Mastering the Details: 4 Tips to Elevate Your Portrait Photography

8/06/2025 ISO 1200 Magazine 0 Comments

While great lighting and proper exposure are the foundation of a good photograph, true mastery lies in the small, intentional details. Renowned photographer Sal Cincotta shares four essential tips that can transform an average shot into a compelling one, focusing on the nuances that often go overlooked.

The Gaze

The eyes are a primary focal point, and an improper gaze can make a subject look disconnected. To avoid showing too much of the whites of their eyes, instruct your subject to "follow their nose" with their eyes. A slight turn of 15-20 degrees is often all that's needed to create a stronger, more engaging connection with the viewer.

Background Elements

Always be aware of what's in your background. A distracting branch or object "growing" from your subject's head can ruin an otherwise great shot. Take a test shot and review it on your camera's screen to identify and correct these distractions, a simple habit that professional photographers swear by.

Posing Hands

Hands can be challenging to pose, often looking heavy or awkward if not handled correctly. Avoid having subjects show the back of their hands, which can make them look larger. Instead, encourage them to show the side or palm. Also, advise against letting arms hang straight down, and instead have them keep their elbows up to create a more dynamic posture.

Composition

Go beyond the rule of thirds to create more dynamic images. Use natural elements in your environment to frame your subject, adding a sense of depth and separation. Incorporate leading lines to draw the viewer's eye through the scene, making your photographs more visually interesting and impactful.

Images and video via Sal Cincotta