Don’t Make These 5 Common Portrait Photography Mistakes

Portrait photography may seem simple. After all, you just point your camera at someone and click, right? Well, not quite, it’s a little bit more complicated than that. Many new photographers end up with images that feel flat, cluttered, or just a little bit ‘off’ without properly understanding why.

Portrait photographer Martin Castein sees a lot of the same mistakes when he reviews beginner photographers’ work. The good news is, that they are easily fixable, without having to invest in expensive new gear. Here are the 5 most common mistakes, and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Shooting in “Nice” Light (But Not Good Light)

“What’s the difference?” you may be wondering. Well, many photographers assume soft, even light (like open shade) is ideal. While it’s flattering, it often lacks direction, resulting in flat, muddy portraits that are a bit ‘meh’.

The Fix: Look for light with shape. In urban environments, buildings act as natural light blockers, creating pockets where light enters from one direction, like a giant softbox. Martin loves using overhangs or alleyways where light funnels in from a single angle, giving subjects a radiant glow.

“Good light isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality,” says Martin. “A dark wall beside your subject can act as ‘negative fill,’ deepening shadows and adding dimension.”

Pro Tip: On overcast days, position your subject near dark surfaces (like wooden panels) to artificially create contrast and depth.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Background

A distracting background ruins even the best-lit portrait. Martin recalls an engagement shoot in Spain where the initial test shot included sunbeds, crowds, and chaos, which completely overpowered the couple.

The Fix: Simplify. Reposition yourself to eliminate clutter. A longer focal length helps, but don’t just blur everything, give some context.

“Your background should support the story, not fight for attention. Move, adjust, and frame to highlight your subject,” says Martin.

Mistake 3: Clashing Colours

Vibrant skies or neon-green grass might seem appealing, but oversaturated colours compete with your subject. Similarly, busy patterns or loud outfits can overwhelm a composition.

The Fix:

• Guide clients toward neutral, solid-colored clothing.
• Avoid strong reds/greens unless intentionally stylised.
• Desaturate distracting elements in post-processing.

Mistake 4: Not Adapting to Changing Light

Outdoor light shifts constantly. Clouds move, reflections appear, and shadows deepen. Many photographers keep shooting without adjusting. Martin’s rule is simple: lighting is always priority number one. If the quality of light changes and no longer works, stop shooting where you are. Move to where the light is better.

The Fix: Stay observant. If light fades, relocate. Martin shares an example where waiting for sunlight to “poke through” transformed a dull shot into a luminous portrait.

Mistake 5: Shooting from the Wrong Height

Perspective changes everything. A tall photographer shooting downward can make subjects appear smaller or vulnerable, while a low angle adds dominance. I must admit that I don’t personally have this issue!

The Fix:

• For neutral portraits, shoot at eye level.
• Use high angles sparingly (e.g., to slim a subject).
• Low angles add drama but can exaggerate features.

“If you’re unsure, default to eye level. It’s the most flattering and natural perspective,” Martin says.

In the end, Martin’s advice boils down to shooting with intention. Control your light instead of just accepting it. Simplify your frame instead of leaving it cluttered. Guide your subjects’ wardrobe choices. Chase great light when it moves. And be conscious of your perspective.

Watch the whole video below:

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