Light Light Light
Portraiture is one of the most enduring and popular forms of photography, likely because it speaks to the most fundamental part of human nature: our need to connect with one another.
Whether it is a formal studio portrait, a location shoot, or a candid street shot, the image of a human face holds a facination for us
Lighting is the creative force that defines the character of the subject, and the overall feeing that the image suggests to the viewer.
Different lighting varies highlights and shadows to shape facial features, emphasize texture, and direct the viewer’s eye to the most important elements
24-70mm lens at 45mm
1/125 f7.1 iso 100
Lenses - Studio Portraits
My workhorse lens for studio work is a 24-70mm which has great versatility
The wider end (24mm to 35mm) allows me to capture dramatic shots and themed portraits that incorporate the studio set, while the the long end (70mm) provides the compression and flattering perspective needed for tight headshots
The zoom range allows me to quickly switch between different compositions without swapping lenses
I also like to use a 50mm prime for close-ups to avoid the slight facial distortion that can occur at wider focal lengths
Lenses - Outdoor Portraits
My favourite lens for outdoor portraiture is the NIkon 135mm Plena Lens
Shooting wide open at f1.8 dissolves the background into a gorgeous creamy blur while maintaining an exceptional sharp subject
Bokeh with this lens is extremely good remaining circular to the edges of the frame
Nikon Plena 135mm lens
1/250 f1.8 iso 64
Natural light
