Tips on how to capture portrait photos using different lenses

//Tips on how to capture portrait photos using different lenses

Are you having problems in capturing portrait photos with the lenses you have? Don’t worry because it’s something every photographer has struggled from time to time and there are a lot of ways to maximize you gear in getting that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Here are some tips in capturing portraits using different kinds of lenses.

 

When using a telephoto lens for full body portrait photos, make sure you’re far away from your subject for proper framing and composition

When using a telephoto lens for full body portrait photos, make sure you’re far away from your subject for proper framing and composition

 

Telephoto Lens

For most photographers, having a telephoto lens is the ultimate answer when capturing portrait photos. That’s because this lens gives you definite control over your depth of field to separate your subject and give it a dreamy feel to your photo. But of course, using a telephoto lens can be different to the shooting style you’ve been used to.

Whether you’re using a zoom or a prime, a telephoto lens is at its best when there’s enough distance when you’re shooting your subject. Always remember to take a step back, dial in the correct settings, and compose your photo properly. Once you’ve done this, capturing amazing portrait photos will a piece of cake.

 

Normal Lens

A normal lens, one in between the 35 and 50mm focal length range, offers a good depth of field and a healthy working distance for your shooting technique. Of course, when it comes to amazing bokeh, nothing beats a telephoto lens. This right here, is the next best thing folks.

In the event you’re shooting with a normal lens, make sure it has a fast aperture to give your shots that signature look you’re aiming for. In that case, a fast prime is your best bet. And since it’s has a normal field of view, composing your shots won’t be hard at all. Just make sure to place your subjects in a good light and background and the rest is as good as done.

 

Wide Angle Lens

This is where it gets tricky folks. Using a lens that’s wider than 35mm can really challenge you as you take portrait photos because of its distortion and deep depth of field. That means this lens can make your subjects look wider and you won’t be able to blur the background the way you would want it to be.

Now, don’t you worry because you can still be creative with this lens. All you have to do is find a really good location and include it in your composition. That way, you can go wide and incorporate a creative angle when it comes to your image using different elements in your background. It could be a really detailed building, stunning landscapes, or huge artworks that can give your portrait that edge it sorely needs.

Plus, having a deep depth of field can also be useful when taking photos of 3 or more people. With a wide angle lens, you need not worry about blurring out those in front or at the back of your group portrait anymore. This benefit will surely come in handy for your family portrait photography skills.

In the event you’re shooting group portraits, stop down your aperture and place your subjects in a single line to ensure everyone is focused.

In the event you’re shooting group portraits, stop down your aperture and place your subjects in a single line to ensure everyone is focused.

Super Telephoto Lens

There are not many photographers out there who utilize a super telephoto lens when shooting portraits. With its huge size, heavy weight, and enormous price tag, only a chosen few get to take photos with this kind of lens. Nevertheless, the same wisdom using telephoto lenses apply. Just make sure you’re far away from your subject, illuminate them well, and snap away. What you’ll end with is a photo with a shallower depth of field and a flatter image that will flatter your subject more.

 

Macro lens

Using a macro lens to capture portrait photos is an unconventional choice. But, if used properly, can unleash a different world in a creative sense. With a macro on your camera, you can go closer and take intimate headshot using an angle you can’t achieve with other lenses. You can also crop your subject’s face and take photos of their eyes and smile to give your image a sense of intrigue and mystery. Whatever you do, you’re sure to find new ways of shooting portraits you haven’t done before.

 

Having a fast normal lens will come in handy for your portrait photos when the sun goes down and good lighting can be a challenge.

Having a fast normal lens will come in handy for your portrait photos when the sun goes down and good lighting can be a challenge.

 

Of course, there are other ways to make your portrait photos stand out. These include a set of lights, props, a unique location, and so much more. If you think, there’s much more you can do when taking portraits with your camera, do let us know in the comments below.

 

 

By |2017-03-07T23:57:14-08:00January 27th, 2017|Categories: Gear and Tools|7 Comments

About the Author:

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As a child, I've always been in love with stories and how it can change my idea of the world. As I grew older and got my first camera in 2008, I learned to translate that love of stories into photographs of anything and everything I’ve encountered. Since then, I’ve always made it a point to inject a sense of wonder and creativity into every shot I take. Eventually, it lead me to a whole world of amazing possibilities - weddings.
 I first started way back in 2010, learned under some of the best wedding and portrait photographers and never looked back since. This paved a path towards something that fulfills me artistically and keeps me sleepless at night with all the amazing ideas floating in my head. I love the thrill of weddings and the nostalgic atmosphere the day brings upon my creative side.