What equipment for portrait photography?

F

Ferj

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,655
Edit My Images
No
I really enjoy shooting people out on location and am gaining experience in this area. I currently use a Canon 40D & 50mm f1.8 lens and a Lencarta reflector. That's all the gear I have.

My question is this, what should I save up for next an additional lens (thinking the L 70-200 f4 or an 85mm) or other gear like tripod, Canon strobes etc?

I don't want to go into studio photography as I love being outside!
 
It depends, are you happy doing natural light portraiture or do you want to throw strobes into the equation and start mixing flash light with ambient?
 
Strobes can give you a different effect. You can control the light in a more precise way. You can use them as a fill, second light, overpower the sun, just to illuminate some details you want, softbox, beauty dish, snoots... If you go for strobes, don't forget you'll need the light stands, adapters, triggers, etc...
And you don't need them to be canon strobes. If you buy a cheap trigger system, your camera wont be able to communicate with the strobe. If that's the case, an used Nikon one is a better option, as they are better build.
Still, i would recommend to go mid level. Yongnuo has some great triggers that will allow ttl and control the flash from your camera (if your camera has that option). That way, if you position the flash in a difficult place, you can zoom, change the power, change the mode, etc, from camera.

But a strobe it's not necessary the best option. If you look for a more natural feeling, the flash can take that away.

I'm not a big fan of the 70-200 f4. I would go to the 85 or tamron 90macro.
I would buy a macro only if doing close up and have a great make up artist. For casual portraits, it may be a little too much.

The 50mm in your camera is almost an 85. Don't you feel the need to open the image with a wide angle lens?
http://pedro-antunes.com/albums/black-princess/
Some times, the wide angle give's you a different view on the space and helps you frame the subject on the space.


Well... In the end you have to see what YOU need. If what you have is working for you, why would you need to buy something else?
 
I think that with your current gear you'll be able to take some great shots in natural light.

My guess would be that sooner or later you'll want to "push the envelope" and start supplementing the ambient light with flash. You don't need a staggering amount of kit to do this and, as you can see from of the pictures posted on this forum, the results can be very good.
 
I use 2 bodies for all my outdoor shoots, one with either a 50mm or 85mm prime and the other with a 70-200.

This works for me, so I'd suggest you get an additional 40D body which is plenty capable and go for a 70-200 too. When I used Canon I had the f4 version and it was superb (lighter than the 70-200's too).

When you feel you might want to add some OCF then you can get some dramatic results with a single speedlite, you don't need to spend a fortune.

Just my opinion though as there's plenty of variations and you haven't mentioned budget :thumbs:
 
Thanks all! I actually have some RF 602's a yongnuo flash & some gels. I've done a lot with OCF in the past.

Personally I prefer natural light, (feel like I'm swearing by saying that!) although I know a lot of people seem to look at that as less skilled or in some way beginner-ish. I just prefer the look!

I'm not so keen on the wide angle but a interesting idea.

Would I actually notice a big difference between the 50mm & 85mm when using them or are they too close in terms of field of view?

Re budget it's going to be lowish anda case of saving, but saving for the right thing!
 
Last edited:
you can get old manual lenses remmber :), more enjoyable to use too

get a reflector that has zebra gold, or expensive one with more mixing options, really nice colour you get from that. i got a 7 in 1 ex pro that has silver-gold mix for under 20quid.

i like the effect a holga lens gives sometimes

and 60mm + on a crop sensor is nice, longer is better for the more rounded people about
 
Pingu666 I hadn't considered using manual lenses would they be EF lenses or what sort should I look for and might they damage electronics?
 
Ferj said:
Pingu666 I hadn't considered using manual lenses would they be EF lenses or what sort should I look for and might they damage electronics?
Click to expand...

Unless you want to mess about with a mount converter, you can't use manual lenses on a 40D.

Edit: unless you are talking about the likes of Samyang etc - personally I've never seen the point in them.
 
DemiLion said:
Unless you want to mess about with a mount converter, you can't use manual lenses on a 40D.

Edit: unless you are talking about the likes of Samyang etc - personally I've never seen the point in them.
Click to expand...

Nice one thanks! I can't really be bothered with converters etc I like to be a bit of a minimalist when it comes to carrying gear.
 
You can use flash to create natural looking portraits. Have been reading about speedlite photography by Syl Arena. Have a look at a B&H video on youtube (there a few all about 1h45 long and they're pretty much the same content).
 
For me the most important bits are a WILLING model, good rapport before during and after, and some ideas how you want the finished picture to look. Apart from a camera the rest is just STUFF to help you get there or make it easier.
 
I'm not a big fan of the 70-200 f4. I would go to the 85 or tamron 90macro.

If you are talking about the 85mm 1.2 you might want to consider the 70-200 f2.8 mrkII for around the same price for the versatility. It's a fantastic lens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top