Photography Tips: My favorite portrait lenses (Blythe Ponytail Parades)

I think the most common question I get is, "What lenses do you use?" My answer is always the same, "The 35mm 1.4 is the best lens invented!" I have a few other favorites though. And today I thought I would share my favorite lenses for portraits. Something I shoot most frequently are portrait sessions, graduating seniors and weddings so portrait lenses are a must. Like I said, I am quite partial to the 35mm and it stays on my camera about 75% of the time, but occasionally I need another look and that's when the 135 and 85 come in handy.

What I love about the 35mm is the wide angle. I've gotta say, if I had to, I would shoot all my portrait sessions with a 35mm lens simply because it is the most flattering (in my opinion) focal length for the human form. It doesn't flatten my subject but accentuates the face and softens everything else. The bokeh is stunning with it and it just has a certain look about it. I can tell when a photo has been taken with a 35mm because I've seen that "look" enough. Because I shoot so often with the 35, I feel almost branded by it. This is what the majority of my photos look like and I'm very ok with that. Oh and if the super hefty price tag is too much to consider, check out this almost equally awesome alternative (manual focusing). I used it for 2 years and loved it but eventually upgraded to the autofocus Nikkor lens.

The 135mm is my most recent acquisition to the lens family. What I absolutely LOVE about this one is that I can go hide back far away to get a shot. I can get up close shots while feeling far away and giving my client/model a break from the camera right in their face. It's great for working with children that are a bit camera shy. Being far away eases that tension. Plus, the creamy background you get when shooting with the 135 is a dream. Shooting at sunset with it is my favorite.

And finally the 85mm lens. This was my first smart portrait lens purchase. Believe it or not, I've never owned a 50mm. I guess I liked the 85mm too much and now with the 35mm, I don't think I would ever use that in between focal length. The 85mm was the first one to give me ultra creamy backgrounds and hazy, lens-flare filled images at sunset. It was love at first shoot. It's not one I pull out as frequently these days as I feel that my 135 has taken over for it, but it is a fantastic alternative to the 135. The 85 is definitely an affordable option that still allows to you to take a few steps back from your subject for a great close up. It also should be noted that this is my go to lens when I want to freelens or create a bokeh panorama. It still comes in handy!

Have a question? See a picture on my website and wondered about the lens used? Let me know!