Lens Advice for School Portraits

I am looking for advice on which lens to use for school portraits. I have a Canon 7D which will remain stationary on a tripod for the duration of the shoot. I'm using Alien B800's for lighting, and only one backdrop for the entire shoot. My subjects will be between the ages of 3 months - 6yrs, so using a prime lens is out of the question (for subjects in this age group, I'll constantly have to adjust to their movements). Finally, my camera will be positioned about 3.5' from the posing table, and I would like to find a lens that would allow for a headshot, 3/4 length & full body shot without distorting facial features, while remaining versatile enough to possibly capture a much wider class photo. I would sincerely appreciate any advice

The private studio that takes photos for my daughters pre-K uses a 7D and a 18-55mm kit lens.

Photos turn out great. Don't waste your money on expensive glass for this.

Explain why you can't use a prime? You have a fixed background and fixed lights. If they can't be still enough to use a prime then your lighting will be a problem.

I'd say stick with a 50mm or longer to get more natural proportioned images. Prime vs zoom is irrelevant. You are also going to be shooting at f/8+ anyways. If subject moves a little then it's not as critical.

SMEbling wrote in post #16744418
I am looking for advice on which lens to use for school portraits. I have a Canon 7D which will remain stationary on a tripod for the duration of the shoot. I'm using Alien B800's for lighting, and only one backdrop for the entire shoot. My subjects will be between the ages of 3 months - 6yrs, so using a prime lens is out of the question (for subjects in this age group, I'll constantly have to adjust to their movements). Finally, my camera will be positioned about 3.5' from the posing table, and I would like to find a lens that would allow for a headshot, 3/4 length & full body shot without distorting facial features, while remaining versatile enough to possibly capture a much wider class photo. I would sincerely appreciate any advice

Heya,

A basic 18-55 kit lens will do this job.

If you want to spend money, then a 17-50 variation would be another option. But odds are this is unwise, as you will be stopping down to at least F4, if not F5.6 and F8, for depth of field as kids move.

You could use a prime, a 35mm prime would be my choice here.

Very best,

Thanks for your advice, everyone. I really do appreciate it! I was thinking of going for a Tamron Aspherical XR Di 28-200mm, but I'm having a hard time finding a good deal. Is there something that may be pretty comparable?

To answer your question, gonzogolf, not using a prime is simply a matter of personal preference really. I normally gravitate toward prime lenses, but in these situations I find it more difficult to chase my subjects around on the posing table. When photographing high volumes of wiggly preschoolers, I'd like something more versatile.

SMEbling wrote in post #16745614
Thanks for your advice, everyone. I really do appreciate it! I was thinking of going for a Tamron Aspherical XR Di 28-200mm, but I'm having a hard time finding a good deal. Is there something that may be pretty comparable?

To answer your question, gonzogolf, not using a prime is simply a matter of personal preference really. I normally gravitate toward prime lenses, but in these situations I find it more difficult to chase my subjects around on the posing table. When photographing high volumes of wiggly preschoolers, I'd like something more versatile.

Just keep in mind at least one of the goals of school portraits is to create a consistent set of portraits of each student. You cant really produce that if you dont stick with consistent perspective control. You cant shoot one at 35mm and one at 65mm and have them look consistent. Dont fall into the trap of doing the most convenient thing without regard for what creates the best product.