Hollyl Loc: Connecticut

Hi All, I could use a little advice on what camera lens to use. I am an amateur photographer and have been given the opportunity to photograph an infant ( soon to be born) . Mom is a friend and very aware I am an amateur. My camera is the Rebel t4i and I have the 18-135 mm lens. I also recently purchased the efs 60 mm canon macro lens and most recently the 55-250 mm zoom lens. I know they are not "the best" lenses but at this point this is what I am working with. I also only have the flash that is on the camera ( until Christmas :). I do know that the baby's nursery is very bright and a relatively small room. I have been doing my research on this type of photography but my question is out of these lenses -which should I use (probably not the zoom)? Any advice would be appreciated.

tramsey Loc: Texas

My money would go on the 60 MM macro, most of your shots are going to be close. Good luck. Post em when you got em :thumbup: :thumbup:

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Peek at this.

http://digital-photography-school.com/choosing-lenses-when-to-use-which-lens-and-why

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I think the 18-135mm would be the best choice for a couple of reasons.
1-You can set it to a focal length of 35mm which will give you a normal view of the subject.
2-You have the option of going wide angle if needed.

DaveMM Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

I would go for the 60mm macro lens. I have used one and it is a very good lens. Also it is a suitable portrait focal length, to keep decent perspective.

Would NOT use the on-camera flash. Rather use a reflector to get more light where you need it and to reduce shadows. If necessary, a large sheet of white cardboard will do the job pretty well.

Also, take some test shots in the room, possibly without the baby so he/she doesn't get stressed, to get the light right.

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Why are you limited to using only one lens? Take the macro and the 18-135 zoom.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

As for the flash, if needed use it. You can always put a thin piece of white plastic over the flash to defuse the light. You know those little cups that come with cold medicine and such? They will also work in a pinch. The idea is to keep the harsh light off the baby. The little pill cups most hospitals use will also work.

Jim D

Cakey Loc: Herts ,England

go for the Macro face feet hands ,switch to the zoom for mum and baby shots

Prof. Dave

Sounds like a fun assignment to me. Allow me, as a professional, to add my comments. People attempting portraiture are so very worried about lens quality and expense. Lenses nowadays are so superior to lenses of the past. Production methods, today, result in very good cheap lenses. Stieglitz used junk and became world famous. Portraits look best if they are not cold and over sharpened anyway. Newer camera chips are super due to the improved use of higher ISOs, thus allowing slower, cheaper lenses to get "on" with things. I have the best lenses but, when travel and creating portraits, I seldom reach for the best glass as a test of my creativity. In fact I have often used softening techniques to break up the harsh sharpness of the better lens. Strap on any lens (preferably something in a telephoto) and go have fun. DSLRs allow you to check some things as you go...so you wont need to worry or fear disappointing your friends. Theyll love your sensitive caring approach to their memories. AND...as for lighting...simply bounce a flash off of the ceiling and, if convenient, have folks wear white and/or place a white baby blanket creatively under their face areas. sweet stuff! As for shooting, window silhouettes are fun also try hands on the tummy and keep things soft and gentle. Do a wide range of tight and not so tight images. Vignette some of the final soft images for a creative effect ....good luck.

ohallboyz Loc: Boston, MA

Definitely use the 60mm macro! You could probably use it for most of the shoot, especially for closeups of fingers and toes. Always cute. Try not to raise your ISO. I would not recommend using a flash on a newborn unless you can bounce it.

Hollyl Loc: Connecticut

I will take both lenses but think I will be using the 60 mm for the most part. I agree no flash if I can help it. Baby due in 11 days :)- excited about both baby and opportunity to photograph him. Thx

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

If you must use your internal flash, tape a single thin layer of toilet paper across it as a diffuser (not double layer cushy paper). Flash will add some softened fill light to the ambient light in the room but won't be as stark and glaring.

I'll repeat, as I have many times before, that 85 to 135mm is the ultimate portrait length but in this rare occasion when the small baby is in very close proximity, 50mm would be advantageous. Since you have a 60mm available and it is a fixed lens, I agree it would be best for this situation. Not because it's a macro but because it's 60mm and likely higher quality glass than your zooms.

Your Canon has pretty good higher ISO performance so you have the potential to shoot at ISO 200 or ISO 400 to capture more ambient light and use far less fill flash - to the point that the flash puts out almost nothing.

Hollyl Loc: Connecticut

I will try the TP.

Hollyl Loc: Connecticut

Did the shoot on Mason at 5 days old. He never slept so all pictures with eyes open. Will post a few later. Hopefully I did capture some cute ones. He certainly was adorable.

Prof. Dave

Toilet Paper??? Using my camera's pop-up, built-in flash I have found a $15 flash diffusor that works wonders for creating soft room light. Its called the SLIDE-ON diffusor and believe me it's magic. I actually got mine free from portrait-world.com by buying something else, but you could ask them. Good luck with your project.