Help with senior pictures

I am looking to get out of shooting weddings and move to senior pictures and would like to ask advice on lenses for this purpose. I currently have the following?

17-40 f/4L
24-70 f/2.8L
70-200 f/2.8L
50 f/1.8

I want a nice prime lens so I was thinking of upgrading my 50 to the 1.4 or the 85 f/1.8. What are your recommendations?

I've heard great reviews on the 85

You can use the 24-70 and 70-200 all day long.

cdifoto wrote in post #12538160
You can use the 24-70 and 70-200 all day long.

Yes, indeed, although I tend to use the 70-200 about 85% and a 16-35 about 20%.

cdifoto wrote in post #12538160
You can use the 24-70 and 70-200 all day long.

Yeah, I know. This will probably be the combination I use or the 17-40 with 70-200. I will still be doing some weddings here and there but not nearly as many as I am doing now so a fast prime will still come in handy. I am just trying to find out what will be the most justifiable upgrade for my nifty fifty. I'm selling some other equipment so I have some money to upgrade this lens to something a little better. I am also considering the Sigma 50 1.4.

What are the best ways to advertise for seniors? (good tips since I don't have any samples right now).

entrefoto wrote in post #12538398
lens to something a little better. I am also considering the Sigma 50 1.4.

What are the best ways to advertise for seniors? (good tips since I don't have any samples right now).

If you figure that out, let me know. My 19 year old studio partner shoots more seniors than I do. He knows em all and his gf graduated last year.

Lightworks Imaging wrote in post #12538445
If you figure that out, let me know. My 19 year old studio partner shoots more seniors than I do. He knows em all and his gf graduated last year.

Photographing one's own common acquaintances doesn't really equate to effective marketing, though.

To the OP

with your cameras i would be looking at a 50L or 35L. I have the sigma 85 1.4 and love it. Full frame its ideal, litle long on the 1.3 format but usable. I would think 50L would be awesome but like others have said, a 70-200 does 80% of my senior work.

Senior market is steadly going south. Might want to stick with weddings.

umphotography wrote in post #12539580
To the OP

with your cameras i would be looking at a 50L or 35L. I have the sigma 85 1.4 and love it. Full frame its ideal, litle long on the 1.3 format but usable. I would think 50L would be awesome but like others have said, a 70-200 does 80% of my senior work.

Senior market is steadly going south. Might want to stick with weddings.

I wish I could afford either of those lenses. My budget is small to upgrade my 50 so that is why I was looking at the Sigma 50 1.4. Why do you think the senior market is going south? Seems strong where I am but we have tons of large high school around so there are tons of seniors.

Does your signature need updating coz. if you got the gear listed you don't need nothing IMHO.

umphotography wrote in post #12539580
To the OP

with your cameras i would be looking at a 50L or 35L. I have the sigma 85 1.4 and love it. Full frame its ideal, litle long on the 1.3 format but usable. I would think 50L would be awesome but like others have said, a 70-200 does 80% of my senior work.

Senior market is steadly going south. Might want to stick with weddings.

I had my doubts on the Sigma 85 1.4 but after seeing some shots on Flickr I bought it. Seems to be a great lens if you know what your doing! Too many soft images on this forum and that lens though. I hope I get it tomorrow.