When it comes to portraits, by far one of the most important decisions you will make is the choice of focal length. This fantastic video explores three different focal lengths for portraits, how they render the subject, and the pros and cons of using them.
Coming to you from Daniel Norton with Adorama TV, this great video tutorial explores three different focal lengths (85mm, 50mm, and 15mm) for portraiture and shows the sort of results you can get from them. If you are newer to portrait work, the reason it is so important to pay attention to focal length is because of the way it renders the geometry of the face. Certainly, all focal lengths can be used for portraits, particularly for creative effect, but there is a reason most photographers end up settling for somewhere around 85mm or so, as it generally represents a good balance between a flattering compression and maintaining enough of a person’s unique facial geometry and structure. Still, it is very much a creative choice, and you may find different focal lengths appropriate for different projects or subjects. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Norton.
If you would like to learn more about portraiture, be sure to check out “Perfecting the Headshot With Peter Hurley!”