Portrait Photography Help

[photo441]

What is the best Aperature setting for portraits. I heard 8.0 but should I crank it higher or lower? I am using 2 Alien Bees 800's for lights. How does one decide? Many thanks to all who reply.

Photo441

[Andy_T]

Photos,

for portraits, I normally use as large an aperture as possible (e.g. f/2.8 on the 50/1.8 on the 20D) to isolate the subject from the background.

The 'dream' portrait lens in the current forum talk is the 85/1.2 L used at f/1.2 ... go figure

Also, the added sharpness of f/8 might be an undesirable treat if your subject does not have absolutely smooth skin.

Best regards,
Andy

[tim]

F1.2 is way too narrow for photos, your depth of field would get part of the eyes in, and definitely not the ears. I'd go for F2.8 - F4 to get the person in focus but not the background, or more like F8 -F12 if you want the background in focus and have enough light.

How can you have studio lighting and not understand aperture? You have to start somewhere and i'm always willing to help people out, for what my advice is worth, but studio lighting usually comes after you get used to the camera, lenses, external flash, etc.

[PhotosGuy]

Photo441, here's an idea: Take some pics at different f-stops with whatever lens you intend to use & look at them & decide for yourself what works for you?

[Pekka]

1.2 is not too narrow - all depends of subject position and distance.

[mbze430]

for close up artistic head shot, 1.2 would ROCK!

Personally it just depends what you are after. Your creativeness. There isn't a specific rule. But I certainly wouldn't want to go higher than f/5.6. Just so I can isolate my subject and the background.

[blue_max]

Aperture is one of the 'creative' factors and as such there is no 'best' setting. A lower aperture can create mood, whereas a higher aperture will record the highest amount of detail.

Your creative style as it develops will help you choose, so experiment. That is the real beauty of a digital camera – it costs you nothing to experiment.

Graham

[RDKirk]

for close up artistic head shot, 1.2 would ROCK!

Personally it just depends what you are after. Your creativeness. There isn't a specific rule. But I certainly wouldn't want to go higher than f/5.6. Just so I can isolate my subject and the background.

Glad you said "artistic." Most of my subjects would wonder about my skills if I was unable to get both eyes in focus.