Top Tips for Environmental Portrait Photography

[@TimXMan1000]

The point of environmental portraits. They want to show what they do, the services for the company Tip 1. Manage difficulty’s (lighting) Tip 2. Reconnaissance if you can Tip 3. Depth of field and light 💡 and mood Tip 4. Natural light look, repositioning things Tip 5. Research the location for existing photos Tip 6. Know the subjects profession Tip 7. Make sure they have the right clothes Tip 8. Have an assistant For set up and test shots Tip 9. Get there early Tip 10. Don’t let the client guide you too much Tip 11. Take reference images to put everything back after the shoot Tip 12. Consider existing light artificial light and daylight Tip 13. Have a good conversation with the subject to put them at ease. Tip 14. Check final images

[@tedming3515]

Throughout the entire video I was patiently waiting for Karl to shout: "Who the **** is making that bloody squeaky noise?!" Perhaps he did. Afterwards.

[@NewerSing]

Karl is a professional, he simply pulls out a pistol and shoots the disturbance source

[@juanfarrell1088]

This was great, ignore the haters. If they need exposure minutiae, then they need to go back to basics.

[@flaviopresutti]

And that's why you are one of my favourite photographers!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@hartgetzen7867]

This is THE go-to video on environmental portraiture. We’ll done.

[@piusgyagenda]

This has come at a point when environmental potraits is the task I have for the day, thanks man

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you found it useful.

[@SusanneGeert]

I watch this video 2 years ago and now again. I ABSOLUTELY love this and sooooo hope you would create more on this topic 🙏

[@sarehization]

I should watch this video 10 times! Thank you so much! Very useful tips!

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@hartgetzen7867]

Perfect advice. Hard to fail if you follow this excellent guide!

[@WinstonWheelington]

Great practical tips. Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goodlawyer1813]

Excellent!

[@joekoonziii2840]

Fantastic knowledge delivered in a very effective way- thank you for this

[@rondonski101]

Very timely lesson for me. I searched for ideas and found your tips here. I'm going to shoot a restaurant interiors, well, two food restaurants next Sunday. Then Monday, a vegan food shoot in the 2nd restaurant. And portraits of the French chef and her souix chef. Is that Sous? Anyway, I'll be using your techniques for the environmental portrait shoot and one of my own. I'd like to have the chef juggle some knives and fruits floating in mid air. Thank you, Karl!

[@marcomark8]

Great real life experience advice Karl Taylor. I like your style of shooting. I thought I was actually going to learn here today. Didn't realize it was an advertisement.

[@josephchan4198]

Awesome!! Thanks for the sample course. Wish you great success this year.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Joseph

[@tuannguyentruong2702]

As a viewer, I must admid that your videos really impress me for all the experiences. And as a photographer, I want to call you teacher for what you share. I really hope that I have a chance to meet you someday.

[@chrisbeschi4818]

Doing this today and this is always a great reminder before going into the field 🙏🏼

[@alanvandever9683]

Watching your videos is always a pleasure. For many years, a major part of my business was creating brochures for the hotel industry. Most, in addition to the rooms, and lobbies, had banquet facilities, lounges, restaurants, pools, workout rooms, and a host of amenities for their guests. This video reminds me of those days because I used the same techniques that you showed here. I love your videos. Thanks again.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Alan.

[@alimohammed-qc7od]

thanks for all this information

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure

[@jeanlucceregermain]

Thanks again no more stress Too good to be true

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Always welcome

[@mzand95]

Excellent video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@reneweisz9157]

Yeah happened to me, had these gorgeous shots and beautiful atmosphere with a model just find out after importing into LR that they were blurry. I was really mad at myself that I rushed and not taking the time. Lesson learned.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yeah that sucks

[@DavidSellHeadshots]

Brilliant information and guidance, thank you Karl

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure!

[@juliasocialmarketing3034]

Fantastic advice, thank you. Exactly what I needed. Subscribed and liked. :)

[@veteran35th]

Karl, I've got one light! How long is it going to take me to learn enough to handle FOUR!!! (Too long) Great vid, your usage of lights to create moods is just amazing. Very informative, thank you.

