Focal length with portraits
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Terrywoodenpic
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It was always said that using a 90mm on a 35mm camera gave the most natural rendering of a face.
A wide angle used close to the subject enlarges those parts that are closest like "Noses"
Much longer than 90mm can help to put the background further out of focus, but they tend to flatten features, which for people with flat round moon faces is not good.
The reality is, it is the distance you are from the subject that causes these effects as the perspective changes with view point, not focal length.
A wide angle used close to the subject enlarges those parts that are closest like "Noses"
Much longer than 90mm can help to put the background further out of focus, but they tend to flatten features, which for people with flat round moon faces is not good.
The reality is, it is the distance you are from the subject that causes these effects as the perspective changes with view point, not focal length.
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jryans10
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G.K.Jnr.
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Have a look here: http://www.lesjones.com/2011/06/15/effect-of-lens-focal-length-on-portraits/
There's an example pic with a series of tight headshots shots ranging from 19mm to 350mm.
There's an example pic with a series of tight headshots shots ranging from 19mm to 350mm.
Terrywoodenpic
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To see the real effect you need to see 3/4 views not straight on.
shots taken higher and lower than eye level also show the distortions caused by view point rather better.
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Disregarding image quality for a second, obviously as outlined above there are reasons to use different focal lengths.
Personally I like to use an 85mm lens for portraits for one they allow you to be closer to your subject than say at 200mm and it is much easier to give direction.
Personally I like to use an 85mm lens for portraits for one they allow you to be closer to your subject than say at 200mm and it is much easier to give direction.
Willid1
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I seem to spend most of my time photographing my 2 boys who are 4 and 8.
I often find myself at 200mm on my 7D as they are both considerably smaller than an adult, and often about to commit some dastardly deed (not camera friendly mostly) so a bit of space is good.
Like this, OK not quite a portrait but you get the idea
LR_1500_high-2018 by david.williams221162, on Flickr
And this one, a bit more of a portrait
IMG_3843_1200_wide by david.williams221162, on Flickr
David
I often find myself at 200mm on my 7D as they are both considerably smaller than an adult, and often about to commit some dastardly deed (not camera friendly mostly) so a bit of space is good.
Like this, OK not quite a portrait but you get the idea
LR_1500_high-2018 by david.williams221162, on Flickr
And this one, a bit more of a portrait
IMG_3843_1200_wide by david.williams221162, on Flickr
David
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Willid1
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The nose certainly looks distorted on that last one David.
Yes, those L lenses are rubbish
David
As said above the difference is due to camera to subject distance.
Largely the relative distance of parts of the subject. For example, a very close up headshot may have the subjects nose halfway between their ears and the camera. Being much closer it looks much larger. Great for artistic effect, not so flattering
As the camera gets closer the more the sides of the head fall out of view. If you get close enough the angle of view will only allow you to see the front of their face, the ears out of sight.
The same happens with full length shots. Stood next to someone, shooting from eye level, their head will be proportionally closer to the camera thus look larger and out of proportion with their legs.
Using a longer focal length forces you to step back putting parts of your subject a more equal, flattering, distance from the camera. Roughly speaking; 50mm (general,) -180mm (tight headshots,) is considered ideal.
As Terry said above, going longer shortens the apparent distances between points of your subject. Although not as dramatic as the 'wide angle' effect it is noticeable if you're looking for it.
This effect can also be used to make (groups of,) people look like they stood closer together.
Largely the relative distance of parts of the subject. For example, a very close up headshot may have the subjects nose halfway between their ears and the camera. Being much closer it looks much larger. Great for artistic effect, not so flattering
As the camera gets closer the more the sides of the head fall out of view. If you get close enough the angle of view will only allow you to see the front of their face, the ears out of sight.
The same happens with full length shots. Stood next to someone, shooting from eye level, their head will be proportionally closer to the camera thus look larger and out of proportion with their legs.
Using a longer focal length forces you to step back putting parts of your subject a more equal, flattering, distance from the camera. Roughly speaking; 50mm (general,) -180mm (tight headshots,) is considered ideal.
As Terry said above, going longer shortens the apparent distances between points of your subject. Although not as dramatic as the 'wide angle' effect it is noticeable if you're looking for it.
This effect can also be used to make (groups of,) people look like they stood closer together.