Boudoir first time.

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at doing a boudoir session at home with my wife. But I'm not to sure what lens I should use. I have a 50 1.8 mi and a 24-70 mii L 2.8. With a cannon 60D I'd like to know what you guys think. Looking at doing all natural light or using my speed light. This is the first time I've done/tried this.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Josh.

You might be able to use the 50mm lens for some shots, but a lot of the time it will be too long. So go ahead and have both, but expect to use the zoom more.

Do you have any way to trigger your flash remote? It won't do you much good if it is on the camera. If you cannot set up remote lights with some modification to soften them, you will probably need to shoot with available light during the day. Best case scenario would be windows on one side of the room which you can use for a soft, directional light source. You will be limited in location and direction when using window light.

JeffreyG wrote in post #16796598
You might be able to use the 50mm lens for some shots, but a lot of the time it will be too long. So go ahead and have both, but expect to use the zoom more.

Do you have any way to trigger your flash remote? It won't do you much good if it is on the camera. If you cannot set up remote lights with some modification to soften them, you will probably need to shoot with available light during the day. Best case scenario would be windows on one side of the room which you can use for a soft, directional light source. You will be limited in location and direction when using window light.

As Jeff says, the use of light or lighting is much more important in this genre of photography than the lens. (Kind of an oversimplification..bu​t, of course, I might not recommend a 300mm prime unless the room is really long!)

I personally prefer a longer lens when shooting people; stand farther away to reduce unwanted perspective distortion. If you have to stand close and use the wide end of the 24-70, be mindful of perspective effects on limbs and facial features. It's quite possible to use it to your advantage, but it's also quite possible to make a very unflattering photo.

Examples of perspective distortion.

Full-length shot at 24mm, kneeling very close to subject:
https://flic.kr/p/d91f​AC

Full-length shot at 32mm, kneeling a little farther away:
https://flic.kr/p/d91f​S7

Full-length shot at 62mm, kneeling at a relatively far distance:
https://flic.kr/p/d91M​7E


However, lignting and posing are far more important for this sort of thing.
Also, as a general rule, have her do WAY more bold makeup than she normally would wear, even for an evening out.