If you’re a portrait photographer, you’ve probably heard of the Brenizer Method. 

This technique, invented by wedding photographer Ryan Brenizer, allows you to create images with a shallow depth of field and a wide angle of view, resulting in stunning, cinematic portraits.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Brenizer Method, exploring its history, its benefits, and its challenges. 

We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the Brenizer Method to create your own breathtaking portraits.

What Is The Brenizer Method?

The Brenizer Method is a photographic technique that involves taking multiple shots of a subject and then stitching them together in post-processing. 

The resulting image has a shallow depth of field and a wide angle of view, similar to what you might achieve with a medium format camera or a wide-angle lens.

The technique is named after its inventor, Ryan Brenizer, who first used it to create stunning wedding photos. 

Brenizer was inspired by the work of cinematographers who used multiple cameras to capture large scenes, and he wanted to achieve a similar effect in his own photography.

While the Brenizer Method was initially used for wedding photography, it has since been adopted by portrait photographers across a variety of genres. 

The technique is especially popular for environmental portraits, which showcase the subject in their natural surroundings.

How To Use The Brenizer Method

Using the Brenizer Method can be challenging, but with practice and patience, you can achieve stunning results. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Brenizer Method:

Step 1: Choose Your Subject

The first step in using the Brenizer Method is to choose your subject. 

Ideally, you’ll want to select a subject that’s relatively still and won’t move around too much during the shoot.

Step 2: Choose Your Lens

Next, you’ll need to choose your lens. 

The Brenizer Method works best with a fast, wide-angle lens, such as a 35mm or 50mm lens with a wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/1.8). 

This will allow you to achieve a shallow depth of field and blur the background.

Step 3: Set Your Camera Settings

Once you’ve chosen your subject and your lens, it’s time to set your camera settings. 

Set your camera to manual mode and adjust your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve the desired exposure.

Step 4: Take Your Photos

Now it’s time to start taking your photos. 

Begin by taking a photo of your subject, making sure to focus on their face or another key feature. 

Then, move your camera slightly and take another photo, making sure to overlap the previous shot by about 30%.

Continue taking photos in this manner, moving around your subject and capturing different angles and perspectives. 

Be sure to take enough photos to cover the entire scene.

Step 5: Stitch Your Photos Together

Once you’ve taken all of your photos, it’s time to stitch them together in post-processing. 

There are a variety of programs you can use to stitch your photos together, including Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft ICE.

To stitch your photos together, import them into your chosen program and follow the instructions to merge them into a single image.

Once you’ve merged your photos, you can adjust the exposure, contrast, and other settings to achieve the desired look.

Benefits Of The Brenizer Method

The Brenizer Method offers a variety of benefits for portrait photographers.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to try the Brenizer Method:

  1. Shallow Depth of Field: The Brenizer Method allows you to achieve a shallow depth of field, which can create a beautiful, dreamy effect in your photos.
  2. Wide Angle of View: The Brenizer Method also allows you to capture a wide angle of view, which can be especially useful for environmental portraits.
  3. High-Quality Images: By taking multiple photos and stitching them together, you can create high-quality images with more detail and resolution than you might achieve with a single shot.

Challenges of the Brenizer Method

While the Brenizer Method offers a variety of benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Here are a few potential difficulties you might encounter when using the Brenizer Method:

  1. Time-Consuming: The Brenizer Method can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to take multiple photos and stitch them together in post-processing.
  2. Technical Expertise: To use the Brenizer Method effectively, you’ll need to have a good understanding of camera settings, exposure, and post-processing techniques.
  3. Movement: If your subject moves during the shoot, it can be difficult to stitch your photos together seamlessly.

The Brenizer Method – Summary

The Brenizer Method is a powerful technique for portrait photographers who want to create stunning, cinematic images.

By taking multiple shots and stitching them