How to shoot portrait photos with Canon 5D Mark II?
Canon 5D Mark II has already been termed as the world’s best DSLR for landscape and nature shooting. The camera also shows no mercy to its competition when it comes to portrait photography.
The advanced portrait settings of Canon 5D Mark II have simply turned out to be an addiction for photographers.
One of the biggest reasons for its popularity comes from its advanced technology compared to its overpriced competitors.
Moreover, the camera is lightweight and easy to operate so you would surely love it while clicking your favorite portrait shots with Canon 5D Mark II.
But wait, if you are a beginner and don’t know much about portrait photography, go by the following steps and guidelines to get the best out of portrait photography with this masterpiece.
Portrait Photography Settings for Canon 5D Mark II
Portrait Lens for Canon 5d Mark II – EF 24-105mm
Step 1. Mastering the focus in portraiture
In portraiture, the eyes of the subject should be in the sharpest focus. Though there are exceptions, yet the subject’s eyes must be in focus if he or she is looking straight into the camera.
This is where you can bring the autofocus function into use.
The Autofocus function is a master tool that gives you the confidence of keeping the desired subject in focus.
5D Mark II can shoot through the viewfinder even if the subject is moving which is ideal for capturing the best shots of children.
So, while you are still learning about bringing the best portrait shot with Canon 5D Mark II, first learn about focusing on the desired object.
Step 2. Finding great subjects for portraits
Start from your home. Your family members and friends can be your subjects.
If you are a beginner and want to click amazing photos with Canon 5D Mark 11, but are feeling shaky about approaching models and strangers, your buddies can be more than enough for the purpose.
It’s a given that a portrait shot requires a lot of patience and attention from both the photographer and the subject. Hence, try bringing someone who can support you during the whole process without any complaint.
Step 3.
Shooting back-light images
In case, the location of your portraiture does not have proper shaded areas, or, if there is a problem with the hard light on your model, it is best to put the sun directly behind the model or out of the frame.
It will allow you to capture the golden glow, while also catching the subject’s outline.
This is where shooting the portraits in the golden hour(during the sunset) is highly recommended as you will be getting the best shading and lighting for your favorite portrait shot.
Step 4.
Choosing the picture style settings
Portrait Style
Landscape Style
Monochrome Style
Canon provides the opportunity to obtain maximum image quality by selecting from various picture styles, with each of them having distinct sharpening, contrast, and color rendition.
You can customize each of them in the menu or with the Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software provided by Canon.
In the beginning, the saturation and color tones are set to get warmer skin tones. You have lots of room to experiment in the Portrait picture Style.
Step 5.
Taking advantage of the image processing facility
The sensor of Canon EOS 5D Mark II is backed by a powerful DIGIC 4 Image Processor. The operations like HD video recording, Face Detection Live Mode, Lighting, Lens Peripheral optimization, get enhanced with this feature.
The camera also offers a complete 14-bit A/D conversion that delivers finer tonal gradation for incredible prints.
Canon 5D Mark II can give you stunning portraits that you have always dreamed of.