People

Great portraits start with making your subject feel comfortable and confident. Use portrait mode to blur the background and bring focus to their face, and pay attention to lighting—soft, natural light flatters most skin tones. Experiment with angles by having your subject look slightly away from the camera or using a side profile for dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to play with shadows, reflections, or even props to add personality. The right combination of angles, light, and settings can turn a simple shot into a story-filled masterpiece.

Alternative Poses

San Tropez, France: Experiment with poses to add variety and interest—try sitting instead of standing or interacting with the surroundings for a more natural feel. In the image above, we aimed to showcase the water while also capturing our subject in a way that felt connected to the setting. Placing her near the water and having her look up created a flattering angle, while the sunlight accentuated the water’s clarity.

Try a Slightly Higher Angle – Photographing someone from just above eye level is a flattering trick that works for nearly everyone—it naturally slims the face and creates a more youthful look. Soft, diffused light (like shade or window light) also helps smooth out fine lines and enhances skin tone. Whenever possible, position yourself slightly higher so your subject gently lifts their chin for a graceful, confident pose.

Paris France: Creative poses at the Eiffel Tower bring a sense of whimsy and elevate the image far beyond the norm. Break away from the usual pose of standing can transform an ordinary photo into something far more captivating and playful. This unique approach adds personality to the images above.

Soft lighting is highly flattering for portraits, but adding contrast can make an image more dynamic. In the photo above, the sunlight creates a beautiful highlight on the hair, adding depth and warmth. To keep the faces from appearing too dark, a subtle fill light from the flash was used, balancing the exposure while maintaining natural contrast.

When the sun is behind your subject, turning on your flash can act as a fill light. This simple trick helps soften facial shadows, brightens complexions, and adds a beautiful catchlight in the eyes for a more vibrant and balanced portrait.

Clothing

Santorini, Greece: In this scene, two friends are captured in a warm, relaxed seated pose, both wearing blue and white floral dresses — the perfect complement to the iconic whitewashed architecture and vibrant blue sky of Santorini. The outfits were thoughtfully planned, and the result is a harmonious image where everything works together, allowing the focus to remain naturally on the faces.

Clothing plays a bigger role in a photo than many people realize — not because it needs to be fancy, but because it can either blend beautifully into the scene or unintentionally distract from it. You don’t need to obsess over outfits as if you're preparing for a professional photo shoot, but a little coordination can go a long way. Think about the setting: soft earth tones and flowy whites look natural on a beach, while pastel florals or light greens might feel right at home in a garden. On the other hand, a bright neon shirt or a bold plaid pattern can clash with the environment and draw focus away from the faces and scenery you’re actually trying to capture.

In group shots, try choosing outfits within the same color family — not matching exactly, but choosing tones that work together instead of competing. It's best to avoid clothing with large logos, slogans, or busy graphics, as they not only pull attention but can also date your photo quickly. A simple, solid-color tee or a casual dress in a muted tone often photographs better than something trendy or loud. Ultimately, you're not dressing to impress the camera — you're dressing to let the moment, the mood, and the people shine through naturally. Just a little thought in advance can help create photos that feel timeless, balanced, and easy on the eyes.

Santorini, Greece: Sometimes a simple, relaxed pose makes all the difference. Sitting casually on the wall gives this image a warmer, more natural feel than just standing in front of the scene.

Relationships

Saint Paul De Vance, France: A great photograph goes beyond just capturing a face—it tells a story. In the image above, the closeness of the two friends walking arm in arm, conveys a sense of warmth. Their body language highlights their bond, making the relationship feel genuine and emotionally engaging. Positioning subjects close together and capturing natural interactions can bring out the connection and authenticity in the moment.

Capturing genuine relationships and emotions is what truly brings a photograph to life. Moments of laughter, tender glances, or spontaneous hugs tell stories far beyond what a posed smile ever could. When you focus on the connection between people—the love, joy, or even quiet comfort—it creates an image that resonates deeply with anyone who sees it. These authentic emotions invite viewers to feel part of the moment, making the photo timeless and meaningful.

Backgrounds

Mykonos, Greece: The pinks and petals of the flower dress play beautifully with the bougainvillea arch surrounding the subject.

Choosing the right background is just as important as capturing the subject themselves. A well-selected background supports and enhances the main focus—usually the people—without distracting from them. When positioning your subjects, pay close attention to what’s directly behind their heads; avoid trees, poles, or other objects that might appear to be “growing” out of them in the final image. Look for clean, uncluttered spaces that help the subject stand out, whether indoors or outdoors. If shooting outside, consider the lighting and how shadows or bright spots might affect the overall look. Inside, choose backgrounds that aren’t too busy or filled with distracting clutter. Be mindful of other people or moving objects in the background, as they can pull attention away from your main subjects. Sometimes a slight shift in angle or a step forward or back can make all the difference, turning an ordinary snapshot into a polished, professional-looking photo that highlights what matters most.

