What are the very basics for a "people" photographer's kit?

m_achines

m_achines

Messages
121
Name
Alex
Edit My Images
Yes
Not talking studio work... things like portraits on location, street etc.

Lenses/flash etc...

I have a Canon EOS 300D.
 
Camera and lens, what more do you need? (Apart from a memory card and a charged battery).
 
m_achines said:
Not talking studio work... things like portraits on location, street etc.

Lenses/flash etc...

I have a Canon EOS 300D.
Click to expand...

Camera, lens, memory card.

Oooh, and people, always helpful when doing people photography!

If you're doing natural light stuff, rather than studio lighting, a fast prime will be a good addition, which will let you get creative with depth of field. Depending on your shooting technique and budget, you might want to consider a 30mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4, or an 85mm f/1.8! And confidence too, lots of confidence, it can be nerve-wracking taking shots of people for a while.

Chris
 
Last edited:
Heh, I have the confidence down.. I've been taking photos of people for a while but have just bought my first DSLR :)

And I meant in terms of what lenses, flash, filters etc.
 
A grip may help if you're looking for portrait orientation shots.
Fast prime.
Contact cards, as some people would like their photos after.
If you're going flash, then some sort of diffuser would help. A stoffen or lightsphere or similar might be a nice addition.
 
What sort of people shots?

Studio, location portrait, nightclub, candid - all call for variations in the kit.
 
Candid, nightclub, location (indoors and out).
 
You've got a body. Need 2 things, 50mm f1.8, 430Ex flash. That'll give you the basics for getting started.
 
Forget the flash. Learn how natural light work, find the light in your environment, your photography will be better for it in the long term.
 
One camera, one lens between 28mm and 50mm.

That's it. Keep it simple.
 
Thanks, everyone! Very helpful :)

Raymond, I much much prefer natural light and use it whenever possible but, sometimes as I'm sure you know, it just isn't possible so I was wondering what flash would be best for me in those situations.
 
Arkady said:
Nope - Use a discarded newspaper if you find you need one on the day...
Click to expand...

lol...could see that working as a diffuser too... but OP, a reflector/sheet of tin foil/newspaper :shrug: will make you 'see' light much better than getting a flash and nuking everything will, and you can then go from there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top