Steve Roe

Colour grading can make or break a portrait photograph. It dictates everything from how the image is perceived to the overall mood. Bright and punchy, dark and moody, all of it can be achieved with a high-quality colour grade. However, it’s a fine line to tread, with beginners often going overboard and creating distracting palettes or undermining the atmosphere they are aiming for.

When you think of portrait photography using natural light, golden hour probably comes to mind first, and for good reason. It casts a beautiful, warm glow that flatters your subject and makes everything look stunning. But golden hour isn’t the only time worth shooting. Throughout the day, different types of light can still offer excellent opportunities for natural light portraits.

Long exposure is one of the most creative ways to approach portrait photography. It adds that dreamy, artistic layer that instantly pulls people in. It’s also a great tool for telling stories or bringing motion into a still frame—something regular portraits don’t always manage.

One of the biggest challenges in portrait editing is hair. It often requires more attention than beginners realise, from flyaway strands that disrupt the image to colour and shine that need adjusting. Many photographers end up spending far too long trying to get it just right.

Working with seniors is one of those rare treats in portrait photography where a story within your image can write itself. The lines in your subjects’ faces, their outfit, and the wisdom that lies in their eyes all help create a narrative, and as a photographer, it is your job to capture that and bring it to life.

Do you know the secret to getting professional-looking results in a studio? Some might think it’s having the latest camera with all the bells and whistles, paired with the best quality lenses. But here’s the thing: you can invest all your money there and still fall short (yep, unfortunately).