lens sizes for portraits

[thebeginning]

i read in the wedding photography sticky about what equipment to bring. i'm sure it is very different from portrait photography, but I have always heard that it is best to use a 135 mm lens for portraits (using a 35mm film camera). i'm sure it is also a much tighter space to work with when photographing weddings so you need a wider angled lens to fit the scene, but wouldnt anything below 50mm distort the photo?

 

[Christie Photo]

...wouldnt anything below 50mm distort the photo?

It's a judgement call. Shorter shooting distances will exagerate this, so I reserve using a wider lens (even a 50mm) for full legnth or group photos. Sometimes it just not possible.

I would use a 105mm for indivduals or couples (groups too if there's room).

 

[thebeginning]

ah, got it. thanks!