Photo Poses · Portrait Ideas
Portraits for Every Season
Five ways to take versatile portraits that work year-round, for any occasion.
Portrait Photography Ideas That Work for Any Season
Welcome back! This week we’re tackling how to take versatile photos that work year-round, for every occasion. I’ll share my favorite methods and how to make your portraits usable for anything.
If you’re new to photography and reading this, congrats! You’ve taken the first step in capturing moments that will last forever.
Keep It Neutral
Neutral backgrounds and outfits make your portraits work for anything, from profile pictures to back-to-school photos.
Keep It Fun
When your subject is having fun, their smile is brighter, and it shows in every picture.
Keep It Moving
A little movement adds life and depth to your portraits.
Idea 01
Use a Neutral Background
Placing your subject in front of a neutral background makes sure the picture can be used for anything: an album cover, back-to-school pictures or everyday profile pictures. A neutral background gives you some wiggle room, so you look professional every time.
For this photo shoot, I had my subject stand on the rim of an old silo. It gave the photos a rustic, playful feel while keeping the background neutral.
Idea 02
Keep Outfits Neutral, With a Few Options
Stay away from themed costumes or really loud outfits to keep things professional and sharp, but bring a few different options to keep things interesting.
For this photo shoot, we did a dressier outfit and then a dress with bare feet. That gave us two kinds of portraits: a more playful look with bare feet, and a dressier, more professional look with heels and a slightly more refined dress.
Idea 03
Have Some Fun
Every photo shoot should be fun! When your subject is having fun, their smile is a little brighter and there’s a twinkle in their eyes. That shows in your pictures and makes them feel naturally joyful.
Idea 04
Use Nature as Your Backdrop
Flowers, trees, sunsets, sunrises and golden hour all make beautiful backdrops. My favorite place to do photo shoots is outside, because it inspires creativity and makes a naturally good background for any picture.
It also challenges me technically, because you’re always dealing with changing light.
Idea 05
Add Action and Movement
If you want your portraits to be eye-catching, try some movement and action shots. They give your pictures more authenticity and depth. Still pictures aren’t bad, but I like a little movement in some of my photos.
When you take action shots, set your shutter speed to at least double the length of your lens. My personal cutoff is about 1/175. I don’t usually go slower than that, because that’s when motion blur starts to sneak in. To learn more, read my shutter speed guide.
Behind the shot
My Camera Settings
1/800
Shutter speed
f/4
Aperture
160
ISO
56mm
Focal length
These are the exact settings for the photo of the girl walking across the lawn in a long blue dress, taken on a Canon EOS R6 Mark III.
Tip
Throw the Dress
One thing I love to do for action shots is ask my subject to throw their skirt or dress. It creates the illusion of the dress floating in the air and adds a playful feel to the photo.
See more of this technique in 5 Easy Dance Poses.
Common questions
Portrait Photography Questions Beginners Ask
How do I take portraits that work for any occasion?
Use a neutral background and neutral outfits. That way the photos look professional and work for anything, from profile pictures to back-to-school photos.
What should someone wear for portraits?
Neutral outfits work best. Avoid themed costumes or very loud patterns, and bring a couple of options for variety.
What shutter speed should I use for action portraits?
At least double the length of your lens. I usually don’t go slower than about 1/175 to avoid motion blur.
“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!”
Keep learning
More Posing Ideas
Looking for more easy poses? These guides are a great next step.
