My intro to portrait/modeling photography

Originally Posted by 6spd

True. Being focused on other issues at the time, I missed some of the more fine details. In time though. And thank you!

Yeah, I really wish I wasnt limited by the stock lens. I dont like to do background blur myself either so I think ill have this issue for a while until I can get a more capable lens. Im still debating which would be my best choice for this type of photography.

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

For portraits, it's better to go with a 50mm or higher to avoid unflattering distortion. If you've ever seen them do portraits, it's usually with a long lens with the photographer about 8-10 feet away. Faster lenses with large apertures obviously make it easier, but tele lenses with constant large apertures are usually pricey. DOF and bokeh can also be achieved by controlling the distances between the subject and what you want blurred. I've used this calculator in the past to give me a general idea. You can also do the blur in post, but its better to do it with the lens.

Originally Posted by alcheng

Turn the aperture as large as possible and zoom it as much as possible, that will create a very very good depth of field.

For portrait, I will suggest a range of 50mm to 105mm with constant f/2.8, the aperture could be larger with a prime lens.

What is the brand of SLR you are using??

Originally Posted by 6spd

Im using a canon T2i with the kit lense. I really want a 50mm f/2.8 prime. The kit lense just doesnt get the desired DOF for either my car shots or my portraits. All of those shots, save 1, used whatever the largest aperture was for the zoom length.

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Yeah, most kit lens only drop down to f/3.5@18mm or f/5.6 @ 55mm. think Canon sells a relatively inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 or 'normal' lens that's supposed to be pretty good. I want to say it's around $100-200. It get's tricky when shooting cars though, since you usually have to be pretty far back to get everything in the frame. Not a big deal if you're doing a shoot, but it's limiting when you're at a meet or car show.