[@MikeT-yy3]

Loved your tips on environmental portraits. Would you mind explaining why you didn't tether with this difficult scenario.

[@jac743]

Great tips! Thank you Karl!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Any time

[@SandorFule]

Very helpful. Thank you - from Hungary.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goranb8822]

Hello Karl. I think you should do a video where you will explain how to light ambient indoors ( with emphasis on position, distance and angle of light ). For example, how to position the lights to achive bright ambient/environment look, which size of modifiers we should consider etc.. like the one in first part of this clip ( young woman in small room). I know its in-depth topic, but you can single out a couple of situations as in the previous video.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Goran all of that deeper level stuff is covered on our education website. Cheers.

[@banasreekunal]

Very nice and educative tutorial sir. Hat's off to

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks a lot

[@SusanneGeert]

I have watched SOOOOO many of your videos and this one is by far the most helpful (even thought all the rest are amazing as well!) Where can we watch the video you refer to? Please more videos on this topic and especially about mixing flash with daylight 🙏🏻

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you. This video is information from this section - karltayloreducation.com/section/environmental-portraits/ but have a look around the whole website, it's all included.

[@timseward19]

Excellent

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@ohnojc]

Pure gold

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@romiemiller3093]

Zooming in is very important for checks. Photos that look good at full screen on the camera back may not be sharp, as Karl says, if you zoom in.

[@stevebikes995]

Very inspiring images.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Many thanks!

[@lynettebell8534]

Great tips i always wonder how to work through this type of stuff.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArcanePath360]

Ah the luxury of having an assistant. I just have a mannequin for my test shots

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I have a mannequin for when my assistants annoy me.

[@jimmylee7422]

Great advice as usual, i have done a few on my own for friends businesses and it was ok without an assistant but can see taking one along being a huge plus on shoots like this one...need to find a good assistant now.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Good luck.

[@kevinmarcus625]

Great video. Very informational. Do you have any suggestions for studio lights that are affordable to start off with? Your results are great but those lights seem a bit expensive to start off with. Any advice would be appreciate. Thank you 🙏

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT TIPS...were you using that long lens for most of the portraits?

[@laurentthiebault763]

many thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

No worries

[@MIshaHaijtema]

Needed this a week ago haha

[@JohnAmaro_Official]

Nice tips as always karl..

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks 👍

[@emeggiolaro]

Amazing

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@thomasszudobaj4413]

Thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome

[@HussainAli-pv7kk]

Amazing. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@THSimagery]

That’s was pretty good. Thanks!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@arielc2010]

Inspirational, as always :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

thank you

[@tommynikon2283]

Karl- given the small size of most camera backs/screens, do you tend NOT to shoot tethered on location, or is that a variable per other circumstances?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I shoot tethered in the studio and I'd use tethered and I may consider it on location if it was a big budget shoot but generally I'm happy with the camera screen and freedom of movement on location. On the blad I can wifi transfer files from the camera to an assistant on an ipad if necessary.

[@MrChristopher0003]

Great video!! Why do you use such a big diffuser for the cake decorator image? Is there a ratio between the size of diffuser and space? Thanks

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Bigger = Softer. But size is only based from the subjects perspective. A big light far away is a small light.

[@MrChristopher0003]

@@VisualEducationStudio Thanks a lot!

[@etiennefourie2866]

Love the video - great advice. What kind of setup time do clients expect for these shots? I often wonder whether as a professional, are you expected to work faster, or graced with more time to get that perfect shot?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I'd be looking at about 45mins set up time with an assistant (maybe a bit more if more complicated) and then 10mins shooting with the client.

[@etiennefourie2866]

@@VisualEducationStudio thanks! Your channel is an invaluable source of knowledge, thanks so much for sharing!

[@angelaconkelphotography]

@@VisualEducationStudio this is time goals. 10 min is wild 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@bobmusikk]

Have I seen a 15 Siros wall ? 10,000W portrait :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha this was in Broncolors electronics plant!

