What’s Your Preference?

kirbinster · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 03:15 PM

My daugher asked that I take some headshots of her boy friend this weekend. I am big into taking pictures of nature and things, not people so don't have much experience with this. What advice can you offer? Which lens (check my sig)? Handheld vs tripod? Natural light versus flash? I have the popup on my D300 which can act as commander for two SB600s that I have -- how should I set them up.

Thanks

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 03:23 PM

I'd go for the 50mm at f/2.8 for a lens.

As for lighting, this depends on what he wants for headshots. Studio style? Then break out the SBs and bounce them off a few things. Natural look? Head outside or find a window. Not sure? Do both!

kirbinster · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 05:05 PM

Really, I thought longer lenses were better for portrait work. I was thinking either the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 or the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8. Why do you suggest the 50mm?

autofocus · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Really, I thought longer lenses were better for portrait work. I was thinking either the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 or the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8. Why do you suggest the 50mm?

I would use the Sigma 24-70...with the 1.5 crop factor making it a 105mm which is perfect for portrait/head shots. Unless you absolutely have to shoot wide open I would consider stopping down the lens a few stops. If you shoot wide open, or use your 50mm wide, you want to be careful with your subject positioning as it's not unusual to get one eye in sharp focus while the other is not because of the shallow DOF.

LoveDSLR · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 06:45 PM

I'm sure you already know this.

I would suggest you get some safe shoots first (Whatever you're most comfortable with). Then try the creative shoots next.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbinster;

Handheld vs tripod?

I use a Manfrotto 334B Automatic Monopod + Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Really, I thought longer lenses were better for portrait work. I was thinking either the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 or the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8. Why do you suggest the 50mm?

I do believe 105 to 135mm FF is ideal for head shots, so you should use your 24-70 and/or 80-200 f/2.8.

kirbinster · #6 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 08:35 PM

Thanks, what about lighting placement. I have two sb600 and the popup on the D300. How should I place the speed lights ... what angle what highth etc. Should I use any light from the pop up or have it just command the speed lights? Thanks.

OsmosisStudios · #7 (**permalink**) 06-26-2009, 02:35 AM

Only reason I mentionned the 50 instead of the 24-70 @ 70 is because the 50 will be sharper stopped to f/2.8 or thereabouts, whereas the 24-70 will be pushing it.

As for lighting: are you using it with some kind of modifier?

LoveDSLR · #8 (**permalink**) 06-26-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirbinster

what about lighting placement..

Check out this free lesson on 'Simple Head Shot With Two Umbrellas'. You can use your D300 to command the two SB600 for this setup.

http://www.webphotoschool.com/all_le...las/index.html