I’m really glad I found your channel, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find people who know what they’re talking about when it comes to photography 🙏🏼
I love 28mm portraits. I think they have a terrific look, whether an environmental/atmospheric portrait, documentary, or intimate. Same goes for 24, 35, 50, 100, and 135. In my experience, every lens is a portrait lens. I agree with what you say here. And lovely work at the end!
The 35mm is my favorite lens, I enjoy showing the environment. I don't own an 85 right now, but I rarely use the 75-300mm that I have. Even when I do use it, I still include the environment in the shot.
I was just realizing while watching this that in 20 years I don't think I've ever *owned* my own 85mm. I have the Pentax 77 (which is phenomenal to be honest), I've used fast zooms now and then that covered it certainly, and I have borrowed an 85 a couple times, but I quite literally don't have one in my house among the many bits of glass I've accumulated, and I'm not sure I ever have.
I’m currently a beginner photographer and yes, the trend of the “if you have a human in your photo shoot it at 50mm or longer at the widest aperture to be a professional” was really stuck in my head. Recently I’ve been looking at these 35mm and 28mm focal lengths thanks to Harry Potter 3 and Children of Men, 2 movies by Alfonso Cuarón in which you get almost no bokeh and a loooot of depth. I was like “but how does he get everything in focus in such low light situations, I don’t think he is shooting at f/22. And to my surprise both movies were shot between 24mm and 33mm focal lengths. I would highly recommend for people who still believe bokeh is the only way to make your photos look professional to watch these movies and movies where Emanuel Lubezki is involved.
Absolutely! I did one recently of my wife on Yashica ML 28mm f2.8 outdoors and I love it - brick behind her with an alley. Context. Right distance from subject means distortion isn’t problem. Heartily agree with you.
I wanted to say thank you thank you and once again thank you. I was searching for portraits taken with the Leica Q2 ,the monochromatic one and my biggest concern was the 28 mm. You have Shown me not only can it be done but done well and almost in the portrait style that I’m used to. I have learned one thing at my age is that do stuff for yourself not for others. Bravo
Thank you, a million times over for saying what I needed to hear. I've been shooting (an artist) for over 30 years. I'm looking to trade in my Sony gear for a Leica q3. While I feel my creativity would be my greatest asset as it's always served me well. I was a little nervous going from my 85mm and other lenses to a fixed 27mm. Life is extremely short and I want to look forward to being more creative and taking more chances and giving more room for growth. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
Great portraits! The distortion makes the pictures even more interesting and engaging. For those who still think that you can´t make portraits with wide angle lenses, I suggest leaving RUclips and checking out the work of photographers like Jeanloup Sieff and Antonin Kratochvil, just to name a couple.
Wow. I have been taking photos for a very long time but only recently tried my hand at portraits. This is THE best thought provoking video I have seen. Excellent stuff! You answered a lot of questions I have been asking myself. And your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
My thoughts exactly. Subject and content is really important and being able to express it into art is really essential. 85mm can direct focus to the subject but it is not the rule.
I love portrait photography. It’s why I got into photography. I looked for years at different portraits that people took & I took note of the lenses used on the portraits I liked. The 2 lenses that I liked most were the 24 1.4 & the 100 2.8 STF. So, the only two primes I own & use for portraits are those two. It’s an easy setup to take with me, though I do need extra light for the 100, cuz the STF acts like a 5.6 but it produces the best backgrounds ever! Thanks for the video. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. Well done. You got yourself a new sub. Best wishes!
I agree with everything said here, and just wanted to add an idea: some ppls faces actually look better and/or more true to real life with a 35 or 28mm. Photographing my wife taught me this, when I first started I always made portraits of her with my 70-200, and it wasn’t u til I started noticing in my more casual snaps with the 35 or 28 that her face looked more true to life and pleasing. This doesn’t work for everyone (or many ppl honestly) but it is something else to consider. Experimenting is the best way to find what you like and prefer, stay away from the koolaid!
I recently found your channel and I'm a big fan! Mainly because you are a working professional photographer with a RUclips channel. Not a RUclipsr with a channel about photography. Wow, what a difference that makes. It's very refreshing. Thank you.
Great point, I can shoot greart portraits with a cheap kit lens 3.5 -5.6 variable. I started shooting on film back in 1999 before digital era and RUclips. I had to go out and shot and miss up a lot film and read a lot of books figure out my mistakes. Film was not cheap back then that's what made digital so attractive to professional photographer back in film days. All the old head professional photographers I knew back then only had 2 to 3 lens tops. They photographed wedding and portraits and everything in between.
I love content like this, I wish you good health and joy on your journey. Please keep these videos coming as it brings so much value to our young gen. Your words of wisdom is true gem on this digital era, where it flooded with chart readers and "creamy bokeh" monki
I just got home from a wedding. I started the day with a 28mm and ended the night with a 28mm. Once I finish the prep, i usually step down to f2 - f2.8 through the night. It's special great for group shots, but I love it for prep portrait shots. On eos r5, you also have room to crop, if necessary. I love my sigma 28mm 1.4, but everyone gets annoyed that I don't always shoot at f1.4.
@@kaskoPhoto that's true. The important thing is the client. I like the speed of the focus and 28mm focal length in a really tight space without the distortion. Also, shooting wide open didn't matter too much in a small space or really close up shots. I think the client would be happy with various shots I have provided, especially a full body shots, in a small hotel room with 8 adults, 4 kids, and furniture all over the place that was jammed into a corner. 35mm would have provided a 3/4 body shots. 28mm even allowed group shots of a champagne toast in a small room, that's only the size of my kid's room.
