Questions relating to portraits: lens choice, lighting, posing, retouching, photographing groups, newborns.
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 ...
18
votes
5answers
1k views
Is it worth it to have the 50mm f/1.8 Canon lens?
Is it really useful to have a fast prime lens for portrait photography, considering a low budget? If it is, what about the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II?
I have an entry level 18-55mm lens and a Canon 20D. ...
53
votes
10answers
2k views
How can I get my portrait subjects to look natural and drop the cheesy smile?
I am surprised by how many people automatically put on a cheesy smile when I point a camera in their direction.
Please share any tips / techniques / links that might help me get better, more ...
18
votes
6answers
831 views
How do I manage good photos of babies and kids?
Apart from the strain they create by not sitting in one place while in photo shoot, kids do make nice subjects for pictures.
I have been trying various scenes, props, etc., to get the best out of my ...
8
votes
4answers
672 views
Why buy an intentionally soft lens?
While reading some reviews of older lenses, I keep reading "It's soft wide open, but that's not always a problem with portraits." Over my rather short time in photography thus far, I've come to ...
19
votes
7answers
12k views
How much should an amateur charge for a portrait session?
I am fairly new to photography and have done a few high-school senior sessions of friends here and there. I have been getting more and more requests to photograph families, seniors, etc. and am ...
18
votes
5answers
3k views
How do I set up a home portrait studio area in zero space?
I live in a small urban apartment with my wife, two children, two cats, a goat, and a flock of chickens. Or, at least it feels like that sometimes.
I'd like to set up an area for basic portrait ...
10
votes
6answers
3k views
What is a good Canon lens to take portraits?
I have a Canon T2I, and also a good prime lens (50mm / f1.8) but I cannot seem to take close up portraits like I see in magazines. Do I need a better lens?
7
votes
3answers
5k views
What is the definition of portrait photography?
Can we talk about a portrait photograph if, let's say, a grandmother and her 3-year-old grandchild are in the picture? Or, must it be only one person in the photograph?
104
votes
7answers
12k views
What are the best techniques for photographing overweight people?
I'm not the most lean person on the planet, and many pictures seem to really point this out. While I wish I was simply in better shape, it is simply not the case for me or unfortunately, many ...
16
votes
8answers
8k 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 ...
24
votes
4answers
692 views
Tips for photographing a wedding
I guess this comes up for most of us that are known by friends as "the photographer"... I've been asked to be the official photographer at a wedding.
I think I have the equipment sorted. I have my ...
12
votes
6answers
11k views
Should I use a 100mm Macro lens as a portrait lens?
I am specifically considering using the Canon 100mm Macro as a portrait lens. If I want to have a macro in my bag, but not carry around a 70-200 2.8 due to weight, size, white color, or price if it ...
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 ...
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 ...
11
votes
5answers
1k views
What is a portrait lens?
I hear this term used pretty often. Does it refer to a specific focal length? Or very low F-number? What does a lens need to have in order to be considered "portrait lens"?
5
votes
5answers
2k views
What aperture should I use to photograph people and why?
What f/# do you use to photograph people, and why? I know this varies from shot to shot.
Let's suppose that you are photographing either a single person or a couple, that it it outside on a somewhat ...
23
votes
4answers
2k views
In portrait photography, what is a “catchlight”?
In portrait photography, what is a "catch light"?
Is it good or bad?
How do I produce or avoid them?
Are some kinds better than others?
19
votes
4answers
3k views
Tips for taking headshot self-portraits?
I need to do some headshots of myself for a gig I have coming up. My initial thought was to use a plain light background (as you see in many studio shots), but I've had some advice to use a dark ...
13
votes
3answers
3k views
What are the different kind of light modifiers and their uses?
Particularly with an emphasis on studio setups and portraits, what are the different kind of light modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas, etc) and what are they used for?
For bonus points, what kinds of ...
21
votes
4answers
732 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 ...
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
...
8
votes
1answer
259 views
What steps do I need to take to deconstruct the lighting of a portrait?
In general, what steps should I take to deconstruct the lighting on a portrait that somebody else took?
Are there certain things I should look for that provide visual clues?
What can I look for ...
14
votes
1answer
5k views
What is split portrait lighting?
Ok, so I got interested enough in the other lighting setups, what is split portrait lighting and when is it appropriate to use?
8
votes
5answers
3k 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?
...
26
votes
5answers
888 views
Is there a trick to shooting large group portraits without blinkers?
When shooting large group portraits, is there a trick to getting everyone to not blink (other than taking many shots)?
12
votes
5answers
997 views
What is the best techinque to smooth skin?
