• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

DIGITAL PHOTO MENTOR

Photography tips, tutorials and guides for Beginner and Intermediate Photographers.

  • Start Here
  • Photography Basics
    • Beginner Photography Tutorials
    • Free Photography Basics for Beginners Course
  • Photography Articles
    • Beginner Photography Tutorials
    • Photography Challenges
    • Photography Tips
      • Portrait Photography
        • Flash Photography
      • Night Photography
      • Street Photography
      • Photo Editing
      • Landscape Photography
      • Macro Photography
      • Photoshop Tutorials
      • Photography Equipment
  • Online Courses
    • Luminar Neo Course
    • Lightroom for Photographers: The Complete Course
    • Photoshop For Photographers: The Complete Course
    • Portrait Fundamentals
  • Private Tutoring
  • Store
    • Online Courses
    • Bokeh Overlays
    • Sky Replacements
    • Texture Backgrounds
    • Lightroom Presets
    • Private Tutoring
    • Cart
  • Login
  • Photography Basics
    • Beginner Photography Tutorials
    • Free Photography Basics for Beginners Course
  • Photography Challenges
    • Photography Challenges E-Book
    • 5-Day Photo Editing Challenge
    • All Our Photography Challenges
  • Photography Tips
    • Portrait Photography
      • Free Portrait Photography Key Concepts Course
      • Flash Photography
    • Night Photography
    • Street Photography
    • Travel Photography
    • Landscape Photography
    • Macro Photography
    • Photography Equipment
  • Photo Editing
    • Luminar
    • Learn How to Use Lightroom Classic – Online Course
    • Photoshop Tutorials
  • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Free Basics for Beginners Course
    • Free Portrait Photography for Beginners Course
    • Lightroom Presets
    • Texture Pack for Photoshop, Luminar
    • Webinars
    • YouTube Channel
Home » Portrait Photography » Top 14 People Photography Mistakes and Tips for How to Avoid Them
Top 14 People Photography Mistakes and Tips for How to Avoid Them

Top 14 People Photography Mistakes and Tips for How to Avoid Them

by Darlene Hildebrandt | Last Updated: October 17, 2022

Share546
Tweet8
Pin14K
WhatsApp
Email

Here is a quick list of some of the top people photography mistakes newbies make, and tips on how to avoid them. Whether you are doing posed portraits or candid photos of your kids, you should find some things in here helpful for you.

Mistake #1 – Using the wrong lens

If you want flatter your subject make sure you use the right lens for the job. A wide-angle will distort things, and force you to get really close to people. That often leaves the person’s face looking stretched and overly large. Nobody likes a giant head, so step back a bit and use a longer lens.

17mm lens on full frame
17mm lens on full frame (if you used a 12mm on cropped sensor you would see a similar result)

Read: How to Choose the Right Lens for more info on this topic. For people photography a short to medium telephoto lens (85mm-150mm on full frame, 50mm-100mm on cropped sensor) is often preferred.

wide-angle-lenses-750px-21
150mm lens on full frame (if you shoot with a 100mm on cropped sensor you will get a similar look).

On the other hand, if you want to include more of the environment, or add a sense of humor you may want to use a wide lens. Just make sure you don’t make any of these: 5 Mistakes Beginners Make Using a Wide Angle Lens and How to Avoid Them.

Mistake #2 – Having a distracting background

There are four things that will draw your viewer’s eye, they are:

  1. Contrast
  2. Brightness
  3. Color (bright and warm colors even more so)
  4. Sharpness
Notice how distracting the bright parts in the background are here?
Notice how distracting the bright parts in the background are here?

So make sure that you do not have any of those things in the background, behind your beautiful subject.

For example, if you put your subject in the shade (because the light is less harsh), but the background is brightly lit – it will draw more attention than your person, and the viewer will be distracted. Keep your background as simple and clean as possible to focus attention where you want it – on the people in your photo.

A better, cleaner, less distracting background. Focus is on the people.
A better, cleaner, less distracting background. Focus is on the people.

Mistake #3 – Background too sharp

This goes along with the point above, notice the last item that draws attention – sharpness.

So you want your subject to be sharp for sure, and ideally to have the background less sharp or slightly out of focus. To do this you need to:

  • Get the subject away from the background. If they are standing right in front of a tree you will never get the tree out of focus. Ask your model to move forward, away from whatever is behind them, at least six feet – more is better.
  • Use a larger aperture for a more shallow depth of field.
  • Use a longer lens. See mistake #1 above, if you are already using a telephoto lens that will also help you throw the background out of focus. Much harder to do with a wide angle.
people-photography-mistake-3
These 3 images were all shot with her in almost the exact same spot at the same aperture f/4.5. The difference is I increased to a longer focal length and moved back. She is slightly farther from the bush in the right image.

