Along the journey from newbie to experienced professional, we all pick up countless tips and tricks—some learned from others, some discovered through trial and error—that become part of our photography toolkit.

Today, Kris Anderson holds portraiture titles from around the world, but 15 years ago… well, let’s just say Kris was a complete and utter dork. Over time, through experience, he’s developed an array of techniques that make his portrait sessions fun, engaging, and highly effective.

In this lively session, Kris will share twenty hard-earned lessons from his career. We’ll cover client interactions, setting boundaries, effective communication, and creating an environment of trust and confidence. You’ll also discover ways to develop your skills and grow into the photographer you want to be. Each lesson will be illustrated with examples from Kris’s portraiture—both the triumphs and the learning moments.

Most of these insights boil down to one central idea: the one thing that’s critical to creating powerful, impactful portraits.

And here’s what we won’t be talking about: lens choice, shutter speeds, filters, lighting modifiers, or blend modes. This isn’t a technical session—it’s about building your approach, developing how you relate and communicate, and learning how to make your clients and subjects feel comfortable, confident, and amazing.