“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen
The Art of Portrait Photography: Creating a Connection to Capture Personality and Emotion
Portrait photography is one of the most powerful forms of visual storytelling. Whether it's a candid shot of a loved one, a carefully orchestrated studio session, or a beautifully composed environmental image, a great portrait has the ability to convey emotion, personality, and even the essence of a someone’s life story. More than just snapping a picture, portrait photography requires a unique blend of technical skill, artistic vision, and human connection. As Edward Steichen famously said, "A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it." For me this quote perfectly encapsulates the heart of portrait photography — it's about the relationship between the photographer and the subject and while the camera settings and lighting techniques play a very important role it’s the connection between us that truly makes a portrait great.
The Importance of Connection
At its core, portrait photography is about capturing the essence of a person. This means the connection between the photographer and the subject plays a vital role in the outcome. No matter how advanced your equipment or how perfect your lighting, if your subject doesn't feel comfortable, the final image will lack authenticity.
Establishing trust and rapport is key. I start by having a conversation before I even pick-up the camera. I make a genuine effort to understand who the person is — their personality, their story, and what they want the portrait to convey. Simple questions like "What kind of mood would you like this portrait to capture?" or "Is there anything you'd like to express through this photo?" help break the ice and guide my artistic direction.
A great photographer not only brings technical expertise but also the ability to make their subject feel confident and at ease. Confidence can transform the way someone carries themselves in front of the camera, resulting in more natural, expressive portraits. Small affirmations, genuine compliments, and positive feedback during the session can go a long way in helping the subject relax. When someone feels seen and valued, their comfort and self-assurance will naturally shine through in the final image.
A location portrait of Claudia in her home for the cover of Her Magazine.
A location portrait of Kate from a series of employee portraits I created for a local advertising agency.
A location portrait of Ginny for her consulting business.
Lighting: The Foundation of Portrait Photography
Lighting is one of the most critical elements in portrait photography. It shapes the mood, highlights features, and defines the overall atmosphere of the image. There are three primary types of lighting used in portrait photography: Natural Light, Studio Lighting and Ambient and Artificial Light.
I use the type of lighting that compliments the portrait style that the subject wants to create and how they want to be portrayed based on the assignment. I often use a combination of various light sources to achieve the results we want.
A location portrait of Kevin at the gym where he’s a strength coach.
A business portrait of Mark taken on location at his home.
Another location portrait of Kevin at the gym wrapping his hand in preparation for a speed bag workout.
Composition, Framing and Posing
The composition of a portrait can elevate a good image to a great one. I often use the rule of thirds to position the subject's face in a visually appealing way. Leading lines, negative space, and framing elements can also add depth and interest to the image.
Posing is another crucial element. The best portraits often come from natural, relaxed poses rather than forced ones. I offer gentle direction but allow the person to move and express themselves freely. I also encourage subtle movements, like shifting their gaze or tilting their head, to create a more dynamic shot and continually compliment them to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.
An environmental portrait of Kristen and her Ridley in her garage for the My Favorite Bike Portrait Series I’m working on. This portrait along with 11 others from the series were selected to be included in The Bike Art Show at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Colorado.
An environmental portrait of Lucien and his Bianchi in his garage for the My Favorite Bike Portrait Series I’m working on. It’s a personal project I created because of my love and passion for Cycling and Portrait Photography.
An environmental portrait of Carl and his Colnago in his living room for the My Favorite Bike Portrait Series I’m working on. This portrait was also selected to be included in The Bike Art Show at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Colorado.
Capturing Emotion and Expression
One of the greatest challenges in portrait photography is capturing genuine emotion. The key is to foster an environment where the subject feels safe, comfortable, relaxed and open. I like to engage in conversation, play some music, or share a joke to help them relax.
I always capture the in-between moments too — a quiet sigh, a thoughtful glance, or a spontaneous smile. These candid expressions often reveal the most authentic side of the person I’m photographing.
A photographer who can make their subject feel comfortable and confident will always have an advantage in capturing personal and emotional moments. The best portraits are created when the subject feels relaxed and empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment
A location portrait of Julie in her Dance and Movement Studio.
A location portrait of Stephanie and Jake for the What I Wear To Work Portrait Series. They work at the Boulder Rural Fire Department and I set-up a background and studio lights at the fire house to photograph them and their colleague. This is our take on Grant Wood's iconic painting "American Gothic". I think they absolutely nailed it!
Evan! Before and After in the Before. After. Photo Booth I set-up at the local cyclocross races for an entire season. Everyone was photographed against the same background with the same lighting.The photographs depict the distinct difference in people’s appearance before and after a bike race and tell a story without any distractions.
The Power of Portraiture
Portrait photography has the power to tell stories, evoke emotions, and preserve moments in time. What makes a portrait truly remarkable is the relationship between the photographer and the subject — a dynamic that transcends technical mastery. It's the mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration that brings a portrait to life.
By mastering both the technical and emotional aspects of portrait photography, I’m able to create images that not only capture faces — but also reveal stories, emotions, and the beauty of human experience.
Here’s a link where you can view all of my Portrait Photography