When looking for the best focal lengths for portrait photography, most users are introduced to lenses of 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths. It is difficult to declare a true winner between the three, as each one caters to slightly different types of portrait photography. However, the one that captures the best visual narrative and overall aesthetic will be the best of the three.
All three focal lengths perform exceptionally well in portraiture as they offer the perfect mix of depth of field and clarity. With so many lenses around, each with a different focal length and aperture, it can be daunting to look through the options and choose one based on your needs.
This article provides an overview of the best focal length for portrait photography, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
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Note: This article is subjective and is based on the writer’s views.
The best focal length for portraits is one that has the perfect mix of depth of field, background blur, and image clarity. When comparing 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths, it is important to remember that each of these is unique and caters to different types of portraiture.
Some of these lenses do well in terms of close-up shots, while others excel in wedding portraiture, giving the perfect bokeh for those dreamy shots. That said, you must take your individual preferences and needs into account when making your choice.
35mm is one of the best focal lengths to shoot wide portraits. Commonly used in film, it offers great depth of field and character to the object being captured.
Many photographers use 35mm lenses because they offer the perfect blend of width, depth of field, and clarity. These lenses are just wide enough to capture images without losing much background texture.
Some of the best 35mm lenses are the Fujifilm XF series, the Sigma DG DN Art lenses, and the Canon EF mount.
Verdict: Versatility and portability are the best features of 35mm lenses. This makes them perfect for capturing mid-distance portrait shots and close-ups. How you hold the camera is also crucial, as it greatly affects the image due to its wide angle.
Perhaps the most popular mid-range focal length for portraiture, 50mm lenses are portable and easy to use. They’re one of the best focal lengths to shoot a wide range of portrait styles, proving to be extremely versatile. Apart from portraiture, they also excel in street, low light, and city photography.
Canon produces great 50 mm lenses for portraits. Similarly, lenses from the Leica APO-Summicron-M series and the Nikon Nikkor Z series are some of the best in this segment.
Verdict: If your primary goal is taking portraits, having just one 50mm lens in your collection can be sufficient to capture a wide range of subjects. Lenses of this focal length are compact and easy to use. Moreover, the 50mm lens can give you a good start in portrait photography.
Thus, it makes it the best focal length of the three options in terms of versatility and usability. Do note that in terms of full-body shots or medium-distance portrait shots, the 50mm performs better than the 35mm.
One of the best focal lengths to shoot portraits and close-up shots is 85mm. Lenses with this focal length typically offer a narrower angle, emphasizing subject isolation and background blur. They are virtually distortion-free and capture stunning images with great definition.
Lenses from the Sigma DG HSM Art series, Nikon AF-S Nikkor lenses, and the Canon EF mount lenses are the best in this segment.
Verdict: If your goal is wedding photography or product shoots, the 85mm focal range would be the perfect choice. One drawback is it is comparatively less versatile than the other two options. Thus, you’d have to carry extra lenses to shoot other photography styles.
However, it still performs exceptionally well for portraits, particularly close-up shots. It also works well for wedding photography and medium-distance shots.
It is difficult to determine whether 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths are best suited for you. A 35mm lens would be great if you want to shoot mid-range body shots or environmental portraits.
50mm lenses are a “one-for-all” and are suitable for close-ups and dreamy portraits.
If you want complete subject isolation and a creamy background bokeh, 85mm is the best focal length.
However, 50mm lenses are the most versatile of the three. They have a wide range of uses and cater to almost every photographer’s needs. Remember to explore different options, consider your creative vision, and discover the lens that resonates most with your unique style and portrait goals.
Check out our other articles on lenses:
5 best lenses for portraits || 5 best Fujifilm cameras in 2024 || 5 best lenses for Nikon cameras in 2024 || 5 best lenses for Sony cameras in 2024
Memories of You II, c early 1990s, by Menika van der Poorten, a work informed by the experiences of living between different cultures and communities
Photograph: Menika van der Poorten
Stargazers are being urged to photograph a comet due to pass Earth that may be missing its tail.