[@bobmusikk]

@@VisualEducationStudio Oh I see :)

[@quintonsimmadari4561]

Awesome Vid, thanks Karl. Please spray some WD-40 lubricant on Your chair, it was squeaking throughout the whole video. lol.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Ha Ha it's the studio roller metal door blowing in the wind. I'll oil it.

[@quintonsimmadari4561]

@@VisualEducationStudio lol, I kept on removing my earphones because I was under the impression that something was making a noise on my side the whole time. Those sounds were so in-sync with Your chair movements aswel, haha. All the best.

[@marcotepez]

Should one trust someone wearing the watch on the right wrist?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Left handed people wear their watches on their right wrist for the same reason that right handed people wear their watches on the left wrist (so it doesn't get in your way when you are writing). So should one trust left handed people any less than right handed people. 10% of people are left handed and they are much better at everything than right handed people 🤣

[@artandadventurerv]

What is a “reccy”?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It is a reconnaissance

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

May I know the best two lenses for Professional portraits and environmental Portraits Karl?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

70-200mm, 85mm portrait lens with a large aperture option and a similar 50mm. There you go that's 3.

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

@@VisualEducationStudio I have got Canon 100mm f/2.8 L USM LENS. IS THAT A GOOD SUBSTITUTE FOR PORTRAITS AND HEADSHOTS KARL?

[@rphotographer]

lights on manual or TTL ?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Manual. I wouldn't use TTL even if it was the only function left working to make the lights trigger :)

[@hannumononen6345]

For checking the details: why not shoot tethered all of the session?

[@CanaldelAlfred]

I know of two professional photographers that don't tether. I haven't ask them why.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

In the studio I nearly always shoot tethered but for this type of shoot you are moving around more, carrying more equipment, sometimes outdoors, so I find a laptop and tethered shooting more trouble than it's worth on these type of shoots.

[@MichaelGuy]

What advice? Very slick spam disguised as a how to. Almost every great photo tut has f stop, exposure time, ISO, lighting setup and angles. Still; I must say, very slick presentation of not much.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It is no secret that we put out youtube videos to promote our eductation platform and to give people a taster of what we are about. In fact we posted a video explaining that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maGXg6WJjrZlgck in response to your comment all of our main classes include the data you mentioned however as we always point out often that data is totally useless unless you know the exact rooms specifics, colour, dimensions etc. Our tutorials and our platform have actually won 'Best Training Provider' for three consecutive years in the UK and Europe.

[@1TheQuickstep]

Is this just me or is your chair really squeaking?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi It's the metal roller door of the studio in the wind, I need to oil it! :)

[@foodstudio5339]

А lot of empty talk

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Take a look at some of our food photography tutorials with my Russian friend Anna.

[@xochitlgarcia7123]

Thank you for these tips!!! I love portrait and i want to do more environmental shots, thanks a lot!

[@thothheartmaat2833]

what does a smelliee do? well ee smells it dont ee?

[@kylepreudhomme1704]

Thank you Mr. Taylor.

[@kelbob93]

Great tips, but that squeaky background noise was very distracting!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you. Yes unfortunately our studio roller door is a bit squeaky when it is windy!

[@TheMick26]

Hello Karl. Thank you for sharing your expertise and how to handle these sometimes challenging environments. This is very helpful and your tips are greatly appreciated. Have a nice evening, sir. Mickey Moten

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are very welcome

[@BjoernTempl]

Live forever!

[@michaelgizicki9625]

really good advice!

[@robrunz]

Love this! would like to see more environmental portrait setups and scenarios. I'm a big fan of Chris Crismans work but his work looks like a lot of post production work?

[@rockj8197]

How much would you charge for an environmental portrait? How would you determine this amount? Time spent? Deliverables? How much if they just wanted one final image? What if they wanted 5 images? How would price of environmental compare to price of a gray background portrait? Thanks!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Most commercial photographers charge by the half day or a set minimum fee. This needs to cover packing all your kit in the studio to the car, unpacking on location, shooting, packing up again and unpacking back at the studio, travel time and post production time based on how many images they need/want. If you want to know what the actual fees that photographers like myself charge for this then you will need to visit the business section on my site.

