Lens selection for beauty photography
May 15th, 2008I have been asked many times what lens is best for shooting beauty. I use a Canon 100mm macro F/2.8. You can also use an 85mm however I prefer the longer lens. Anything over 100 is not necessary, it will be heavy and you need a steady hand or a tripod for beauty photography. I especially love the 100mm for outdoor beauty with the sun back lighting your model. The compression is beautiful ! This image was shot with the 100mm 2.8. It’s not a very expensive lens, around $600.
beauty lighting with one umbrella
May 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
ah yes, one of my all time favorite images!!!!! This was a VERY VERY informative post, I can’t wait to apply all of this to my photography to see if I can improve!
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June 12th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
That is an incredibly beautiful photo.
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July 31st, 2008 at 11:34 am
[...] {Jason Christopher Photography} [...]
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
Thank you Elizabeth Anne !
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August 25th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Once again the “Eyes” have it!
You really know your way around a shot.
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November 24th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Ok Jason, i’m not trying to be rude, but where u guys going for that facial expression, her eyes are perfect to me but the rest is weird…
Your lighting, her hair, the make up is awesome..
It just seems like she might throw up!!!
Not being rude just trying to learn.
thanks,
poyan
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November 25th, 2008 at 9:36 am
LMAO ! well I never thought of her expression that way but yes we were going for that expression. I look at her expression as being intense and serious. Maybe she really did want to throw up ? LOL
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November 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
LOLOLOLOLOL, yea i just my perspective.
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November 30th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
No worries my friend
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February 4th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Hello Christopher.
I found your blog and liked very much and this is a great photo, Congratulations!
I wonder if we were to use it for graphics and communications, which the cost and other rights to her photos or yours?
Thanks.
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February 10th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
What kind of lighting setup is used for this shot? softbox just above the camera and a strobe lighting the back? this is exactly the kind of shot im looking to make.
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February 10th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Christiano did you get my reply email ?
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February 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hi Bram,
Thank you for the question. I shot this with a small white umbrella with the black backing material on it so the inside of the umbrella is facing the model. I placed it just above the model about 3 feet away from her. The back lighting is just a strobe with the normal 7 inch reflector that comes with your strobe. I place it pretty close to the background, about 4 feet so I could get a nice spread. I will upload a diagram.
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February 10th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Ok so I updated this post with a diagram. If there is anything you don’t understand please just ask.
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February 11th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Thanks Jason – extremely helpful. I’ve never shot with umbrellas before. I think that’ll have to be my next step. In your opinion, do you think a beauty dish would give similar results?
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February 11th, 2009 at 11:27 am
You’re very welcome Bram.
A beauty dish will give similar results if you put what we call the sock over it. It looks like a big shower cap and it’s just a layer of diffusion. There are silver beauty dishes and white beauty dishes. My advice is to rent first before you buy to see which one you like more. But NONE of my beauty images were shot with a beauty dish. I either use a small umbrella or sometimes a medium soft box.
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May 13th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Those are some brilliant photographs, wish mine were that good quality!
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August 5th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Hi what size umbrella are you using for that kind of look?
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Jason Christopher Reply:
August 19th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I use a 30″ umbrella.
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