What are some tips for taking good portraits on film?

Some ways to take good portraits on film include using a camera and lens that suit your photography style, getting the lighting right and making your model feel comfortable.

Get a camera and lens that work for you

Medium format, large format and 35 mm are some of the most suitable film formats for portrait photography.

Large format offers the highest quality for portraiture but some of the setbacks of this format include higher cost and bulky weight. Large format is also harder to get hold of compared to other film formats.

Many photographers gravitate towards medium format for the larger negative and sharp images, the perfect choice if you prefer something between large format and 35 mm. Meanwhile, many pros and beginners in film photography also prefer 35 mm as it can also produce wonderful images with great detail. As with any style, a photographer could work best with their preferred equipment and their style.

Lenses also matter when taking photos, and prime lenses are among the most favored for portraits. Choosing a focal length when taking portraits depends on which kind of portraits you’re going for. The preferred focal length range for close-up shots is 85 mm to 135 mm, while other good choices are 50 mm, and 35 mm especially for full-length shots.

If you’re a beginner figuring out the ropes of portrait photography, it’s totally fine to be experimental and find out what works best for you by starting out with the gear you already have and trying out different cameras and lenses as your curiosity deems fit!

Get the lighting right

Whether an indoor shoot with artificial lighting or outdoors with natural light, using a light meter can help you better figure out your settings for your environment when shooting on film. You can also experiment with light in different parts of the day such as golden hour to achieve soft and natural lighting for your portraits.

Make your model feel comfortable

Portrait photographers who are just starting out often ask friends and family to model for them. Comfort is key to making a good portrait, so make sure your model feels at ease by asking questions, creating a friendly atmosphere, suggesting poses, and always being respectful and mindful of their comfort levels to achieve a natural and genuine expression for your portraits.

Try out different compositions

To give your images some variety, consider trying out different compositions when taking portraits, such as following the rule of thirds, creating leading lines, letting your model make different poses or exploring other environments for interesting backgrounds.

Continue learning about portrait photography

Just keep on shooting! Immersing yourself in the practice and learning what works and what doesn’t by looking at your results is the best way to improve your portrait photography. Another great way to expand your knowledge is to check out the work of other portrait artists in photobooks or online, or visit art galleries and let yourself be inspired by the masters.

By exposing yourself to the ways other artists have approached portrait photography, you’ll also have a better chance to grow your skills and create your own style of portraits.