Mistake #4 – Shooting from the wrong angle

For people photography, the most common camera angle is just slightly above eye level.

If you shoot from lower than that you will be looking up their nose, and making them look down. That can cause a double chin and is not flattering.

Shooting too high can make the person look small, or emphasize a receding hairline.

Left: shot from a low camera angle using a wide lens (mistakes #1 and#). Right: shot with a longer lens (85mm) from eye level.
Left: Shot from a low camera angle using a wide lens (mistakes #1 and#4 combined).
Right: Shot with a longer lens (85mm) from eye level. This is the same location, she hasn’t moved! Notice how this little changes can make a big difference to the final image.

Experiment and find just the right camera height for your subject – it may be different for each person. For kids, get down lower in their level!

Mistake #5 – Light too harsh

Learn about the quality of light (hard and soft) and which to use for people.

Most often soft light is better and more flattering.

Putting people into direct sun, or using a direct flash (with no light modifiers) can make them squint, enhances skin imperfections like blemishes and wrinkles (nobody wants that either), and creates overly deep shadows with no detail.

Harsh midday sun - lots of shadows, squinty subjects, not flattering.
Harsh midday sun – lots of shadows, squinty subjects, not so flattering.
Shot at the same time of day but in the shade. See how much more flattering soft light is for her, and the background is more even as well.
Shot at the same time of day but in the shade. See how much more flattering soft light is for her, and the background is more even as well.

Read: Quality of Light; What is it? How do you use it?

14 people photography tips for beginners so they can avoid making the same common mistakes.

Mistake #6 – Poor direction of light

Another property of light that’s key for people photography is the direction of light, in other words where is the light source relative to the subject.

Backlighting is tricky and can create an overly dark subject (can’t see their face). So unless you want to create a silhouette, I recommend staying away from light coming from that direction, at least until you have more experience.

Backlighting to create a dramatic silhouette.
Backlighting to create a dramatic silhouette.
Backlit subject, she will be too dark, or the background will be blown out.
Backlit subject, she will be too dark, or the background will be blown out.

The only way to fix backlighting is to add more light – a reflector is not enough, you will need flash. Read: Three Ways to Fix Dark Backlit People Photos

Front light from using your flash on-camera (the built-in one, or a speedlight on top) or sunlight aimed directly at the subject will wash them out, and make their face look flat. You want a subject with dimension and life, not a flat one.

Overhead lighting can happen indoors (lights in the ceiling) or outdoors on an overcast day. Watch for shadows under the eyes, or dark eyes with no catch lights (the light reflected in them which adds life and sparkle).

Overhead light - it was very overcast here and you can see they have dark eyes.
Overhead light – it was very overcast here and you can see they have dark eyes.

Side lighting is ideally what you want. Remember to also consider the quality of light (soft). Look for light from an angle hitting your subject. Finding a spot under a big tree with overhead branches, or a porch with an overhang will help block overhead light and give you nice side direction of light. Remember if you can’t move the light source (as in daylight or the sun) you can move your subject and yourself.

Side light from a window - soft and directional to add dimension.
Side light from a window – soft and directional to add dimension.

Mistake #7 – Improper focus

For people photography you always want to strive to focus on their eyes.

If you are doing a posed portrait where they are not moving that’s easier. Set your focus to a single point, single focus (not continuous or tracking) and lock it on their eye. If one eye is closer to the camera than the other – always focus on the one nearer to you.

This was shot at f/1.8. Looks in focus right? Wrong!
This was shot at f/1.8. Looks in focus right? Wrong!
Close up you can see her eye is not in focus, her necklace and jacket lapel are. Fail!
Close up you can see her eye is not in focus, her necklace and jacket lapel are. My bad!
Shot at f/2.8 - is this one sharp? You cannot tell until you look at 100% or zoomed 1:1.
Shot at f/2.8 – is this one sharp? You cannot tell until you look at 100% or zoomed 1:1.
Yes, sharp!
Yes, sharp! If they eyes are sharp, the portrait is considered in focus – miss that and it’s a reject.

Mistake #8 – Depth of field insufficient

Having the right depth of field is about finding a balance between keeping the background blurry, and making sure your subject is totally in focus.

