what #mm for prom photo shoot

[shanne1020]

What mm prime lens for a situation like a prom shoot? And depending on what size lens, how far away would I need to be to get a 8x10 or 5x7?

 

[robbins.photo]

What mm prime lens for a situation like a prom shoot? And depending on what size lens, how far away would I need to be to get a 8x10 or 5x7?

Well I guess a lot would depend on the size of the venue, and of course the lighting involved - but I guess in general if it were me I'd probably be reaching into my bag for the 70-200 mm F/2.8.

 

[480sparky38 37]

What mm prime lens for a situation like a prom shoot? And depending on what size lens, how far away would I need to be to get a 8x10 or 5x7?

There is no one-size-fits-all prime. And final image size has nothing to do with camera-to-subject distance or the lens used.

 

[ShootRaw]

50mm 1.8g

 

[KmH]

Tne OP has a d5100 according to their profile and the D5100 has a 2:3 (3:2) aspect ratio image sensor (8x12/12x8)
So photos would need to be cropped to get to 10x8 (5:4) aspect ratio.
Wallets and 5x7 have a 5:7 aspect ratio and would require a different crop.

Because of all that, pro photographers 'shoot fat' and leave room in the camera viewfinder for cropping post process.

When looking in the viewfinder of a 3:2 (vertical (portrait) frame orientation) aspect ratio cameras (all of Nikon's DSLRs):

 

[Derrel]

I vote for the 50mm for half-body shots for a number of reasons.