How to photograph better portraits

Whether you’re shooting outdoors or in a Phoenix photography studio, here’s how to create portraits that feel intentional, polished, and personal.

Portrait photography is one of those things that looks simple from the outside, but anyone who’s ever stood behind the lens knows it takes a lot more than pointing and shooting. It’s about light, yes, but also connection, timing, confidence, and subtlety. If you’ve ever walked away from a shoot thinking, “Why didn’t that work the way I imagined?”—this guide on how to photograph better portraits is for you.

The good news? Getting better at portraiture is 100% possible. Whether you're shooting in the golden desert light or inside our Phoenix photography rental studio, you can learn how to craft portraits that feel more intentional, more emotional, and more “you.”

How to light portrait photography

No matter what camera or lens you’re using, if your lighting is off, your portrait will feel flat. In Phoenix, we’ve got that bright, consistent desert light almost all year, but as any skilled photographer knows: great lighting truly doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to control it.

When you shoot outside, you’re at the mercy of the sun. That’s not a bad thing: you can absolutely create magic with open shade or golden hour light, but it takes finesse. You’ve got to know when to pull out a diffuser, when to use a bounce, and when to shift your subject two feet to the left for softer skin tones.

That’s why renting a photography studio in Phoenix can help so much. Inside our studio, you control everything. You decide how soft or dramatic your lighting is, where the shadows fall, and what the background looks like. Whether you're using a big octabox for flattering, glowy portraits or going moody with a strip light and grids, having that kind of control gives you space to focus on the subject and not just the setup.

Help your subject get comfortable

This one doesn’t get talked about enough, but it matters just as much (and probably more) than your gear.

A great portrait doesn’t come from your camera. It comes from your subject feeling seen. If they’re stiff, self-conscious, or unsure of what to do with their hands, it shows. Your job as the photographer is to make them feel safe enough to let their guard down.

Start by talking to them. Not fake small talk…start a real conversation. Ask questions. Let them see that you’re not just here to snap a picture and move on. Show them a few frames as you shoot so they feel like part of the process. When you give direction, be specific but encouraging. Instead of “Smile,” try “Close your eyes and think about something that makes you feel at peace.” It changes everything.

And don’t be afraid of the quiet moments. Sometimes the best shots happen after a pause, when your subject takes a breath and forgets the camera is even there.

Composition and lenses for portrait photography

Technically speaking, there are a few lenses that most portrait photographers reach for again and again: an 85mm for classic compression, a 50mm for something more natural, or a 35mm when you want to pull in the environment around your subject. But honestly? The best lens is the one that helps tell the story you’re trying to tell.

That’s the thing: portraiture is storytelling.

Whether you’re working in our Phoenix photography rental studio with our massive cyc wall and curated lighting packages or out in the desert with a wide-open sky behind your subject, think about what you’re trying to say with the frame. What’s the feeling? What do you want the viewer to notice first? Where should the eyes go?

In the studio, you get to eliminate distractions. Clean lines, minimalist setups, intentional backdrops, it lets the person in the photo take center stage. Outside, you might play more with leading lines, contrast, and textures. And a word to the wise: no matter where you're shooting, keep your eyes open for what doesn't belong. A stray piece of hair or a wrinkled shirt can pull focus more than you'd think.

Editing portrait photography

Let’s talk retouching. Because yes, you can smooth skin and brighten eyes…but that doesn’t mean you should turn every portrait into a plastic version of the person who was actually there.

Good editing should feel invisible. It should remove distractions and help the viewer connect to the expression, not the effects. If you’re shooting in our Phoenix photography studio rental where the lighting is consistent, your post work will be way easier. You can build presets that bring a cohesive look to your work, or batch edit in Lightroom without fighting weird color casts or harsh shadows.

As a general rule: lighten under-eyes just a bit, tone down any redness, and use dodge and burn to shape the light. Keep texture where it belongs. People look beautiful when they look like themselves.

Portrait photography at The Hive in Phoenix

If you’re serious about improving your portraits, using a studio, even occasionally, can improve your work fast. Here’s why.

Our professional photography studio in Phoenix gives you freedom. You’re not battling the heat, wind, or last-minute location issues. Your subject shows up comfortable and ready. You can take your time building the perfect lighting, adjusting modifiers, or experimenting with different setups without worrying about the sun dipping too low or the weather shifting.

Our Phoenix photography studio rental offers a huge range of backdrops and professional lighting gear that are fully accessible to you during your rental time. So whether you're shooting lifestyle branding portraits, actor headshots, or more creative editorial work, you’ve got the tools you need right there.

Portrait photography is personal

At the end of the day, getting better at portraiture absolutely does not mean copying a style or buying more gear. It’s more focused on seeing people clearly, understanding how to use light and space with intention, and creating an environment where real emotion can show up.

If you’re in Phoenix and want to hone your craft, try booking a session at The Hive. Use it as your playground. Test setups. Play with modifiers. Slow down and really look at your subject.

Because the truth is: your best portraits won’t be the ones that are technically perfect. They’ll be the ones that feel alive.

Photography studio rental in Phoenix, Arizona

The Hive is built for photographers who want pro-level results without the overhead. Whether you're shooting personal work, client sessions, or building your portfolio, we've got the gear, space, and support to help you make your best work yet. If you’re interested in booking your rental time at our Phoenix photography studio, click here. Or, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.