Tim Engle 4/1/25 Tim Engle 4/1/25

Why I Don’t Believe in the “Ultimate Posing Guide”

Forget the “Ultimate Posing Guide.” True posing is about authenticity, not memorization. In this post, I break down how I approach posing as a conversation—not a command—and why the most natural movements often lead to the strongest images. Whether you’re a photographer or someone who hates being in front of the camera, there’s something here for you.

Tim Engle 2/2/24 Tim Engle 2/2/24

My Evolution with AI in Photography: A Blend of Art and Technology

As a photographer, my journey has always been about capturing the essence of a moment, playing with light and shadows to tell a story. The advent of AI in creative arts presented a curious blend of possibilities and challenges. Generating images through artificial intelligence seemed like a distant, somewhat impersonal approach to creativity. However, my exploration into this new frontier, mainly through Midjourney, has reshaped my understanding and appreciation of AI's role in photography.

Tim Engle 11/14/23 Tim Engle 11/14/23

The Art of the Gaze: Eye Contact in Fine Art Portraiture versus Traditional Portraiture

Does your subject look at the camera or look away? The direction of a gaze changes everything in portraiture. Sacramento photographer Tim Engle breaks down the difference between fine art and traditional portrait photography.

Tim Engle 6/12/23 Tim Engle 6/12/23

The Timeless Art of Black and White Portraiture

Introduction: Photography is an art form that never ceases to evolve, yet there's a profound depth in the simplicity of black-and-white portraiture that color sometimes obscures. This article explores this timeless medium, with my collaboration with model Morgan and makeup artist/stylist Ernesto Robledo serving as our guiding narrative.

Tim Engle 1/18/22 Tim Engle 1/18/22

Designer Handbags

At the end of last year, I had a fantastic opportunity to work with Mary Frances Accessories to showcase some new handbag designs.

Tim Engle 6/16/21 Tim Engle 6/16/21

Lana

I had a special treat this month and photographed an individual I photographed a few years ago as a model. She has transformed into an actress. Lana is a gorgeous actor out of the bay area.

Tim Engle 7/15/18 Tim Engle 7/15/18

Portrait Shoot Progression

Over the years I've developed a rhythm which allows me to get to know the model, as well as what type of lighting works best for them. This week was a prime example; Emily was in my studio for a portrait session, and while I've worked with her in the past, this was her first portrait session with me. My normal progression is what I like to call, “no make up, makeup, and lighting.” For the no makeup look, I normally just use natural light from an open door. Typically I shoot these on a black background. This allows me to really focus on the subject’s face and learn what lighting and lenses are a good match for them. Once I get these shots done, I have the makeup artist begin the model’s first makeup look. By the time I get the last image, it's typically something a little more complex with the lighting.