For my Portrait Photography, I again use completely different gear. I try to use the same minimalist but quality approach I use with landscape and street photography.
You don’t need much, in fact, you want to be as discrete as possible even with portraits. As it turns out, the camera I use for portraits is just as much a classic as the Nikon D850 and Fujifilm X100F, it is the superb Fujifilm XT3. As I’ve mentioned, the F has been upgraded to the X100V and now the XT3 has been upgraded to the XT4. All of these cameras are superb.
Here’s what’s in my bag.
My Top Pick camera for portrait photography: Fujifilm XT3 or XT4
I can write the same things about the XT3 as I could the X100F. I love this camera, it’s small, solid, discrete and produces just superb images. The XT3 is a classic and you would be amazed at the qualify of portraits you will capture. The XF lenses for this camera are true gems – small, discrete and well made. Additionally, they’re priced really well. Truly a beautiful and classic camera and lens system.
Just slightly bigger than the X100f, the joy of using this camera, especially with portraits, is that the subject is never intimidated. Bigger cameras really impact the subject’s outlook on getting their picture taken. This camera is discrete and really puts the client at ease. It’s also simply beautiful and with a few lenses produces truly artistic images. The price point on this camera is great, as is all the Fuji system. Simply the best.
The gear for this camera is similar to the X100f with the addition of just three lenses and a more advanced lighting system for portraits. It’s simply hard to beat this system.
- New 26.1MP X Trans CMOS 4 sensor with X Processor 4 image processing engine
- 4K movie recording internal SD card 4K/60P 4: 2: 0 10bit recording and the first Mirrorless digital camera with APS C or larger sensor that is capable of 4K/60P 4: 2: 2 10bit HDMI output
- 2.16M phase detection pixels across entire frame and low light phase detection limits has been increased over X T2 by 2 stops, from 1EV to 3EV
- 3.69 million dot OLED color viewfinder with 0.75x magnification and blackout free burst shooting
- 16 film Simulation modes: Including eterna/cinema, B and w adjustment: 9~+9
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- Putting Stability in Your Hands: A huge part of creating great photos or videos is making sure you are in the right place at the right time – and that often means making handheld images to get to the heart of the action. X-T4’s state-of-the-art, five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) provides up to 6.5 stops of image stabilization to make sure that, even in the midst of all the excitement, your images remain steady and sharp. Combine this with the new four-axis Digital Image Stabilizer, and you have lots of room to maneuver.
- Performance You Can Rely On: For any serious image maker, having a tool that can be relied upon to perform flawlessly whenever it is required is extremely important. For this reason, X-T4 features a newly developed mechanical shutter that is the fastest and most robust in the history of the X Series. Not only can it make images at 15 frames per second, but it is also rated for 300,000 actuations2. When you combine this with it’s larger capacity battery that is capable of up to 600 frames per charge2, X-T4 has the power and the durability to give you the peace of mind that you’ll never miss the perfect opportunity.
- Find the Best Angle for Your Story: When chasing the perfect image, versatility is key, so the last thing you want is to be hampered by awkward angles. The 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen LCD featured on X-T4 can be adjusted to make it visible from a wide range of positions. This not only gives you a high-quality monitor to frame with, but also provides quick and simple controls when you need them most. On the flip side, there are times when you need to minimize the light and distractions that a screen can create. That’s why X-T4’s LCD has been designed to easily fold away so it is completely hidden from view, leaving the updated 3.69 million pixel/100fps electronic viewfinder to help you focus on the moment at hand.
- When Your Story Needs Movement: The modern image maker is blurring the lines between photography and videography, and X-T4 has been designed to celebrate this new generation of hybrid creativity. With the simple flick of a switch, movie mode is activated, meaning X-T4 is capable of recording both professional-level DCI 4K/60p and Full HD/240p super slow-motion video. It is also possible to record F-Log footage in 10-bit color, straight to the card. What’s more, the innovative AF-C subject tracking works in low-light conditions down to -6EV and the camera’s use of a new, high capacity battery lets you push your creative limits.
- Powerful Image Manipulation Made Easy: For over 85 years, Fujifilm has produced photographic films that have been used by some of the world’s best-known moviemakers to create some of the world’s most successful movies. This legendary reputation in color science is celebrated with their hugely popular selection of Film Simulations, which digitize some of the industry’s most iconic films and puts them right at your fingertips. X-T4 introduces ETERNA Bleach Bypass, the newest addition to this much-loved collection of film simulation modes available in the X Series product line, which creates a beautiful de-saturated, high-contrast look that any image-maker will find irresistible.