I have, on a few occasions, shot portraits with a 20 mm. Careful about distortion! But it suits some applications. Also, I never shoot portraits wider than f.5, and usually f8 or 11. I've been a pro for 5 decades. I think I'll shoot some portraits with my Nikkor 14-24 just to prove your point & post them on RUclips.
Love this !! Platón did not follow the rules , he shot wide Angle , it’s what set him apart . It’s ok to deconstruct the learned and follow the creative process that flows within … 🙏🏻
Your grumpiness and irate tone earned you a sub from me. Please take that as a compliment. I personally detest the trend for “pro” look to be nothing in focus. My favourite lens is the 28mm Elmarit. I seen a guy at the Grand Canyon use an 85mm 1.2. He could have gotten the same shot in a carpet warehouse for all of the location you would have seen. Before the record I am just a hobbyist and have fallen into the trap of getting “bigger and better”. I honestly believe that my photos have improved vastly since limiting myself to an m8 and slower lenses. And what’s more, I enjoy using it a lot more. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more videos. Thank you
This is the best I've heard in a long time. You're spot on with everything. As a fulltime photographer for the last 15 years I totally agree with everything you said. RUclips is becoming a place where influencers make up trends and then pushing it down our throats all the time, and I hate it. Keep it up :)
I just stumbled across this video and got a good chuckle… I routinely shoot portraits and headshots at 5.6-11 and think that anybody who chronically shoots wide open is an amateur. There’s a time and a place for that, but if most of their face isn’t in focus, that’s kind of a problem.
@@kaskoPhoto lol, let me guess, these are the same people that "only shoot natural light"? Yeah, it's trendy among people who likely don't actually shoot much. Pretty much every working photog I know that actually makes a living shooting photos and shoots pretty much every day rarely shoots wide open. There's a time and a place for that stuff, but if you want to consistently produce good photos that show a good amount of detail, wide open isn't it. The same goes for lenses. Shoot from the distance that gives you the perspective you want, then pick an appropriate lens that gives you the composition and character that you want. There are no rules when you're being creative.
I agree. You can do great work with most anything if you have training and are open to it. So many RUclipsrs create haphazardly with little training, insight, or even planning of their own presentation.
Hit the nail right on the head bro, it's how you use it and how you express yourself through your art :) If everyone shot the same what a boring world we would live in. Haters will hate brother!
Love your approach - I am also over the dreamy bokeh thing - have done most of my recent work with a 28mm and love it - it looks timeless ! Speak out bro!!
For the last year I have shot heavily with vintage 50mm film camera glass on my Sony A7. The bubble, column and cluster bokeh old glass produces is a lot of fun. I like creamy, too. But as you say...a distinct background is often complimentary.
I know this is an old video but I appreciate your candor. "That doesn't matter" is a phrase that only a serious person can say, and is all too rare with RUclips photog influencers. Also love the examples at the end
Briliant video and fantastic tips for us getting into photography. I was recently stunned by a portrait I shot w/ a 28mm lens (Leica Q). Dig your channel - Thank you!
I use a 28-70 f 2.8 does portraits fines, sometimes I use a 70-200 f2.8 too. Any lens used with good light, settings and composition will work. One of my best portraits was shot on an old Nikon D7100 with a 150-500 old sigma lens, outside on a sunny day and up there with the best.
I recently did a portrait of a gentleman who was kind enough to allow me to make an image of him at a bar with a what I had at the moment, which was a 20 mm believe it or not , I was surprised just how well it came out . Looking at a 28mm as my next prime . Glad I came across this post !
"You can shoot a portrait with any lens". True - you just have a clear understanding of what any given combination of focal length, aperture, and perspective will give you. That said the wider you go the more careful you need to be.
David Baileys great iconic portraits from the ‘60’s are all from his Rollie medium format fixed lens. Lens equivalent to 28 or 35mm. It depends on the look you require or how that focal length is used. But to say 24,28 or 35mm can’t be used for portraits is utter bollocks. Your beautiful images with the model proved this. Love the channel btw.
Stumbled upon your channel because I had been wondering if I could use my Q2 to shoot portraits. I really like your no nonsense approach and, like you, I'm also old so I don't give a s**t as well😂. Subbed 😊
I have to say- I love this camera! And yes, “they” say we are just crazy assholes who could have had 10x the camera for the money spent… but the feeling I get when using this camera is absolutely priceless. And at our age, we deserve priceless
Thanks! That's why I love your videos! I shoot mostly portraiture and street and in my Canon days I used the 85mm and the 50mm most of the time just like anybody else. When I switched over to Fujifilm I started using the 35mm (23mm f2) most of the time, it became my favorite focal length and I realised I was much better off shooting at f2.8, f4 or even f5.6. The photographers I really look up to were shooting in the 30s, 40s and 50s, obviously with film and in black and white, and there was no such thing as 85mm f1 2 or 50mm f0.95 lenses back then. Their images included the environment and had texture, yet their portraits popped up anyway, but everything else in the background mattered too and made a difference. I don't mind creamy bokeh if that's what people like but I don't see the point of systematically blurring the background when it adds texture, context and perspective. Thanks again and have a great day!
I just have been through to many trends since 1982… and each and every time, they are beaten to death to a point of obnoxious. Now with social media… everything looks like the same photographer took every shot when 85 1.2 / 1.4 is the norm.
