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Portrait photography is as much about psychology as it is about photography. A great portrait is not about your experience with the person but your subject’s experience with you.
Even for a street photographer, the moment you pick up your camera, you have altered the dynamic of the scene in front of you. Your subject is having an experience that you are creating.
In fact, if you want to excel at photographing people in any setting, understand that the winning formula is 80% psychology and only 20% technical skills.
The psychology I am talking about is everything from how you approach and treat your subject to how comfortable the subject feels in front of your camera. This includes all of your subject’s body language. If you are oblivious to this, you may be having a great time, only to create a portrait that shows your subjects not enjoying themselves.
Before diving into the psychology portion of this discussion, let’s be clear about the 20% technical side.
Master Your Equipment: Become a Gear Whisperer
Understand that the 20% that is photography is the foundation that will allow you to take great people pictures. What that means is you need to know your equipment like the back of your hand.
Think about it. When you get in a car, you don’t think, “How do I drive the car?” You put the key in, you turn it, and you pay attention to the road, your directions, and the other traffic, but you don’t think about how to use that vehicle.
When you pick up a screwdriver, the most you think about is righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. You don’t think about, “How do I use a screwdriver?”
How do you get to that point? You practice.
That’s how you improve your portrait photography. When you have a person in front of you, you need to pay attention to that person and handle the relationship side of things, not your gear.
Why Familiarity Matters
In cognitive psychology, the idea of “automaticity” explains how repetitive practice reduces the cognitive load for routine tasks.
By ingraining technical skills, you free your mental bandwidth to connect with your subject—a vital step in creating authentic portraits.
Practical Tip: Make Practice Intentional
- Daily Drills: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to explore different camera settings.
- Simulations: Practice under low-stress conditions—photograph a still object while experimenting with lighting, aperture, and shutter speed.
- Review and Reflect: Examine your results critically to understand your adjustments.
The Dangers of Automatic Settings
Auto is the four-letter word for forgettaboutit! Let’s be honest: you’re not in control if you’re relying on your camera’s automatic mode. Auto is convenient but limited—it averages exposures, guesses focus points, and sacrifices creative control. To grow as a photographer, you need to take the reins.
Modern mirrorless cameras make a strong case for Auto ISO when shooting in ambient light, but even then, monitoring and adjusting the exposure compensation dial is critical to consistent exposures.
Be sure to check out my 4-part series about exposure settings with mirrorless cameras:
Breaking Free From Auto
Using manual settings unlocks your creative potential. You dictate the aperture, which dictates depth of field, and you select the shutter speed, which ensures you eliminate motion so that each shot reflects your artistic vision.
It can be intimidating for a beginner, but it’s a game-changer for achieving consistency and style.
Read the Manual: It’s Not Optional!
Your camera manual is your best resource—no, really. Every page holds insights about features you didn’t even know existed. Reading the manual isn’t just about knowing your gear; it’s about empowering yourself to use it fully.
Psychology of Learning
Reading and referencing your camera manual taps into procedural learning, which is a process that enables you to master complex tools by breaking them into manageable chunks. This incremental approach builds confidence over time.
Practical Tip: Keep It Handy
- PDFs for the Win: Download the manual onto your phone for quick reference.
- Cheat Sheets: Create custom notes for frequently used settings or features.
- YouTube Tutorials: Supplement your learning with visual guides.
The 80% That is Portrait Photography Psychology
Once you’ve mastered your gear, the real work begins: building a connection with your subject.
Your ability to read body language, give clear direction, and put them at ease will separate a good portrait from an exceptional one.
Why This Matters
Research in interpersonal psychology highlights the importance of mirror neurons – brain cells that reflect the emotions of others. When you exude confidence and focus, your subject mirrors that energy, creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere.
The Psychology of Confidence: Preparation and Empathy
Understanding Your Subject’s Perspective
To capture authentic portraits, put yourself in your subject’s shoes.
Many people feel vulnerable in front of a camera, worrying about how they’ll look or be judged. Acknowledge this and work to ease their concerns. Empathy is your greatest tool.
Preparation Builds Confidence
Preparation is key—not just for you but also for your subject. The more you prepare, the more confident and professional you’ll appear, putting your subject at ease.
- Pre-Shoot Communication: Share the vision of the shoot beforehand. Discuss wardrobe, makeup, and style to ensure they feel ready and involved.
- Environment: Choose a comfortable setting that aligns with your subject’s personality. This might be their favorite park or simply a warm, well-lit studio.
- Practice Poses: Have a mental (or physical) list of poses that suit the subject’s body type, personality, and comfort level.
Building Trust and Connection
Building rapport is essential. When your subject trusts you, they’re more likely to relax and give genuine expressions.
- Compliment Sincerely: Acknowledge their efforts. Say things like, “That was a great pose,” or “Your smile is fantastic here.”
- Guide With Positivity: Frame corrections as suggestions, not criticisms. Instead of saying, “Don’t do that,” try, “Let’s try this—it’ll look even better.”
- Keep the Energy Light: Laughter breaks the tension. Share a funny anecdote or play lighthearted music to set a relaxed tone.
Avoiding Stiff Poses and Cheesy Smiles
Stiff poses and forced smiles happen when subjects feel awkward. Your job is to guide them naturally into comfortable, flattering positions.
- Give Clear, Simple Directions. For example: “Turn slightly to your right and drop your shoulder just a bit. Perfect!”
- Encourage Movement: Have them walk, twirl, or interact with props. Movement creates natural, dynamic poses.
- Watch Their Eyes: The eyes tell the story. Ensure they’re engaged and relaxed, not strained or staring blankly.
Practical Tip: The 3-Minute Rule
Spend the first three minutes of the shoot talking, not shooting. Ask about their day, their favorite music, or their reason for wanting portraits. This will break the ice and make the camera feel less intimidating.
Empathy in Action
Psychological studies on empathy emphasize the importance of perspective-taking. When you show genuine care for your subject’s feelings and experiences, they’ll be more likely to trust you, collaborate, and ultimately enjoy the process.
Research has shown that even an introvert will talk your ear off if they feel you are genuinely interested and not being judgemental.
Your Call to Action: Learn, Practice, Connect
Before you snap your next portrait, focus not only on mastering your gear but also on understanding your subject. Preparation, empathy, and connection are the tools that will elevate your photography from technically proficient to emotionally resonant.
I hope you found this information useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman
