Questions relating to portraits: lens choice, lighting, posing, retouching, photographing groups, newborns.
6
votes
7answers
806 views
How does the Canon EF-S 15-85 IS USM compare to the EF 24-105mm L as an all-around lens?
I am looking for a upgrade from my kit lens to a lens with much more potential, a lens that would be an all-rounder for me.
After some research I ended up with these two in the final list:
Canon ...
0
votes
3answers
147 views
How do I choose a lens that does portraits, star photography and landscapes?
I'm wondering if you can help me to choose between Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle (without IS) and the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Wide Angle Lens for portraits, landscape and star photography.
I ...
13
votes
2answers
4k views
What's the difference between a regular lens and a macro lens? [duplicate]
What is the difference between a 100mm lens and 100mm macro, or 50mm and 50mm macro?
Can we use a macro lens to shot portraits? If yes, what focal length is the best? Please suggest a Canon macro ...
0
votes
3answers
187 views
How can I achieve this look
I've been trying to figure out how to achieve this type of look that this photographer has. I'm not sure what is done in general in order to get this look. Any help would be appreciated.
...
3
votes
5answers
632 views
How were these portrait photos edited to get this look?
3 photos, and I realize perhaps 3 different techniques, but all of them are producing some sort of "unreal" look I don't know how to describe and a skin texture in the 3rd photo (how3.jpg) that I ...
1
vote
5answers
234 views
Background screen for portrait photography?
I'm looking for suggestions for a portrait background (paper/cloth). I have seen photographers using different background screens, but being an amateur photographer I don't want to invest money buying ...
1
vote
2answers
82 views
Anyone suggests Zeiss 100mm f2 macro planar?
I seriously consider Zeiss 100mm f2 ZF.2 macro planar for my Nikon D800. I want to use it for portraits, macros and tight landscapes. Macro ability is a plus but it's not weather sealed so there may ...
1
vote
4answers
618 views
How should I set up my studio to take sharp portraits without shadows with two white umbrellas and one silver umbrella?
What would be the best studio setup using two white umbrellas with lights, one silver umbrella with a light and canon 430ex ii? My goal is to take sharp pictures of people without shadows. I am not ...
6
votes
3answers
426 views
How to best take a group photo with very large differences on height?
My family will be together for the first tome together. We want to take pictures. My family has very tall (6'6") and short (5'2") adults, and 5 kids, ages 1-12. What can I do to make pleasing photos?
7
votes
4answers
218 views
How can I take portraits which seem to capture the essence of a subject I've just met?
I'm pretty good at taking portraits of my family and friends; I know who they are and what they "really" look like. But if I'm asked to make a portrait of someone I don't know so well, I'm often ...
1
vote
3answers
171 views
Capturing an actual portrait and the philosophy behind portrait photography
I've run across millions of sites, books, tutorial videos etc. "about portraits", but most of them break down to lighting and posing (which is as important I guess).
Those are often lacking the ...
5
votes
3answers
920 views
How to take saturated portraits like these (with natural lighting)?
The photographer of these portraits claimed he used a 50mm f/1.8 prime with no special lighting equipment:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5318756409_9f4ec94f5b_z.jpg
...
21
votes
4answers
717 views
When doing portraits, how to get serious insightful expressions?
Professional models know how to produce such expression at photographer command, normal people don't.
Still good photographer are able to get it from famous actors/politicians/sportsmen.
I've been ...
16
votes
3answers
2k views
How to photograph people with a prominent (wide, big) nose?
One of my friends wants me to take pictures of her but she is very self-conscious about her nose (which is relatively wide, Monty Python anyone?).
She wants me to take pictures in such a way as to ...
0
votes
0answers
70 views
sony cameras and low key photography
I have a Sony A57 and a Sony HVL-43 flash. I have been trying low key photography wirelessly, but I am struggling with the settings. I've followed settings from other sources I have found, and I have ...
1
vote
1answer
122 views
What can you accomplish portrait-wise with a small softbox? [duplicate]
What are the most effective ways in which one would utilize a small softbox; the most effective use-cases really that you'd recommend for it? For argument's sake let's call it 8"x9" (20cm X 23cm) in ...
0
votes
0answers
35 views
Modelling/lighting workshops in L.A. / San Diego area? [closed]
I'm interested in advanced workshops or courses covering portrait/modeling photography and studio lighting, mostly focused on composition and lighting techniques.
Does anyone know best resources ...
5
votes
1answer
246 views
How do I guide my model in a portrait session?
How would you guide an inexperienced portrait photographer to guide inexperienced models?
Not friends, but strangers you're shooting under time pressure (they're not getting paid and neither are ...
5
votes
6answers
468 views
Does street photography including children introduce any specific concern?
If one were to take a similar path as Henri Cartier-Bresson in shooting candid street photography today, should they be concerned about laws or other realistic norms of today? I am wondering ...
3
votes
4answers
307 views
How do I get the best results when photographing a christening?
I take some halfway decent photos and have been asked by a family friend to photograph her daughter's christening. I have a Canon EOE350D camera, a 50mm f/1.8 lens and an 18-55mm f/5.6 kit lens, but ...
15
votes
12answers
6k views
What is the best Canon lens (around $500) for taking pictures of my newborn?
I have a Canon T2i, a 50mm f/1.8 and the kit lens (18-55mm).
I'm considering buying a new lens for more flexibility with taking pictures of my upcoming newborn.
I LOVE the 50mm/1.8 lens, but on the ...
0
votes
2answers
380 views
What lens should I purchase for newborn photography with the Canon T4i? [duplicate]
I just purchased a Canon T4i (body only) and I'm looking for good info on which lens to purchase for it. I purchased the camera to take pictures of my newborn & for my dogs inside and outside of ...
2
votes
2answers
322 views
How do the Samyang and Nikon 85mm portrait lenses compare?
I'm looking to buy a 85mm portrait lens for for my D7000. My budget is around $300-400.
I've currently shortlisted the following two lens:
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
Samyang AE 85mm f/1.4 (the one with the ...
2
votes
5answers
111 views
Aperture priority mode in high speed lens while photographing more than one person
I use 50mm f/1.8 lens(with Canon T3i) for portraiture. It's quite easy when only one subject is involved :Open the aperture wide, focus on the eyes(most of the times) and you get a nice portrait.
How ...
10
votes
4answers
7k views
How do I take a good portrait for a CV or resume?
I would like to do a photo for my CV, and I was wondering of what I can do to make it look the best. What are the important aspects to keep in mind?
Specifically:
Focal length
Lighting
Background
...
2
votes
1answer
87 views
What's the best way to get thumbnail portrait shots for a company intranet? [duplicate]
I'm after a fool-proof way I can get some thumbnails of people for a corporate intranet.
We've had professional shots done for most, but as new people are starting we're taking shots (with an ...
33
votes
5answers
12k views
Why do pro photographers use huge lenses to take portrait shots?
Every time I see a photoshoot video on youtube, the photographers have the biggest lenses I have ever seen in my life to shoot portraits or full-body shots.
For example, the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 ...or ...
3
votes
3answers
430 views
How to avoid unflattering facial distortion when using a slightly wide angle lens?
A 35mm prime on a full format body (or 24mm on cropped) is a great lens to walk around with. But when one gets too close to someone to take a picture, invariably some of their features are ...
9
votes
4answers
709 views
How to avoid tired eyes in a portrait?
I noticed some portraits I took had heavy shadows under eyes:
It turned out the model had experienced some sleep deprivation, though the eyes didn't look that bad in real life. I suspect lighting ...
0
votes
2answers
190 views
What to buy for macro and portraits? (D5100) [duplicate]
I have a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
I am an amateur interested in:
1. macro - insects, flowers, objects.
2. portraits- love blurry backgrounds, focused and unfocused body ...
8
votes
5answers
506 views
Should both eyes be focused in a portrait?
I'm a hobby photographer, and I've just picked up "rules of thumb" and "tips&tricks" here and there.
I have a 50mm f1.4, and I love it.
But due to the extreme shallow depth of field (at f1.4), I ...
13
votes
8answers
7k views
What do I need to get photos with a unifom black background (not with post)?
Often i see portraits such as the one below and like the way they look. I wanted to know can I get this look in my shots.
I am sure there are professional materials you can get to outfit a studio ...
7
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I get a really black background? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What do I need to get photos with a unifom black background (not with post)?