Agreed. It is how you use the lens. I wouldn't get right up in someone's face with a wide angle lens as it distorts their features for sure. Take a few steps back.
I too have seen some seriously great people photos with wider lenses - they just have that something special in the right hands. It’s fun to work towards.
Great video. The title of your video (from a youtube comment) is the ongoing problem that happens when a load of social media influencers start influencing on mass without really knowing what they're talking about. They stay rigid in their approach and really don't understand or grasp the free-flowing creative process. There are no hard set rules, only guidelines in the beginning to get one started. After that, explore what resonates with you because we all have our own niche, simple.
Thanks for the video. When I saw the title, I was not sure if you were saying that a real professional would not shoot a portrait with a 35mm lens or a 35mm camera.
35mm is my favorite lens to use It’s the first lens I pick up every time I’m not sure if I’m missing out on anything but I don’t even use my 85mm I plan on using it more this year.
Firstly - stunning images. You absolutely Nailed it, on all of your points. This so-called Bokeh revolution really magnifies the point that there aren't many true photographers out there. And don't get me started on the crowd that pushes the 'Rules' of photography.
“I’m not being an asshole, I’m really not…” Love that quote, I tell myself that all the time (about myself) The world needs more brutal, not asshole-ish honesty on any number of subjects, but hey we’re talking about photography here. Loved this video, time well-spent.
I agree in all respects, each focal length has its own performance, has its own artistic character. A right depth of field, gives three-dimensionality to the subject or object posed or posted. It is playing with the focal aperture with the concept of helping the ambient light, this is an old school concept that always exists in an artistic photographic approach. The fantastic pose in harmony with the landscape, with the environment and the light, from a body and a soul to the whole, thus synthesizing what is the essence of photography, "The Context" and capturing moments in Space and Time
Thank you for this. I prefer my 35mm Tamron 1.4 for pretty much everything. The only thing it absolutely sucks at is getting things at a distance. Go figure. Lol! I bought a 100mm f2 because I thought, “I need a portrait lens!” I essentially use it now just for reaching subjects my 35mm can’t get close enough to. I’m influenced greatly by cinema. Context and environment contribute to the story, and if a portrait is about reflecting the person, then their own environment can help with that.
Refreshing to hear...so tired of hearing the "trend" and everyone trying to photograph like someone else, instead of themselves. Why would you want to be like everyone else?
Wow ... without using a naughty word . . . These are best images I've seen in a vey long time . . . just Amazing . . . So So please I found your channel
Yes, Yes, Yes. I subscribed to your channel because of this video. When you shoot according to what others say will just make your work look like everybody else's stuff. This is a rant I in full agreement with.
With apologies for my typos. No apologies for trying to be a little creative. A photo friend decided he wanted to do a series of 16mm (crop sensor) street portraits. It was a short but satisfying endeavor. He got the usual, though mostly polite in his case, push back. People said, "why would anyone agree to a portrait that distorted the face." All of his subjects had a great laugh over it. Always try something new!!
It gives me a kick when people say there's a right and wrong way to do something that's entirely subjective. People are also brainwashed to think that it's fullframe or bust, nothing else will work, it's all trash. Meanwhile, I've had people choose photos I shot with a Penatx MX-1 I took while moving around or for test shots over the some of those shot with the full frame K-1 Mark II. TBH, I choose primarily MFT anymore anyway with a bag of PanaLeica primes and a couple solid Olympus zooms all with a GX8, GX85, or Olympus E-P5. With the OM-5 announced I'll probably be picking one up to replace the GX8 leaving the GX85 for solid video the very rare times I need it and the E-P5 with a Lumix 20mm to just keep on when I go out. I've also traded the K-1 for an APS-C KP that puts out amazing pictures. I generally shoot f/4 and move up or down depending on what I need. With MFT that's roughly an effective DOF of f/8 for 35mm/Full Frame, which works great for me.
I see this critique a lot on YT, in my opinion some people get so wrapped up in the "norms" of what lens a "pro" uses that they forget that photography is a medium for artistic expression. The correct lens to use is whichever you decide to attach to your camera to achieve the look you want to create. Yes, there are industry standards but if you choose to create something different, the lens you choose makes you an artist not just a pro.
Excellent rant. I love it. People are so concerned with what someone else tells them. Photography is about using light to capturing a moment in time. Just like the, "You must have the sharpest most expensive lens to get a portrait" BS. I have taken and seen great photos taken with the old cheapo nifty fifty. One of my affordable favorites is the RF35mm f/1.8 macro. There are some absolutely beautiful lenses out there that render a slightly softer look but still take fantastic portraits. The people out there in RUclips land whom have learning or experienced photographers send their images too so they can tell them they missed a shot because the subjects eye is not razor sharp. Give me a break!
This is so true. Who would dare saying “we can’t”?? This is disturbing. I love shooting portraits with a 50-55mm on a medium format. It creates drama, it is about the vision of an image and the “geography” of your subject face. And no you’re not an asshole. Thanks for your video!
@@kaskoPhoto I was so used to my 50mm 0.95 lens, it took quite some time to learn how to shoot with the 24mm, but now it's kinda my favorite lens for portraits
your shots are 🙌🏼 👉🏼 🔥💪🏼💪🏼!! no need to apologize for your ‘rant’ … never apologize for sharing knowledge, truth / facts and clearly legit well shot images that prove how most arm chair “photographer” know very little about the art of creativity and correct use of various mm lenses and the FoV they can provide for a specific mood/look etc!! Same type of people out there that shoot landscapes and think they should never use a telephoto lens because wide 24mm to 70mm is all one needs 🙄 Use 200-400mm and their frigg’n heads explode 🫣😮🤯 🤣🤣 silly rules are for fools!! loved this vid!! Thank you!
