however small, can make the difference. The eyes thing, it seems obvious now, but I haven't seen or heard that reasoning in a posing decision used before. Keep em' coming and remember Joe, your next video is your best video ;)

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Ade Pollard !

[@timothyjohnson8564]

Thanks Joe. Another great video

[@MohanJan1954]

Very informative video. Thanks.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it MohanJan1954! I appreciate the comment!

[@nissanbakish]

Grazie mille for wonderful video Joe. Shabat Shalom

[@msieee]

thanks for very useful info

[@jclim001]

Great useful tips!!....

[@gustavocampos1969]

Hey, Joe! Thanks again for your VERY informative video. Always a pleasure to watch your channel.

[@johnmcdermott6683]

Hi Joe, love your videos you are someone I can listen to without getting bored (a great teacher). Can you do a tutorial sometime on ambient & fill flash

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks John McDermott and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride! Stay tuned - latter half of August - I have a load of speedlight videos coming - including fill flash

[@ramonenriquemendezyanez542]

As you said in a previous vídeo, "the secret is in the eyes". Thanks Mr. Edelman, I found very helpful your videos.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Ramón Enrique Méndez Yáñez and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@Moment_Captured]

Noses are often problematic especially deviated septums and older people. Any thoughts you share here? I think many of the concepts you have share with eyes are similar for noses right? Love your pragmatic and instructive videos.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Russell __ . With noses, it is all about flattering angles and flattering light.

[@brinkleylhendricksjr.5955]

HI JOE YOUR RIGHT ON THE FACE POSE GOOD WORK. THANK YOU BRINKLEY HENDRICKS JR.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Brinkley L Hendricks jr. ! Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@leojavierfa76]

ADIOS !!!! Love it thanks for everything.....

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks leonel figueroa and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@paulocontente9993]

This was the first time I heard some of these tips.Thanks once again.

[@1starr0073]

what camera and lens do you most often use to achieve those beautiful close up portraits

[@tomelifeisjustonebig]

Love your vids. Informative AND you're great in front of the camera (as well as behind it of course). :-)

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks tomelifeisjustonebig and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@Themeshoots]

Great information. Thank you.

[@masterphotog4131]

Another great video, thank you and keep up the good work!

[@snoopusa2006]

Good video , well explained !

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Leão de Judah and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@crazydude5624]

Excellent video 👍👍👍

[@RiviWickramarachchi]

hi Noe I really love your videos. Keep it up!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you Rivi Wickramarachchi! I appreciate the comment.

[@XimitMarcio]

Awesome. I really like your tips. Actually I never taugh about about something of these tips. Thank you very much

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Marcio Schmidt and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!

[@MotionMedia7]

Great lesson brother.

[@gregsonfilm]

Great insight!

[@kernpierre5103]

hey Joe this was very educational

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it Kern Pierre! I appreciate the comment!

[@janisbell1947]

Sorry Joe, thought I was subscribed...just did!

[@specialized41]

Really nice tutorial.!!

[@AnVoPhotography]

Your videos are awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@theJoeEdelman]

Glad you enjoyed it An Vo! I appreciate the comment!

[@davidmachucavazquez3823]

¡Thanks a lot Joe, regards from México!!!

[@PhotoZavaleta]

amazing man! great way to explain everything. enormous value on most of your videos. keep crushing it !!

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thank you for the kind words Photo Zavaleta ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!

[@chchandtanha968]

love your bracelets man . i want to ask you a question about how large i can print my photos ? I'm using nikon D3300 with a 50mm f1.8G .Distance between the wall and the sofa is like 5ft and i want my print to look stunning even if someone looks at it from 1 or 2 ft distance .

[@theJoeEdelman]

Thanks Ch Chand Tanha if I am not mistaken - your camera is a 24mp APS-C camera. You should be able to print an uncropped file to just over 16x20 inches without any software interpolation.

[@chchandtanha968]

***** thanks for your Help Dear . your work is amazing

[@kubacz6145]

Great video.

[@carpediem6326]

thx for good lecture.