My work as a portrait photographer puts me in front of a diverse clientele. I’ve seen my fair share of photography faux pas in the 25 years I’ve taken photos.
Look, we’ve all got cameras these days. But there’s a fine line between breathtaking portraits and photographic mishaps. And that fine line can be a lot thinner than you think.
In this blog post, I’m sharing five portrait photography mistakes I’ve encountered, some so prevalent they’ve almost become the norm. But don’t fret; recognising these errors is the first step towards better photos.
1 – Over-softening skin
We’re not perfect. It’s exceptionally rare for me to photograph someone with flawless skin. You would be surprised just how exceptional it is to find someone without any blemishes.
Some photographers turn to heavy-handed filters or AI brushes, resulting in portraits where the subject’s skin resembles a porcelain doll rather than a living, breathing person.
When I take photos of people, I want to capture them, not erase who they are. Techniques like frequency separation, dodging, and burning allow subtle edits to remove temporary blemishes while leaving skin texture in place.
2 – Too much light
Lighting can make or break a portrait. A common mistake I see is blasting the subject with too much light.
Overlighting a portrait results in a washed-out face, blowing the highlights and eliminating the crucial shadows that help sculpt the subject’s features.
The key in portrait photography is finding the right balance between light and shadow to create depth and dimension.
3 – Muddy colour grading
This is one of my biggest photography peeves, and I blame Instagram ‘influencers’ for promoting this trend. Applying ‘muddy’ brown colour grades is rampant on social media platforms. While it might look chic to some, this approach makes photos look dull and unappealing.
Colour grading is an essential part of the editing process, but it should enhance the mood and atmosphere of the portrait, not detract from its natural beauty.
4 – Neglecting the background
A cluttered or distracting background can ruin an otherwise perfect portrait. Choosing a background that complements the subject and contributes to the story you’re trying to tell is essential.
Whether it’s a seamless backdrop in the studio or a carefully selected outdoor location, the background should add, not detract from, the overall composition.
5 – Ignoring the subject’s personality
The essence of portrait photography is capturing the subject’s personality. However, some photographers get so caught up in technicalities that they forget to engage with the person in front of the lens.
A great portrait is a collaboration between photographer and subject; it should reflect the subject’s character, emotions, and uniqueness.
***
Avoiding these common mistakes can dramatically improve your portrait photography, turning ordinary shots into stories worth telling.
Remember, the goal of portrait photography is to create images that are visually pleasing and also meaningful.
When choosing a photographer for your next headshot or portrait, please keep these mistakes in mind and look out for them when reviewing the portfolios of your shortlisted togs.
Get in touch if you want to learn more about working with me to create timeless portraits.
Say goodbye to over-softened skin and washed-out lighting! Our latest blog tackles the 5 biggest portrait mistakes that your last photographer made. #ProPhotoTips #PortraitMistakes Share on X