When photographing a single person you can get away with larger apertures like f/2.8 or even f/1.8 (is a very stylized look though and focus point is critical). Just make sure you follow #7 above and nail the focus point.

people-photography-mistake-8-750px-04
Shot at f/1.8 so depth of field is really shallow.
people-photography-mistake-8-750px-01
At this aperture you can see that yes her eye is sharp, but the rest of her face isn’t. If you like this look go for it, but make sure you nail your focus!

Shooting a group photo, however, requires a bit more depth of field, and therefore a smaller aperture. Aim to position people close together (try to avoid rows far apart) so you can work with f/5.6 or f/8. Focus about halfway into the group (midway between the front of the person in front, and the back of the person behind).

people-photography-mistake-8-750px-02
Shot at f/4.5 – the girl on top is every so slightly out of focus. Get people as close as possible to be on the same plane so you need less depth of field.
people-photography-mistake-8-750px-03
Shot at f/5.6 which a normal lens. This is enough to have the whole group in focus, but notice how I also get the people behind to lean closer to the others, so there isn’t so much distance between them.

14 people photography tips for beginners so they can avoid making the same common mistakes. Learn about camera settings, lighting, proper lens selection for portraits.

Mistake #9 – Blur from camera shake

min-shutter-speed.jpgThis is one of the biggest newbie mistakes and applies to all kinds of photography, not just people. Make sure you use a shutter speed that is fast enough to freeze the image and not get camera shake if you are hand holding the camera.

Ideally, use a tripod if you can. Otherwise, this is the general rule of thumb – keep your shutter speed faster than:

Mistake #10 – Too much flash

If you need to use flash make sure you don’t overdo it.

Too much flash (especially direct from camera, see #6 above) will make the person you are photographing look flat, or even like a deer in the headlights.

Learning how to balance flash and natural light is tricky and a bit advanced. But one simple thing you can do right now is to set your Flash Compensation (check your user manual to see how) to -2/3. That will underexpose the flash a bit. Just make sure you put it back if you are shooting indoors where it’s dark.

This is the same portrait as before from mistake # - but flash has been added here. It is too strong and direct from camera and looks "flashed".
This is the same portrait as before from mistake #6 – but flash has been added here. It is too strong and direct from camera and looks “flashed”. See how flat they appear?

Mistake #11 – Bad cropping

Bad cropping includes things like cutting off people’s hands or feet, or cropping at the joints.

A general rule of thumb is to either include their whole arm, hand and fingers (legs and feet also) or to crop in to make more obvious. Missing portions of fingers or toes just look amputated, watch for that when you’re framing your shot.

If you are going to crop into the head make it obvious, not like this. Also make sure you crop mid-arm or have all their fingers. No amputations.
If you are going to crop into the head make it obvious, not like this. Also make sure you crop mid-arm or have all their fingers. No amputations.
Better cropping!
Better cropping! Leave people a little space above their heads as well, so they don’t feel cramped.

Cropping into the head is okay too, but just make sure you leave some of their shoulders in the lower part of the image as a base. A face that’s cropped into the forehead, and only shows just below the chin looks like a floating head.

This is popular in fashion magazines sometimes but it can look odd - the floating head.
This is popular in fashion magazines sometimes but it can look odd – the floating head.
Cropped into the head, but shoulders left in as a base is more pleasing to the eye - feels better.
Cropped into the head, but shoulders left in as a base is more pleasing to the eye – feels better.

Mistake #12 – Boring composition

This is another common mistake across all kinds of photography.

To combat boring composition you first want to start by putting your subject anywhere besides the middle of the photo.

Get the subject positioned off-center and your composition will improve by leaps and bounds. Try different aspect ratios and shapes too, like square.

people-photography-mistake-12-750px-03
Using the rule of thirds here she is placed off-center.

people-photography-mistake-12-750px-04

Another thing you can do is vary your orientation and try shooting both vertical and horizontal portraits.

I find that beginning photographers shoot almost everything horizontal (landscape mode), but when it comes to people photos or close-up portraits, they do those mostly vertical (portrait mode). Switch it up a little!

Off-center the subject for more interest.
Off-center the subject for more interest. I personally love horizontal head shots!

Here are some articles on composition to give you ideas:

  • How to Build Stronger Compositions Using Shape
  • Create Strong Photographic Composition Using Framing

Mistake #13 – Poor choice of location

Portrait photographers choose their shooting locations very carefully.

Most will go ahead of time to scout it out. This is a good idea! If you do so use all the points above and look at:

  • The direction of light – can you find side lighting?
  • Background options – you want attractive but not busy.
  • Other things that might be distracting (garbage cans, parking lot, etc.)
  • Quality of light – can you find shade or a porch?

Keeping those things in mind, does your location measure up?

