Which Lenses for Senior Photos?

Taking senior photos is not my specialty. I'm more a sports and BIF shooter. However, a couple of people asked me if I'm willing to shoot senior photos of their kids and I thought why not.

Of the lenses that I have in my possession, I'd like your input as to which one you'd recommend that I go with. My lens lineup:

Canon 24-70L
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L
Canon 85
Canon 100

I'm thinking 70-200 but if there's a better lens for senior photos, I'm all ears. Thanks.

Sort of like asking "I'm going fishing, what gear should I use." It all depends on what you're fishing for and how you want to fish it. Senior portraits can be shot a million creative ways. You choose the best tool to capture what you want to capture. I could see me using all except perhaps the 100mm. I'd be shooting that 70-200 2.8 at 200 for some wonderful portraits. I'd also be doing some creative things at 24mm as well. Look at examples of Senior pics.

Canon 24-70L This one and

this one
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L

NO...anything over 85 mm.

Generally, you want a moderate amount of distance between the camera and the subject, in order to minimize unflattering perspective distortion. The 70-200 is great for this. If you're indoors in a smaller room, it'll be hard to get a full length shot with this lens. Put your back against the wall and do the best you can with the lens that gives you the correct framing. If you're outdoors, just stand farther away.

It's tempting to use a wider lens so you can stand close for full-length portraits, but beware of perspective distortion while doing this. For example, if you're using a wide angle lens, holding the camera at your normal standing height, shooting a full-length shot of a standing subject who's 6 feet away from you:
You're both 6 feet tall
Subject's face is 6 feet away from the camera
Subject's feet are 8.5 feet away from the camera
Subject's noggin is going to look 40% bigger than it should. Big head, tiny feet, unflattering perspective distortion.

Or, if you kneel down and shoot from waist height, their hips are going to look 20% bigger than they should. No thanks, man.

The farther away you are from the subject, the less significant this perspective distortion.

These two will have you coved for almost ANYTHING, but don't tell my wife because I have 8 more lenses and three extenders.

Thanks everyone for your input!

the 70-200 is my go-to lens for seniors. after that, maybe the 85.

Thank you all for your comments and inputs. I opted to go with my 70-200 f/2.8 and here are some sample shots from the session:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/MzGD​yq

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/LFoB​qx

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/LFoA​nR

I leap between a 17mm-35mm zoom for specific wide-angle effect and the 70-200 zoom.

Both of these were at 24mm:

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A number of seniors love their cars. Telephotos are basically useless for pictures that include both –unless you want to be giving them instructions over the cell phone.

So... anything under 85mm!

i shoot 90% of mine with a 50 1.2

I think you did a really great job with these!!! I love my 70-200 for portraits ߘ

The 24-70 would be my vote.