What the World’s Best Portrait Photographer Taught Me

📢 Sponsored by Wotancraft Bags– Check out my go-to camera bags: https://tinyurl.com/5cwvnxua If your portraits feel technically solid but emotionally flat, this video is for you. In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked elements in portrait photography: capturing real expression and posture—the things that truly bring out a subject’s personality. As a photographer with a background in photojournalism, I’ve spent years perfecting light, context, and composition. But posture and expression? That’s where the emotional connection lives—and it’s something I had to relearn. To sharpen this skill, I turned to one of the greatest portrait photographers of all time: Richard Avedon. His minimalist setups—plain backdrops, natural light, large-format cameras—put all the focus on character. More importantly, his process for engaging with subjects helped him capture real moments that went beyond poses. This episode breaks down what made Avedon’s work so effective—and gives you practical tips to apply in your own portrait sessions today, whether you’re shooting editorial work, personal projects, or just building your portfolio. 👇 Explore my online mentoring, 1:1 coaching, and December photography workshop in Vietnam. Limited spots available! Coaching, Workshops, Gear Reviews, Photography Tips https://www.askmottbyjustinmott.com Wotancraft Bags https://tinyurl.com/5cwvnxua Portfolio http://www.justinmott.com Commercial Portfolio http://www.mottvisuals.com My Ultimate Gear Guide https://www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/my-favorite-pro-photography-gear Presets https://www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/presets #portraitphotography #avedon #richardavedon #portraittips #photographyeducation #expressiveportraits #photographypeople Join this channel to get access to exclusive content, access to my monthly photo competition/assignment, weekly members-only live streams and much more. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cwfSfapW2uLCXGGmQFR4g/join