The 3 Lenses I Use for Portrait & Fashion Photography (Plus a Wild Card)
When it comes to portrait and fashion photography, having the right lenses can make or break your shots. Over the last year, I've found myself consistently reaching for three key lenses in my studio sessions. Each lens offers something unique, and together, they cover everything I need for my portrait and fashion work.
In this post, I’m sharing my top three lenses for portrait and fashion photography, along with one surprise lens that I always keep in my kit.
1. Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8
This is my go-to lens for versatility. With a wide-to-mid zoom range, the Sigma 28-70mm allows me to capture full-body shots, mid-length portraits, and close-up details without switching lenses. The f/2.8 aperture ensures beautiful bokeh and excellent low-light performance.
Why I Use It:
Perfect for quick framing adjustments during fast-paced fashion shoots.
Produces sharp images with minimal distortion.
Lightweight and easy to handle during long studio sessions.
2. Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8
This lens offers a wider aperture than the 28-70mm, making it ideal for creating dreamy, cinematic portraits. The f/1.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field and excellent subject separation.
Why I Use It:
Great for portraits with stunning background blur.
Excellent for working in low-light studio conditions.
Produces crisp, detailed images with rich color tones.
3. Sigma 85mm f/1.4
A classic portrait lens, the Sigma 85mm is known for its flattering compression and beautiful bokeh. It’s my choice for close-up portraits and headshots in the studio.
Why I Use It:
Produces natural-looking portraits with excellent detail.
The f/1.4 aperture creates smooth, creamy bokeh.
Ideal for highlighting facial features and expressions.
Bonus Lens: Leica 50mm Summilux f/1.4
While not my primary studio lens, the Leica 50mm Summilux is my wild card. Its legendary optics and unique rendering make it perfect for when I need that extra touch of magic in my shots.
Why I Use It:
Exceptional image quality and color rendition.
Adds a cinematic feel to portraits.
Great for capturing intimate, artistic shots.
Final Thoughts
Each of these lenses plays a crucial role in my portrait and fashion photography. From the versatility of the Sigma 28-70mm to the artistic flair of the Leica 50mm Summilux, these lenses help me bring my creative vision to life.
If you're looking to build a lens kit for portrait and fashion photography, I highly recommend starting with these lenses. Check out my full YouTube video where I showcase each lens in action and explain why they’re essential to my workflow.
Watch the Video Here
To view more examples of each lens click here