What lens for full body isolation ?
Best regards
Terry
K20D, Optio I10, DA 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 AL II, A 1:1.7/50, D FA 1:2.8/100 Macro, Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG Macro, Pentax AF 360FGZ
I really don't want to start a new discussion on lens equivalents
To be fair Terry, it's RR that's starting a new discussion here. What's wrong with tapping into the Forum for some helpful advice?
Bob
My website (Hadfield Photography)
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The DOFMaster is helpful: http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
and this: http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm
20mm is going to be rather distorted (unless that's the 'look' they want!).
So, I'd say that unless you are shooting outdoors then the 50mm or 28mm are the ones to start with

Failing that, you can always go for post-processing. Use a tool like Topaz Remask to quickly isolate the subject and then replace the background (or use the Lens Blur feature of Photoshop).
HTH!
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)

I'm guessing it'll be between the 85mm f1.4 & 150mm f2.8 (although I'd like to close them down a stop for better performance) - if the wife wasn't in work, I'd get her to be my Guinea pig.
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For 85mm on FF, you'll have to be about 5m away from the subject (to get 2m long side)
For 150mm on FF, you'll have to be about 9m away from the subject.
You'll need a big space

And if you're shooting fairly wide open then watch your angle on the couple (or their relative placements) as you may end up getting caught out with DoF.
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
I'll be taking the shots outdoors in quite a large area surrounded by mature trees, so space isn't an issue really.
I'd agree 20mm is a bit extreme, but I may whack it on if their patience is holding out.
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It's basically for my Nephews wedding, I've been asked last minute & whilst I'd obviously like to say no for an easy life, they can't afford a pro tog & whilst having my reservations, I'm confident that my efforts will be far better than other relatives taking snaps with their compacts at least.
I will be careful about their relative position & adjust accordingly. I think I'll nag my wife into doing a dry run test tomorrow so that I can see what I can get away with. Perhaps focus, then ask her to take a step back to check if she's still within the dof.
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Good luck, rather you than me!

Dan
K-3, a macro lens and a DA*300mm...



Even at 75mm and f2.8 the background is still quite discernable, If you want it softer than this then you need a longer focal length.

My Names Alan, and I'm a lensaholic.
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Consciously check the edges of the frame before clicking! Check for cut off feet/hands, and whether there's anything obvious in the background (at one wedding there was a huge bright blue cover waaaay in the distance - but it still showed up! Quickly took another viewpoint

Also, I always like to check for "phantom" hands - ie. hands that appear clutched around the partner's waist, or on the shoulder. Just tuck them slightly behind and it looks more natural. Watch out for bags as well - get them put down somewhere safe first

Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)

Best regards
Terry
K20D, Optio I10, DA 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 AL II, A 1:1.7/50, D FA 1:2.8/100 Macro, Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG Macro, Pentax AF 360FGZ
I usually use the FA43 on APS-C camera for such occasion with great results. With longer lenses, communication starts to be problematic.
Yves (another one of those crazy Canucks)
It was more trying to glean some wisdom from those with experience, I have a fairly firm grasp of the principles, just no experience of portraits (head or full)
I've told them that I'm not doing the full monty with all the arranged family & such, I just don't want the hassle. I'll concentrate mostly on the couple, then bridesmaids/best man included & only then on to all & sundry if time permits.
Looking back at our wedding shots, they are far too formal, so I'll try and interject some fun into the shoot. I just want to get some nice sharp & well exposed, full length shots in the bag first.
There is a small playground in one corner of the area so I'll be sure to keep that out of the background to avoid the bright colours. But I'm hoping to persuade them to hop on the swings & try a few fun shots.
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RR
Member
South Wales, UK
Basically I'm looking to do a full body portrait of a couple & whilst obviously they need to be in full focus, I'd like to blitz the background as much as possible.
I'm shooting full frame. I have fast 20, 28, 50 & 85mm lenses plus I also have a 150mm f2.8. - I understand each will have its own effect on perspective, but which will isolate the subjects the most ?
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