Start with the light
Outdoor portraits depend on light more than on gear. Before you think about settings, decide what light you have and where to put your subject in it. Our natural light portrait guide explains quality and direction; the short version is that soft, directional light is easiest.
Good starting choices include:
- Open shade: the subject stands in shade but faces open sky or a bright area.
- Golden hour: low, warm light. See golden hour portraits.
- Overcast: soft and even. See overcast and cloudy day photography.
Timing options are compared in the best time of day to take photos.
Choosing a location
- Scout ahead. Visit at the time you plan to shoot, if possible, and note where the sun will be.
- Look at the background first. A simple background, such as foliage, a plain wall or open sky, keeps attention on your subject. Watch for poles, bright patches and busy signs that seem to grow out of heads.
- Look for natural reflectors and shade. Light walls, pale sand or a covered porch can help.
- Consider comfort and access. Wind, heat, crowds and parking matter, especially with clients.
- Have options. Two or three spots in the same area let you adapt as light changes.
For specific environments, see the guides for beach portraits and patchy light under trees.
Camera and lens
There is no single best camera for outdoor portraits. Most modern interchangeable-lens cameras can produce excellent results. Features that tend to help:
- Eye autofocus for consistent sharp eyes with wide apertures.
- A lens in the 50mm to 135mm range (see the best lens for portrait photography) for flattering proportions and background separation. Zooms are flexible, while fast primes give more blur and work in dimmer light.
- Weather sealing if you shoot in changing conditions.
- Accessories: a lens hood, a collapsible reflector and a diffuser are small and useful.
A phone can also produce good portraits in good light; the same lighting principles apply.
Settings
These are starting points.
- Aperture: f/1.8 to f/2.8 for a soft background; f/4 to f/5.6 for more depth, such as couples or groups.
- Shutter speed: fast enough to avoid blur. Subjects who move or laugh need faster speeds than a posed, still subject.
- ISO: there is no best ISO. Use the lowest ISO that allows your chosen aperture and shutter speed, which in bright sun is often a low value such as 100 or 200.
- Focus: eye or face autofocus, with a focus point on the nearest eye.
- Metering and exposure: check the face. Backlit scenes often need positive exposure compensation or spot metering.
- File type: RAW, so you can adjust white balance and recover detail.
Handling harsh sun
If you must shoot in bright sun:
- Move the subject into open shade.
- Use a diffuser to soften light on the face.
- Backlight the subject and fill with a reflector (see backlit portrait photography).
- Keep the subject’s eyes out of direct sun between frames.
Composition and background
- Leave space between the subject and background to increase blur.
- Use leading lines, frames of branches or doorways, and layered foliage (see framing and composition).
- Place eyes on or near the upper third of the frame (rule of thirds) when it helps your composition, but break the guideline when the image calls for it.
- Vary your framing: full length, three-quarter, head and shoulders, and closeups.
- Change your height. Shooting from slightly above or at eye level is usually flattering.
Working with the subject
Give simple direction: where to stand, where to look, what to do with hands (more in portrait poses and camera angles). Movement such as walking, laughing and interacting often looks more natural than static posing. Show images on the back of the camera to build confidence.
Weather and safety
Check forecasts, bring water in hot weather, and have a backup plan for rain. Be careful on uneven ground, water edges and cliffs, and do not ask subjects to take risks for a photo.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take good portraits outside?
Pick soft light, a clean background and a simple setup, then expose for the face and focus on the eyes.
What is the 20/60/20 rule?
It is a loosely defined idea about the day’s light quality, not a standard. See the note in the time of day guide.
What is the best camera for outdoor portraits?
Many cameras work. Prioritize reliable autofocus, a suitable lens and light control.
What is the best ISO for outdoor portraits?
The lowest ISO that gives you the aperture and shutter speed you need, which is often low in daylight.