How can I get a pure black background when taking portraits, just like in following picture?
...
2
votes
2answers
167 views
Which portrait lens should I buy next for my Nikon D3100? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Which focal-length lens is usually used for portrait photography, and why?
Should I choose the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D or AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G for my Nikon D5100?
I have ...
26
votes
10answers
4k views
Which focal-length lens is usually used for portrait photography, and why?
What focal length or range of focal lengths are usually used for portraits?
What is used by professionals? Why would one select a certain focal length? What are the advantages and disadvantages of ...
5
votes
2answers
253 views
Is there a difference between using a telephoto or wide-angle lens for portraits? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Which focal-length lens is usually used for portrait photography, and why?
Assuming a similar aperture, what difference would you see using a 50mm, 85mm, or telephoto ...
1
vote
3answers
208 views
Will a short focal length cut it for indoor event photography? (Context: It's Crowded, Dark, Has Mixed Lighting, and Requires Walking Around.)
Short version: What primes are good walk-around lenses for an indoor, dark, crowded environment where you'll be taking pictures of individuals or small groups ad-hoc, walking around and stopping in ...
6
votes
3answers
452 views
What are the techniques for taking portraits using a tilt shift lens?
Like many others, I have been a great fan of Ryan Brenizer since a long time. Though I have never tried the Brenizer method of panaromic portraits in my professional photography assignments, I still ...
1
vote
4answers
284 views
How to take a portrait with dramatic bokeh circles when the subject is close to the lights?
I used 50mm @ f1.8 to take a portrait snap. Light source (fancy lights) was near to subject (~3-5ft). I couldn't get bokeh with big circles with the subject there, but without the subject I could get ...
5
votes
1answer
266 views
What is important when taking a professional profile picture?
What considerations are especially important when taking a headshot for a professional networking site such as LinkedIn? Obviously, all normal good photography techniques apply, but are there any ...
4
votes
2answers
194 views
Is having a lens with vignetting a real world negative for portrait lenses?
After reading this answer for another post:
I don't mind the vignetting as it actually improves the look of portraits however if you're doing astrophotography what's the point in a lens that's ...
2
votes
3answers
220 views
Is it possible to obtain portraits free of charge in exchange for letting the photograper use the photos for his/her book?
I'm looking to get some portraits of my nieces. They are good-looking girls but their mother (my sister) cannot afford to pay for a photo session.
I've heard that it is possible to arrange a setup ...
19
votes
12answers
12k views
How do you get the eyes extremely sharp in the photo?
I am trying to take pictures of my son (2.5yrs) and my other family members. They come out pretty well and sharp but when I see the portraits posted on Flickr and other sites, I have noticed that many ...
24
votes
6answers
2k views
Is it practical to shoot portraits by only candlelight?
Is it practical to shoot portraits in candle lights, only, provided there is no flash around? If yes, then for portrait shots, where and how should one place the candles? Are there any specific ...
4
votes
2answers
212 views
rotated images appear 'squashed' on digital frame
I hope I can explain this in a way that makes sense:
Using a Nikon D70s I have taken photos with the camera held in the vertical (portrait) orientation -- think of taking a photo of a flagpole.
When ...
2
votes
3answers
212 views
What equipment should I use for up close shots?
I need some help and if anyone can guide me without making it too complicated I will be very appreciative.
Background
I have a Nikon D3100 and I am very much interested in close up shots and ...
4
votes
2answers
296 views
How to find models for portraiture?
So far, portraiture has not been my main area of interest, but I do find many portraits fascinating and would like to develop myself further. Across time, I've gathered various theoretical knowledge ...
9
votes
4answers
4k views
How do I get rid of shiny skin with Lightroom?
For photos taken with my Point & Shoot camera, the flash often leave people in the photo with a 'shiny skin' effect. Other than not using the flash (or at least moving the flash off the ...
3
votes
3answers
2k views
What Nikon lens for both macro and portrait?
All three lenses are available at a local store near me:
85mm 1.8 at about 400USD
85mm 1.4 at about 1000USD
105mm 2.8 at about 1015 USD
I plan on doing macro and portrait photography and have the ...
12
votes
6answers
2k views
Where can I find posing guides & resources online?
What resources are available online to give ideas for poses. Is there some type of catalogue of common poses?
