Capturing stunning portraits isn’t just about the right lens or lighting—it’s also about how you use your camera’s built-in features to enhance the final image. Many modern cameras come equipped with different in-camera styles or picture profiles that can drastically change the look and feel of your portraits before you even start editing. Understanding how to leverage these settings can help you achieve a variety of creative effects straight out of the camera. What are in-camera styles? In-camera styles, also known as picture profiles, picture styles, or creative modes (depending on your camera brand), adjust the way the camera processes colors, contrast, sharpness, and saturation. These settings can save you time in post-processing by applying a particular aesthetic directly to your images. Not all cameras have these built-in styles, so it’s a good idea to check your camera’s manual to see what options are available to you. Common in-camera styles for portraits While the exact names of these settings may vary across brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm, most cameras offer similar in-camera styles that can enhance your portrait work: 1. Standard / Natural 2. Portrait Mode 3. Vivid / Landscape 4. Monochrome / Black & White 5. Neutral / Flat 6. Sepia / Retro 7. Cinematic / Log Profiles How to choose the right style for your portraits When selecting an in-camera style, consider the mood and setting of your portrait session. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind: Customizing your camera styles Most cameras allow you to tweak in-camera styles further. You can adjust parameters like: Experimenting with these settings lets you fine-tune the style to match your vision. Final thoughts Using in-camera styles for portraits is a great way to enhance your images without extensive editing. While not all cameras offer these features, those that do can help you achieve a polished and professional look with minimal effort. Take the time to explore your camera’s settings, test different styles, and see which works best for your creative approach. Also using these camera style with raw images does not affect the final output, but that can be often matched in Lightroom. Remember, every portrait session is unique, and the right in-camera style can help you tell your subject’s story more effectively. Happy shooting!