Photography hacks: urban portrait photography is all about turning ordinary—or even unattractive—locations into powerful, eye-catching images. You don’t need a glamorous backdrop to create stunning portraits. In fact, some of the most memorable shots come from transforming unexpected spots into unique canvases.
Recently, I found myself shooting in front of a plain chain-link fence. Not exactly the kind of background you’d expect for high-fashion portraits, right? But with a creative mindset, thoughtful lighting, and smart angles, this “ugly spot” became the perfect setup for urban portrait photography.
Equipment Used:
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF28-70
Light: Westcott FJ80 II
Team:
Photographer: Sal Cincotta
Model: Violet Deardorff
Makeup & Hair: Brandi Patton, ReFine Beauty
Using Leading Lines for Impact
One of the first things I noticed about the fence was the natural leading lines. They pulled the viewer’s eye straight into the frame, adding depth and interest. By centering my subject and keeping those lines symmetrical, I could create a powerful composition that elevated a simple background into something striking.
Shallow Depth of Field + Off-Camera Flash
To control the mood, I shot wide open at f/2.0 with an off-camera flash (FJ80 II). The flash allowed me to darken the ambient light while keeping my subject beautifully lit, creating contrast between her and the gritty environment. This mix of shallow depth of field and controlled lighting gave the image a high-fashion edge.
Playing with Angles
Urban portrait photography shines when you’re willing to experiment. I worked from a low angle to elongate my subject’s body and give the portraits a bold, editorial feel. Shooting through parts of the fence added texture and created unique framing around the face, drawing attention to the eyes.
Overcoming Challenges
Working with chain-link fences can be tricky. The flash sometimes hit the fence, casting unwanted shadows, so I adjusted the light placement and even switched to manual focus when autofocus struggled with the pattern. These small tweaks made a big difference in the final results.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, urban portrait photography is about creativity and adaptability. A chain-link fence isn’t glamorous, but with the right vision, it can become a dramatic, fashion-forward backdrop. The key is to use lighting, perspective, and composition to your advantage.
Next time you’re out shooting, don’t overlook those “ugly spots.” With a little imagination, they might just help you create your best work yet.
F/2.0, 70.0 MM, iso:50, 1/800 S
