Breaking the Mold: How to Take Creative Portraits That Stand Out
Introduction
Portrait photography is one of the most common types of photography, as people like to have photographs of themselves—whether for memories, a showcase, or anything in between. Other genres are more niche or serve a specific, mostly marketing, purpose, often with very detailed briefs from the client about the idea for the final product.
People, on the other hand, are usually more open to the end result. However, the majority still just want to be captured as they are, albeit with a better-quality image and some expertise from the photographer.
I’m here to suggest breaking that mold and trying something different next time. It can still be you, in the location you want, but the theme could be a bit different.
1. Rethink Composition: Creative Angles and Unique Perspectives
There are many rules for composition in photography, and then again, there’s the option to break them. But to break them successfully and still have a compelling image, you need to understand them first and know why you are going against the established norm. This is, of course, not expected from the client, but your photographer can help if you’re open to something different.
Another aspect of composition to experiment with is angles and perspective. Low, high, eye-level, extreme close-up, ultra-wide, etc. Even though most portraits fall within a so-called standard range—technically, about 24-50mm, with some stepping into short telephoto with the super popular 85mm—no one says you can’t make a beautiful portrait with 15mm. Or 10. Or 300! Explore these options, and you might be surprised by what you come up with.
Framing is another important part of composition. While the “frame within a frame” technique—using elements like windows to frame the subject—is fairly common, especially among more experienced photographers, you can also experiment by shooting through transparent or semi-transparent objects. Use mirrors and reflections, or even play with hard shadows.
The key word is: experiment.
Make it stand out.
Taken from a low-angle perspective with a wide-angle lens.
2. Experiment with Lighting: Natural vs. Artificial & the Power of Shadows
And speaking of experimenting—do it with lighting, too! The first obvious separation is natural vs. artificial light. But they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can combine both for an interesting effect, whether using strobes with a slower shutter speed to capture ambient light or continuous lighting, possibly with color gels, alongside sunlight.
But it’s not only the light that makes the photo—it’s also the absence of it: shadows. What is not shown is almost as important as what is. Depending on the style you want to achieve, shadows can be even more crucial. They add depth and mystery and can frame the subject while directing the viewer’s focus to the illuminated area.
Light and shadows.
Combining continuous light of the bridge with a strobe and all of that wrapped in the shadows.
3. Add Motion and Storytelling: Bring Life to Your Portraits
Motion can be anything—from the movement of fabric or hair in the wind to smoke or even intentional motion blur. Just a (very personal) note on that: It has become somewhat of a trend to capture portraits with motion blur. And while it is different, it often doesn’t make much sense. Many people might one day regret having a completely blurry face in a photo from a once-in-a-lifetime location.
Another way to tell a story is through props. They are a powerful tool, and while they often increase the cost of a photoshoot, they add a personal touch to your photos (or videos), making the extra money or time spent worthwhile.
And one of my personal favorites—candid shots. Or at least, making them look candid. Obviously, there’s nothing candid about hiring a photographer for a planned shoot. But we can stage authenticity. This works especially well for couples, where they can interact naturally while ignoring the photographer. All of this needs to be communicated beforehand to ensure clarity on the desired outcome.
Adding motion.
Dress serving both as a prop and as an element to add depth through motion.
4. Unique Perspectives and Lenses: Wide-Angle, Macro & More
I already mentioned different focal lengths, like using a wide-angle lens for distortion or a telephoto for compression, but there are even more exaggerated perspectives to explore. Try shooting with a fisheye lens or getting ultra-close with a macro lens to capture the tiniest details.
Then there are tilt-shift lenses, usually used in architectural photography, but they can have creative applications in portraiture too—such as making a person appear like a miniature figure in a diorama.
Ultra-wide.
Using a “landscape” lens for portraiture.
5. Play with Colors and Textures: Make Your Photos Stand Out
By now, everyone and their cousin is aware of the orange-and-teal color grading trend. It became popular for a reason—these two colors are complementary on the color wheel, meaning they contrast beautifully. And if there’s a person in the photograph, you want one of the colors to be close to human skin tones, which fall in the orange range.
But this isn’t the only combination. You could use purple and green (one of my favorites) or experiment with analogous or triadic color schemes.
Another way to add contrast is through textures. Textured backgrounds or clothing can add layers and depth to a portrait.
Finally, there’s color grading and post-processing. While orange and teal grading is typically done in post, the first step to shaping an image’s colors is choosing them during the shoot—through location and wardrobe selection. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enhance it further in post-processing to push the creativity even more.
Colors and textures.
Combining the colorful lights with the texture of the wet hair.
6. Encouraging Emotion and Expression: Capturing Authenticity
Easier said than done—but hear me out. A photographer/videographer/filmmaker can direct their model or actor in unconventional ways to achieve something special. The mistake is guiding people with generic instructions and emotions. If you tell someone to smile or look happy, what are the chances of getting a natural expression? Almost none.
Instead, try to guide your subject (or if you’re the subject, imagine things, recall memories, or ask yourself, “What if?”). For example, for an angry look, think: What if I was stuck in traffic and someone inconsiderate… let’s say ‘person’… cut me off? And then gave me the middle finger? I guarantee that this will bring the desired angry look to anyone’s face way faster than simply saying, “Look angry.”
It’s the photographer’s job at that point to capture that raw, unfiltered emotion for an impactful portrait.
Be yourself.
Don’t be afraid to capture real emotions.
Conclusion: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone & Get Creative
This post is meant for both photographers starting out or struggling with ideas, as well as for people who want their next portrait to have more style, creativity, or simply something different than usual.
Step out of your comfort zone, and wonderful things may happen. So let’s summarize how you can do it:
Composition - Break the rules, use extreme focal lengths, or incorporate surroundings to “dirty” the frame.
Light and shadow - Combine natural and artificial light, and don’t forget how shadows can enhance your shot.
Storytelling - Add motion, props, or create candid-style images.
Niche lenses - Go super wide and distorted with a fisheye, or get ultra-close with a macro lens.
Colors and textures - Use bold and complementary colors in the scene, wardrobe, or editing.
Emotion - Guide your subject into emotion rather than just directing them to “look happy” or “look serious.”
Try one (or more) of these techniques and share your results—whether with your private or professional circles, or book your next photoshoot. Don’t be a stranger!
And most importantly—always experiment!