Portrait Photography How To

Blurring the background of a photo is a very effective way to make the main subject of an image really pop off the page. It’s possible to create this effect in the camera or during the editing process, and today’s tutorial involves the latter.

With Honda and Acura as major clients, having an automobile in his large cove studio is a frequent occurrence for photographer Jerry Garns. He's been shooting for American Honda Corporation since the late '80s, and his intricately lit detail shots of auto interiors and exteriors appear in the company's brochures, sales manuals, and on Acura's Website. And...

Cristian Movila, who was born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1983, has four sisters whom he says taught him all about “emotions,” a trait he’s been able to successfully incorporate into his work. He also says he was drawn to the arts early in life. In elementary school, he learned to play the piano and the trumpet. Later, in grade school, he became interested in journalism while hosting a children’s radio program. Although he studied electronic engineering at the University of Polytechnic, Bucharest, over time he found himself increasingly concerned with social issues, and so he decided to become a photographer so he could capture the complexities of life “in a snapshot.”

Sometimes small things can make a big difference in a photo. No, it’s not always getting fancy lens for your camera or adding professional lighting to a portrait – though those things can help image quality – it can be simply about getting a fresh perspective on your subject.

Earlier this month we featured a tutorial explaining a Lightroom technique for editing b&w photos to achieve maximum impact. The quick tutorial below takes a similar approach for all of you Photoshop users.

Capturing great portraits requires more than an attractive model, proper shooting techniques, and a nice location. That’s because all could be for naught unless you are adept at posing the subject.