gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

If you have photoshop, you should be able to use it to fix the distortion using the body warp tools.

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Really guys - I think Elf or Ed is trolling you all.
I mean really - look at all the responses.
Like kicking a beehive.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

It is possible to make a portrait with any focal length. If the portrait is "year book style" then FF 80-100mm lens is appropriate. If one uses wide angle lenses for portraits (likely showing something of the environment) it is important not to get too close to the face as an unflattering perspective will result. Not all portraits are "year book style"

Photocraig

Search Youtube for portrait with EF-S 28mm Pancake. The lens will deliver a nice rendering IF used properly and shot at a distance that minimizes the perspective distortion of teh subject. You will also notice, even the head and shoulders type portraits keep the subject in the center of the frame, include a lot of the surroundings which could be called an "environmental portrait." The edges of teh frame, yup, including top and bottom, are where you will see the perspective distortion most pronounced. Here the crop tool can be your friend.

On the alleged offensive comment, There are many cause of human feature distortion that may appear as "bloat." ALL the more reason it must be discussed before a scheduled portrait session. When a portrait "session" is scheduled, physical conditions which may cause unflattering effects for the subjects should be mentioned, almost in passing. IF it is an issue with that subject, they'll be sensitive to it and they'll catch the drift. These are not limited to just facial puffiness but also skin discoloration etc. There's also Body feature distortion, which can result in the Pillsbury Dough boy" look of an otherwise normal person. When we're shooting real people instead of professional models, this real life stuff is in play. Like every photograph (vs snapshot) a portrait needs to be planned. Just as you wouldn't shoot a rose bush with deteriorated roses and no leaves, neither should you make a portrait when your subject isn't at his or especially HER best.

In addition, while a large max aperture is best for outdoor portraits where a blurred or 'dropped out" background is desirable to keep distractions away from the portrait subject, Even in a home informal studio with flash, you will rarely find yourself shooting at minimum apertures, because 1) the flash sync demands for shutter speeds in the 1/100 sec range and 2) you should be able to control the background in a "studio" and 3) the limited depth of field leads to in focus eyes and soft noses and ears. The longer subject to camera distances outdoors "helps" mitigate this effect somewhat.

This is short and practical amateur to amateur stuff. I noticed and didn't read E.L Shapiro's links. E.L is one of our most accomplished pro members, and he's one of our very best 'splainers. Be SURE to read his links. I'm goin' there now.
C

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Very well could have depending on how close you were
to the subject.

Gaddysmom

Newtoyou, thank you for the apology. Good call on your part.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

That is why I don't do portraits.....I get the same problem.
You will need to investigate Portrait Photography. The skills for doing this well...isn't necessarily the same as landscape macro etc...
Each aspect/genre of photography needs different settings/lens/aperture range/light source etc.

At family events I use my point and shoot rather than the DSLR. As the majority of images will be of people I simply set it to the portrait option and leave it for anyone to pick up and shoot. That way there is no 'formality' about photography at a family gathering. In fact the choice of what to photograph by family members can be very amusing!

If you are setting out to do lots of Portraits etc - you probably need to 'read up' a bit as members giving you 'their thoughts' will not allow you to fully engage in portraiture.

Have fun - all 'problems' are learning experiences.

allenetheridge

I concur

Ekeeton

This is the correct answer.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

You gotta use “Quote Reply” for us to know what you’re talking about.

elf

Well folks, this is the third time that I have been chastised for asking a question. I am sure that the majority of you are good people but I have no interest in hearing from the minority. I have enjoyed most of my time with you but I have had enough. goodby Ed

Vincejr Loc: Northern Kentucky

Don't go.the most of us know what you mean.

blanam Loc: Detroit

Yep.

Stephan G

Thank you for presenting the reality of life. Too often political correctness strikes at the cost of understanding of the realities in life.

The questions were germane to the issue at hand. Especially when no samples were provided.

Haydon

Short lighting the face naturally slims. Off camera flash would be a benefit to you.

Despite what others have said Joel Grimes shoots tight with a 24 mm and his images are amazing. He knows exactly how to position his lens to reduce the distortion and use it at the same time. It's not for everyone but it can be done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt7ajMAiQaQ