While the premium portrait season is still a few months away, the time to prepare for it is upon us, with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and holiday deals coming soon. If you are starting out and want to get into this style of photography, here are a few options from the photographer and Youtuber Michelle Nichols.
In her latest video, Nichols discusses her approach to high-end photography, and much of it includes using a prime lens you wouldn’t expect it to give you. Her photos have a slightly different look. Usually, photographers reach prime focal lengths like 85mm and 135mm lenses or rely on fast aperture zoom lenses like lenses 70-200mm f/2.8. Personally, I am a heavy abuser of someone who is now 30 years old Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 IS USM.
Instead, Nichols relies on wider lenses, such as the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM . Lens and “convenience fifty” RF 50mm f/1.8 STM . Lens. These are some affordable alternatives to the L versions, but they produce great results. Nichols switched to RF mount versions of these lenses because, she noted, focus was faster when using the original lenses on her. Canon EOS R6. A slightly wider focal length than usual gives her photos more context and can often capture more of her subject’s personality.
Another key ingredient for portraits? Lighting. While it is ideal to be able to control the light with flashers or other tools, costs can add up quickly. Nichols recommends starting with the basics, a simple reflector that takes advantage of natural sunlight and allows to illuminate your subject even in difficult backlit situations. Westcott creates one that serves as a 5 in 1 reflector/diffuser combo there are gold, silver and white sides for reflector and diffuser to soften harsh light as well as black side to absorb light. It’s something that should definitely be in every photographer’s toolbox.
There are many different ways on good devices to take high-end portraits. What do you use to take these types of photos? Leave your recommendations in the comments section below.
