Portrait Photography

Latest about Portrait Photography

Group portrait of President James K. Polk and his cabinet.
The forgotten photographer who put a US president in the White House – and pioneered photographic branding

By Alan Palazon Published

HISTORY John Plumbe Jr not only captured the oldest existing photo of a sitting US president, but went on to pioneer the branding practices used by studios to this day

HISTORY
Charli xcx leans back against a pale wall wearing a white crop top and dark jeans, her dark curly hair caught mid-movement, her gaze directed downward; photographed by Harley Weir, 2024.
This Charli XCX portrait by Harley Weir refuses to be a typical pop star photo, and that's precisely why it now belongs in London's National Portrait Gallery

By Tom May Published

News It captures one of Britain's most culturally significant musicians in a moment that feels unusually intimate

News
Behind-the-scenes image of two photographers shooting a model in a studio, next to the finished boudoir photograph
Boudoir photography: 13 pro secrets for capturing tasteful portraits with fine-art flair

By PhotoPlus Published

Tutorial Pro tips for capturing elegant boudoir photography, from communicating with subjects to choosing the right gear

Tutorial
Portrait of a woman in a purple dress reclining on a couch
Do you know about the "Trinity prime lenses" for portrait photography?

By James Artaius Published

OPINION These are the "Trinity prime lenses" for portraiture – and they will change how you use your camera for people photography

OPINION
A stark black-and-white studio portrait of Schwarzenegger performing a front double bicep pose, his symmetrical physique filling the wide frame against a plain black background.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on low-angle photography: "They always shoot up, so the camera is right there in front of you… you will always look like a stud"

By Tom May Last updated

NEWS A new Taschen book collects seven decades of Schwarzenegger photography, shot by some of the greatest names in the business.

NEWS
Home photography ideas: Make montage portraits in print or on-screen
Make montage portraits worthy of David Hockney's memory

By James Paterson Last updated

HOME PROJECTS Create portrait montages like David Hockney's classic series, either as physical prints or in the digital domain

HOME PROJECTS
best books on portrait photography
Best books on portrait photography in 2026: learn from the masters

By Adam Juniper Last updated

Books Learn to shoot great pictures of people with our rundown of the best books on portrait photography

Books
Black and white image of Marilyn Monroe lying on a beach amidst the surf
Beach photos that set a young Marilyn Monroe on a highway to Hollywood commemorated with new plaque

By Mike Harris Published

News Pin-up photos captured on a Long Island beach set a 23-year-old Norma Jeane’s trajectory towards Hollywood and history!

News
Tony McGee picture of David Bowie and Tony McGee by his studio
Photographing David Bowie: "He'd built up all the evidence. So then I had to destroy them…"

By Ariane Sherine Juniper Published

News Six photographers reveal what it was like to shoot David Bowie, the most image-conscious star of all time, sharing fascinating personal insights

News
A lone silhouetted figure stands before a giant projected black-and-white portrait of Malala Yousafzai, surrounded by colourful animated flowers and foliage at the base of the image.
When Shirin Neshat photographed Malala, she turned to calligraphy to say what the camera alone could not

By Tom May Published

News The Malala Yousafzai portrait that went beyond photography is now on show at a new immersive London experience

News
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