Have Some Fun!

Kids don’t want boring photos!

Ephesus, Greece: Three siblings strike a pose in front of the stunning Library of Celsus—captured from a creative low-angle shot. By having them lean in toward the camera, we added energy to the photo and cleverly avoided the crowds in the background. Even better, this angle emphasized the towering grandeur of the ancient structure behind them, making it feel even more impressive. No editing or object removal required—just smart positioning!

Traveling with kids—especially teens and young adults—can turn the classic family photo into a full-blown eye-roll moment. So why not flip the script and create something they’ll actually want to be part of? Try a wild camera angle, reenact an iconic album cover, or go all-out goofy with your poses.

Santori, Greece: In Greece, the evil eye, or “mati” (μάτι), is everywhere—from keychains to storefronts. It’s believed to soak up jealousy or bad vibes and keep misfortune at bay. After seeing it daily for weeks, our subject below decided to have some fun with the ever-watchful symbol. Unsurprisingly, this is one of his (and our) favorite photographs from the tip. We captured not just the symbol of the location but his his quirky personality as well in just one shot!

Tips for Taking Stunning Images of People

Capturing people in photos requires creativity, attention to detail, and a bit of experimentation. Here’s a comprehensive list of tips to make your portraits and candid shots more dynamic, unique, and engaging.

🌟 Experiment with Angles

• Shoot from Below: Creates a sense of power or drama.

• Shoot from Above: Adds a flattering, slimming effect and creates a unique perspective.

• Eye-Level Shots: Keep it natural and connect with the viewer.

• Tilted Angles: Add dynamism by slightly tilting your camera.

🪑 Use Unexpected Poses

• Have them sit instead of stand to create a relaxed, natural vibe.

• Leaning against a wall, railing, or tree can add casual charm.

• Suggest playful or interactive poses, like spinning, dancing, or jumping.

🏃 Capture Movement

• Photograph people walking away from or toward the camera for a sense of storytelling.

• Freeze the action, like running, playing, or twirling, to capture energy.

• Blur movement (e.g., hair blowing in the wind) for artistic effect.

🌇 Play with Silhouettes

• Position your subject against a strong light source (like the setting sun).

• Focus on their outline while allowing the background to glow brightly.

😊 Focus on Natural Gestures

• Capture candid moments like laughter, a thoughtful gaze, or interactions with others.

• Encourage your subject to interact with their surroundings (e.g., picking flowers or skipping stones).

🖼️ Try Unique Compositions

• Use the Rule of Thirds to position your subject off-center for balance.

• Frame them through windows, doorways, or arches.

• Include foreground elements (e.g., leaves or fences) for depth.

🌿Create Layers

• Position the person in the middle ground with an interesting foreground (flowers, water, etc.) and background (mountains, cityscape).

☀️Play with Light and Shadows

• Use soft morning or evening light for flattering tones.

• Backlight your subject for a dreamy, halo effect and/or use fill flash to balance the image and add catch lights to the eyes.

• Incorporate shadows from trees, blinds, or patterns for artistic results.

🎩 Incorporate Props

• A hat, umbrella, book, or other items can give your subject something to interact with, making them more comfortable and natural.

😄Focus on Expressions

• Encourage your subject to think of a specific emotion or memory for an authentic smile or expression.

• Direct them to look off-camera for a thoughtful or dreamy look.

🔍 Vary the Framing

• Close-ups focus on facial details and emotions.

• Mid-shots highlight posture and interaction.

• Full-body shots provide context and environment.

👯Consider Group Dynamics

• Arrange people at different heights or angles to create visual interest.

• Avoid rigid lines; stagger individuals for a natural flow.

• Let them interact (laugh, talk, or move) for candid moments.

🏞️Highlight Their Environment

• Place your subject in a setting that tells a story (e.g., a musician in a studio, a hiker on a mountain).

🪞Use Reflections

• Photograph your subject through windows, in puddles, or on reflective surfaces for a creative twist.

⬜ Emphasize Negative Space

• Leave plenty of empty background to draw focus to your subject and create a minimalist, impactful image.

🎨 Work with Color

• Use complementary colors in the background or clothing for striking visual contrast.

• Neutral tones can create timeless elegance, while vibrant hues add energy.

👣 Include Details

• Zoom in on hands, feet, or other details to tell a more intimate story (e.g., hands holding a cup of coffee or a child's feet dangling off a chair).

📸 Encourage Interaction with the Camera

• A direct gaze can create a strong emotional connection with the viewer.

• Alternatively, have them look past the camera or into the distance for mystery.

🖤Shoot in Black and White

• Removing color focuses on the subject's form, texture, and emotion.

🎵 Keep It Fun

• Play music, tell jokes, or give them a small activity to keep the mood light and natural.

By mixing and matching these tips, you can create a diverse portfolio of people-focused photography that’s engaging and unique!

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