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All my other portrait photography gear
Fujifilm XF 56 f/1.2
For headshots, you can do no better than the 56 f/1.2. Truly a gem. This is approximately equivalent to an 85 on a 35mm camera. By the way, if you want to grab macro shots, this lens with the Fujifilm Macro Extension Tube MCEX-11 is an inexpensive yet stellar combination.
Fujifilm XF 35 f/1.4
Another jewel, equivalent to a 50 mm in 35mm cameras. This lens is for more environmental and half body shots and produces images which again, unbelievably beautify.
- Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=35mm (53mm)
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups (Inc. 1 Asph. Element)
- Angle of view - 44.2 Degrees. Number of blades 7(rounded diaphragm opening)
- Filter Size 52mm
- Focus range : Normal 0.8m - ∞, Macro 28cm - 2.0m. Max. magnification 0.17x
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Fujifilm XF 18-55 f/2.8-4
This is actually Fuji’s kit lens, but unlike other “kit” lenses, this lens is a gem and is simply not only a great all-around lens but a great portrait lens. Obviously not the same wide open apertures as the first two lens, but it still produces amazing images. I’m in the process of testing the new Fujifilm XF 16-80 f/4 and this lens is amazing. I’ll still keep the 18-55 for the occasional video and lightweight travel lens, but the 16-80 is now my all-around lens, not only for portraits, as the bokeh is stunning but also as an all-purpose landscape lens. Fuji knows how to make lenses.
- 18-55mm f:2.8 - 4.0 OIS (27 - 84mm equivalent)
- 14 Elements in 10 groups (inc. 3 aspherical & 1 extra low dispersion Elements)
- Angle of View: 76.5 - 29 Degrees
- Filter Size: 58mm. Focus range-Normal- Approx. 0.6m - ∞ (whole zoom position). Macro- Wide: 30cm - 10m, Telephoto: 40cm - 10m
- Aperture control : Number of blades 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
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Camera Strap
Like the X100F, I would never use this camera without a hand strap. The camera is so small that it could easily slip out of your hand. Get a hand strap, it’s cheap, looks great, and you’re protected.
Godox 860II-F or Godox AD200 Pro and Xpro-F Wireless Flash Trigger
For portraits you use the same Xpro-F flash trigger, as you may have already own for the X100f, but you use the bigger Godox 860II-F or even the AD 200 Pro. With the AD200 you will need to set up a softbox and light stand. Just a suggestion, the Glow softboxes at Adorama are really well built, and surprisingly inexpensive. Well worth reviewing.
- Godox V860II-F Flash Speedlite is Fully support TTL functions, support for TTL auto flash, manual flash, 1/8000 high-speed sync, flash exposure compensation, flash exposure lock, second curtain sync, modeling flash, etc
- Godox V860II-F High-Speed Sync Speedlite is Compatible for Fujifilm Camera X-Pro2 X-T20 X-T1 X-T2 X-Pro1 X100F Digital Camera (TTL autoflash)
- 2000mAh Lithium Battery, Max. 1.5s recycle time & 650 full power pops. User-friendly LCD display and control panel with firmware upgrade.
- GN60 High Guide Number and 22 Steps of Power Output (1/1-1/128). Auto/Manual Zoom Head from 20 to 200mm. Support TTL/M/Multi/S1/S2 Modes
- Godox V860II-F Speedlite Adopts Godox wireless X system, build-in 2.4G wireless transmission offers all-in-one functions and 100 meters further transmission distance,Optical transmission with even illumination and stable output.
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- 🔥Free Pergear Flash Bag🔥 Scroll Down to Special offers and product promotions and add both to cart. Godox AD200PRO Features Interchangeable Flash Heads. Flexibly snap in the exciting Round Head(NOT Included) with superior clean light spread, the Speedlite-Styled Fresnel Head(GN52, Direct-Focused Beam) and Bare-Bulb Head (GN60, Omni-Directional Beam)
- 🌿 |large capacity Lithium battery|: The Godot AD200 Pro offers 500 full power flashes with 0. 01 to 2. 1 sec. Recycling. Expanded manual 9 stop range of power adjusts from full to 1/256 in 1/10th stop increments
- 🌿 |2. 4G Control with 330Ft Range|: Godot AD200Pro supports Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax TTL. With Master Slave Function, AD200Pro Can be Used in Combination with Godot TTL Camera Flashes, TTL Outdoor Flashes, etc.
