What do you do if you're a portrait photographer looking to improve your skills?

One aspect that really resonates with me, and seems to be less discussed, is the transformative power of directly studying or collaborating with artists whose work we admire. From personal experience, engaging with an artist i look up to, whether through private mentorship or group workshops, can be a game-changer. It's like getting a backstage pass to their creative process, allowing you to absorb not just their techniques, but also their approach to seeing the world through their lens. This hands-on learning experience has consistently propelled my skills and the quality of my images to new heights. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to elevate your art is to connect, learn, and grow alongside those who inspire you the most.

I still walk down a street and see something that could be photographed "in the style of" Avedon, Leibovitz, Penn & others. A multi-level street scene becomes a work of art in the style of Cartier-Bresson. One thing I learnt in the Louvre is framing, what to leave out.

To improve as a portrait photographer, start a personal project focusing on portraits and headshots. This allows for deep exploration of lighting, angles, and expressions, essential for impactful images. Personal projects grant the freedom to experiment creatively beyond client demands, aiding in developing a unique style. Joining a coaching group complements this by providing feedback from peers and mentors, enhancing your technical and artistic skills through collaborative learning. Together, these approaches not only sharpen your abilities but also expand your creative vision, significantly boosting your proficiency in portrait photography.

I agree, learning from the influential portrait photographers is a great idea, and I'd also add that from my experience I am continuously observing the way light falls on the faces I see everyday. They can also be my inspiration. We're all great models, and it is so exciting to observe faces and the whole personality; we're all shaped so differently. I'm outside, and using only natural light, I find that a little movement from me, perhaps shifting to the left or the right and making sure the person in front of me is relaxed and can trust me, and then I'll be able to use the light to create a change in mood. Finally, it is up to me to find and capture that timeless style inspired by old masters.

To enhance your portrait photography skills, seek constructive feedback from peers and engage in continuous learning through workshops and courses. Experiment with diverse lighting, angles, and compositions to refine your technique. Draw inspiration from acclaimed portrait photographers and immerse yourself in personal projects to push creative limits. Network with fellow photographers to exchange insights and experiences. Consider assisting seasoned professionals on shoots to gain practical knowledge. Leverage online tutorials and forums to stay abreast of new trends and methods. Regularly evaluate your work to identify and address improvement areas, ensuring a consistent advancement in your portrait photography craft.

Practice, with everything. Get to know you camera, off auto mode. You will come to understand what settings are your aesthetic. Put out model calls to update your portfolio. Be specific, high school senior who plays football. Read about the physiology of posing, looks other's work.

I look for photographers whose work I admire and analyse their photos, then practise until I achieve their aesthetic. A lot of great photographers sell online courses which are often worth the money. Find mentors or assisting other skilled photographers is also a great way to improve. Every time I work with another photographer I pick up something useful.

I love reflections and shadows- mirrors , shiny surfaces, windows , Perspex, metal. Try and find surfaces as background, side interest , foreground etc. Lead into the figure making the eye move toward the subject. Framing and cropping are so important. Get your subject to relax , keep talking and listening, build a rapport with them and get them on your side. If I get photographs that I love , then the client or subject will undoubtedly love them to.

Get advice from people who are interested in photography who will be more honest than your friends and family. You can take a class at a local college, join a committed photography group that meets regularly to critique photos and online groups in your area. People online will be ruthless but you will grow much faster with feedback than in your own echo chamber.

Taking self portraits is a good way for you to develop an understanding of how to pose and frame subjects. Doing this also allows you to take as much time as you need to compose your shot and figure out what you like before working with a model who may have a limited amount of time for a shoot.

Understand your subject. Getting to know their personality will allow you to create more authentic imagery. - Build rapport by taking time before the shoot to develop trust and comfort - Assess personality traits and adapt the shoot to their preferences - Identify what makes them unique and make it a focal point This will allow you to tailor your approach to not only showcase physical appearance but reflect their unique style, personality and story. Ultimately, focusing on the individual subject will translate into more compelling imagery.