Fujinon 150mm for full length portrait?

[carlosmh1910]

I'm not very experienced at shooting people with large format and I have some admittedly basic questions. First, I've heard that shooting at a shorter focal length can distort a persons figure. I only have two lenses, a symmar 180 macro and a Fujinon 150mm lens. I really don't want to plunk down the money for a new lens if I don't have to. Can I just use the 150mm or should I buy something else? I'm doing full length, so no close up or anything. If I do buy something else, any suggestions? I don't want a soft lens because I want every detail and skin imperfection (verism style). Thanks so much! Oh, and I'm using strobes so the aperture doesn't have to be very open.

[Armin Seeholzer]

Should work fine for full body, for head shoots only, you can use the 180 Macro, still on the short side but should also work!

Cheers Armin

[Frank Petronio]

A 150mm is fine for "normal" full-length or environmental portraiture.

If you do move in closer, simply keep their noses and protuberances near the center of the frame. Hands or ears near the edges tend to show distortion, hair and shadows much less so.

[chassis]

I have shot a couple of full length portraits lately with a 150mm lens and they turned out nicely.

[carlosmh1910]

They're not going to be very environmental, the models will take up much of the frame. Is that going to be problematic for distortion?

[r.e.]

They're not going to be very environmental, the models will take up much of the frame. Is that going to be problematic for distortion?

Given that you already have a camera and the lens, why don't you just make some photos and see what you think of them. For that matter, why not use both lenses and compare?

Personally, I think that it is beyond serious question that you can make great full body 4x5 portraits with a 150mm lens.

[carlosmh1910]

Given that you already have a camera and the lens, why don't you just make some photos and see what you think of them. For that matter, why not use both lenses and compare?

Personally, I think that it is beyond serious question that you can make great full body 4x5 portraits with a 150mm lens.

r.e

Personally, I don't think it is your place to judge what is or is not a serious question; I don't have experience in large format, which is why I'm here. So yes, it is a serious question. Also, there are many people involved (and lots of resources) who are giving their time for this shoot so I want to get it right the first time.

Thanks everyone else who helped instead of criticized!

[r.e.]

r.e

Personally, I don't think it is your place to judge what is or is not a serious question; I don't have experience in large format, which is why I'm here. So yes, it is a serious question. Also, there are many people involved (and lots of resources) who are giving their time for this shoot so I want to get it right the first time.

Thanks everyone else who helped instead of criticized!

To suggest that something is "beyond serious question" is to use a common figure of speech. It is neither a suggestion that your question is frivolous nor a criticism.

Good luck with your portrait.

[Vaughn]

To suggest that something is "beyond serious question" is to use a common figure of speech. It is neither a suggestion that your question is frivolous nor a criticism...

I have never heard it either. I think down in the lower part of North America, we are more likely to use "Beyond a doubt."...or just "Beyond question." But I do think I have heard "Beyond a serious doubt."

But I think a 150mm will work well.

[Simon Benton]

Remembering my schooldays way way back in London, England it is a very "English" expression.