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Tutorial

Best Aperture for Portraits

By Marcus ReidUpdated September 12, 2026

[Demo data — development only. Specifications are illustrative; editorial copy is sample content.]

For single-subject portraits, f/1.8–f/2.8 gives a pleasingly soft background. For groups, stop down to f/4–f/5.6 so every face stays sharp.

M

Written by

Marcus Reid

Staff Writer

Marcus writes about technique, education and the business of photography.

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