Portrait shots

[josephjoe]

Hi All,

I am pretty new to photography, would like to learn to take some portrait shots, one member told me that he is using EF85f1.2 lens for his shots which has great DOF. Looked thru olympus, there isnt any lens at F1.2 is there anyway to compensate over that? or any lens recommendation?

[marky]

Thread moved to 4/3.

This will be the thread for better answers to your question.

[dorts]

The best you can get currently with 4/3s is a f/1.4. And with 4/3s, you get a deeper DOF if you compare to "full-frame" cameras. f1.4 on for example D3/5D will be a f/2.8 on 4/3s. So shallow DOF isn't 4/3s strong point. Go with the "full-frame" cameras if you need shallow DOF.

[aryanto]

Isn't F1.2 too thin? focus on the eye, if shoot IC photo style tip of nose might be blur.
If shoot three quarter style, one eye focus, the other very blur.
Unless you are looking for that effect straight out of the lense, then oly don't have it.
Check your friend's exif for his great shots and check which apperture he is using. Make sure what you think as great shots, he use the apperture F1.2. If yes then go ahead, get his secret weapon. If it is not F1.2 then you could end up wasting money. Make sure you get original shots and not edited.

[spidey89]

for me,the 50mm macro which is f2 and 14-54 lens which is f2.8-3.5 are what I use for portraits,i still stop down for deeper dof,4/3 dof is acceptable for me,in fact,i love it,as what dorts has already suggested,get a "full frame" camera,if you choose to get cameras like 450D/50D or D40/D0,their sensors are not a lot bigger than 4/3 sensors as far as i know,so dof i think will more or less be about the same as 4/3 cameras

[dorts]

Actually, DOF is not a problem if you use a longer focal length. Only if you want wide angle together with shallow DOF, then will it be a problem for 4/3.

[spidey89]

Originally Posted by dorts Actually, DOF is not a problem if you use a longer focal length. Only if you want wide angle together with shallow DOF, then will it be a problem for 4/3.

so true,but for me,with wide angle shots,i will prefer a deeper dof,so no problems to me

[dorts]

Originally Posted by spidey89 so true,but for me,with wide angle shots,i will prefer a deeper dof,so no problems to me

Personally, if I were to take portraits with wide angle, I'll love a shallow DOF.

But I hardly shoot portraits, so no problems for me either.

[Benares]

Originally Posted by dorts Personally, if I were to take portraits with wide angle, I'll love a shallow DOF. But I hardly shoot portraits, so no problems for me either.

Get the ZD 14-54 Mk I/II (or ZD 12-60), and use 14mm f/2.8 (if deeper DOF is desired) and 54mm f/3.5 (if thinner DOF is desired) when shooting portrait shots case closed?

But of course, the DOF of what the 4/3 sensor can produce is definitely double (DOF thickness) to those full-frame sensors can produce on equivalent focal length/f-stop...

Just my 2-cents. Cheers~

[Mikefellh]

By the way, Olympus has a great learning resource not only for new photographers, but those new to portrait photography:
http://www.olympusdigitalschool.com/...ons/index.html

[cater]

Originally Posted by josephjoe Hi All, I am pretty new to photography, would like to learn to take some portrait shots, one member told me that he is using EF85f1.2 lens for his shots which has great DOF. Looked thru olympus, there isnt any lens at F1.2 is there anyway to compensate over that? or any lens recommendation?

I think F1.2 is too thin for portrait.

Originally Posted by dorts The best you can get currently with 4/3s is a f/1.4. And with 4/3s, you get a deeper DOF if you compare to "full-frame" cameras. f1.4 on for example D3/5D will be a f/2.8 on 4/3s. So shallow DOF isn't 4/3s strong point. Go with the "full-frame" cameras if you need shallow DOF.

Full Frame .... how about Leica S2, Medium Format. hehehe joking.

[Anson]

Originally Posted by dorts Actually, DOF is not a problem if you use a longer focal length. Only if you want wide angle together with shallow DOF, then will it be a problem for 4/3.

Using longer focal length for portraits shots have its disadvantages too, under low or dim light conditions you have to raise the ISO to get a stable shot...

[dorts]

Originally Posted by Anson Using longer focal length for portraits shots have its disadvantages too, under low or dim light conditions you have to raise the ISO to get a stable shot...

Long as in maybe 54mm? Not like 150mm.

[Anson]

Originally Posted by dorts Long as in maybe 54mm? Not like 150mm.

You mean 54mm x 2 = 108mm? If just 54mm... not easy to get good bokeh of a portrait shot...

[dorts]

Originally Posted by Anson You mean 54mm x 2 = 108mm? If just 54mm... not easy to get good bokeh of a portrait shot...

Misread, yes, 54mm X 2. I occasionally use my 14-54mm for portraits, and it works out quite well. DOF is just right, not too shallow, neither too deep.

And I believe you meant shallow DOF, not good bokeh. Good bokeh need not be shallow DOF, as told by someone before on this forum..

[spidey89]

also,bokeh depends on how far the background is to your subject,it like 1 meter than bushes behind your subject,bokeh will not be as nice as when the bushes are 2 meters away from your subject and it goes on and on

[dorts]

Originally Posted by spidey89 also,bokeh depends on how far the background is to your subject,it like 1 meter than bushes behind your subject,bokeh will not be as nice as when the bushes are 2 meters away from your subject and it goes on and on

Basically means clean background. Background which isn't too messy and yet able to decypher what's behind the subject.

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by Anson Using longer focal length for portraits shots have its disadvantages too, under low or dim light conditions you have to raise the ISO to get a stable shot...

Yes and no. You can always use flash.

Right eye in focus.



1/250s, 50-200 @ 200mm f/3.5, ISO 100.

Of course, with a shorter tele it is easier.



Nikkor 50/1.4 @ f/1.4 manual focus, no flash.

Just some sample images. I hope it is OK.