- 🌿 |manual/TTL/multi flash modes|: fully support flash exposure compensation, 1/8000S high speed Sync. Manual outputs the users choice of power, modeling light, first/second curtain sync, etc. Multi controls the stroboscopic rate up to 90 times
- 🌿 |lightweight portable easy to use |: easy to use buttons command a full range of functions like reliable Channel triggering, Group mode selectivity, HSS. The LCD panel clearly displays the status of all remote Strobes, so you always have control of group lighting setup
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- 🌿 |TTL Autoflash and Pro Functions|: Support TTL Autoflash, 1/8000s High-Speed Sync, Multi Flash, Manual Flash, Flash Exposure Compensation, TCM Transform Function, Magnfication Function, One-Shoot & Multi- Shoot Setting, Group Modeling Lamp Control, Group Zooming, Adjusting All Groups Output Value Simultaneously, etc
- 🌿 |SMART TCM BUTTON|: Long Press TCM Button can Transform the Flash Value in TTL Mode into the Power Output Value in M Mode; Short Press TCM Button Enables the Groups to be Switched Between the One-Group and Multi-Group Mode
- 🌿 |Versatile Using Methods|: As a wireless Godox Flash Trigger/ Wireless Shutter Release Trigger/ Wireless Fuji Speedlights Trigger/ Flash Trigger with 2.5mm Sync Cord Jack
- 🌿 |01-99 WIRELESS ID|: Only Achieve Triggering when the Channels and Wireless IDs of the Master and Slave unit are Set to the Same, Avoiding Signal Interference effectively
- 🌿 |LARGE LCD Display|: 16 Groups and 32 Channels to Wirelessly Control and Trigger. Full Graphic Display of 5 Groups simultaneously
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Demb Classic Flip-it
I use the same Demb flash reflector that was recommended by another professional photographer who had been using this for years. It’s perfect and I wouldn’t be without it. When needed you can certainly used some of the advanced lighting systems with softboxes, but in many situations, the Demb is all you’ll need. Give it a try, you’ll thank me for it.
- Fits all sizes of clip-on flashes that tilt and swivel, including Profoto A1
- Weddings, candid shots, informal portraits
- Creative control: set the angle of the rear reflector for your best choice of softness and power in areas with or without ceilings to bounce, as well as outdoors
- Creative control: combine reflector bounce and ceiling bounce in any ratio
- Instantly flips back and out of the way for direct flash or ceiling bounce only, without having to be taken off the flash and stored
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Ona Camera Bag
There is no more classic looking bag than the Ona Bowery and it’s available in leather, canvas and black nylon. The XT3 camera and lens, all fit nicely in this bag and this is the perfect gift for this portrait system also. Another bag, for less money but still with great quality, is the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 25i. Check it out, Think Tank has a few different sizes specifically for mirrorless cameras. Of course, strobes, softboxes, and other flash gear will require different carry options.
- Handcrafted with full-grain leather
- Room for a DSLR or mirrorless camera and 1-2 small lenses or accessories
- Removable, adjustable strap
- Solid brass hardware
- Side weather flaps to protect your gear
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- Fits 1 medium mirrorless body plus 3–4 lenses, 8” tablet, and additional accessories. Sony A7 w/ 55mm f/1.8 ZA attached (hood reversed) + 24-70mm f/4 ZA (hood in reversed) + 35mm f/2.8 ZA (hood in position), plus an 8” tablet. Fuji X-T1 w/ 18-55mm f/2.8-4 attached (hood reversed) + 14mm f/2.8 (hood in position) + 60mm f/2.8 (hood in position), plus an 8” tablet.
- Dedicated pocket for 8 tablet
- Designed specifically for mirrorless equipment
- High-quality YKK RC zippers and metal hardware
- External Dimensions: 11”W x 6.1H x 4.7”D (28 x 15.5 x 12 cm), Internal Dimensions: 10.6”W x 5.5”H x 4.1”D (27 x 14 x 10.5 cm), Tablet Pocket: 9.4”W x 5.5”H x 0.8”D (24 x 14 x 2 cm), Smart Phone Slot: 2.8”W x 5”H x 0.6”D (7 x 12.7 x 1.6 cm), Weight: 1.0 lbs. (0.5 kg) with all accessories
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