How to Use Varifocal Lens Correctly For Portrait Shooting

Varifocal lenses have the characteristic of variable focal length. Compared to fixed focus lenses, they can cover multiple focal lengths without the need for frequent lens changes, making them suitable for shooting situations that require quick adjustments to composition and handling complex scenes, such as wedding photography and outdoor portrait photography.

When using varifocal lenses to shoot portraits, photographers can take advantage of their versatility and flexibility to enhance the shooting results. Next, we will learn together about the usage techniques and precautions of varifocal lenses, and learn how to properly shoot portraits.

1.Choose the appropriate focal length

The medium telephoto range (focal length 50-135mm) of a varifocal lens is ideal for portrait photography, especially 85mm and 135mm, which are classic focal lengths for portraits. They are suitable for close-up portraits, compressing spatial perspective, blurring the background, and highlighting the subject.

However, caution should be exercised when using the wide-angle end (focal length<50mm), as it exhibits a perspective distortion where objects closer to the lens appear larger and those further away appear smaller. This effect becomes more pronounced the closer the lens is to the subject, and can easily lead to facial distortion, especially when shooting close-ups of a person's face.

2.Avoid frequent zooming in composition

When composing a shot using a varifocal lens, you can refer to the method for using a fixed focus lens. Observe and determine the focal length in a scene first, and then compose the shot after using that focal length. Avoid frequently zooming to find the scene. You can adjust the composition by moving your feet back and forth.

If a beginner photographer is unsure which focal length to choose by simply observing the scene, they can stand in a fixed position and shoot the same subject using different focal lengths. Then, observe the changes in perspective, background compression, and depth of field to deepen their understanding before proceeding.

Choose the appropriate focal length for shooting

3.Utilize the background blur effect

By combining a telephoto lens with a large aperture, you can create a beautiful background blur effect, making the subject stand out more. The blur effect is generally determined by the focal length, aperture, and shooting distance.

For example, with the same aperture, the longer the focal length, the closer the photographer is to the subject, and the further the subject is from the background, the more pronounced the blur effect will be. When shooting, you can place flowers or other elements in front of or behind the subject, using the blur effect to enhance the artistic quality of the photograph.

4.Mastering character composition techniques

Use the rule of thirds composition, that is, place the figure in the upper 1/3 of the picture. Especially when shooting portraits, the head should be in the upper third, and when shooting close-ups of the face, the eyes should be in the upper third, with the focus precisely on the model's eyes. Additionally, having the subject turn to the side or tilt their head can add dynamism and depth to the image, preventing a static and lifeless appearance.

Master composition techniques

5.Pay attention to the control of light

When shooting portraits, you should also pay attention to the control of light. For example, using side backlighting can increase the sense of layering on the face and create a dreamy rim lighting effect, but you need to pay attention to the control of exposure compensation. You can also use the light from windows (especially north-facing windows) to create a soft, dreamy effect.

6.Choosing the right focal length for different shooting scenarios

When shooting portraits indoors or in confined spaces, it's best to use medium focal lengths such as 35mm or 50mm, paying attention to controlling distortion. For shooting half-body or close-up portraits outdoors, classic portrait focal lengths like 85mm or 135mm are ideal, providing good background blur and natural perspective.

When shooting portraits in outdoor environments, you can flexibly choose the focal length based on the size of the environment and the elements you want to include. For example, a medium focal length of 50mm can capture more of the surrounding environment, while a telephoto lens of 70-200mm can compress the background and emphasize the atmosphere.

For capturing subjects from a distance, telephoto lenses of 100mm or longer are suitable, allowing you to shoot without disturbing the subject. Using wide-angle focal lengths such as 35mm or 24mm for low-angle shots can creatively emphasize the subject's long legs.

Choose the focal length based on the different shooting scenarios

7.Use auxiliary tools appropriately

When shooting with a telephoto lens or in low-light conditions, camera shake is more likely due to the longer working distance. It is recommended to use the optical image stabilization function, which can significantly improve the success rate of handheld shooting.

For situations requiring extremely high stability, a tripod or monopod is recommended. In bright light conditions, be sure to attach a lens hood to reduce glare and ghosting, improving image quality and contrast.

By mastering the techniques of using varifocal lenses, photographers can fully utilize their advantages to capture professional and artistic portrait photographs. It is also recommended that photographers continuously explore different focal lengths and compositional techniques in practice to better understand and utilize the characteristics of varifocal lenses and improve their photography skills.