“A great portrait is not captured by the camera alone. It is revealed in the moment when light, patience, and human connection align, and the eyes finally tell the truth.” – MJ Martin
Introduction
A great portrait is not a record of a face. It is a study of presence, character, and inner life. That philosophy guided film masters such as Yusuf Karsh, and it remains equally vital in the era of the incredible digital camera technology from Nikon, Canon, Sony, and others. Technology has advanced at a remarkable pace, yet the fundamentals of portraiture have not changed. The modern photographer must still shape light, guide the viewer’s eye, and create an emotional connection between subject and audience. The mirrorless cameras simply offers unprecedented precision and reliability in pursuing that goal.
Seeing Before You Shoot
Before discussing lenses or settings, the most important skill is seeing. A portrait begins with observation. Study how your subject holds their head, how tension or ease appears around the eyes, and how light falls across the face. Engage in conversation. Silence can also be powerful. The modern cameras with phenomenal ergonomics excels at disappearing in the hand, allowing the photographer to focus entirely on the human being in front of the lens rather than the camera itself. When trust is established, expression follows naturally.
Focus on the Eyes
The eyes are the anchor of every successful portrait. They are where the viewer seeks meaning and connection. The camera’s subject detection and eye autofocus are transformative tools, but they must be used with intention. Select a single eye when possible, typically the one closest to the camera, and allow everything else to fall gently into place. For headshots and tight portraits, shallow depth of field can emphasize the gaze, but only if focus is exact. Precision here is non negotiable.
Lens Selection for Character and Compression
Lens choice shapes how a face is rendered. For classic headshots, lenses in the 85 mm to 105 mm range offer flattering compression and natural perspective. They gently slim facial features while maintaining realism. A 50 mm lens can be excellent for environmental portraits where context matters, but it demands careful positioning to avoid distortion. Longer lenses, such as 135 mm, isolate the subject beautifully and simplify backgrounds, lending an elegance that suits formal portraiture. Modern mirrorless cameras mount lenses are exceptionally sharp, so softness must be introduced through lighting and posing rather than optical compromise.
Mastering Exposure and Camera Settings
In portrait photography, consistency matters more than speed. Use manual exposure whenever possible to maintain control over skin tones and highlight detail. Set ISO as low as practical to preserve tonal subtlety. Shutter speed should be fast enough to prevent motion blur from subtle movements, especially in the eyes. Aperture choices by should balance subject isolation with sufficient depth of field to keep key facial planes sharp. The camera’s dynamic range rewards careful exposure, particularly when protecting highlights on skin.
Lighting as Sculpture
Light is the sculptor of the portrait. Flat lighting records a face, but shaped lighting reveals it. Use shadows deliberately to create depth and dimensionality. Rembrandt lighting introduces a triangle of light beneath the eye, adding drama and form. Short lighting emphasizes structure by lighting the side of the face turned away from the camera. Contrast should be controlled, not avoided. Subtle falloff across the cheeks and jawline brings life to the image. Whether using window light or studio strobes, always ask what the light is saying about your subject.
Backgrounds and Separation
A strong portrait separates subject from background without distraction. Simple backgrounds often work best, but texture can add interest if it remains subordinate. Control separation through light as much as lens choice. A rim light or subtle hair light can lift the subject from darker backgrounds. Distance between subject and backdrop also plays a critical role, allowing backgrounds to soften and recede.
Expression, Timing, and Restraint
The decisive moment in portraiture is rarely dramatic. It is quiet. A pause between words. A breath. A softening of the eyes. The advanced cameras speed allows multiple frames, but restraint remains essential. Do not overshoot in the hope of discovery. Watch carefully, press the shutter when expression aligns with intent, and then stop. Confidence behind the camera reassures the subject and sharpens the result.
The Modern Portrait with a Classic Soul
Technology serves the portrait, not the other way around. The modern mirrorless cameras offer extraordinary capability, but mastery lies in how thoughtfully it is applied. Focus on the eyes. Choose lenses that respect the human face. Shape light with purpose. Above all, remember that every portrait is a collaboration between photographer and subject. When craft and empathy meet, the result is timeless.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX).
Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now Ontario Tech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario – Centennial College, Humber College, George Brown College, Durham College, Ryerson Polytechnic University [now Toronto Metropolitan University]. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section.
He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and seven certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 60 next generation MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) continuous education in a wide variety of topics, including: Economics, Python Programming, Internet of Things, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.