The Right Lens for Portraits: I am new to the site and sadly, not much of a photographer. I am about to take photos of each family in my church for a directory. The directory pictures...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

The Right Lens for Portraits

Page 1 of 3 next> last>>

Mar 9, 2012 14:34:42 #

dadcowell Loc: Myrtle Beach SC

I am new to the site and sadly, not much of a photographer.

I am about to take photos of each family in my church for a directory. The directory pictures are very small but I plan to give each family a 4/6.

Any way, I'll use my Canon t3i and I own the efs 18-55 that came with it, an efs 55-250 and my newest purchase, the Canon efs 10-22.

Since the 10-22 is so much better than the 18-55, I'd love to use it. Do I need to worry about distortion from a distance of about 6'? Would I be better off sticking with the 18-55?

Bill

Mar 9, 2012 14:41:36 #

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

Taking portraits with a wide-angle lens can be done but it's tricky and many times will distort peoples faces just enough to make them unhappy. I'd go with the medium telephoto that you have and shoot between 85 and 150 mm. That should give you pretty pleasing results.

Mar 9, 2012 14:43:33 #

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

dadcowell wrote:

I am new to the site and sadly, not much of a phot... (show quote)

Yes, wide angle lenses accentuate protrusions like a nose. Zooming a little flattens them out. This is not subjective but rather fact.

I don't have Canon equipment but Nikon's favorite Portrait glass is one that has the field of view like a 105mm in 35mm film. So figuring a crop factor would drop back to the Nikon 85mm. This is why Nikon make a 85mm De focus control lens .... especially for portraiture.

Mar 9, 2012 15:33:54 #

dadcowell Loc: Myrtle Beach SC

Great,

Thanks for that specific feedback. I'll do just that.

Mar 9, 2012 15:35:16 #

dadcowell Loc: Myrtle Beach SC

Thanks,

That makes sense. I'll just give myself a little more room and try that out.

Mar 9, 2012 15:38:25 #

snowbear

Use the 55-250. You should be fine at the shorter end, from 55mm to 70mm. A good rule-of-thumb is twice the "normal" lens. On the Canon's sensor, that comes out to be about 62.5mm.

Mar 9, 2012 16:00:46 #

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Your post says "photos of each family"
Are you shooting family groups or individuals?

Another consideration is lighting.
How will you do that?
..sorry to leave you hanging on this, but I'm going out of town shortly.

dadcowell wrote:

I am new to the site and sadly, not much of a phot... (show quote)

Mar 9, 2012 16:05:39 #

dadcowell Loc: Myrtle Beach SC

Familys are mostly groups of 2 to 4 people. Some singles and some groups of 6 or 7.

Lighting is from overhead fluorescents.

Mar 9, 2012 16:10:04 #

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Your post says "photos of each family" b... (show quote)

Yes Stick with the 18-55 .... 55 would be best

Mar 9, 2012 16:13:43 #

snowbear

Sorry, I missed that part. Probably the 18-55mm using the high end (from 35-55mm). Not sure what you can do with lighting.

Mar 9, 2012 16:18:40 #

snowbear

I would go there a few days early and get some test shots to get a feel for the set up. If needed, you may be able to add some inexpensive lighting with a couple of clamp-on work lights (local hardware store) and compact fluorescent bulbs (the curly-ques), though that isn't full proof.

Mar 9, 2012 16:24:51 #

dadcowell Loc: Myrtle Beach SC

Thanks much.

Mar 9, 2012 16:34:33 #

jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

here is an interesting look at "portrait lenses" http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/portrait-lenses.htm

Mar 10, 2012 06:55:19 #