A 50mm prime lens is a staple in portrait photography for a reason. It strikes a perfect balance between versatility and performance, making it an essential part of your gear.
Coming to you from Julia Trotti, this engaging video dives into why a 50mm lens should be in your photography kit. Trotti highlights the lens' practical advantages. Despite using a high-end model, she reassures you that stunning photos can be achieved with more budget-friendly options. She explains that the 50mm focal length is not too wide or too zoomed in, making it perfect for diverse styles, from full-body shots to close-ups.
Trotti shares her personal journey with the 50mm lens, noting how it was her go-to lens when she first started. She recounts how its versatility allowed her to cover a range of photography styles—portraits, fashion, live music, and more—when she could only afford one lens. The 50mm lens’ ability to adapt to different situations without compromising image quality makes it invaluable.
Another key point Trotti makes is how the 50mm lens excels in creating dreamy photos. The shallow depth of field it offers is perfect for isolating your subject against a beautifully blurred background. Trotti prefers this focal length for its ability to retain enough detail in the background, adding context to the scene without overwhelming the subject. Whether you’re in a busy location or a less-than-ideal setting, the 50mm lens can transform the scene into something magical by blending the background seamlessly into the composition.
The video also explores the flattering nature of the 50mm focal length. Unlike wider lenses that can distort facial features or telephoto lenses that can overly flatten them, the 50mm lens provides a realistic and appealing portrait. Trotti discusses how this lens helps maintain natural proportions, making it ideal for headshots and close-ups without altering the subject’s appearance. This balance is particularly useful when working in environments where space is limited, and you need to work within a confined area.
If you’re looking to refresh your creative approach, Trotti suggests reintroducing the 50mm lens into your routine. After years of favoring the 35mm and 85mm combination, she found herself rediscovering the joy and challenge of shooting with a 50mm lens. This shift not only broke the monotony but also sparked new ideas and perspectives in her work. By setting constraints, like using only the 50mm lens during a shoot, you can push your creativity and explore compositions and angles you might otherwise overlook. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Trotti.
