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Writer's pictureLuke Dimech

Capturing Stunning Portraits: Tips for Using a 50mm Lens



A 50mm lens is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for many different types of photography, including portraits. Here are some tips for using a 50mm lens to photograph portraits:

  1. Use the lens's wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field. Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening and is measured in f-stops (f/1.8, f/2, etc.). A wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2) will create a shallow depth of field, which means that your subject will be in focus, but the background will be blurred. This is a great way to draw attention to your subject and make them stand out from the background.

  2. Get close to your subject. A 50mm lens is considered a "normal" lens, which means it provides a natural perspective similar to the human eye. This makes it great for capturing intimate, close-up portraits. Get as close to your subject as possible while still maintaining a comfortable distance and focus on their eyes, they are the windows to the soul.

  3. Use the lens's focal length to your advantage. A 50mm lens has a fixed focal length, which means that you can't zoom in or out. However, this can be used to your advantage by controlling the framing of the shot by getting closer or farther away from your subject.

  4. Experiment with different poses and compositions. A 50mm lens is a great tool for capturing portraits, but it's important to experiment with different poses and compositions to see what works best for your subject. Have your subject turn their head or body, use different lighting, and try different angles to see what looks best.

  5. Use the lens's sharpness for a crisp image. A 50mm lens is usually a prime lens and prime lens are known for their sharpness. This makes it great for capturing sharp, detailed images of your subjects.



A 50mm lens is a great tool for capturing portraits. Use its wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field, get close to your subject, use the focal length to your advantage, experiment with different poses and compositions, and use the lens's sharpness for a crisp image. With these tips, you'll be able to take stunning portraits using just a 50mm lens.


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