It's Valentine's Day and my girlfriend just gave me a card with a 30minute-boudoir-session-tonight-only coupon inside! What lens should I use? What kind of lighting do I need? Will my D50 be enough or should I go rent a D3X during my lunch break? Hurry I need advice fast before she changes her mind!
Boudoir Photography, Which Lens?
(39 posts) (19 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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35mm 1,4
Posted 2 years ago # -
Better keep with your D50 - the D3x would just be too much fun and distract you too much.....
Posted 2 years ago # -
casperwb said:
35mm 1,4But It's a very small apartment and she's a big girl -in all the right places- so I was thinking of the 14-24mm. What about distortion? Should I rent a tilt-shift lens instead?
spraynpray said:
the D3x would just be too much fun and distract you too much.....No! Not tonight it wouldn't!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Forget the camera.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Forget the camera? I've got a coupon for a boudoir session with the girl of my dreams and I shouldn't take a camera?
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've done some with an 11-16 and you have to spend a lot of attention on distortion.
I wound up using the 35 1.8 dx and got a lot more benefit from the depth of field
Posted 2 years ago # -
There can't be any distortion. I want to impress her with my skillz and photos. I want to get another coupon for a future session. Will a tilt-shift lens work for portraits? What about a macro zoom? Should I use a tripod and shutter release?
Posted 2 years ago # -
forget wide. you want 24mm max on dx for this.
what lenses do you have?
what a cool idea for a gift!
you want to bounce off the roof most likely, so you need an sb-600 or better. if you have umbrellas you wouldn't ask, if you don't, you wont have time to learn. if the roof is white or a pale warm colour you're be fine. a likewise coloured wall will also be handy.
so you want 35-70 fx equivalent (24-48mm on d5000) and i flash to bounce.
i also recommend candles for some natural light shots.
Posted 2 years ago # -
you want to only use one lens and shoot raw. more lenses will lead to less great shots with a 30min time limit.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hi Super Shooter,
This is one time that a two-flash system (or more) pays off.
Use a couple of small zooms with heavily diffusion. Take some light stands with a couple of rods to hold some shoot through paper to diffuse even more - you can use a couple of paper clips to clip on the paper.
Bounce the flashes, too. Watch out for color cast from where the light is bounced and what it does. It can work for you. Take some reflecting material for that.
Keep professional and get the shot and shoot everything. You'll learn as much by what goes wrong as buy what you get right.
I wouldn't use a tilt lens on this shoot (although it is a grand idea for #2), nor a micro either, unless the micro is an 85mm or 105mm already in your kit. She might have a close up that's interesting for a shot or two that might be visually interesting - a tattoo and lace thing, but probably pass. If you aren't using flash, you will likely want a tripod, although it's going to drag you down.
I would have to use one - but that's another story for another day. In this case, if you can free yourself and use VR lenses or hold the camera steadily enough, I'd have it off. Take it for sure, you might have a low-light shot with it.
Most importantly - and if you are youngish, this will be hard to understand - you shouldn't be there to impress anyone with your skills. You're there to learn about posing, gaining some valuable experience in areas you don't currently have.
At some point all photographers (IMHO) should get a grip on the fact that anyone, at anytime, "could" take a great picture. While I up with fine art and skill and craftsmanship, there are people who are lucky and innately talented (good for them). It it isn't a competitive race.
There's a difference between treating people badly and acting like a fool, and earning one's chops at his trade.
Most of on your self assignment, you should have fun.
Marry your girl friend - she sounds like a doll.
My best,
Mike
Posted 2 years ago # -
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Maybe the 24-70? the 14-24 might be too much distortion for those close shots. Maybe not so much on 35 end but anything close will distort the face.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Ye-ikes, you guys are serious aren't you. How embarrasing.
Posted 2 years ago # -
the good ol 17-50/55 F2.8 would be best..
Posted 2 years ago # -
i hope we get to see the final products. We are all friends here right? :p. Have fun! It seems everyone else has said, what i would have suggested.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Gareth said:</
you want to bounce off the roof most likely
Of course! But first I must focus on photographing her for the boudoir session.
Gareth said:
i also recommend candles for some natural light shots.Great idea! I'm putting candles on my list.
Mike Gunter said:
This is one time that a two-flash system (or more) pays off.Use a couple of small zooms
How many lights should I use? I've got the 18-55 kit lens but I don't think that's enough to impress her. Which zooms do you recommend?
Michael DeRose said:
i hope we get to see the final products.Actually I was hoping to see lots of example shots in this thread. Seems like a lot of you have done this before.
I've called the camera stores and the D3xes have all been rented out. Apparently bourdoir photography is quite popular on Valentine's. One place did say they have a Phase One camera with an Aptus II 12 back. I'm heading over there right now to check it out.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have to agree with some of the others. Unless you have worked with the lens, body flash before dont try it now. If this is for experimentation then go ahead but she's not going to be impressed with the coolest camera around if you just take bad photos(not saying your going to) I never use important events to practice new gear on. Use what your happy with and know and you will get much better photos.
Also,
I agree alot of boudoir shoots are done with available light or very diffused light. Its all about getting the model looking "soft" you dont see alot of hard light in these kinds of shoots, but maybe you will be the photographer that starts that fad.
Good luck and have fun...
~CheersPosted 2 years ago # -
Super Shooter said:
How many lights should I use? I've got the 18-55 kit lens but I don't think that's enough to impress her. Which zooms do you recommend?
You know the old expression about the size not mattering, that it's how you use it that counts? Applies here, too. Used correctly -- especially in conjunction with some of the great suggestions already mentioned -- you should be able to get shots that'll knock her socks -- erm, stockings -- off. If you can deliver the goods, she won't notice the size of the lens.
(Get your mind out of the gutter. You know who you are. ;) )
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think you posted this question to the wrong forum.
Posted 2 years ago # -
the only problem with the 18-55 is it is a bit slow. the 24-70 might be a better choice. or a 35 1.8 or 24 1.4. again, it takes practise to get good shots on a new lens.
don't rent any bodies! use the one you have to the best advantage.
Posted 2 years ago # -
@ aslightdelay Don't worry I know how to use it.
@ proudgeek What do you mean? Is there a better forum then this one?
The only lens they had for the Phase One and Aptus II 12 wasn't wide enough. The guy behind the counter recommended I rent a D700 and 24-70mm lens instead. I'm all set now for tonight!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think you should go with using your own body. Your girlfriend might not be as comfortable with the whole set up if you start bringing a body you aren't familiar with into such an intimate setting.
Posted 2 years ago # -
so you have a d700 and a 24-70 now? that's a very good setup.
go into the menu
shooting menu
iso sensitivity settings
iso sensitivity auto control (make this on)
set max sensitivity to 1600.then shoot manual at f/2.8 - 4.0 and adjust your shutter speed to keep the iso nice and low, but not so slow you get camera shake.
if you have flashes turn auto iso off. set iso to 200. bounce the flash.
Posted 2 years ago # -
You should tear down at least one bedroom wall (probably, two) to accommodate optimal subject-to-camera distance. Some Home Depots stay open late, so you still have time to buy a Sawzall and a sledgehammer.
Posted 2 years ago #
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