1. Stay engaged with your subject 

There is more that goes behind a well-captured portrait. A good start is by interacting with the subject such as having a conversation with him or her to ease them into being in front of the camera.  

2. Take advantage of the Live View

Instead of the viewfinder, I find shooting with the Live View extremely helpful, especially during an informal session. This allows me to keep the subject more engaged and it also keeps them relaxed. The quick focusing and burst mode are also great for catching moments you might miss. 

3. Don’t underestimate Eye AF

The Eye AF on the Alpha 7R III is powerful and essential. This function has gotten me shots that would have been unusable when I’m shooting under time constraint. I know that I can depend on it.

4. Invest in Sony’s FE 90mm F2.8 macro lens

I love using the FE 90mm F2.8 as a portrait lens. It’s a fast and high-performing lens with beautiful bokeh and built-in Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization. The FE 85mm F1.4 is also an ideal lens that can go even faster. However, I find that I rarely shoot portraits at F2.8, at the very least F3.5 or F4 to ensure focus on my subject. But what I love about the FE 90mm F2.8 the most is its versatility. It is also perfect for close-up shots should one need that option. For me, I use the lens for the bulk of my food photography.

5. Play around with the APS crop 

At times, I love using the APS crop to get extra length in my portraits. Sometimes, the APS just gets the frame crop exactly the right way, something even some lenses cannot achieve. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Sony Singapore.