I am toning a senior portrait right now and am wondering what the best skin smoothing technique is. Think glamor. I know how to take care of blemishes, but I'm looking to enhance that silky skin look.
...
9
votes
3answers
398 views
How can I make nice, professional looking corporate portraits?
I have been asked to shoot a couple of portraits at work for a conference brochure. I am a keen amateur but never really shot corporate portraits.
I will use a Nikon D40 and the 50mm 1.4G.
I am ...
6
votes
5answers
594 views
How can I hold my face in the same place for a month long daily self-portrait?
I want to take a self-portrait every day over a period of a month. I want to turn these photos into an animation, so it is important that the face is in the exact same position on each shot (the ...
4
votes
2answers
302 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
749 views
Is AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G lens good for both macro and portrait photography?
I'm thinking of buying a macro lens am considering the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR.
Is this lens really good for portraits? Where can I find sample pictures taken with this lens? Is ...
0
votes
2answers
774 views
Should I choose the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D or AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G for my Nikon D5100?
I have D5000 DX body and planning to buy a fast lens. I'm stuck on choosing between "AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4D" and "AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G".
I was quite leaning towards 50mm f/1.4D, as I had plans ...
25
votes
3answers
1k views
What portrait posing rules do you recommend for studio photography?
What portrait posing rules could you recommend for studio photography?
How to pose (and not to) the head, body, hands, wrists, waist, hips, legs?
In what categories can the models can be divided ...
16
votes
5answers
3k views
What equipment is required for a home studio?
I'd like to convert a room downstairs into a home studio to do mostly portrait/fashion/pet photography. I have a few strobes, softboxes, and stands, but that's it. What are the bare basics needed to ...
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 ...
18
votes
5answers
689 views
What are some effective techniques for photographing subjects who wear glasses?
What are some effective techniques for photographing subjects who wear glasses?
I am sorting out my collection of digital images as I install new software, and find there are many images that would ...
16
votes
2answers
582 views
How do event photographers balance “spontaneous” snapshots versus well-executed shots?
I am not a professional photographer, but I often play at "event photographer" for family events and sometimes informal work events. I find myself struggling with a desire to capture candid snapshots ...
8
votes
6answers
563 views
What's a decent lighting kit for getting started with portraits?
I've done mostly nature photography up to this point but later this month a friend is having a birthday and she just had a daughter so I wanted to take some father/daughter portraits.
So now I'm ...
20
votes
10answers
7k views
How can I make short people look taller in photographs?
I was browsing some great shots from Herb Ritts and came across this photo (NSFW). It seems like the legs of the woman appear longer in relation to her body. Is this an effect of the lens used?
...
12
votes
3answers
576 views
How to light spontaneous portraits?
I currently am in Singapore for an exchange year. The architecture here is impressive, the lights at night are wonderful, but what I find to be the most interesting are the people. You can find people ...
17
votes
7answers
4k views
What is a great portrait lens for Nikon (under $1000)?
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D90 and use the kit 18-105 lens and a 50mm f/1.8. Mostly I shoot as a hobby but lately I've been asked to do some family and engagement shoots. The 50mm is ...
14
votes
3answers
565 views
What are good techniques for photographing newborns?
As the proud parent of a new baby, I am eager to take beautiful pictures of my newborn daughter. However, I've found that although it is easy to get stunning pictures of older babies, the charm of ...
13
votes
3answers
1k views
How do I achieve smooth light falloff in portraits?
I'm having trouble getting a nice, smooth light falloff when shooting portraits. If you look at the left side of David Hobby's beautiful portrait, thats the effect I am trying to achieve. I have ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
Is a 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 a good lens for portraits in low light?
I only have one lens right now. It's the Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. I think this lens is great when the lighting conditions are right but in low light I usually have to result to flash.
...
7
votes
4answers
235 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 ...
7
votes
3answers
643 views
Do I need a written model release to enter a street portrait in a competition?
I've taken a street portrait photo (here) that I'd like to enter in a competition (the Sony World Photo Awards). I asked the man in the shop if I could take his photo, and he was more than happy for ...
5
votes
3answers
935 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
...
13
votes
3answers
457 views
Use a shot list or not?
When planning a portrait shoot, should I use a shot list (a preplanned list of shots) or focus on letting creativity take over rather than planned shots? A hybrid approach?
What do most pros use?
13
votes
2answers
3k views
How to pose and arrange people in a group shot?
What are good standard poses for group shots of 3 or 4 people and how can I arrange folks so that they don't just look like they're 'standing around'?
10
votes
2answers
928 views
How should I approach people to take their portrait?
I recently saw a photographer's project on-line, where he takes 1 portrait each day of a total stranger. The project along with countless hours of looking at Steve McCurry's work sparked some interest ...