If not, spend some time finding one that does.

Better yet, find a few that you like so you can suggest locations to your portrait subjects. The more you control the process and help them, the better the final photos will come out.

Poor location choice - what can you see in the background that is distracting?
Poor location choice – what can you see in the background that is distracting?

Mistake #14 – Shooting at the wrong time of day

You may have heard the term Golden Hour before.

This is the time right before sunset (and after sunrise) where the sun is low on the horizon.

The light is soft (diffused by angle it goes through the atmosphere) and more from the side than at midday (avoiding overhead light and eye shadows).

This was shot in the late evening just before sunset. The direction of light is good but it's harsh.
This was shot in the late evening just before sunset. The direction of light is good but it’s harsh.

Hence this is the prime time for portrait photographers to shoot.

Most pros prefer to go out at this time of day as it’s much nicer, warmer, more flattering light. You will find you won’t have to fight with the light as much as if you go out at noon.

Make it easier on yourself and work smarter, not harder.

Most times when I shoot in the evening during Golden Hour I do not have to use a flash or even a reflector. The light is that nice.

Shot only a few minutes after the image above. I used no flash or reflector here.
Shot only a few minutes after the image above. I used no flash or reflector here. See how the contrast has changed?

people photography tips

portrait photography tips

Your turn to practice

By avoiding these 14 people photography mistakes and using the tips provided, you will be on your way to taking better images of your family and friends.

Cheers,
Darlene

Share546
Tweet8
Pin14K
WhatsApp
Email

About Darlene Hildebrandt

Darlene is an educator who teaches aspiring amateurs and hobbyists how to improve their skills through her articles here on Digital Photo Mentor, her beginner photography course, and private tutoring lessons. To help you at whatever level you're at she has two email mini-courses. Sign up for her free beginner OR portrait photography email mini-course. Or get both, no charge!

ultimate photography bundle

There’s NEVER been a better time to get Luminar Neo. With this Ultimate Photography Bundle promotion, you recieve the Luminar Neo software, hundreds of LUT’s, Skies, presets and overlays, a Landscape Photography editing course, a Drone photography course and my very own Portrait Fundamentals course, along with a number of other items.

Click here to Get $1019 worth of photography software and courses for an 85% savings.

Digital Photo Mentor is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate Digital Photo Mentor earns from qualifying purchases.
ultimate photography bundle

Ultimate Photography Bundle

There's NEVER been a better time to get Luminar Neo. With this Ultimate Photography Bundle promotion, you recieve the Luminar Neo software, hundreds of LUT's, Skies, presets and overlays, a Landscape Photography editing course, a Drone photography course and my very own Portrait Fundamentals course, along with a number of other items.

Get $1019 worth of photography software and courses for an 85% savings.

Click Here to Purchase

Top Beginner Articles

  • Avoid these 9 beginner photography mistakes
  • 7 Tips for Beginner Photographers
  • Top 15 Photography Accessories under $25
  • How to choose the best digital camera for you
  • 5 Photography Ideas for When There's Nothing Interesting to Shoot
  • 5 mistakes beginner photographers make while using a wide angle lens and how to avoid them
  • 9 Tripod Mistakes Ruining Your Images and Putting Your Camera at Risk
  • Long Exposure Photography

Top Intermediate Articles

  • 10 Camera Settings and Equipment Tips for Portrait Photography
  • Best Photo Editing Software Reviewed
  • Lightroom Alternative: Is Luminar the answer?
  • Top 15 Photography Accessories under $25
  • How to Use a Gray Card for Custom White Balance and Metering
  • Night Photography Settings – Guide to Getting the Best Exposure

Learn Photography Basics

Yes, you can learn to take better photos! It’s my passion to help you learn the photography basics and take better pictures. It’s also the same reason I teach workshops, do photo travel tours, and have online photography courses available.

Enroll in our free photography basics for beginners course, or 12-part portrait photography course, also free.

Recent Photography Articles

  • Stunning Night Photo Edits With Luminar Neo
  • Six ways to make your travel photography stand out
  • Why Street Photography Is So Difficult And How To Overcome It
  • Review of Sigma’s 56mm F/1.4 Lens – Is It Worth It?
  • How To Create Stunning Old-Style Hollywood Black-and-White Glamour Portraits

Useful Links

  • Beginner Photography
  • Intermediate Photography
  • Photography Challenges
  • Photography Tips
  • Photo Editing
  • Resources
  • Recommended Amazon Products
  • Course Login
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Contact
  • Write for Us

Copyright © 2023 Digital Photo Mentor · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Disclaimer