Currently, I enjoy photography as a hobby, but would like to start taking more professional looking pictures. I usually take most of my photos of my family and friends and am interested in tips and techniques for good portrait photos. My mother is interested in purchasing a magazine subscription for me for Christmas and I was thinking that a good portrait photography magazine would be nice to have if there's one out there. Last year, I got a magazine subscription that was basically all about the gear (cameras, lenses, filters, flashes etc) and it wasn't what I was expecting. Any recommendations?

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there isn't a magazine that specialises... you might need to look at a book that is about portrait photography... practical photography is a good magazine though...

Yes I agree with the previous post, you would be better to buy a book (or two) dedicated to the subject. As there are different styles on portrait photography, there are lots of books out there. Try a search on the internet for books under your desired style and look at the reviews they have received. Books are written by acclaimed and experienced photographers with individual styles. Magazines are great for inspiration and often to the odd snippet on techniques but are not rich in enough detail to be a study aid.

I do some portrait painting and have found inspiration in the paintings of famous portrait artists of the past, such as John Singer Sargent. 1940's black and white movies have some great scenes that show lighting techniques.