Here at Leicester Camera Hire, we have put together a great bundle for both beginners and professionals in portrait photography.
The Camera
Many of the EOS 7D Mark II has approximately 100 per cent viewfinder coverage and 1.0x magnification, plus the controls are customisable, allowing you to set up the camera according to the task in hand.
The Tripod
A tripod will be useful if you want to create consistency in the framing of the images taken. But, if you are shooting in a studio setting, as you have creative freedom with the lighting, you will be able to move freely around in your location.
The Manfrotto 504HD/546B Tripod provides professional camera support with an extremely rigid and stable system. It’s suitable for rapid camera attachment, adjustment and removal.
The Lighting
A typical 3 point light set up requires: the key light, the fill light and the back light.
The key light is your main light source hitting your subject, and is usually positioned at a ¾ angle to the subject. Don’t forget that the angle of your lighting can influence the overall mood.
The fill light controls the amount of light on the ¼ that’s in shadow (from the key light). You can control the contrast in shadow ratio that you want here.
The back light focuses on lighting the back of the head. Its purpose is to separate the subject from the background.
A company favourite is the Aputure LS C300D Mark II is the brightest LED light in the Light Storm series. Boasting an impressive 48000 lux @ 0.5m with its included reflector, it can also reach an incredible 142000 lux @ 0.5m with Aputure’s fresnel mount (with camera settings set to f/36, 1/200 shutter, and ISO 800). This level of illumination is approximately equivalent in output to that of a traditional 2k tungsten or 400w HMI.
The light’s easy-to-use and intuitive control box allows you to change things like brightness, remote channels and fan speeds. With a control box that is separated from the light’s power ballast, top weight is greatly reduced, allowing for maximum portability.
What is great to partner this light with, is the easy to use Aputure Light Dome II – when shooting portraits, interviews, professional filmmaking and facial shots.
The dome is also great a diffusing the light for portraits.
The Aputure Mini 20 (Set of 3 LED Lights) are a set of two LS-mini20d and one LS-mini20c. The LS-mini20d has a fixed colour output of 7500K, the LS-mini20c has a changeable colour out put of 3200-6500K. You can also use an optional battery through D-tap for external DC power when mains power is unavailable; making them both great in the studio or on location. These easy to use portable lights are perfect for when you want complete control.
Great for creating back lighting are the Neewer Bi-Colour LED Panel. It features a colour temperature knob, which can adjust the colour temperature from 3200K to 5600K.
The white filter can also soften the light source and enhance skin tone in portrait photography/videography.
The Stand
The Combi-boom stand is flexible and hard-wearing. It’s dual functionality make this an essential piece of photography equipment in and out of the studio. Designed to work as a practical light stand, you’ll find set up is easy. Just extend the riser to the maximum height and press a lever for the boom. This quick functionality makes the combi-boom stand both easy and flexible for you to use.
The Neewer C Stand is perfect for supporting most photographic equipment, including softbox, reflector, strobe light, etc. It is suitable to use for indoor photo studio portrait, arts, magazine, video shooting or outdoor event photography or videography.
The Lens
Prime Lenses have a fixed focal range, which basically means that you are unable to zoom in or out. Zoom lenses on the other hand are very versatile, and range from for example a Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS USMLens to perhaps a Canon 24-105mm lens.
In a studio setting, typically between 35mm and 85mm will be the best focal length. You will also want to consider if you are aiming to shoot headshots of half-body images. (Watch out for distortion with going for a lens which could be too wide for the studio space!)
The Samyang 50mm T1.5 EF/Canon Cine Lens has the ability to capture background elements, as well as closer portrait shots.
If you are shooting on location, why not try using the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L lens. This will not only allow more space between you and the subject, but will create a lovely bokeh effect in the background of your image – due to the long focal length. Get your subject to stand away from the background, as the bigger the space in between, the more background that can be blurred!
Don’t forget about your studio design and how the individual will be posing! Perhaps, think of using a stool for your subject too.
Are your portraits going to be more formal or artistic? Enjoy having a play with the lighting to get a feel of the mood you’re trying to capture and focus on what you want to be specifically highlighted in the image.
If you have any questions about any of our equipment, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us!
