The must-haves for portrait photography
Do you want to get started with portrait photography, but have no idea where to start in terms of gear? We have listed the most important must-haves for you, from portrait lenses to flashes, from background paper to light shapers.
Portrait lens | Flash unit | Lamp stands | Background | Light shapers
Portrait lens
What should definitely not be missing is a brilliant portrait lens. Not only the focal length but also the maximum aperture is very important here. This is because it allows you to create that brilliant blur in the background, called the bokeh effect. We have listed three excellent portrait lenses from eight different brands for you.
Merken: Canon | Nikon | Sony | Sigma | Panasonic | Fujifilm | Olympus | Tamron
Canon
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Very friendly priced
- Compact and lightweight
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- 13 elements in 9 groups
- USM focus system
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Silent autofocus
- Super Spectra Coatings
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Nikon
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Compact and lightweight
- Silent and accurate autofocus
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Minimal distortion
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Zoom range gives flexibility
- Very robust construction
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Sony
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- 9 elements in 8 groups
- Silent and fast autofocus
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Zeiss T* coating against reflections
- Silent and fast SSM autofocus
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- High-luminosity across the entire zoom range
- Robust and durable constructionen duurzame constructie
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Sigma
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Hyper Sonic autofocus motor
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Rounded aperture blades
- Weatherproof housing
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Luminous over entire range
- Versatile lens
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Panasonic
- Maximum aperture: f/1.7
- Great value for money
- Silent and fast focusing motor
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Very high image quality
- Optical image stabilisation
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Versatile thanks to zoom range
- Optical image stabilisation
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Fujifilm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Very compact and light
- Sturdy metal construction
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- High light intensity
- HT-EBC multi-layer coating
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.0
- Silent and fast autofocus
- Three ED glass elements
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Olympus
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Tremendous light intensity
- Superb bokeh
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Wonderful image quality
- Premium metal housing
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Very fast autofocus
- Super light intensity
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Tamron
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Durable Fluorine Coating
- Gorgeous bokeh
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- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- High-quality coatings
- Image stabilisation
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- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Luminous over entire range
- Versatile use
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Flash
Sometimes, portrait photography requires you to bend the light to your will. This is best done with a flash or a continuous light. You can start with the flash attached to the camera. But you can also use an off-camera flash and flash indirectly, so that the light source comes from a different direction. With a real studio flash, however, you have more flexibility and a more powerful light.
On-camera flashes
- Versatile powerful flash
- Guide number 58
- Tiltable and rotatable flash head
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- Tiltable and rotatable flash head
- Guide number 54
- Zoom range: 24 to 200 mm
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- Unique round head
- Soft natural fall off of light
- Large hi-res display
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Studio flashes
- HSS & TTL
- IGBT technology for fresh colours
- 9-stop power range
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- Guide number 80
- Large LCD screen
- For professional and semi-professional use
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- User-friendly
- Colour temperature: 3000-6500K
- Can also be used as a continuous light
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Also handy
With these two important items ticked off, a nice portrait lens and the right light, it is time to look at the other accessories that come in handy for portrait photography.
Lamp stands
Unless you have someone to hold all your lamps, lamp stands are a real must. This allows you to position your lamps exactly as you want. When positioning them, it is important to pay attention to weight distribution. A big heavy lamp can stagger even the best tripod. Therefore, always place one of the three legs in the direction the lamp is pointing. In this way, you can be sure your expensive lamp won't suddenly fall to pieces on the floor.
All lamp stands
Background
Maybe you have a white wall at your disposal, or another cool background, but you can also create your own plain background with a background paper or cloth. Background paper gives a perfectly even background and you can easily cut it off if there are stains. In contrast, a background cloth will show creases a little faster. Should you not have space for tripods to place the background, special clamps are available to attach a cloth. Of course, if you have a small budget, you can also get creative with paper and tape.
All background systems
Light shapers
The name actually says it all, with a light shaper you can shape the light your way. There are various types, for instance soft boxes and octa boxes, reflectors, umbrellas, beauty dishes, grids and snoots. Each type has its own characteristics. Check out the Light shapers and lighting page for more information on which light shaper is right for you.
Alle lichtvormers
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