Tips I use to take stunning portrait photos

February 5, 2023

Tips I use to take stunning portrait photos

  • I mostly use natural light: I take advantage of natural light sources such as windows or outdoor locations for the most flattering portraits.
  • I pay attention to the background: Since I mostly shoot outside, I choose walls, windows and other natural environments (including the beach) around Santa Monica and Culver City to ensure that the background does not distract from the subject.
  • I get close (not too close of course): I move in close to my subject to fill the frame and make sure the focus is on them
  • I use a shallow depth of field: This will blur the background and draw attention to the subject’s face.
  • We try different poses: I give direction to the subject to ensure we get the best shot
  • I pay attention to facial expressions: Capturing a genuine smile or a more serious gaze can make a portrait more compelling.
  • Edit selectively: I use editing tools including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to enhance the light and color in your headshots, but am careful not to over-edit and detract from the natural beauty of my subject.


    • Questions for the photographer:

    February 2, 2023

    Questions for the photographer:

    1.     What is your photography style?

    A: Most of my portrait photos are taken outdoors using natural lighting.  Of course, I can also set up lights indoors, but shooting outside is less expensive for the client.

    2.     Can you provide examples of your work?

    A: Yes, I have a lot of photos on my website.  But you can always check out my Instagram @stevenhankinsphotography to see more work.  Otherwise, contact me and we can see how I can accommodate any your photography needs.

    3.     How do you handle editing and retouching of photos?

    A: I typically use both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to color correct and edit the photos to ensure the highest quality finished product.

    4.     How long will it take to receive my photos?

    A: Oftentimes I am able to deliver the finished photo the day of the shoot or the next day.  However, turnaround times can always take longer.

    5.     Can you provide digital copies of my photos?

    A: Yes, for headshots I will edit and upload 2 high resolution photos to either Google Drive or Dropbox.

    6.     Do you have experience shooting portraits?

    A: Yes, I have extensive experience taking headshots, but I’m also a skilled event, engagement and editorial photographer.  But, basically contact me with any of your photography needs. 

    My Photography Process With Clients

    September 13, 2022

    Pre-Photoshoot:

    After booking a photography client I like to do a few things before we meet.  One is figuring out their needs.  Are they looking for a business headshot to use on their company website or LinkedIn or are they looking for a commercial or theatrical headshot for acting or do they have an event they want me to take photos of.

    After figuring out their photography needs I like to send the client a one-sheet.  The one-sheet includes the price and what I deliver, plus ideas on what to wear.   I find that when I lay out everything before the shoot there is no confusion in the end.

    Then I will send out an email with the one-sheet, the time and date of our photoshoot, the address and a suggestion on where to park.

    The Photoshoot:

    When clients come to meet me at the office I see what outfits they brought.  We decide on the right outfit and go outside the office to shoot.  Some great places I’ve found to shoot is in the garage right across the street from the office, plus there are a bunch of walls around Downtown Santa Monica that make for great places to shoot.

    One of the things I like to focus on is lighting during the photoshoot.  First of all I want to highlight your eyes, then I want to make sure there are no weird shadows on you or your clothing.

    Post Photoshoot

    After taking the photos we come back to the office and load them onto my computer.  We go through all of the photos in Adobe Lightroom giving a one star to the photos we like.  Then we go through all of the one star photos and put 2 stars on the photos that we like even better.  The star system goes on until we find the 2 photos we absolutely love.

    I then take the 2 photos and color correct them and take out any blemishes in Photoshop.  Oftentimes If I’m only taking photos of one person in a day, I’m able to email the photos back to clients that day.


    That’s the process!  Please reach out to me if you have any other questions on how things work.

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