Your 90mm lens is a portrait photographer’s secret weapon

2 weeks ago 9

You might think your 90mm macro lens is just for capturing intricate details of insects and blooms. But think again! This versatile lens can also be a powerful tool for portrait photography. I took the new Tamron 90mm macro for a spin at a recent Halloween workshop and had a lot of fun and captured some photos too.

Why a macro lens for portraits?

A unique perspective: The longer focal length of a macro lens provides a flattering perspective, compressing the facial features and creating a more aesthetically pleasing image.
Shallow depth of field: Macro lenses excel at producing stunningly shallow depth of field, even at wider apertures. This allows you to isolate your subject from the background, drawing attention to their eyes and creating a dreamy, ethereal look.
Sharpness and detail: Macro lenses are designed to capture the finest details. This same level of sharpness can be applied to portraiture, resulting in incredibly crisp images.
Working distance: The longer working distance of a macro lens allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, reducing any potential intimidation or awkwardness.

Tips for using a macro lens for portraits

Experiment with aperture: While a wide aperture can create a shallow depth of field. Don’t be afraid to stop down a bit for a more focused look.
Utilize natural light: Soft, natural light can produce beautiful, flattering portraits.
Consider the background: A simple, out-of-focus background can enhance your subject’s presence.
Get creative with angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique and captivating portraits.

Okay, so these may not be classic portraits, but shooting them was a lot of fun. And of course, it would work for any type of portrait.

So, the next time you’re planning a portrait session, don’t overlook your trusty 90mm macro lens. It might just surprise you with its versatility and potential for creating stunning, artistic portraits.

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Posted on October 31, 2024

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Julie Powell is a passionate photographer and educator, running online classes and workshops for still life, macro, food and portraits, based in Melbourne, Australia. Julie is also an award-winning digital artist and photographer who has a deep passion for fine art and conceptual photography, having exhibited in galleries in Europe, USA and Australia. See more of her work on her Website Juliepowellphotography.com or on social media.

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