BetterPhoto Q&A
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Just starting out

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January 29, 2001

What camera you are using doesn't matter as much as focal length, lens quality, film and lighting.

Focal length:
The traditional focal length range for the type of work you are describing is 85mm to 135mm. The reason is the depth of a person's head and the perspective you get if you move in too close with a shorter lens. The perspective from a modest telephoto looks more natural.

Lens Quality:
The OEM prime lenses in the 85mm to 135mm range for either of these cameras should be fine.

Film:
I suggest using a professional film specifically made for portraiture and wedding work. These films are noted for exceptional color accuracy and excellent skin tones. Try Kodak's Portra 160 and Portra 400 (I prefer the NC, although the VC is OK), or Fuji's NPS (160) and NPH (400). Among the B/W films, Kodak's Tri-X is a classic.

Lighting:
There are reasons good portrait studios have sophisticated lighting setups. Lighting is the most important aspect of a head/shoulders portrait. I suggest you find a book at a large library near you discussing various basic lighting techniques for portraiture, indoor and outdoor. Look for examples of what lighting placement does to the image. You may wish to start outdoors. The best days for portraiture are often overcast, If there is direct unobscured sunlight, work in "open shade" on the shady side of a building. The light under these conditions is soft (highly diffused) and does not cast sharp, distinct shadows. Nor does it make the subject squint. Outdoors, strive for the diffused light coming at least somewhat from the side, not from directly behind you, and you don't want it coming directly from above. If you find a good outdoor portrait location, lighting direction will change with time of day, and this will dictate when it is best to use the location.

-- John

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February 06, 2001