portrait photography choices

[TennesseJones]

I'd like to pick a few peoples brains here, I hope that's alright, as I'm trying to do a further bit of research for a project I'm writing and there's so much knowledge and experience here on the RFF site.

I wondered what cameras and equipment (and tricks perhaps?) people use for portrait photography and how they affect people's methods?

I imagine of course that there are very many different sorts of scenarios within the discipline of taking a portrait, from quickly grabbed portraits of celebrities or politicians when time is short to prepared studio sessions. The former is most relevant to the thing I'm meant to be working on, but both seem fascinating.

And presumably too, for those who been in the profession or have been taking photography seriously as a hobby for many years, there have been huge changes and alterations in the technology and kit available, and consequent changes in method and style?

Many apologies if this is an inappropriate sort of question for the forum, and a happy new year.

 

[xxloverxx]

I just use whatever I have with me at the moment 🙂

 

[hans voralberg]

If my client want a casual, in-the-moment kind of result, then I'll just make sure the time, location will have sufficient and flattering natural light. Then bring a flash or small reflector at most.

If it's going to be on publications or for some very specific purpose, then you almost always have to resort to studio equipment, either in or outdoor. I usually have a stylist, make-up and wardrobe people with me as well.

 

[Ezzie]

Choice of lens is most important in my book. Effective focal length of between 75 and 135mm for one thing with good low light capabilities. I prefer the more casual look with natural ambient/lighting, not the perfectly lit indoor studio portraits - but then again I don't do this for a living.

 

[Spider67]

I use SLRs. 50-58mm and 85. When taking photos of stage performers then 135 or a70-210 Zoom. But sometimes when environment is needed then up to 21mm

 

[mfogiel]

You use whatever tool suits the type of portrait you want. Being an amateur, I got accustomed to doing portraiture on the fly, and for this, actually a 50mm lens is very handy. One of the things I like to see in my portrait, is the light in the eyes, it makes a whole lot of a difference - you can use a studio bank or umbrella for it, but you also can use a northern window light or place the person in the open shade.

 

[johannielscom]

I shoot 35mm or 6x9, sometimes 6x6.

Lack of a dark room and the (preceived?) hassle of LF keep me from it.

SLR, compact, RF, I shoot whatever I feel like. That choice is mine, as well as scenery and film used.

 

[TennesseJones]

thanks so much guys, really appreciate it..
and that's a lovely shot mfogiel!