Very interesting. After I watched this I went to LR and checked my focal lengths. I was surprised to see that my “work” catalog is all 70+mm and my “personal” just for me catalog, the stuff that I really enjoy is all under 35mm with the bulk being 28mm and 24mm. 🤔 might be time to stand out from the sea of “creamy background”
I don't charge money for my portraits, so I am free to use whatever! My favorite on GFX is 45mm, followed by 80mm. But then, I saw some cool wide-angle fashion portraits in a magazine. I liked the look and tried to replicate it. Now I am trying to add some 30mm (24mm in 35mm world) images to portrait sessions. Also, Joe McNally talk about wide-angle portraits quite a bit. I especially like his advice to shoot details, like hands, with wide-angle. I always forget to do details shots though.
I love that you are shooting for the joy of it vs the dollar. What I love more is that you are shooting GFX for this. It shows a love of the craft vs need.
@@kaskoPhoto there are not many 3/4 frame format cameras out there. It is Olympus and GFX for me. GFX gets you in the very top of today's technical quality of image, while being bargain-basement priced on the used market.
@@realniteart I did see the pricing on those, I’m shocked they are so low. I do love my Hasselblad 1DX II because of the 50mp sensor (favorite sensor ever) and if it wasn’t for the leaf shutter, I would be on the GFX for sure.
Great valid points focusing on both possibilities and limitations of the different focal lenghts! Some fashion photographers even shoot mostly at f/16. F/0.95 lenses are great at low light and that occasional ‘creamy bokeh’ situation, though your lens usually performs better at f/5.6-f/11-ish
@@professionalpotato4764 Every lens has a different diffraction threshold - but yes, many hit that at f16. I do have a Hasselblad lens that is magical at f16
@@kaskoPhoto yes. And even though it ain’t f/16, then I have viewed some of Annie Leibovitz’ exit data - the most common value of her shots on p30 medium format back and canon 1ds ii was f/13 - for her it’s more about storytelling rather than bokeh 😊
The wider lens, the more bigger of subject can be in focus with same F. If u shoot in 35mm , with f4 u can full body in focus + close up, while if use 85mm, even minum focus distance, u must 5.6 . That will be 1 stop of light, so if shoot in night, wide lens help u better in iso without flash, or not big light
I always have my Ricoh GR with me even on a portrait shoot as well, where my only and one lens is a 50mm. The 28mm is the sweet spot of the wide perspective imo.
Spoken like a true professional.
I’m really glad I found your channel, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find people who know what they’re talking about when it comes to photography 🙏🏼
I love 28mm portraits. I think they have a terrific look, whether an environmental/atmospheric portrait, documentary, or intimate. Same goes for 24, 35, 50, 100, and 135. In my experience, every lens is a portrait lens. I agree with what you say here. And lovely work at the end!
The 35mm is my favorite lens, I enjoy showing the environment. I don't own an 85 right now, but I rarely use the 75-300mm that I have. Even when I do use it, I still include the environment in the shot.
I was just realizing while watching this that in 20 years I don't think I've ever *owned* my own 85mm. I have the Pentax 77 (which is phenomenal to be honest), I've used fast zooms now and then that covered it certainly, and I have borrowed an 85 a couple times, but I quite literally don't have one in my house among the many bits of glass I've accumulated, and I'm not sure I ever have.
I’m currently a beginner photographer and yes, the trend of the “if you have a human in your photo shoot it at 50mm or longer at the widest aperture to be a professional” was really stuck in my head.
Recently I’ve been looking at these 35mm and 28mm focal lengths thanks to Harry Potter 3 and Children of Men, 2 movies by Alfonso Cuarón in which you get almost no bokeh and a loooot of depth. I was like “but how does he get everything in focus in such low light situations, I don’t think he is shooting at f/22. And to my surprise both movies were shot between 24mm and 33mm focal lengths. I would highly recommend for people who still believe bokeh is the only way to make your photos look professional to watch these movies and movies where Emanuel Lubezki is involved.
Some brilliant advice. Some of my biggest inspiration comes from cinematic masterpieces.
Absolutely! I did one recently of my wife on Yashica ML 28mm f2.8 outdoors and I love it - brick behind her with an alley. Context. Right distance from subject means distortion isn’t problem. Heartily agree with you.
I wanted to say thank you thank you and once again thank you. I was searching for portraits taken with the Leica Q2 ,the monochromatic one and my biggest concern was the 28 mm. You have Shown me not only can it be done but done well and almost in the portrait style that I’m used to. I have learned one thing at my age is that do stuff for yourself not for others. Bravo
It takes some getting use to but it is amazing for portraits
The Hollywood 28 proved that thought wrong since 1938. I really don’t know the year, but it’s a classic for great films.
Thank you, a million times over for saying what I needed to hear. I've been shooting (an artist) for over 30 years. I'm looking to trade in my Sony gear for a Leica q3. While I feel my creativity would be my greatest asset as it's always served me well. I was a little nervous going from my 85mm and other lenses to a fixed 27mm. Life is extremely short and I want to look forward to being more creative and taking more chances and giving more room for growth. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
Great portraits! The distortion makes the pictures even more interesting and engaging. For those who still think that you can´t make portraits with wide angle lenses, I suggest leaving RUclips and checking out the work of photographers like Jeanloup Sieff and Antonin Kratochvil, just to name a couple.
