Capturing unique portraits involves a blend of creativity and technical skill, allowing photographers to craft images that truly stand out. Not only having the right photography gear, but knowing how to use it well enough so you can focus on creating is important. With the right Sony Alpha camera and Sony lens combination, you can spend less time with your gear and more time experimenting to create something new. 

Try unconventional lighting setups, such as using natural light filters or colored gels, to add mood and depth to your shots. Play with composition by incorporating dynamic angles or framing techniques to draw the viewer’s eye to your subject. Don't shy away from using props or unique backgrounds to add context and tell a more compelling story. Also, communicate with and encourage your subjects to express their personality by incorporating poses or wardrobe choices that reflect their individuality. By combining these techniques, you can create portraits that not only capture a moment but also resonate emotionally with viewers.

Get some creative inspiration from the professional portrait photographers featured below, and tag your own Sony photos with #SonyAlpha for your chance to be featured.

Discover creative techniques to make unique portraits that stand out. Learn how to use lighting, composition, and styling for unforgettable photography.

Scott Robert Lim – @scottrobertlim

Sony Artisan Scott Robert Lim is a professional portrait photographer with a talent for taking a regular portrait to the next level. Just check out these shots he was able to get during a photo walk at Creative Space 2024 using his Sony Alpha 9 III and the new Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master lens. 

Zabrina Deng – @zabrinaxyz

Sony Artisan Zabrina Deng is a wedding photographer with a fashion background, and her portraits often feature unique poses, props and environments. She captured these beautiful portraits using two different setups – the Sony Alpha 9 III and Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, and the Sony Alpha 7R V and Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II.

Dane Isaac – @dane.isaac

Alpha Collective member Dane Isaac has a massive portfolio filled with some of the most unique and beautiful portraits you’ve seen. He has a way of capturing the subject’s personality in his imagery, and we love the unique portraits he took below using his Sony Alpha 7R V paired with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master.

Flo Ngala – @flongala

Talented portrait photographer Flo Ngala creates beautiful people pictures that perfectly capture the subject’s expressions and feelings in the moment. She created the stunning portraiture below using the new Sony Alpha 1 II paired with the new Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master.

Nicolas – @nicolaschae

Nicolas is a travel and lifestyle creator with a knack for capturing authentic portraiture. He created all of these unique portraits at Creative Space 2024 using the new Sony Alpha 1 II and Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master.

Ronny Garcia – @_ronnygarcia

One way to create a unique portrait is by playing with shadows and light, like in the images below created by Ronny Garcia with the Sony Alpha 7 IV and Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. “I crafted this image in my studio, using a play of light and shadow to elegantly accentuate the silhouette. By illuminating only the model’s face, I invite the viewer to understand the entire composition through this subtle yet powerful highlight.”

Cassidy Lynne – @cassidylynne

Well-known wedding and portrait photographer and content creator Cassidy Lynne shoots in a documentary-style to capture those beautiful, unscripted moments. She switched to Sony awhile ago and after using the new Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II, she says the lens is one of her favorites—just look at the bokeh!

Sebastián Tan JH – @quetzalcoatlst

Creator Sebastián Tan JH captures stunning travel portraits and footage from all over the world, often incorporating bold colors and light into his work. He took these neon portraits in Tokyo using his Sony Alpha 7 IV and Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 

Ashlyn Daisy – @justthedaisies

Wedding and portrait photographer Ashlyn Daisy creates unique portraits 
She created these unique portraits using two Sony Alpha cameras and two Sony primes – the Sony Alpha 7R IV with the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II, and the Sony Alpha 9 III paired with the Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master.