 Alex Cabrall |
Can I make this work? This is a purely technical question, ignoring skill/weather/etc. A few of my friends have asked me if I would take their senior pictures for them. I work with a used Canon T90, an old breechlock 50mm f/1.8 lens, a used tokina 70-210mm lens, and polarizing filters. Not the newest kit, but I've tought myself how to make it sing and dance for me, even in Alaska. Assuming I went out and got some decent portrait film, Could I take their pictures? (please, no comments on the SHOULD. that's my problem.) Would It be helpful to buy a 85mm lens off ebay? any feedback of any kind would be wonderful, thank you.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Shauna Linde |
Alex- I don't know a THING about your specific camera, but I bet just about anything that takes a picture would do for taking the photos-- it's how YOU work with it that makes them turn out (for the most part) in my opinion. My first camera was a Pentax K1000 with a 50mm lens from the Pawn Shop. I took a TON of pictures of friends, family members etc. for my classes when I finally came to the conclusion that I was pretty good at portraiture. That's when I actually started shooting pictures for others- I did my brother-in-laws senior pictures, engagement photos for family friends and so on.. All with the same little camera. I really think you could do this with just a standard lens-- Your friends obviously feel comfortable enough around you to ask you to do this for them, I doubt that standing a bit closer to them if you have to (than you would using an 85mm) is going to make them uncomfortable and make your job harder. I was reading that you can get distortion of facial features using a 50mm that is minimized with the 85mm, but I haven't noticed this in my work...
|
|
|
|
||
|
Connie Niehaus |
I agree with Shauna. I just use my 50mm lens for portraits. The ones that turn out best are the ones from a different angle or point of view. The next best thing I could say would be to get to know your subject, if possible, before the shoot (which, apparently, you do!). Some will look most like themselves when they're laughing, others when they're in a more solemn mood. I also take a lot of shots--if the kid's feeling a little goofy, I snap before the pose is all set up. If a fly zooms in the frame and the subject waves their hands, I snap. Besides relaxing everyone, they're good to put in the package of proofs--I like them to have fun remembering the whole shoot.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Bob Cammarata |
There's more to formal portrature than what camera and lens you will be using. You should also have a working knowledge of lighting and backgrounds. If you are shooting outdoors, try to position your subjects in the shade to eliminate harsh shadows. The 50 mm should work fine.
|
|
|
|
||
- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
What's being in Alaska got to do with anything?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Tom Walker |
I agree with everyone except on using the 50mm, how close will you be? a head and shoulders shot should be fine but with a face only you'll get some big noses..Tom
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||