And those are portraits that anyone would be proud of. Well Done!
Thank you. She’s almost always fun to shoot.
@@kaskoPhoto 'almost'...😆
Wow. I have been taking photos for a very long time but only recently tried my hand at portraits.
This is THE best thought provoking video I have seen. Excellent stuff! You answered a lot of questions I have been asking myself. And your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
My thoughts exactly. Subject and content is really important and being able to express it into art is really essential. 85mm can direct focus to the subject but it is not the rule.
I love portrait photography. It’s why I got into photography. I looked for years at different portraits that people took & I took note of the lenses used on the portraits I liked. The 2 lenses that I liked most were the 24 1.4 & the 100 2.8 STF. So, the only two primes I own & use for portraits are those two. It’s an easy setup to take with me, though I do need extra light for the 100, cuz the STF acts like a 5.6 but it produces the best backgrounds ever! Thanks for the video. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. Well done. You got yourself a new sub. Best wishes!
does 28mmf2 will behave like 24 f1.4
I agree with everything said here, and just wanted to add an idea: some ppls faces actually look better and/or more true to real life with a 35 or 28mm.
Photographing my wife taught me this, when I first started I always made portraits of her with my 70-200, and it wasn’t u til I started noticing in my more casual snaps with the 35 or 28 that her face looked more true to life and pleasing.
This doesn’t work for everyone (or many ppl honestly) but it is something else to consider.
Experimenting is the best way to find what you like and prefer, stay away from the koolaid!
I recently found your channel and I'm a big fan! Mainly because you are a working professional photographer with a RUclips channel. Not a RUclipsr with a channel about photography. Wow, what a difference that makes. It's very refreshing. Thank you.
Great point, I can shoot greart portraits with a cheap kit lens 3.5 -5.6 variable. I started shooting on film back in 1999 before digital era and RUclips. I had to go out and shot and miss up a lot film and read a lot of books figure out my mistakes. Film was not cheap back then that's what made digital so attractive to professional photographer back in film days. All the old head professional photographers I knew back then only had 2 to 3 lens tops. They photographed wedding and portraits and everything in between.
So refreshing from another full time photographer without a RUclips channel yet. You’re a good inspiration. Subscribed.
Thank you very much.
I love content like this, I wish you good health and joy on your journey. Please keep these videos coming as it brings so much value to our young gen. Your words of wisdom is true gem on this digital era, where it flooded with chart readers and "creamy bokeh" monki
Thank you. It is amazing what a few kind words can mean to someone this early in the morning.
I just got home from a wedding. I started the day with a 28mm and ended the night with a 28mm. Once I finish the prep, i usually step down to f2 - f2.8 through the night. It's special great for group shots, but I love it for prep portrait shots. On eos r5, you also have room to crop, if necessary.
I love my sigma 28mm 1.4, but everyone gets annoyed that I don't always shoot at f1.4.
Well if you love the shots and the clients love the shots… they are the only “everyone” that matters.
@@kaskoPhoto that's true. The important thing is the client. I like the speed of the focus and 28mm focal length in a really tight space without the distortion. Also, shooting wide open didn't matter too much in a small space or really close up shots.
I think the client would be happy with various shots I have provided, especially a full body shots, in a small hotel room with 8 adults, 4 kids, and furniture all over the place that was jammed into a corner. 35mm would have provided a 3/4 body shots. 28mm even allowed group shots of a champagne toast in a small room, that's only the size of my kid's room.
I have, on a few occasions, shot portraits with a 20 mm. Careful about distortion! But it suits some applications. Also, I never shoot portraits wider than f.5, and usually f8 or 11. I've been a pro for 5 decades. I think I'll shoot some portraits with my Nikkor 14-24 just to prove your point & post them on RUclips.
Made your point and backed it up with beautiful images. Love it! You earned a new subscriber.
Thank you. And please feel free to add your comments at any time. Love to hear everyone’s opinion.
Thanks for the insights, Sir. I concur. You can shot portraits with any lens. True sign of a professional photographer.
It takes a little extra care on wides but it is worth the effort.
If I did exactly what everyone else does, then I'd be just like everyone else.
I don't want to be like everyone else.
Apparently you haven’t drank the cool-aid
Love this !! Platón did not follow the rules , he shot wide Angle , it’s what set him apart . It’s ok to deconstruct the learned and follow the creative process that flows within … 🙏🏻
Beautiful model with a nice classic look! I’m going to copy that led trick.
Your grumpiness and irate tone earned you a sub from me. Please take that as a compliment. I personally detest the trend for “pro” look to be nothing in focus. My favourite lens is the 28mm Elmarit.
I seen a guy at the Grand Canyon use an 85mm 1.2. He could have gotten the same shot in a carpet warehouse for all of the location you would have seen.
Before the record I am just a hobbyist and have fallen into the trap of getting “bigger and better”. I honestly believe that my photos have improved vastly since limiting myself to an m8 and slower lenses. And what’s more, I enjoy using it a lot more.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more videos. Thank you
This is the best I've heard in a long time. You're spot on with everything. As a fulltime photographer for the last 15 years I totally agree with everything you said. RUclips is becoming a place where influencers make up trends and then pushing it down our throats all the time, and I hate it. Keep it up :)
Thank you.
