What Lenses Are Studios Using for Family Portraits?

When it comes to capturing family portraits, the choice of lens plays a crucial role in determining the final quality of the photographs. From the comfortable confines of a studio to the serene outdoors, different environments demand different lenses. This article explores the types of lenses commonly used by professional studios and provides insights for photographers looking to enhance their skills.

Finding the Perfect Lens for Studio Work

For indoor portraits, particularly in studio settings, a versatile lens like the Nikon 24–70mm f/2.8 or a crop sensor-compatible option such as the Canon 35mm f/2.0 is often the go-to choice. These lenses offer a balance of professional performance and flexibility. However, in a pinch, even a reasonably priced lens can deliver excellent results, especially when used at slower aperture settings like f/5.6.

For outdoor sessions, a longer telephoto lens such as the Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8 is ideal, although it may be necessary to narrow the aperture to f/5.6 for effective light management. The key is to ensure a high enough depth of field to keep all family members in sharp focus.

Choosing the Optimal Lens for Your Needs

After answering what lenses are preferred, let's dive into some specific recommendations for professional photographers. For a family session, a 50mm lens is often the starting point, but a longer lens like an 85mm offers superior background blur and a more flattering perspective. Alternatively, a 80–200mm f/2.8 provides both a wide aperture and flexible focal length, making it a versatile choice for both studio and outdoor settings.

Lens choices can differ significantly based on the size and layout of the studio. For instance, a photographer with a large open space can comfortably accommodate a larger family using the 80–200mm f/2.8. However, for smaller studios, a 50mm or even a 35mm lens might be more practical.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

A common mistake many photographers make is using a wide-angle lens with distortion for family portraits. This can result in individuals at the edges looking disproportionately larger and wider, which can be quite distracting. I have personally experienced this during a wedding, and it left a lasting negative impression.

To ensure everyone is in focus and the composition is balanced, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate aperture setting. For instance, with the 80-200mm f/2.8, shooting at f/8 still manages to provide a beautiful bokeh, especially when used outdoors.

Advantages of Professional Portraiture Studios

While it's easy to assume that all photography studios operate in the same way, most still operate as high-end portrait studios that produce premium quality artwork. These studios often have advanced printing capabilities that offer better-than-consumer options, ensuring that the final product is of the highest standard.

If you're planning to venture into this as a business, it's important to gather advice from experienced professionals, do thorough research, and approach the venture with a well-thought-out plan. The right lens, combined with a good understanding of lighting, composition, and the post-processing workflow, can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Selecting the right lens for family portraits can revolutionize the way you capture and communicate with families. Whether shooting in a studio or outdoors, understanding the characteristics and limitations of various lenses can significantly enhance the quality and appeal of your work.