My intro to portrait/modeling photography

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

For portraits, it's better to go with a 50mm or higher to avoid unflattering distortion. If you've ever seen them do portraits, it's usually with a long lens with the photographer about 8-10 feet away. Faster lenses with large apertures obviously make it easier, but tele lenses with constant large apertures are usually pricey. DOF and bokeh can also be achieved by controlling the distances between the subject and what you want blurred. I've used this calculator in the past to give me a general idea. You can also do the blur in post, but its better to do it with the lens.

Originally Posted by alcheng

Turn the aperture as large as possible and zoom it as much as possible, that will create a very very good depth of field.

For portrait, I will suggest a range of 50mm to 105mm with constant f/2.8, the aperture could be larger with a prime lens.

What is the brand of SLR you are using??