Mastering Camera Settings and Lens Choice for Studio Portraits: Tips from Jay P. Morgan

3/22/2023 ISO 1200 Magazine 0 Comments

As a photographer, capturing stunning portraits in a studio setting requires an understanding of camera settings and lens choice. In this video tutorial, Jay P. Morgan shares his expert tips on how to get the most out of your equipment to create stunning studio portraits.

Camera Settings

Jay P. Morgan emphasizes that understanding your camera settings is essential to achieving your desired results. He advises that shooting in manual mode is the best way to have complete control over your settings, enabling you to create the perfect exposure and depth of field for your portraits.

When shooting in manual mode, Jay P. Morgan suggests starting with a low ISO setting, such as ISO 100, to reduce noise and achieve sharper images. He also advises setting the shutter speed to a minimum of 1/125 to avoid camera shake and motion blur.

But generally, I'm going to use f/4.0, which is going to give me the best
depth of field - said Jay P. Morgan -

Lens Choice

Choosing the right lens for your studio portrait can make a significant difference in the final image. We recommend using a prime lens over a zoom lens as they provide sharper images and better low light performance.

For full-body portraits, use a 50mm lens or a 35mm lens if you want a wider shot. For head and shoulder portraits, use an 85mm lens or longer, as they provide a flattering perspective and a shallow depth of field, creating a beautiful bokeh effect.

You may also like: Panoramic Shooting, When You Can't Afford The Hasselblad XPan

About Jay P. Morgan:

With more than two decades of experience, Jay P. Morgan brings to his commercial studio two special qualities: a keen appreciation of the bizarre and a knack for flawlessly executing elaborate shots. New giveaways every month! theslantedlens.com/giveaway

Connect with Jay P. on his Website