Portraits

[Nathaniel]

Hi! I have been requested to take a portrait of a "dignitary". Which lens should I use;- 50mm f.8 or 17-35mm f2.8 or 24-105f4

Many thanks
Nathaniel

[colin C]

Re: Portraits

Not the 17 - 35mm, it will tend to give them a large nose and thin face.

50mm would be good, but on balance I would use the 24 - 105 at the longer end. I find the sitter is a little more relaxed because you are further away and not invading their space. It also gives a more flattering perspective, so two reasons to use it.

Colin

[celtex]

Re: Portraits

Hi Nathaniel,

don't know if you are hoping to use natural day light or your flash - but if you need to borrow a second 430 - I am not a million miles away.

With the pop-up on either of your cameras, as the master, you could tirgger both speedlites off-camera for fill in/rim lighting etc - I have a small light stand and shoot-through white umbrella also

they are here if you need them

Ian

[Nathaniel]

Re: Portraits

Thanks Ian. Much obliged. Most probably, it will be in good light. The dignitary is none other than my Bishop; he has actually given me a lot of free rein re photography in church without disturbing the worship.

[Colin]

Re: Portraits

Nathaniel, I agree with Colin. Have a look at this blog article http://fotos-espana.com/?p=186 it compares the effect of different focal length lenses on the same model. I think you might find it surprising, I know I did when I first saw it.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Portraits

Thanks Colin. Very surprising and informative. I am now sure of the two lenses I will use- the 50mm and the 24-105 using both my camera bodies.