Photography for Beginners: Faces and Expressions

Ciao peeps! Welcome back to “Photography for Beginners.”

In the last post, we explored how light can shape the mood of your photos. If you missed it and want to learn how to make the most of golden hour, shadows, and reflections – check it out here!

Today, let’s turn the lens toward what many photographers find the most powerful subject: people. Portrait photography is all about capturing expression, and human connection. The word portrait comes from the Latin portrahere, meaning “to depict” or “to draw forth,” which evolved through Old French portraire, referring to a likeness or representation of a person.

Composition and Background Matter

A clean or softly blurred background helps keep the focus on your subject—after all, they’re the star of the shot!

Pay attention to what’s behind your subject and try to avoid distracting elements like bright colours, clutter, or harsh lines.

I personally love using dark backgrounds, as they create a strong contrast that really makes the person pop:)

Play with Light

Soft, natural light can create a calm and flattering look, while dramatic side lighting can add depth and intensity. Experiment with different times of day, angles, and even shadows to shape your subject’s story. Play with objects around you to create strong shadow contrast, or on the contrary, eliminate harshness and make the picture a bit more flat.

Bonus Tip: Natural frames like windows, doorways, or even tree branches can lead the viewer’s eye straight to your subject.

Candid vs Posed

Both of these pictures have their own charm, and exploring both can add variety and depth to your work.

Posed portraits allow you to be intentional with composition, lighting, and styling. In this shot, for example, the light comes from behind the subject, creating a soft glow and drawing attention to the silhouette — an effective way to highlight your subject with subtle drama. 

Candid shots capture authentic, unguarded moments — those bursts of laughter, thoughtful gazes, or spontaneous gestures that feel real and raw. These shots were taken 2 minutes apart, and yet they have significantly different vibes:)

With a bit of direction, you can bring out a subject’s personality just as powerfully — whether through posture, expression, or eye contact.

Portraits aren’t just about showing what someone looks like — they’re about showing their true self. Focus on connection, feeling, and telling a story through your lens.

Don’t always chase flawless skin or perfect symmetry. What truly draws people into a portrait is emotion. A quiet smile, a vulnerable glance, or even a dramatic pause can say so much. So, before deleting a shot that isn’t technically perfect, ask yourself: what does it make you feel? That’s where the real magic lies.