STOP Shooting Portraits with the Wrong Lens – Full Test Revealed (35mm to 135mm Test)
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In portrait photography, your lens isn’t just a tool—it’s a creative decision that defines how your subject is seen. Different focal lengths don’t just crop tighter or wider—they shape faces, alter proportions, and control how much of the background becomes part of the story.
Thinking any lens will “do the job” is a mistake. A 35mm can distort features; a 200mm can compress them. The difference isn't subtle—it's fundamental.
If you want to move beyond average portraits, you need to understand how your lens influences perception. Great portraiture starts with intention, not impulse. Choose your glass like it matters—because it does.
This video dives deep into the profound impact of focal length on portrait photography, breaking down how lens choice impacts distortion, compression, and the overall feel of an image. By exploring different focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, photographers can gain a nuanced understanding of how to use their lenses as a creative tool to tell a more compelling story.
Practical Application: Choosing the Right Lens for the Situation
So, how do you put this knowledge into practice? It's about making a deliberate choice based on your creative vision.
- For full-body or environmental portraits: A focal length in the 50mm to 70mm range can be a great starting point. It offers a balance between capturing the subject and their surroundings without the extreme distortion of wider lenses. The video's example of shooting a full-body portrait with a 50mm lens showed how it still required the camera to be held at a higher angle to avoid distortion, whereas a slightly longer lens like a 70mm or 85mm allowed for a more natural, eye-level perspective.
- For headshots or tighter portraits: The sweet spot is often in the 85mm to 135mm range. These lenses are ideal for close-up shots because they minimize distortion and provide excellent compression and bokeh, making your subject look their best. They create a flattering, natural look that is perfect for professional headshots or intimate portraits.
- When to use wide-angle lenses: While not ideal for close-up portraits, a wide-angle lens (like a 35mm) can be used creatively for portraits where you want to emphasize a sense of place or add a dramatic, slightly distorted perspective. The key is to be aware of the effects and use them intentionally, perhaps by placing the subject slightly off-center to avoid the most extreme distortion.
Conclusion: The Power of Intentional Choice
The ultimate takeaway is that there is no single "best" lens for portraits. The best lens is the one that helps you achieve your creative vision. By understanding the distinct effects of different focal lengths—from the distortion of wide-angle lenses to the compression and flattering perspective of telephoto lenses—you can make informed decisions that transform your portrait photography. Each lens has a unique way of seeing the world, and by mastering their use, you can shape the emotional feel and visual narrative of your images. It’s an empowering knowledge that turns a technical decision into a powerful artistic choice.
1 comments:
I started photography in 1973 and (yes) I used a 35mm SLR. I'm glad you went through all that you did and showed the results. Back in the day, the rule was 135mm for portraits. I carried that over into DSLR portraiture. I had a number of people tell me to use 55mm and "zoom with my feet." I hope you opened a lot of eyes! Looking at your results, I am more likely to use my 28-75 f/2.8 for portraits. Thanks for the good work!
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