Shoot cinematic portraits

Make use of any location for film-like portrait shots with a timeless lighting style

- Jake Kehar Gill

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Time taken: 1.5 hours

Discover the captivating world of cinematic portrait photography, and transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary. The cinematic portrait technique is a unique and compelling way to create stunning visual narratives that capture the essence of your subject in a truly magical way. With its distinctive blend of lighting, composition and storytelling, this approach adds depth and emotion to your portraits, captivating your viewers.

While mastering cinematic portraits may initially seem challenging, the skills acquired in this journey will dramatically enhance your everyday photography. From overcoming common issues, including dull lighting and uninspiring composition to harnessing the power of evocative storytelling, you’ll learn how to bring your creative vision to life. By experimenting with different camera settings, props and lighting techniques, you’ll discover your own style and develop the ability to adapt and elevate any situation.

Your photographic skills will flourish and you’ll also gain a newfound appreciation for movie-like images that exude character and emotion. The skills and knowledge you’ll acquire will be invaluable tools for capturing memorable and enchanting images that stand the test of time. So, let’s embark on a journey to re-examine how you capture portraits and witness a tremendous impact on your photographic repertoire. 

Shooting steps

1 Find your setup

When you create a cinematic portrait, it is essential to find a suitable space that sets the tone. Here, I am using a garage space with a car that holds personal significance to me. Locate areas of potential and create rough sketches in your mind.