I Shot 100,000 Portraits: Here's What I Learned...

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[felixarm]

Only time and experience were able to teach you all of this. Passing it down it just priceless! Thanks Mitch!

[AllgoodthingsTv]

Every single rule was right on, esp. the one about emotion ruling over technical correctness. People will remember a picture that moves them, even if for reasons that they can't explain, faster than one that abides by all the rules but is lifeless.

[LiamAaronGillan]

If I'm honest, I clicked not expecting much but this was very valuable and I thank you Mitch. I'm a professional wedding photographer and ALWAYS trying to change things up, it's so difficult but trying to display raw emotion and a story whilst looking at the photo is something I'm forever working on. I've subscribed, and appreciate your content. Thanks dude.

[mitas]

I recommend you watch the video still. Key points include. Amazing this stuff is free.

1. Different is better than good (Lights, framing, background, angles, focus)
2. Create emotional impact in the image (Makes less forgettable images)
3. Think as if you're the viewer of your own photos, what do you feel? (Background, highlights, pose, energy, movement)
4. Lights and pose go together. Viewer will go to the bright or contrast part of images. Soft light makes posing easier. (Light should contribute to the story)
6. Simplicity is sophistication. Light, talent and background. (Complexity does not make a bad photo good)
7. Review the location, find the light, place the subject. How can different combinations add to the story and emotion of an image. What do you want to tell with a portrait?

[josephfinkleman]

I have also shot over 100, 000 portrait images. The purpose of the portrait is the first question. That shapes the task. It isn't just the emotional content, although I agree that is important. I also think that the photographer's style is important but not primary. I think that rapport is primary. The ability of the photographer to develop enough rapport between the photographer and the subject so that the subject can feel safe enough to let their personality flow through the lens and out to the viewer. Most portraits are not of professional models but rather of ordinary people. I think your work that you have shown is very imaginative. Visually it is very distinctive and uniquely arresting. To me, there was too much professionalism in the model. They had a posed look that does not grab me as someone I might know. But that is just my take on it. I have a different purpose for my portraiture so that is what I key on. Thank you for the video most YouTube videos about portraiture I think really miss the mark. I have yet to see one that discusses how to analyze a face and light for that face with the task in mind so the end result does what it is supposed to do.

[julianamedeiros]

Appreciate the language such as "What I learned" than "You're Composing your photos wrong."

[pablomartinez]

0:21 - Different is Better Than Good
0:59 - Use the background to frame you subject
1:07 - Use Create Focus and Shape with lighting
1:19 - Break Patterns to Draw Attention
1:35 - Emotion Comes First
2:12 - Think From The Perspective of the Viewer and The Emotions You Want Them To Feel
2:27 - Study Portraits From Photographers You Like
3:00 - The Light Follows The Pose
3:06 - Drawing the Viewers Eye
3:16 - Don't Have Bright Elements in The Background
4:03 - Soft Lighting Gives More Flexibility
4:12 - Remove Everything That Isn't Important
4:42 - Brainstorm Ideas for Lighting and Location, Everything Else Should Follow
5:28 - Start Simple, Build Only What Contributes

[thesamuelnam]

Fellow Aussie YouTuber here. Only a true pro with experience can break down the tips you just gave. Amazing.

[Dunnoxer]

I don't remember where I read this but the idea was that the common thing between great photographers and great painters is knowing when to add or subtract something and whilst painters are generally adding more things in, simply due to the nature of the technique and medium, photographers are masters at subtracting things to make their shots great. The less clutter, the clearer the context and the message, the better! And once you pair that with being able to break the "rules" you become above average at your craft. And when you manage to add emotion into the shot you're on your way to being way above average.

I did click on this simply out of curiosity of what the algorithm has fed me, but I have to admit that it's the best, most concise video on what makes a good photographER. Taking a technically good photography in our day and age is silly easy. That's what the cameras are made to do. The human element is what makes the photography stand out.

Thanks for the video and thanks to whoever read this short essay.

TL;DR: yup.

[anversailles]

I’m a visual artist and not really a photographer but this has really helped me gain new understanding on composing illustrations. Thank you ❤

[DethronerX]

Light. Subject. Background.
Perfectly put!
And beautiful images!

[socialdevelpmentuniversity]

Background, subject, and light: that's all you need for a portrait! Loved this bottomline 👍

[sebbsebb]

Dude, the emotions I feel while watching your videos... it is just insane. The music, your chill voice, the colors you use, your photos, I love it. Your short videos just let me calm down no matter what, and the content is helpful as well of cause ^^

[BabyJett]

This might be the single best portrait video I've seen. Big fan of your work man. Simple is better.

[justinparker]

This a great walkthrough on portraits for the photographer who is feeling stagnant!

[wolfrehm]

What you told feels so right! So often we tell the model how to stand or which pose, instead ask for a feeling and use natural movements and poses. great video! Thanks a lot!

[kellytodayy]

I rarely comment on videos but I really enjoyed you sharing your personal tips here on portrait photography. I can tell that all these lessons you've learned have come from personal experience and finding your OWN voice/perspective on photography. As a beginner photographer, this is really refreshing to see, and I'll be looking forward to any future content you'll be making ☺

[jkaye]

I don't ever comment on videos. But this is one of the best, most straight forward, informational and easy to understand videos that I've ever seen. Thank you.

[pronouncehsu]

The algorithm dropped me here and for once, I'm glad it did. I'm shifting from graphic design to photography and it's really validating to hear that some of the lessons I'm learning along the way parallel professionals such as yourself. This video is a fantastic learning resource and the examples were exemplary to support your talking points. Keep up the good work!

[CappuccinoLife]

Dude, I just discovered your youtube channel and I think you're doing a great job. Even I make portraits and I use many of the techniques you discovered.

I like your creativity + that you have a calm and warm voice for narrating all the videos you make. I hope you appreciate and enjoy everything you do every day. Thanks! 🖤