I just stumbled across this video and got a good chuckle… I routinely shoot portraits and headshots at 5.6-11 and think that anybody who chronically shoots wide open is an amateur. There’s a time and a place for that, but if most of their face isn’t in focus, that’s kind of a problem.
But it’s trendy 😂 Thank you for your view on this (and mine)
@@kaskoPhoto lol, let me guess, these are the same people that "only shoot natural light"? Yeah, it's trendy among people who likely don't actually shoot much. Pretty much every working photog I know that actually makes a living shooting photos and shoots pretty much every day rarely shoots wide open. There's a time and a place for that stuff, but if you want to consistently produce good photos that show a good amount of detail, wide open isn't it. The same goes for lenses. Shoot from the distance that gives you the perspective you want, then pick an appropriate lens that gives you the composition and character that you want. There are no rules when you're being creative.
I agree. You can do great work with most anything if you have training and are open to it. So many RUclipsrs create haphazardly with little training, insight, or even planning of their own presentation.
It really is off the cuff anymore. That is a very good point.
Hit the nail right on the head bro, it's how you use it and how you express yourself through your art :) If everyone shot the same what a boring world we would live in. Haters will hate brother!
This feels like an Amen moment. Thank you.
My god. Someone actually made this video. Hats off.
And don't forget: hire starting photographers soon, while they still know everything.
😂😂
A little honesty goes a long way. In this case, many miles. Thanks for speaking up about and demonstrating the prospects of wide-angle portraiture.
Thank you for commenting. Much appreciated.
Love your approach - I am also over the dreamy bokeh thing - have done most of my recent work with a 28mm and love it - it looks timeless ! Speak out bro!!
For the last year I have shot heavily with vintage 50mm film camera glass on my Sony A7.
The bubble, column and cluster bokeh old glass produces is a lot of fun.
I like creamy, too. But as you say...a distinct background is often complimentary.
Wow the video I needed, thanks for being so clear and down to earth
I know this is an old video but I appreciate your candor. "That doesn't matter" is a phrase that only a serious person can say, and is all too rare with RUclips photog influencers. Also love the examples at the end
Thank you for watching and your input. Really appreciate it.
Briliant video and fantastic tips for us getting into photography. I was recently stunned by a portrait I shot w/ a 28mm lens (Leica Q). Dig your channel - Thank you!
Thank you!
I use a 28-70 f 2.8 does portraits fines, sometimes I use a 70-200 f2.8 too. Any lens used with good light, settings and composition will work. One of my best portraits was shot on an old Nikon D7100 with a 150-500 old sigma lens, outside on a sunny day and up there with the best.
I do love compression!
I recently did a portrait of a gentleman who was kind enough to allow me to make an image of him at a bar with a what I had at the moment, which was a 20 mm believe it or not , I was surprised just how well it came out . Looking at a 28mm as my next prime . Glad I came across this post !
"You can shoot a portrait with any lens". True - you just have a clear understanding of what any given combination of focal length, aperture, and perspective will give you. That said the wider you go the more careful you need to be.
Well said that man ! "A real professional" is able to take good pictures with anything...
And most important.. it’s just fun!
David Baileys great iconic portraits from the ‘60’s are all from his Rollie medium format fixed lens. Lens equivalent to 28 or 35mm. It depends on the look you require or how that focal length is used. But to say 24,28 or 35mm can’t be used for portraits is utter bollocks.
Your beautiful images with the model proved this.
Love the channel btw.
Stumbled upon your channel because I had been wondering if I could use my Q2 to shoot portraits. I really like your no nonsense approach and, like you, I'm also old so I don't give a s**t as well😂. Subbed 😊
I have to say- I love this camera! And yes, “they” say we are just crazy assholes who could have had 10x the camera for the money spent… but the feeling I get when using this camera is absolutely priceless. And at our age, we deserve priceless
@@kaskoPhoto Amen to that!
Thanks! That's why I love your videos! I shoot mostly portraiture and street and in my Canon days I used the 85mm and the 50mm most of the time just like anybody else.
When I switched over to Fujifilm I started using the 35mm (23mm f2) most of the time, it became my favorite focal length and I realised I was much better off shooting at f2.8, f4 or even f5.6.
The photographers I really look up to were shooting in the 30s, 40s and 50s, obviously with film and in black and white, and there was no such thing as 85mm f1 2 or 50mm f0.95 lenses back then.
Their images included the environment and had texture, yet their portraits popped up anyway, but everything else in the background mattered too and made a difference.
I don't mind creamy bokeh if that's what people like but I don't see the point of systematically blurring the background when it adds texture, context and perspective.
Thanks again and have a great day!
I just have been through to many trends since 1982… and each and every time, they are beaten to death to a point of obnoxious. Now with social media… everything looks like the same photographer took every shot when 85 1.2 / 1.4 is the norm.
Agreed. It is how you use the lens. I wouldn't get right up in someone's face with a wide angle lens as it distorts their features for sure. Take a few steps back.
Love 28 for environmental portraits. I’ve seen some amazing portraits with 24/25 and even 21. Obviously, not for headshots. Great shots nice set up.
I too have seen some seriously great people photos with wider lenses - they just have that something special in the right hands. It’s fun to work towards.
Great video. The title of your video (from a youtube comment) is the ongoing problem that happens when a load of social media influencers start influencing on mass without really knowing what they're talking about. They stay rigid in their approach and really don't understand or grasp the free-flowing creative process. There are no hard set rules, only guidelines in the beginning to get one started. After that, explore what resonates with you because we all have our own niche, simple.
