Headshot and Depth of Field

[jun_ea]

Hi. I have a pretty simple question. What is the ideal aperture to use for a

headshot with 50mm and 75mm lenses. I'm shooting with a Canon 10D in a studio.

Thanks.

[strpichu]

Well... try and see what you like?

[richard_cochran]

It's always a compromise between depth of field and diffraction, and the amount of light you need for proper exposure is another constraint.

<p>

So the final answer depends on how close you are, what effect you like, how close your background is, whether your background needs to be blurred, how much light you have available, how big a print you'll be making, etc.

<p>

Don't be afraid to experiment with anything from wide open to fully stopped down. In fact, if you have time and a cooperative model, take a sequence at every available aperture and see what you like. If you don't have a cooperative model, get a mannequin to practice on.

<p>

When you're shooting close to wide open, don't forget to focus on the eyes instead of the nose or ears.

<p>

But I'd guess that something in the f/5.6 to f/16 range will be good, perhaps f/8 or f/11. Don't be suprised if the depth of field/diffraction effects of a one-stop difference in aperture are too small to notice, especially on small prints.

[j_c38]

Ideal? Depends on the look your going for.

 

For a classic head and shoulder the standard is f/8 for these lenses.

[jun_ea]

I just want to thank everyone for generously offering a suggestion. I went with f8 at 75mm (on 1.6 aspect ratio), with a shooting distance of about 6 feet. It came out okay, I think. Thanks, again. I'm grateful for the help.