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Question from Amy: “I had a family session this past weekend, and I was able to achieve shots of the family laying on a blanket, while I was positioned on step stool, shooting down on them. I was pleased witht the shots, however, I almost felt like I needed a bit of a wider angle lens. I used a 50mm. What lenses do most photog’s prefer for family sessions?”
Melissa: I use a 35mm on a crop sensor. The equivalent of a 50mm on a full frame.
Selena: Anywhere from 25mm-50mm. I usually stick around the 20-35mm area
Meghan: 24-70 would have been perfect. And if you’re on a crop sensor I’m surprised you could fit everyone in with a 50. 35 would be an excellent choice.
Stephanie: 24-70 on my crop
Kathy: I love my 17-85mm walk around lens. It’s great for when you need a wide angle but is not a very fast lens so is really only for good lighting situations or if you have a speedlite or two
Colleen: I sometimes use my 24-70 2.8…which allows me to choose quickly and still shoot wide open
Rikki: I use a 17 – 40 mm for wide angle shots for commercial and also works for family shoots 😉
Rikki: That’s on full frame 😉
Jess: i shoot the 50mm
Liraz: I mostly use a 50, but if I want a wider angle, I use a 17-85 (full frame)
Christy: You could bring a taller ladder! 🙂
Karen: 35mm!!!
Aaron: I use a variety of lenses, all depending on the situation. In the one you described, I would have used my 24 1.4 since you wanted to be up higher than the client. I also often use my 70-200 2.8, 85 1.4 and 135 2.0. Each one has its own look/feel to it, and knowing that is how I make my lens selection. Except for the wide angle shots, I would recommend using focal lengths of 70 and longer since they’re more flattering and give better compression.
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