Why Photographers Should Avoid Using a 50mm Lens for Portraits.

When it comes to portrait photography, lens choice is crucial. While the 50mm lens is popular, it is not ideal for portraits. Instead, photographers should use an 85mm or 100mm lens. Best Headshot Camera Lens. Here’s why.

1. Distortion and Perspective

The 50mm lens can cause distortion, especially when shooting close-up portraits. This distortion can make facial features appear exaggerated or unflattering. The 85mm and 100mm lenses provide a more natural perspective, avoiding distortion and creating a flattering image.

What Makes It Better:

  • Natural Perspective: The 85mm and 100mm lenses provide a more accurate representation of facial features.
  • Flattering Images: These lenses avoid the distortion that can occur with a 50mm lens.
  • Professional Quality: The images produced are more polished and professional.

For more on lens distortion, check out this guide from Digital Photo Mentor.

2. Compression and Background Blur

The 85mm and 100mm lenses offer better compression and background blur, also known as bokeh. Compression refers to how the lens compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject. This effect creates a pleasing background blur, which helps the subject stand out.

What Makes It Better: Best Headshot Camera Lens

  • Better Compression: The 85mm and 100mm lenses compress the background, creating a more professional look.
  • Pleasing Bokeh: These lenses produce a smooth and attractive background blur.
  • Subject Isolation: The subject stands out more against the blurred background.

For more on compression and bokeh, visit this article by Photography Talk.

3. Working Distance and Comfort

The 50mm lens requires the photographer to be closer to the subject, which can make the subject feel uncomfortable. The 85mm and 100mm lenses allow for a greater working distance, making the subject feel more at ease. This distance also helps the photographer capture more natural expressions.

What Makes It Better: Best Headshot Camera Lens

  • Greater Working Distance: The 85mm and 100mm lenses allow the photographer to stand further away.
  • Comfortable Subjects: Subjects feel more at ease with the increased distance.
  • Natural Expressions: The greater distance helps capture more genuine expressions.

For more on working distance, explore this guide from SLR Lounge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, photographers should avoid using a 50mm lens for portraits and opt for an 85mm or 100mm lens instead. These lenses provide a more natural perspective, better compression and background blur, and a greater working distance. By choosing the right lens, photographers can create more flattering and professional portraits. Best Headshot Camera Lens

About Shari Photography

At Shari Photography, a top-rated headshot studio based in St. Louis, we pride ourselves on 20 years of experience, convenience, competitive pricing, and delivering great images. Our expertise ensures that your headshots will always look professional and timeless. With our commitment to great images, you can trust us to capture your best look. Remember, the key to a great headshot lies in capturing the essence of the individual while maintaining a professional and polished appearance. Best Headshot Camera Lens

Shari Photography

Our professional photography studio specializes in business and acting headshots and event photography. The headshot studio has over 15 years by providing exceptional headshots, quick turnarounds and amazing customer service.

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