Spring is a season of softness, renewal, and subtle beauty. The light becomes gentler, nature awakens, and everything feels a little more alive — making it the perfect time to create portraits that feel both natural and atmospheric.
For this series, I worked with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II paired with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM — a combination that allowed me to move freely between intimate portraits and more dynamic, environmental frames.
Here’s how I approach spring portraits — both creatively and technically.
Spring Portraits: Capturing Light, Movement and Mood with Canon
A Guide to Spring Portraits by Sofie Hammer
© Sofie Hammer.
1. Let the light guide you
Spring light is soft, but still directional — and learning to read it is key.
I typically shoot during early morning or late afternoon, where the light naturally wraps around the subject. With the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, I can confidently shoot in changing light conditions while maintaining both detail and softness.
My go-to settings:
- Aperture: f/3.5
- ISO: 250-400
Tip: I often position my subject with the light coming from behind or slightly from the side to create that soft, glowing edge.
Four children standing together on a tree-lined path beneath blooming cherry trees as a photographer captures their portrait, photographed with a Canon EOS R1 and Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM. © Sofie Hammer
Photographer crouching on a road holding a Canon mirrorless camera, with blooming cherry trees softly blurred in the background, photographed with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM. © Sofie Hammer.
2. Create intimacy with the 85mm lens
The 85mm is my go-to for spring portraits. It allows me to isolate the subject and create a soft, dreamy background — perfect for capturing emotion and detail.
Using the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, I can shoot wide open while still maintaining sharpness on the eyes, thanks to Canon’s precise Eye AF.
Technical approach:
- Aperture: f/3.5
- Eye Detection AF enabled
- Continuous shooting for movement
Result: A cinematic, intimate look where the subject stands out naturally from the surroundings.
Four children standing beneath a flowering tree in a green outdoor setting, reaching up to touch pink blossoms, photographed with a Canon EOS R1 and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. © Sofie Hammer.
Close-up portrait of a child looking toward the camera with cherry blossoms and greenery softly blurred in the background, photographed with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. © Sofie Hammer.
3. Add versatility with the 24–70mm
While the 85mm creates depth and softness, the 24–70mm allows for flexibility and storytelling.
With the Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM, I can quickly shift between wide environmental shots and tighter portraits without changing lenses — ideal when working with natural movement and changing light.
How I use it:
- 24–35mm for environmental portraits
- 50–70mm for natural, documentary-style frames
Tip: This lens is perfect when you want to include more of the location — blossoms, textures, and atmosphere.
Four children walking together along a paved path lined with blossoming cherry trees in soft natural light, photographed with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM. © Sofie Hammer.
4. Let movement shape the image
Spring portraits should feel alive.
Rather than directing rigid poses, I guide movement — walking, turning, interacting with fabric or surroundings. The Canon EOS R5 Mark II makes it easy to capture these moments with fast autofocus and high-speed continuous shooting.
Technical setup:
- Servo AF (continuous autofocus)
- Eye AF enabled
- Shutter speed: 1/800 – 1/1600
Tip: Don’t be afraid to shoot a lot — the best frames are often found in between movements.
A child walking along a paved path holding cherry blossoms, with flowering trees arching overhead and green park surroundings softly blurred in the background, photographed with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. © Sofie Hammer.
5. Use layers and depth
One of my favorite techniques in spring is shooting through elements — flowers, branches, or fabric. This creates a soft foreground blur and adds depth to the image. With both the 85mm and 24–70mm, you can experiment with layering in different ways.
Tip:
- Shoot wide open for maximum depth
- Place elements close to the lens for a more pronounced effect
6. Keep colors soft and natural
Spring is all about subtle tones.
I always shoot in RAW and keep my colour palette light and organic in post-production.
My workflow:
- Slightly lift shadows
- Lower contrast
- Soften greens and yellows
- Keep skin tones natural
Tip: Slight overexposure in-camera helps achieve that light, airy feel.
© Sofie Hammer.
7. Trust your flow
The most important part of any portrait is the feeling.
When the subject feels comfortable, everything else follows. I always aim to create a calm and intuitive space where moments can unfold naturally.
With a setup like the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and my go-to lenses, I don’t have to think too much about the technical side — which allows me to stay present and focused on the story.
Spring is not just something you see — it’s something you feel.
So take your camera, step outside, and let the light, movement, and mood guide you.
© Sofie Hammer.
Related products
-
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
RF 85mm F1.2L USM tilbyder kompromisløs skarphed til portrætter samt fremragende ydeevne i svagt lys og kreativt potentiale. -
- Spar dkk1800
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Giv din spejlløse fullformat-fotografering en professionel kant med en 24-70mm-zoom med en hurtig blænde og 5-stops billedstabilisering. -
-
EOS R5 Mark II
Fang øjeblikket med et kamera, der blander fantastisk hastighed med utrolig opløsning og enestående 8K-video. -
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
En professionel hverdagszoom i L-serien, som leverer høj billedkvalitet med en konstant f/2.8-blænde. -
EOS R1
Vær på forkant med vores nye EOS-flagskib – bygget helt fra bunden til at levere utrolige hastigheder
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