Very well said.
I have never understood the whole lens genre thing. I love shooting landscapes at 85-90mm. Great video.
Thank you.
A real professional wouldn't say "“A real professional wouldn’t shoot a portrait with a 35mm”. Only amateurs and newbies say that.
Amen brother. I’ve watched a few of your videos, but this one gave impetus to my subscription. Thanks for sharing this perspective.
Thank you David
Thanks for the video.
When I saw the title, I was not sure if you were saying that a real professional would not shoot a portrait with a 35mm lens or a 35mm camera.
😂 I believe that is my best effort at click-bait - as unintentional as it was
35mm is my favorite lens to use It’s the first lens I pick up every time I’m not sure if I’m missing out on anything but I don’t even use my 85mm I plan on using it more this year.
Same here. 28 to 45mm are my favorite do-alls. In my top three all-time is the Pentax 31mm. I haven't even owned an 85mm for 10 years or more.
I love it. I agree and I like environmental portraits with plenty of depth of field.
Great thoughts, fantastic content, genuinely loved the end results!
Geeeez... That photos look great. Im really impressed by the light setting.
Thank you.
Firstly - stunning images.
You absolutely Nailed it, on all of your points. This so-called Bokeh revolution really magnifies the point that there aren't many true photographers out there. And don't get me started on the crowd that pushes the 'Rules' of photography.
Hey great video. I really like when people show their process of shooting and the end result.
Great photographs … a man who clearly knows his craft 👏🏽
Thank you. Really appreciated.
Wow I see that you can shoot portraits with ANY lens!!!. Amazing job. My respect.
Thanks for watching.
“I’m not being an asshole, I’m really not…” Love that quote, I tell myself that all the time (about myself)
The world needs more brutal, not asshole-ish honesty on any number of subjects, but hey we’re talking about photography here. Loved this video, time well-spent.
I agree in all respects, each focal length has its own performance, has its own artistic character.
A right depth of field, gives three-dimensionality to the subject or object posed or posted.
It is playing with the focal aperture with the concept of helping the ambient light, this is an old school concept that always exists in an artistic photographic approach.
The fantastic pose in harmony with the landscape, with the environment and the light, from a body and a soul to the whole, thus synthesizing what is the essence of photography, "The Context" and capturing moments in Space and Time
Thank you for this. I prefer my 35mm Tamron 1.4 for pretty much everything. The only thing it absolutely sucks at is getting things at a distance. Go figure. Lol!
I bought a 100mm f2 because I thought, “I need a portrait lens!” I essentially use it now just for reaching subjects my 35mm can’t get close enough to.
I’m influenced greatly by cinema. Context and environment contribute to the story, and if a portrait is about reflecting the person, then their own environment can help with that.
I recently made portraits with even a 20mm f1.8 :) and they are some of my favorites from the shoot!
Master the wides and the rest are a walk in the park!
Love it! Standard is standard, extraordinary is extraordinary.
Refreshing to hear...so tired of hearing the "trend" and everyone trying to photograph like someone else, instead of themselves. Why would you want to be like everyone else?
Great advice and a beautiful model!!! Thanks
Wow ... without using a naughty word . . . These are best images I've seen in a vey long time . . . just Amazing . . . So So please I found your channel
Julia Trotti is a fashion photographer and her favorite lens is the 35mm. She takes really fun photos.
So much common sense there! A refreshing finding. Someone who talks about photography in the era of Bokeh Kingdom. You have a new sub.
Thank you. Yes, I am the photography side of things much more that a gear fanatic.
Yes, Yes, Yes. I subscribed to your channel because of this video. When you shoot according to what others say will just make your work look like everybody else's stuff. This is a rant I in full agreement with.
With apologies for my typos. No apologies for trying to be a little creative.
A photo friend decided he wanted to do a series of 16mm (crop sensor) street portraits. It was a short but satisfying endeavor. He got the usual, though mostly polite in his case, push back. People said, "why would anyone agree to a portrait that distorted the face." All of his subjects had a great laugh over it. Always try something new!!
Excellent images and a nice catch from the model.
Nice to see your channel growing since I last visited 👍🏼
Yes! 35mm is actually a nice focal length and nice work proving them wroy
It gives me a kick when people say there's a right and wrong way to do something that's entirely subjective. People are also brainwashed to think that it's fullframe or bust, nothing else will work, it's all trash. Meanwhile, I've had people choose photos I shot with a Penatx MX-1 I took while moving around or for test shots over the some of those shot with the full frame K-1 Mark II. TBH, I choose primarily MFT anymore anyway with a bag of PanaLeica primes and a couple solid Olympus zooms all with a GX8, GX85, or Olympus E-P5. With the OM-5 announced I'll probably be picking one up to replace the GX8 leaving the GX85 for solid video the very rare times I need it and the E-P5 with a Lumix 20mm to just keep on when I go out. I've also traded the K-1 for an APS-C KP that puts out amazing pictures. I generally shoot f/4 and move up or down depending on what I need. With MFT that's roughly an effective DOF of f/8 for 35mm/Full Frame, which works great for me.
WoW, I love 💕💕 the pictures. I never used my Zeiss 28mm f2 so close to the model. So inspirational
Give it a spin!!
Really great portraits - it really emphasised your point - well done !
I see this critique a lot on YT, in my opinion some people get so wrapped up in the "norms" of what lens a "pro" uses that they forget that photography is a medium for artistic expression. The correct lens to use is whichever you decide to attach to your camera to achieve the look you want to create. Yes, there are industry standards but if you choose to create something different, the lens you choose makes you an artist not just a pro.