Researchers at the University of Reading said comets are like cosmic “windsocks” because they can indicate the strength and direction of solar wind – streams of charged particles from the sun that can damage technology on Earth.
Scientists can use photos of this comet – which is passing Earth in February and March – to determine the solar wind conditions, especially if the tail detaches.
Sarah Watson, the PhD researcher leading the project, said learning about solar wind can help scientists forecast it and limit the resulting harm.
The comet – known as C/2021 S3 Pannstars – does not pose a danger to Earth and will be about as far away as the sun, the university said.
It has been in the night sky from Wednesday 14 February, but it will be easier to spot in the coming weeks as it appears further from the sun and will stay above the horizon for longer – although it is still not visible with the naked eye.
Astronomers will need a camera with a large lens, or a small telescope they can attach to their device in order to capture a quality image.
The charged particles in solar wind can damage satellites, harm astronauts, and, if they hit the Earth’s magnetosphere, cause communications to go “haywire”, the university said.
A comet’s head detaching is “a rare sight”, Ms Watson said, and could allow the team to determine whether there was an increase in solar wind activity.
“We need lots of timed photos of the comet to build up a picture of its journey through our solar system,” she said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for amateur astronomers to get out their telescopes, capture a truly spectacular cosmic moment and make a big contribution to some important science.”
The comet is expected to be visible until the end of March.
Anyone who captures the comet has been urged to send them to Ms Watson via the university.
Swedish photographer, Alex Dawson has been named as Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 for his image ‘Whale Bones’. The image shows a diver beneath the Greenland ice sheet exploring the skeleton of a minke whale.
Alex Mustard, who chaired the judging panel of the awards told the BBC, “Whale Bones was photographed in the toughest conditions, as a breath-hold diver descends below the Greenland ice sheet to bear witness to the carcasses. The diver’s suit and torch give it a ‘visiting alien’ feel. The composition flows effortlessly and takes your eye on the right journey to tell the story.” (Also Read: Indian photographers win awards at prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition)
Dawson took to Instagram to share about his big win. In his post, he wrote, “I am honored to have been given the award of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 in London this weekend with my winning image ‘Whale Bones’. This image was submitted in the Wide Angle category, with freediving mode.”
This post was shared on February 19. Since being shared, it has gained more than 2,300 likes and numerous comments. Many flocked to the comments section of his post to express their amazement with this capture.
An individual wrote, “Amazing, congratulations! Well deserved!”
A second added, “Fabulous image. Well deserved.”
“Fabulous. Congratulations Alex! You really deserve to receive this recognition,” commented a third.
A fourth posted, “A haunting yet eerily beautiful image with an interesting backstory! Outstanding work and a very deserving winner, huge congratulations!”
Unveiling ‘Elections 2024: The Big Picture’, a fresh segment in HT’s talk show ‘The Interview with Kumkum Chadha’, where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch Now!
Few would dispute the assertion that ‘we eat with our eyes first’. The visual allure of food is a universal phenomenon, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
Whether strolling through the vibrant streets of Vietnam, deciphering menus in an unfamiliar language while perusing enticing food images, or scrolling through an Instagram page curated by a skilled food stylist, the visual appeal of culinary creations has an undeniable magnetic pull.
The artistry of food presentation captivates our senses, transcending geographical boundaries. From exploring exotic international cuisines to attracting new audiences, the visual aspect of food, showcased in captivating images, has an unparalleled ability to entice and create an appetite for culinary experiences. Food photography, a captivating art beyond the kitchen, is a skill one can acquire over a while.
Ansel Adams said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”. In all cuisines, this notion remains valid as chefs and culinary enthusiasts explore the complex domain of capturing food images, where every snapshot is a purposeful design, each composition a surface for showcasing their culinary masterworks.
