Formats and focal lengths for Portraits



Pentax 67, 200mm Lens, Fuji Velvia, Cokin soft focus filter, flash. 1/30 sec at f-4. Bogen tripod.

Medium format cameras are the favorite tools among portraits, wedding, and fashion photographers. This type of photography requires large reproductions for clients and medium format negatives or transparencies provide outstanding sharpness and details. If your clients need a 16X20 or larger print then you can easily provide them with one with any currently available medium format sizes. 645 is much easier to use since the size of the cameras are slightly larger than a 35mm camera. You get more frames per each roll of film (15 with 120 and 30 with 220 rolls). 645 cameras are more advanced than 6X6 and 6X7 models with built-in spot meters, exposure compensation, winders, and autobracketing. Autofocus is also available in 645 format. These tools are very useful for portrait photography and make your job much easier. The 645 format is perfect for making prints since no cropping is required for standard print sizes. You can compose your shot without worrying about how much you need to crop the image when making prints. 6X6 requires cropping to fit a standard paper. Actually, the useful part of the frame which can be used for printing is 645. So why bother with the larger square format? Two reasons. First, the original is still larger than 645 format which gives slightly sharper and more detailed prints when making very large enlargements even if you are cropping down the frame to 645. Second and more importantly is the cropping option. Many photographers love the cropping option only the square format offers. Take the portrait and later decide how to make the final print. You can go vertical or horizontal, or crop any part of the frame you don't want. 6X6 which is three times larger than 35mm format has been one of the popular formats among portrait photographers for decades. 6X7 is similar to 645 in terms of cropping. This format also fits standard papers with no cropping needed. It is 4 times larger than 35mm format with quality that can match even 4X5 sheet films. Like 35mm and 645 formats, 6X7 is easier to compose with. Its rectangular size is similar to the way human eye sees. With 6X7 negatives or transparencies, you can make sharp and colorful 30X40 portraits to impress your clients.

No matter which format you use, you are definitely ahead of the 35mm shooter in terms of quality. You can take quality portraits with 35mm, but if you need or your clients require large prints, medium format is a better tool. The format itself is a matter of personal choice. No one can tell you which format is best for you. Only you can decide. One thing is for sure, and that is 645, 6X6, or 6X7 are excellent tools for portrait photography. Whatever model or format you choose, look for the following features: 1- 1/500 sec shutter speed plus bulb; at least 1/125 sec flash sync (some models go as fast as 1/500 sec); built-in or accessory TTL-prism finder; a system that offers leaf shutter lenses and short telephotos including 150mm to 250mm (equivalent to about 80mm to 135mm in 35mm format); depth-of-field preview and PC terminal (most models have these built into the camera or lenses). Other useful features to look for are exposure compensation, diopter correction, multiple exposure, autobracketing, spot metering, and accessory or built-in winders.

Lens choices are simpler than you think. A wide-angle or standard lens can be used for group shots, however, distortion can be a problem. Short telephotos are ideal. 80mm to 135mm in 35mm formats are used by portrait photographers. The equivalent of these focal lengths in medium format are 150mm to 250mm. 150mm lenses are perfect for most portraits where you need to show more than just the face. This focal length gives you good working distance and lets you include parts of the person's body. 250mm lens is ideal for head and shoulder shots. The longer lens also lets you throw the background out of focus for soft portraits. You should start with a 150mm lens and add a longer lens later. Some manufacturers offer soft focus lenses for portrait photography. You can use these lenses to create soft dream like portraits or use them as regular lenses for normal portraits. Longer telephotos can also be used for portraits especially outdoors. 300mm and longer telephotos are great for fashion photography. The longer focal length let you shoot from a distance and include the whole body while at the same time creating a soft background to remove any distraction. A 500mm lens for instance, is perfect for swimsuit photography. It lets you photograph the model with soft and pleasing background.



All formats have their advantages and disadvantages. 35mm for example, is perfect for wildlife and sports photography. Faster telephoto lenses, smaller and lighter cameras, as well as high speed autofocus and film advance make 35mm format ideal for this type of photography. Medium format cameras are ideal for portrait photography. Since you have enough time to set up your shots and usually large enlargements are required, medium format is very hard to beat.

Recommended reading : Posing and Lighting Techniques for Studio Portrait Photography Book Description Rather than focusing on one particular aspect of portrait photography, this book provides complete instructions for every step of producing portraits with a professional look. From setting up the lighting, posing the subject, and composing the finished shot to retouching methods and developing techniques for the darkroom, each process is fully explored. These proven techniques for producing flattering portraits in a variety of settings will improve professionals' portraits and move amateurs' hobby photographs to the next level. Examples clearly illustrate every concept presented in the book. Recommended Equipment Smith Victor KT750 3-Light 750-Watt Thrifty Photoflood Kit with Corrugated Carrying Case Thrifty Kits are designed to fulfill basic lighting requirements at an exceptionally affordable price. Each Thrifty Kit has hand spun reflectors made of high strength aluminum with chemically attached interiors for maximum light dispersion. The outer finish is photographic black baked on enamel. The Raven RS6 telescopes to 6' and the Raven RS8 telescopes to 8'. Each Thrifty Kit comes with a photoflood lamps, sockets and cordsets, a corrugated carrying case for storage and transport and the Imaging with Light Guide.