Choosing the Right Focal Length for Portraits: Tips and Insights

Portraits are a nuanced art form that requires a deep understanding of light, composition, and, most importantly, the right focal length. While a classic 85mm to 135mm range is widely recommended, the choice can depend on various factors such as the desired composition, shooting distance, and the type of portrait being taken. In this article, we’ll explore the different focal lengths and their unique applications to help you capture the perfect portrait every time.

The Classic Range: 85mm and 135mm

85mm: This focal length is a staple for portrait photography. It provides a flattering perspective, allowing for nice background separation that creates a pleasing bokeh effect. The subject is slightly compressed, making it the go-to choice for creating a balanced and timeless portrait. Eighty-five millimeters strike a delicate balance between full-body and head-and-shoulders shots, making it a versatile option for both large and small portraits.

100mm to 135mm: This range is particularly popular for tighter headshots. These focal lengths offer greater background compression, further enhancing the subject's features. They are ideal for creating a more intimate feel, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject while minimizing distractions in the background. This is especially useful when you want to ensure the subject stands out.

Longer Focal Lengths: 135mm and Beyond

Longer Focal Lengths (135mm ): While less common for full-body portraits, longer focal lengths like 135mm can be great for creating a more intimate atmosphere. The compression of the background helps to minimize any potential distortion, making the subject appear more prominent and closer to the viewer. This is particularly useful when the subject is in a smaller space, such as an indoor setting where every inch of the surroundings must be carefully considered.

Shorter Focal Lengths: 35mm to 50mm

Shorter Focal Lengths (35mm to 50mm): Lenses in this range are perfect for environmental portraits, where the subject is placed within their natural context. While 35mm and 50mm provide a wide enough angle to include more of the surroundings, getting too close to the subject can introduce distortion, especially around the edges of the frame. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a comfortable distance to achieve the desired effect. These focal lengths are also versatile, allowing you to capture both intimate headshots and full-body portraits with a touch of the environment.

Personal Preferences and Camera Systems

While general conventions suggest using a moderate telephoto focal length like 88mm for full-frame or 50mm for an APS-C system, individual preferences and camera systems can significantly impact your choice. For instance, a seasoned photographer like may prefer a longer focal length such as 180mm for 35mm film SLR, creating a more dramatic and intimate portrait. In modern times, the uses an APS-C Pentax and FujiFilm system, often opting for focal lengths around 50 to 70mm, with the DA70 Limited and Pentax D FA100 Macro being their favorites for portraits. These lenses work well for creating a balance between the subject and the environment, with the added bonus of a narrower depth of field for those soft background effects.

Len's Characteristics and Usage

Other notable lenses include the Pentax DA50 and Pentax DA35, which work better for environmental portraits where a bit of the surrounding is included in the frame. The Sigma EX DG 70–200 II APO HSM is also a great option, although its size and weight make it suitable for more extended portrait sessions, often requiring a monopod or even a tripod for support. All these lenses mentioned are genuinely Pentax-K DSLR-mount and work with AE/MF on a FujiFilm mirrorless camera with an adapter, ensuring flexibility and compatibility across different camera systems.

Ultimately, the choice of focal length is a mix of personal preference, camera system, and specific portrait requirements. By understanding the unique properties of different focal lengths, you can craft the perfect portrait that tells your story.