Thanks a lot for clearing the confusion!
You sir are a breath of fresh air.
Excellent rant. I love it. People are so concerned with what someone else tells them. Photography is about using light to capturing a moment in time. Just like the, "You must have the sharpest most expensive lens to get a portrait" BS. I have taken and seen great photos taken with the old cheapo nifty fifty. One of my affordable favorites is the RF35mm f/1.8 macro.
There are some absolutely beautiful lenses out there that render a slightly softer look but still take fantastic portraits. The people out there in RUclips land whom have learning or experienced photographers send their images too so they can tell them they missed a shot because the subjects eye is not razor sharp. Give me a break!
Thank you for your video. I like to make portraits with 24 and 28 mm on a full frame body. And this is great.
Thank you for watching. Really appreciated
This is so true. Who would dare saying “we can’t”?? This is disturbing. I love shooting portraits with a 50-55mm on a medium format. It creates drama, it is about the vision of an image and the “geography” of your subject face. And no you’re not an asshole. Thanks for your video!
I am with you on that! The 45 on the X1D is inspiring
I shoot portraits with a 24mm 1.4 sigma art lens on an eos 5dmk2 quite often, I like the look
Just takes knowing the focal length and knowing how to use it. I did like the 28.
@@kaskoPhoto I was so used to my 50mm 0.95 lens, it took quite some time to learn how to shoot with the 24mm, but now it's kinda my favorite lens for portraits
It is very interesting and very true that a good portrait can be taken with ANY lens ! RS. Canada
Beautiful black and white portrait
your shots are 🙌🏼 👉🏼 🔥💪🏼💪🏼!!
no need to apologize for your ‘rant’ … never apologize for sharing knowledge, truth / facts and clearly legit well shot images that prove how most arm chair “photographer” know very little about the art of creativity and correct use of various mm lenses and the FoV they can provide for a specific mood/look etc!!
Same type of people out there that shoot landscapes and think they should never use a telephoto lens because wide 24mm to 70mm is all one needs 🙄 Use 200-400mm and their frigg’n heads explode 🫣😮🤯
🤣🤣 silly rules are for fools!!
loved this vid!! Thank you!
I like the way you spoke straight forward respect and thank you
Thank you for watching.
Very interesting. After I watched this I went to LR and checked my focal lengths. I was surprised to see that my “work” catalog is all 70+mm and my “personal” just for me catalog, the stuff that I really enjoy is all under 35mm with the bulk being 28mm and 24mm. 🤔 might be time to stand out from the sea of “creamy background”
You certainly can. Wide angle portraits are way more interesting. Nice work.loved the rant!
I'm thrilled! Very cool! Thanks!
I’m glad that I found your channel John.
I’m glad you did too! Thanks for watching.
I don't charge money for my portraits, so I am free to use whatever! My favorite on GFX is 45mm, followed by 80mm. But then, I saw some cool wide-angle fashion portraits in a magazine. I liked the look and tried to replicate it. Now I am trying to add some 30mm (24mm in 35mm world) images to portrait sessions.
Also, Joe McNally talk about wide-angle portraits quite a bit. I especially like his advice to shoot details, like hands, with wide-angle. I always forget to do details shots though.
I love that you are shooting for the joy of it vs the dollar. What I love more is that you are shooting GFX for this. It shows a love of the craft vs need.
@@kaskoPhoto there are not many 3/4 frame format cameras out there. It is Olympus and GFX for me. GFX gets you in the very top of today's technical quality of image, while being bargain-basement priced on the used market.
@@realniteart I did see the pricing on those, I’m shocked they are so low. I do love my Hasselblad 1DX II because of the 50mp sensor (favorite sensor ever) and if it wasn’t for the leaf shutter, I would be on the GFX for sure.
Subbed because of this video. Laughed so hard and cringed at the same time when you forced out “creamy bokeh” lol. Totally agree with you.
Great valid points focusing on both possibilities and limitations of the different focal lenghts! Some fashion photographers even shoot mostly at f/16. F/0.95 lenses are great at low light and that occasional ‘creamy bokeh’ situation, though your lens usually performs better at f/5.6-f/11-ish
People shoot fashion at f/16? I wouldn't dare to do it. I've never shot anything past f/11 due to diffraction. Even in landscapes.
@@professionalpotato4764 Every lens has a different diffraction threshold - but yes, many hit that at f16. I do have a Hasselblad lens that is magical at f16
@@kaskoPhoto yes. And even though it ain’t f/16, then I have viewed some of Annie Leibovitz’ exit data - the most common value of her shots on p30 medium format back and canon 1ds ii was f/13 - for her it’s more about storytelling rather than bokeh 😊
The results...incredible mate.
The wider lens, the more bigger of subject can be in focus with same F. If u shoot in 35mm , with f4 u can full body in focus + close up, while if use 85mm, even minum focus distance, u must 5.6 . That will be 1 stop of light, so if shoot in night, wide lens help u better in iso without flash, or not big light
Nice to hear someone talking common sense photography instead of latest gear talk. Very nice photos btw.
Stunning portraits mate. I'm with you on the 28mm...you just need to know how to use it and have a purpose.
I always have my Ricoh GR with me even on a portrait shoot as well, where my only and one lens is a 50mm. The 28mm is the sweet spot of the wide perspective imo.
Well said, I enjoyed it.
Thank you James.