Portrait photos have a quality where every detail matters. The facial expression, the light falling on the skin, the depth of field - everything that looks good on screen can look even better when developed, as long as a few important things are taken care of. Developing portraits requires a slightly different approach than developing landscape or reportage photos, so it is worth knowing what to pay attention to.
Preparing the file for developing
Before sending a portrait to be developed, it is worth making sure the file has the right resolution. For a sharp result in standard formats, a minimum of 300 dpi is recommended. With portraits, sharpness around the eyes is particularly important - they draw the viewer's attention first, both on screen and on paper. If the photo has been edited, it is worth checking that skin tones look natural, because screens can display shades differently from print. A slight brightening of shadows and a gentle warming of tones is often enough to make the portrait look just as good on paper as it does on a monitor.
Choosing paper and format
Matte paper is an excellent choice for portrait photos - it does not reflect light, so the face in the picture looks natural from every angle. Premium prints are especially recommended here, as they offer a richer tonal palette and deeper blacks, which is hugely important for portraits with dark backgrounds. Glossy paper has its advantages too - it enhances contrast and colour vibrancy - but with portraits it can be less forgiving of retouching imperfections.
As for format, portraits look best in proportions close to the original frame. Cropping a portrait photo can disrupt the composition, so before ordering prints it is worth checking how the chosen format will affect the framing. The 13x18 format is a classic choice for framed portraits on a desk, while 20x30 works brilliantly as a wall decoration element.
A well-developed portrait is more than just a photo - it is an object that draws attention, stirs emotions, and can change the character of a room. A portrait of a loved one hung on a wall or placed on a sideboard becomes part of everyday life, rather than another file forgotten in a phone gallery. A little attention during preparation and the right choice of paper are all it takes for the final result to be truly impressive.
