Window-light portrait
Any body + 50mm or 85mm
Soft, flattering indoor portrait using a single window as your light.
Settings
Mode: Aperture Prioritywhat's this?
you care most about depth of field; let the camera handle shutter
Aperture: f/2–f/2.8what's this?
soft background, but enough depth to keep both eyes sharp
ISO: 200–800what's this?
as low as the light allows for clean skin tones
White balance: Cloudy / ~6000Kwhat's this?
warms soft window light so skin doesn't go blue
AF: Single-point on the near eyewhat's this?
the eye is what must be sharp
Dial it in
- Place the subject side-on to the window, an arm's length back.
- Aperture Priority at f/2.5, ISO as low as keeps shutter ≥ 1/160.
- Single-point AF on the eye nearest the window.
- Add a white reflector (or wall) on the shadow side to lift it.
Common mistakes
- Subject too far from the window — light falls off and gets harsh.
- Shooting wide open at f/1.4 and missing focus on the eyes.
- Leaving WB on auto and getting cold, lifeless skin.
Pre-shoot checklist
- Window light only (lights off)
- Reflector / white card
- Eye-AF or single point
- Shutter ≥ 1/160 handheld
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