The best lenses for portrait photography depend on various factors, including your camera system, personal preferences, and the specific type of portraits you want to capture. Here are some popular choices that are often recommended for portrait photography and are my favorites to use with brand photoshoots.

50mm f/1.8 (f/1.4 or f1.2): A 50mm prime lens is a versatile choice for portraits. The wide aperture (f/1.8 or wider) allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and works well in low-light conditions. It's also a relatively affordable option.
85mm f/1.4 (or f/1.8): An 85mm lens is a classic portrait choice. The longer focal length provides a flattering perspective, compressing facial features and creating a pleasing background blur. The wide aperture is excellent for isolating subjects.

These are the two lenses I use when photographing any type of portrait.

Other popular options are:

24-70mm f/2.8: A zoom lens like the 24-70mm f/2.8 is versatile for various types of portraits. It offers flexibility in framing and can be used for both wider environmental portraits and closer headshots.
70-200mm f/2.8: This telephoto zoom lens is great for capturing portraits with a more compressed background. It's particularly useful for outdoor portraits or situations where you can't get physically close to your subject.
35mm f/1.8 (f1.4 or f1.2): A 35mm lens is another excellent choice for portrait photography, especially if you prefer a wider perspective or if you're shooting in confined spaces. The wider field of view allows you to tell more of a story in your portraits. It's suitable for lifestyle and candid shots where the context of the surroundings is essential.

Remember that the best lens for you depends on your shooting style, the type of portraits you want to capture, and your budget. If possible, try out different lenses to see which one suits your preferences and needs the best.

Prior to your shoot, we will schedule a consultation so that we can get to know more of what you want for your business. And in doing this, it helps me get to know you better as a person.

My approach to achieving natural-looking poses often involves creating a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Here is what I aim for during your brand shoot:

1. Building rapport:
Establishing a connection with the subject to ease any tension and encourage a more natural expression.

2. Candid moments:
Encouraging spontaneous interactions and capturing genuine moments rather than overly posed shots.

3. Guided prompts:
Offering subtle directions or prompts to guide subjects into poses that feel authentic and in line with their natural movements.

4. Observation:
Paying attention to the subject’s body language and adjusting poses accordingly to maintain a sense of comfort.

5. Flexibility:
Being open to trying different poses and allowing for adjustments based on the subject’s preferences and comfort level.

6. Engagement:
Keeping the subject engaged in the process, encouraging conversation, and ensuring a collaborative atmosphere.

Ultimately, the goal is to capture images that reflect your individual or brand aesthetics.

So don’t worry. I will direct you and before you know it, we will create beautiful photos together.