Tips, tricks, advice and help with all things photography and photography related. From flash photography to landscape photography to portrait photography - you will find something useful in this blog.
If you are a budding wedding photographer or have been asked to photograph a wedding for someone you know there are four essential lenses you need to have in your lens bag. Unfortunately, there isn't a single "one lens fit does all" solution. The four essential wedding photography lenses are detailed in the following clip (don't worry, it's a short one) courtesy of Youtube.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
Isn't it ironic how the most popular lens for landscape photography is a 16mm - 35mm f2.8? I get the 16mm - 35mm focal range, I mean you need a wide angle lens to get as much of the landscape in frame as possible but I don't get the whole f2.8 thing.
Landscape photography requires maximising the depth of field, which means stopping down the lens and closing the aperture. Wide apertures of f2.8 are never used when photographing landscapes - so why do landscape photographers lust over the f2.8? Seriously...........
"Do you really need an f2.8 lens for landscape photography?" courtesy of Youtube
There are many photographers out there that only uses prime
lenses for portrait photography. The reasons for using prime lenses vary
however the most common one is that prime lenses are sharper and produce better
portraits. I have to admit that my preferred portrait photography lens is a
zoom lens, however there are times when I will revert to using a prime lens to
capture portraits.
I have to agree that the image quality of prime lenses is
slightly better than zoom lenses, however the difference between the top end
zoom lenses and prime lenses is negligible, and you will have to go pixel
peeping on the computer to see the difference. I have never had a paying client
complain about the image quality of my zoom lenses, and until I do get
complaints I will continue using a zoom lens for capturing portraits.
I should point out that I only use top end zoom lens for
portrait photography and not the cheap or mid-priced zoom lenses that are
widely available. The image quality of the cheaper zoom lenses is absolutely
terrible and the image quality of the mid-priced zoom lens is not much better.
If you want to use a zoom lens and capture good portraits you have to be
prepared to dig deep and buy a top end zoom lens.
The reason I use zoom lenses for portrait photography is
because of the versatility. With a zoom lens I can change the composition and
framing standing on the spot by simply twisting the zoom ring. A zoom lens is
not only useful when snapping portraits in tight places (i.e. those where you
can’t physically move) but also when you want a variety of portrait shots and
not have to keep interrupting the shoot (and annoying the subject) to swap
lenses. Using a zoom lens I can get in, take the shots and get out again
quickly, efficiently and without faffing around.
I use two zoom lenses for portrait photography and these
are:-
This is my go to lens for individual
portrait shots and couple shots. The 24mm – 70mm focal length covers all my
favorites and is suitable for full body shots, head and shoulder shots and
head shots. This lens is bombproof and the image quality is something else.
This lens is my workhorse, and whilst it is expensive it is worth every penny
and it has paid for itself many times over on the paid shoots for which I have
used it.
Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 24 - 70 f2.8L lens.
This is my go to lens for taking group
shots, and the 16mm – 35mm focal length is ideal to make sure that I can get
everyone in the shot and still be able to be close enough to talk to the group,
direct the group and pose the group. Like all L series lenses this lens is
tough, durable and robust. Like all L series lenses the image quality is
awesome.
When I was thinking of
buying this lens I also considered the Canon 16mm – 35mm f2.8L lens, which is
considered Canon’s 16mm – 35mm flagship lens. After a lot of research, a lot of
reading and a few visits to the local camera shop to take some test photos with
each one I decided the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS lens was the best choice.
Below is a quick video clip, courtesy of Youtube, demonstrating how good the Canon 16 - 35 f4L IS lens.
Relating
reading
Below are some links to other portrait
photography related posts, articles and tutorials you may find
interesting/useful:-
A 24mm - 70mm f2.8 lens is a lens that all photographers should have in their lens bag. This zoom lens is a versatile lens you can use for portrait photography, landscape photography, product photography and seascape photography to name just a few. The 24mm - 70mm f2.8 lens I shoot is the Canon 24mm - 70mm f2.8L lens, and I have to say it is on my camera a lot of the time. This lens is awesome, however don't take my word for it - take a look at this short Youtube clip exploring the pros and cons of this awesome lens. Overall the Canon 24mm - 70mm f2.8L lens is an awesome lens and comes highly recommended.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
The Canon 100 - 400L IS lens is an awesome lens, and whilst it isn't cheap it is an affordable super zoom lens you can use for motor sports photography, bird photography and dragonfly photography and capture high quality photos that are good enough to sell and make a bit of money with. If you shoot a Canon camera and don't have the several thousand bucks you need to buy the long reach tele-lenses this lens is a viable alternative, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed with it. Don't just take my word for it though, take a look at this short Youtube clip for a rundown on the pros and cons of the Canon 100 - 400mm L IS lens. Overall the Canon 100mm - 400mm L IS lens is an awesome lens and if you want a lens for motor sports photography, bird photography, dragonfly photography and butterfly photography this lens is one you should take a look at.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
If you are looking for 35mm prime lens for your Canon camera the 35mm f2 IS lens should be on your list. This is an affordable 35mm prime lens that is tough and durable, packed full of features (I refer to the image stabilization of course) and has awesome image quality. The Canon 35mm f2 IS prime lens really is an awesome lens and one I highly recommend, however don't just take my word for it. Take a look at this short Youtube clip for a rundown on the pros and cons of the awesome Canon 35mm f2 IS lens. Overall the Canon 35mm f2 IS lens is a great lens and if you want a 35mm prime lens that is well built and sturdy, has awesome image quality but is also affordable this is one lens you need to look at as this 35mm lens gives the biggest bang for the buck.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
The Godox Wistro AD200 or eVolv 200 TTL flash as it is also known is an excellent photography lighting solution, and a bit of a game changer. There are many positive reviews and write ups on the Godox AD200, and quite rightly so, however they only gloss over the disadvantages (i.e cons) or totally ignore them. To make an informed decision on whether the Godox AD200 is for you or not you need to be aware of the cons, and that is what is explored in this short video clip. So before you get your credit card out and buy the Godox AD200 make sure you spend a few minutes to take a look at this clip.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