[@rockj8197]

Thank you for the quick answer. This is sufficient and what I was looking for. The specific amount is not necessary just the understanding of the process and detail considerations is what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@careylee5951]

What the heck is that noise in the background?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Studio roller garage door squeaking in the wind. Need to oil it.

[@aaronalexander7497]

Karl thanks for sharing this. ive been watching you for 4 months now all the way from Philadelphia. your the best out there I've seen!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I appreciate that

[@ceciliainnes2586]

Wow,love to listen how incredibly thorough you are. You know your stuff and it's so generous of you to share. Look forward to diving into your course and platform.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks so much 😊 and we look forward to seeing you on our platform. Any questions just let us know.

[@jamesnetherian4981]

Well Karl Taylor might be the best photographer overall that lives.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

very kind thank you

[@iragrahamiii6367]

Your work is excellent! I do environmental portraits and you have great information. I can relate!

[@johnl4469]

Thanks Karl. Good to see you're keeping safe mate. I love to see your vids, always feel better after watching and listening to the knowledge you impart.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for that

[@rwakomaerickriecy2967]

Thank you so much. This was very informative.

[@Hongs.average]

Very helpful preparation and on site notes! Thank you ^^

[@joeewong400]

Thanks for this video. With respect to modifiers, are you using grids for your main light?

[@adventure_photo]

Thank you Karl, very well presented and great insights!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@yaseen2002]

Thanks, mate very informative video.

[@danielahermosillo8991]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing all your process and all the real problem solving! That is hard to find and very much appreciated!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it helped!

[@AniketTonpe]

Thank you Karl. This is really a helpful was introducing to environmental portraits. Not many out there show and explain the work and effort behind it. Appreciate it Sir

[@ChritsianBucic]

Super good expertise and thank you so much for your large advices!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@speterlewis]

Incredibly practical. Thank you so much!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're very welcome

[@peter_shadow7559]

This is gold. Thank you very much. Stay Safe.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks, will do!

[@terjebrattelid7574]

This is so great. I want to become an environment portrait photographer after watching this video. Thanks Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terjebrattelid7574]

@@VisualEducationStudio Question: I noticed there's no business logos visible in the images nor any other business relevant text. I assume this was done on purpose. Now I am just curious as for why so. Thanks again Karl.

[@davidchang8428]

Karl is the man!

[@owentaweeruksakul7252]

Thank you for your helpful tips. i really love it.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Happy to help

[@shibupsreerag_1973]

Nice

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@weather2532]

Hi Karl, great video I have had a question for some time .. What is called / or buy funds (colored / acrylic mirror that you show in one of your videos but I did not find it on the internet ..) do you have the links? Being a student I have a fairly limited budget. Thank you in advance for your help or the help of anyone answering me.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Get them from any plastic supply company or sign service companies.

[@weather2532]

@@VisualEducationStudio What type of plastic are you talking about? It would be best to have a few things like a plate, right? You know some companies because in my small village in the depths of France I don't know any. I thank you in advance for your answer

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Acrylic mirror is made of plastic, so you buy them from a plastic supply company or a company that makes signs. I think maybe something is getting lost in translation, would you prefer to ask your question in French?

[@weather2532]

@@VisualEducationStudio Yes, i continue in French. Les seuls miroirs acryliques que je trouve sur amazon France sont des miroirs normaux.. Même sur internet je ne trouve pas de miroirs similaires aux votres qui sont teintés..

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Je vous conseille de trouver des magasins de panneaux et d'enseignes qui seront plus specialises et plus a meme de fournir ce que vous recherchez. Ce genre de societes utilisent des miroirs acryliques pour faire leurs panneaux.

[@Alfredolunafoto1]

Thank you Karl! Take Care!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks, you too!

[@anatoliy9804]

thanks you!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You're welcome!

[@photozone2100]

Sir Super work 👌

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks a lot

[@mrfosu5914]

TIP: Always check to be sure youre shooting raw.

[@andrewmckenley5355]

The cake photo wasn't overexposed?