Is there a rule of thumb of what aperture is used during portrait shots? I know this answer could be found via trial and error. However I'm new here and was needing a topic to post about so this is it! ha ha ha I have a 50mm lens, 70-200mm and 15-85mm. I have not done any portrait work in my 2.5 years of having a camera. I'm going to use my wife as a test subject this weekend.
So I'm going to cheat the test and trial, and just ask my question here. In hopes that more experienced photographers would make a suggestion as to what lens and aperture would you use in a let's say head and shoulder portrait shot.
I have a new white back drop I just ordered from Adorama that should be arriving tomorrow. Matter of fact it's the rep at Adorama who recommended I sign up on this site.
Oh, I do have a 580EXii speed light also, and I'm shooting with a Canon 7D.
Many portraits are taken using larger apertures (f/4.5 or 5.6 for example) to reduce the Depth of Field. That takes the background out of focus.
photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/DOF_2.htm
Experiment with different backgrounds and different fstop settings (and with different lenses). I believe your camera has a DoF preview button to let you see the effects before you shoot.
Check the articles section here for more tips.
Baydream wrote: Many portraits are taken using greater aperture (f/4.5 or 5.6 for example) to reduce the Depth of Field. That takes the background out of focus.
photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/DOF_2.htm
Experiment with different backgrounds and different fstop settings (and with different lenses). I believe your camera has a DoF preview button to let you see the effects before you shoot.
Check the articles section here for more tips.
Thank you for the information Baydream, and I will check out the articles. You have been a big help!
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shawnsmith 1 post
