Portrait photographers
Dec 2, 2013 09:16:06 #
Yeagerfamily
Loc: Pa
Ok anyone out there take portrait photos mainly pics of people is my focus so I'm shopping around for a camera and reading lots of reviews on all kinds of cameras... What mega pixel is best for this and what is the best zoom. I've taken many pictures in my lifetime but my goal is to buy the camera that works best for this... I'd like to hear what experiences people here have had and that there willing to share w me 
Dec 2, 2013 09:24:45 #
Blaster6
Loc: Central PA
Anything above 10M will be good so that means just about any DSLR. Portrait pics are generally in controlled light so all the fancy features of some cameras are not needed but you should invest in some good lighting.
A good prime lens of at least 50mm on a crop or 85mm on a full frame is ideal. Many use zoom lenses and something like a 70-200 works well and is useful for other things too.
If you really just want to do portraits just find a good deal on a camera, get good glass, some lights, and Adobe Lightroom.
A good prime lens of at least 50mm on a crop or 85mm on a full frame is ideal. Many use zoom lenses and something like a 70-200 works well and is useful for other things too.
If you really just want to do portraits just find a good deal on a camera, get good glass, some lights, and Adobe Lightroom.
Dec 2, 2013 09:30:46 #
Dec 2, 2013 09:31:42 #
Many cameras will work. Depends on how large of prints you want to print out as far as megapixels go. I would definitely get a camera capable of shooting RAW format as well as JPEG and also a good photo imaging software program or two for post processing. The glass (lenses) are extremely important! That is almost more important than the camera. 😄
Best Regards,
Tom
Best Regards,
Tom
Dec 2, 2013 09:34:35 #
Dec 2, 2013 10:15:29 #
Yeagerfamily wrote:
Ok anyone out there take portrait photos mainly pics of people is my focus so I'm shopping around for a camera and reading lots of reviews on all kinds of cameras... What mega pixel is best for this and what is the best zoom. I've taken many pictures in my lifetime but my goal is to buy the camera that works best for this... I'd like to hear what experiences people here have had and that there willing to share w me 
Just about anything works in the case of gear...any entry level DSLR or mirrorless would do the trick.
As for lenses....85mm to 200mm would be a good range to stick in for portraits.
Dec 2, 2013 10:21:06 #
Dec 2, 2013 10:32:08 #
Blaster6
Loc: Central PA
Looked back through the replies and noticed we are all saying the same thing but not explaining why.
A longer focal length tends to compress the face and make a person appear more attractive. A wide angle (smaller number) lens tends to distort or stretch out the middle of the face and that is not a good look. That is why you will sometimes see portraits being shot with a long zoom such as a 70-200. A higher quality lens that can open up to 2.8 or less (smaller number=bigger opening) makes it easier to blur the background.
Megapixels are pretty much irrelevant in any modern camera for any size you are likely to print and is mostly just used as marketing hype.
A longer focal length tends to compress the face and make a person appear more attractive. A wide angle (smaller number) lens tends to distort or stretch out the middle of the face and that is not a good look. That is why you will sometimes see portraits being shot with a long zoom such as a 70-200. A higher quality lens that can open up to 2.8 or less (smaller number=bigger opening) makes it easier to blur the background.
Megapixels are pretty much irrelevant in any modern camera for any size you are likely to print and is mostly just used as marketing hype.
Dec 2, 2013 10:45:25 #
As rpavich mentioned, any entry level DSLR or mirrorless will do the trick.
Flash unit, reflector, diffuser, etc.... having a practical array of lighting equipment (and knowing how to use it) will have a greater impact on your portrait photos than what brand/model of camera you use.
Flash unit, reflector, diffuser, etc.... having a practical array of lighting equipment (and knowing how to use it) will have a greater impact on your portrait photos than what brand/model of camera you use.
Dec 2, 2013 10:47:18 #
Canon 5D Mark III & EF 70-200 2.8 II - Expensive but awesome
Canon 6D & EF 50mm 1.4 or EF 85mm 1.8 -Great results with with a budget in mind
Canon 6D & EF 50mm 1.4 or EF 85mm 1.8 -Great results with with a budget in mind
Dec 2, 2013 11:03:18 #
I personally have a Nikon D800, but other models are good as well and you can also go to Canon cameras. Same old story, do you like Chevy's or Ford's.
I really like to use my f/2.8, 24-70mm lens for portraits and I also have a f/1.8 85mm D lens that is excellent for portraits, but discontinued, I believe. There is now a 85mm f/1.8 G lens, but not quite as sharp I'm thinking? The f/2.8 70-200mm lens does a superb job as well.
Many choices, depending on what and where you shoot, inside or outside, and type(s) of lighting equipment and diffusers.
I really like to use my f/2.8, 24-70mm lens for portraits and I also have a f/1.8 85mm D lens that is excellent for portraits, but discontinued, I believe. There is now a 85mm f/1.8 G lens, but not quite as sharp I'm thinking? The f/2.8 70-200mm lens does a superb job as well.
Many choices, depending on what and where you shoot, inside or outside, and type(s) of lighting equipment and diffusers.
Dec 2, 2013 11:13:30 #
Cdouthitt wrote:
Street or studio?
Dont forget what is the size of the studio?
What type of portraits? What I use for boudoir photography in studio differs from what I use for a family session in a field.
Whats your end goal, are you looking to take photos of your own family or are you looking to start a business?
Whats your budget?
Dec 2, 2013 11:45:36 #
Yeagerfamily
Loc: Pa
I'm looking to take photos of family as well as considering starting a business on the side but I'd like to get in plenty of practice w a new camera. I was planning on 4-500$ but maybe more depending what I findout in my research it's a hard decision on what camera to pick. I'm considering taking an online course to findout all the ins and outs of photography. Ive always been interested in taking picks but a career in a field I enjoy would be a dream come true! Are you in business or is it something you just enjoy doing?
Dec 2, 2013 11:53:36 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
You want to start a photography business and you have a budget of $500.00? I think you need to take your photography course, then do your research and then see if you don't agree that you'll need to save a few more dollars. To take portraits and do them well you'll need a camera, at least one good lens, at least some off camera lighting and some way to edit and print them.
Dec 2, 2013 11:57:54 #
um $400-500...better scour the used market for an older body...the tough part will be finding a lens. At that price, it's gonna be manual focus or a nifty 50 prime...but doubtful that's enough to start a side business.
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