Today, food is progressively transforming into a font of amusement and motivation; the art of food photography has risen as a formidable creative expression. With the right skills and techniques, food photographers can transform ordinary dishes into mouth-watering masterpieces. But what exactly goes into creating these stunning images?
Well, it extends beyond merely aiming a camera and capturing a swift image. Food photography involves a nuanced blend of artistic and scientific elements, necessitating thoughtful attention to lighting, arrangement, styling, and post-processing. Food enthusiasts today find themselves not only crafting delicious dishes but also curating visually enticing representations of their culinary creations.
If you have watched the recent MasterChef- Dessert Masters, you will understand the relevance of visual storytelling, which not only captures the essence of flavors, textures, and the culinary journey of these desserts but also the journey that these chefs take you through, recognising the critical role the presentation of their creations plays, leaving a lasting impression on their audience.
Aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts are discovering that mastering this craft is not just a trend but an essential skill, a lens through which they can elevate their culinary creations to new heights.
Photography excellence hinges on effective lighting, and for culinary artists, it serves as the covert element capable of turning a meal into a captivating work of art.
Grasping the dynamics between natural and synthetic light and comprehending their role in elevating the hues and textures of food is essential. Culinary experts frequently explore various lighting configurations to craft the ideal atmosphere for their gastronomic masterpieces.
Natural light, with its soft and diffused quality, is a photographer’s best friend. It highlights the natural hues of ingredients, casting a warm and inviting glow.
When working in a restaurant or studio setting, chefs may also explore artificial lighting techniques, such as using diffusers and reflectors, to control shadows and highlights, ensuring the dish is presented in the most flattering way possible.
Plating is an art form in itself, and this artistry extends seamlessly into the world of food photography. The principles of composition, such as balance, symmetry, and focal points, play a crucial role in creating visually appealing photographs.
Chefs often approach food photography with the mindset of a painter, arranging elements on the plate in a way that tells a story. The camera becomes a canvas, and every ingredient contributes to the overall narrative.
Consideration of color contrast, textures, and the arrangement of components becomes a meticulous process, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail.
Styling is where a chef’s creativity truly shines in food photography. From selecting the right props to garnishing techniques, chefs pay careful attention to every detail to create a visually stunning composition.
Take, for example, some of the food stylists who have gained prominence via social media platforms like Instagram. By using props such as rustic utensils, vibrant napkins, or fresh herbs, they have added depth and context to the food photograph, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
They understand that styling goes beyond mere decoration; it contributes to the storytelling aspect of the image. Whether it’s conveying the rustic charm of a farm-to-table dish or the elegance of a fine dining experience, every element in the frame is carefully chosen to evoke a specific emotion or convey a particular theme.
While chefs are masters in the kitchen, venturing into the world of food photography requires an understanding of the right tools. A chef’s perspective on equipment involves more than just capturing a good image; it’s about translating the sensory experience of tasting into a visual one.
High-quality cameras and lenses are essential, allowing chefs to capture intricate details and vibrant colors. However, the art of food photography extends beyond the camera to include editing software.
Chefs often familiarise themselves with basic editing techniques to refine their images, ensuring the final result aligns with their culinary vision.
As culinary aspirants learn about food photography, they discover that the camera lens becomes an extension of their culinary voice, allowing them to share their passion with a broader audience. With a keen eye for detail, a large dose of creativity, a fairly good camera and an understanding of lighting techniques, one can share the food artistry with a global audience and gain fame and recognition.
All food brands utilise the expertise of food stylists and chefs to showcase their product offerings beautifully to attract the audience. Food photography can help an individual to earn a fairly large cheque, depending on their experience.
For every culinary aspirant and expert, the journey of mastering food photography is a visual odyssey that adds a layer of richness to their passion, making every dish not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes.
(Authored by Ritika Singh, Director(Officiating Dean), School of Culinary and Hotel Management at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies. Views are personal)
