Long Lens Portraits

When shooting portraits if you get too close to your subject you'll exaggerate body parts such as the nose which isn't flattering. You'll also be in your subject's personal space which can make some people feel uncomfortable and as a result, they won't photograph well. So, what's the solution? Well you can move further back but if you go too far back not only will you need a megaphone to direct your model you'll also end up with featureless portraits. Instead, if you're shooting tighter framed portraits such as head or head and shoulder shots, focal lengths of 85mm-135mm are popular choices but a 70-200mm zoom lens will work too. If you need a shot that includes the background or want to shoot a full length portrait a lens such as a 24-105mm would work well.