Wide Angle Lens For Portraits?
"Never use a wide angle lens for portraiture". I read this again and again and it's not completely true.
Lenses wider than around 50mm introduce distortion which is increasingly visible when the subject is closer to the camera. Longer lenses such as 85-105mm show much less of this, and longer than that a certain amount of "compression" is introduced. Headshot photographers tend to use longer lenses but unfortunately, it seems headshot shooters are very vocal online and love to repeat their anti-wide-angle mantra. The misconception is that wide angle lenses shouldn't be used for any portraits, rather than for headshots.
Once your framing gets wider than head and shoulders, and if you shoot from the right angle, distortion becomes less obvious. A wide angle lens can give a great sense of environment, as well as feeling far more intimate. Ideal for glamour photography.
Model: Vajola
Nikon D750. Nikkor 28mm 1.8. Reflector camera right.
I'm going to love your posts, I'm no photog, but I do model on occasion and am not shy in front of the camera. Maybe I can give my next producer some of these tips ;) <3
I just googled you. Yeah, you're not shy at all. LOL
Oh, fuck LMAO
I mean my username is what it is on here for that reason..I just didn't expect someone that takes such breathtaking photos to google my porn :X I'm legit blushing hahaha
Wide angle lenses particulary work well for full length portraits where you're trying to work in the environment to help tell the story of the portrait. Some of my best portraits have been done with a 20mm lens. The only thing that sometimes makes it strange is how close you have to get to make these sorts of shots work!
Absolutely. I think 28mm is the widest I've used with Full Frame. Would love to try a 20mm some time. Agreed with the point about getting close and the shot still working. One of my favourite shooters Andre Josselin uses wide angles up close all the time and with the right model, in the right place, it looks fantastic.
I don't know much about photography, but it seems to me that wide angles can be super sexy :)
thank you for share your knowledge with us.
Rules are meant to be broken, but you have to know why.
"First get your facts straight, then distort them at your leisure." ~Mark Twain
Also, I recently had a good experience with a wide lens for portraits. It was the sigma 30mm 1.8 Art Lens. Granted, it is designed for crop sensors, but the vignette is not obtrusive when using it on a full frame. The vignette is very creamy.
Couple of test samples I shot with that Art lens in the backyard. I rented one for a wedding I shot the day after.
Didn't expect it would perform so well on FF. Very impressive!
i also believe the rules are meant to be broken @winstonwolfe!! i break them almost ever time i pick up a camera...and sometimes....its awesome..
I love wide angles for portraits, 20mm & 24mm work a treat: especially from a low perspective. Yes they create distortion, but in some situations that's just what you want - keep it freaky people! (I've always wanted a proper 180 degree fisheye, but can't justify the money for something so niche).
Btw, your shot's looks grand. You work with some fantastic models!
Thanks for the comment. Yeah from a low angle, a wide angle can make legs look really long. i love that look.
I was avidly read your post but as I scrolled down......... I somehow became distracted ;)
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Lenses are The most important thing on a camera...too bad the good lenses are soooo expensive. Good shot, and nice colour combi :)
It's all about perception to me..... i'll use the 17-40 on a portrait shoot on occasion to give a little variety... you just never know..the angle might be just right ;).... man.. i miss all the good conversations..