My (new) favourite lens for Newborn Photography

I’ve had a 50mm f/1.4 on my ‘lenses to buy’ list for quite some time now. I’ve read plenty about how its a great lens for Newborn Photography but to be honest I’ve been really happy with my 24-70 f/2.8L and never really felt the need to buy one. However, I recently decided to take the plunge and I must admit I absolutely love this lens for newborns. It’s the perfect focal length (on a full frame DSLR) for shooting babies in clients houses and shooting wide open at f/1.4 creates some beautifully soft backgrounds.

I wouldn’t normally shoot at f/1.4 but its really nice having the option. This particular blanket has a relatively heavy texture to it but shooting wide open has thrown the majority of the texture out of focus. Apart from a little skin tone tweak and curves adjustment in Adobe Lightroom, the image below is as it came out of camera.

sarahwood_011209_019.jpg

by Alan

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Nikki @ LovingDanger - Hey Alan!

I too am a believer in the 50mm. Although mine is a 1.8 (I’m cheap like that) I LOVE it. It has definitely become my go to lens!

Also for the record your photoshop skills are CRAZY amazing! Are you self taught did you read a book fill me in!

Kirsty-Abu Dhabi - Gorgeous Alan – and the 50 1.4 is fab isn’t it?

Andy Rapkins - Gorgeous shot and light. So peaceful.

I bought the 50 1.4 before Christmas and it’s been attached to my camera since. Used on every shoot since then and I agree – perfect for newborns.

Alan - Hi Greg, thanks for your comment :)
I generally try to get the babies to sleep before putting them down as it makes it easier to get them into position. They occasionally wake up when you lay them down but at least they are in the right position and you can settle them back to sleep fairly easily.

Greg - Great work Alan. Really love the peace and stillness it conveys.
Do you put them there and wait for sleep or while they sleep, put them there?
Anyway, I’m sure these a few accidents along the way.
I don’t own many primes but the 50mm is on my wish list.

Thanks for sharing.
Greg

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