The most successful portraits take us well beyond the surface of how someone looks and show us the inner essence of who someone is. They reveal character, soul, and depth. They uncover hidden hopes and profound truths, revealing that authentic and deeply human light that shines within. And while technical expertise is undoubtedly important, it’s not the light, camera, or pose that creates a great portrait. It’s you, and it’s the connection you create with the subject that makes all the difference. In , photographer Chris Orwig teaches you that the secret to creating meaningful portraits is simple: curiosity, empathy, kindness, and soul…plus a bit of technique. While Chris spends significant time on the fundamentals of “getting the shot”—working with natural light, nailing focus, dialing in the correct exposure, effectively posing and directing the subject, intentionally composing the frame—he also passionately discusses the need for personal development, creative collaboration, and connection with the subject. Because who you are directly and deeply affects what you create, and it is only through cultivating your own inner light that you will be able to bring it out in your subjects. Filled with instruction, insight, and inspiration, is an honest and personal book about creating better frames. It’s also about becoming your best self. Take the journey, and you’ll learn to find your vision and voice, bring intention to your photography and your life, embrace mystery, and understand the importance of gratitude and empathy. Along the way, you will teach the camera to see in a way that replicates how you feel, and you’ll find you have all you need to create work of lasting significance. TABLE OF CONTENTS 01: Authentic Portraits02: Beneath the Surface03: The Paradox of Portraiture04: Harmony and Discord05: Thread06: The Search 07: Light and Soul08: Invisible Light09: Defining and Cultivating Soul10: Silence11: Wabi Sabi 12: Finding the Perfect Portrait Lens13: Exposure Settings14: Seven Principles of Natural Light15: Working with Natural Light 16: Finding Subjects17: Finding and Approaching People You Want to Photograph18: Pre-Shoot Prep19: Preparing Yourself20: Photograph People, Not Labels 21: Defining Your Directorial Style22: Practical Posing Tips23: Connecting with the Subject24: Unlikely Inspiration for Connecting25: The Four-Step Approach 26: Composition27: This to That 28: The Other Side of the Lens29: Courage30: Inner Art31: Gratitude32: FAQ33: The Journey AheadThanksImage DetailsIndex