Best camera settings for portrait photography
Portrait settings aim for two things: sharp eyes and a soft, unobtrusive background. That means a wide-ish aperture, eye-tracking autofocus, and a flattering focal length.
Recommended settings
Mode: Aperture Priority
you set the look (depth of field), camera handles exposure
Aperture: f/2 – f/2.8
soft background with enough depth to keep both eyes sharp
Shutter: 1/200s or faster
freezes small movements and hand shake
ISO: As low as the shutter allows
clean skin tones
AF: Eye AF / single point on near eye
the eyes must be the sharpest thing in the frame
Focal length: 50–85mm
flattering perspective, no facial distortion
These are starting points. Want them dialed in for your exact camera and lens?Ask the coach →
Why these settings
The eyes carry a portrait, so focus precision matters more than anything. A wide aperture creates the soft background, but go too wide and you lose one eye to the blur.
Beginner tip
Turn on Eye AF if your camera has it — it's the single biggest upgrade to portrait sharpness.
Going further
Shoot at f/2 for one person; stop down to f/4–f/5.6 for couples or groups so everyone stays sharp.
Common mistakes
- Shooting groups at f/1.4 and losing the back row to blur.
- Using a wide lens up close, which distorts faces.
FAQ
What aperture is best for portraits?
f/2–f/2.8 for a single subject — soft background, both eyes sharp. Stop down for groups.
What focal length is best for portraits?
50–85mm gives a natural, flattering perspective. Wider lenses distort features when you're close.
Learn more
Prefer a guided, gear-aware version? Open the portrait recipe →