Why I Shoot with Prime Lenses for Portrait Photography

Why Prime Lenses Are My Go-To for Portraits

In a world full of flexible zoom lenses, I choose to work with primes—and there’s a reason for it. If you’ve ever had a portrait session with me, you’ve probably noticed I’m always moving, shifting position, changing angles. That’s not just style—it’s because I’m using a prime lens.

A prime lens has one fixed focal length. That means no zooming in or out. You get one field of view, and if I want to change the framing, I have to physically move. It might sound limiting, but in practice, it changes everything. Prime lenses keep me intentional. I don’t just “stand and shoot”—I move with you, engage with the space, and find angles that highlight your expression, not just your pose.

What Makes Prime Lenses Special

So why do I care so much about primes, especially for portraits? One word: image quality.

Prime lenses are optically simpler than zoom lenses. That means they have fewer glass elements inside. Fewer elements = fewer optical compromises. You get sharper images, less distortion, and more natural skin tones. That matters when I’m photographing people—real people—who want to look their best without looking overly processed.

Razor Sharp Detail

The difference is noticeable.

Prime lenses produce images that are consistently sharp across the frame. Textures like hair, fabric, and skin all render with clarity. Faces look natural, and skin tones don’t get muddy or artificially smooth.

This was a wonderful styled wedding shoot in a studio setting in Las Vegas

The difference is noticeable. Prime lenses produce images that are consistently sharp across the frame. Textures like hair, fabric, and skin all render with clarity. Faces look natural, and skin tones don’t get muddy or artificially smooth.

Beautiful Bokeh

Portrait photographers love to talk about “bokeh”—the soft, dreamy background blur that makes the subject pop. Prime lenses usually have wide apertures like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8. That wide opening lets in more light, which means I can shoot in softer, more flattering conditions, especially outdoors during golden hour. That blur? It’s not a filter—it’s the lens doing real optical work.

Better in Low Light

Shot after sunset, as golden hour gave way to blue hour.

Because of their large apertures, primes are fantastic in low light. Whether we’re shooting indoors or at sunset, I can keep the ISO low and still capture crisp, clean images. That translates to better color, less grain, and more flexibility when editing.

My Favorite Prime Lenses

I rotate through a few trusted lenses, depending on the session and what we’re trying to capture:

• Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS – My go-to for classic headshots and portraits. This lens compresses the background beautifully and flatters facial features.

• Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG Art – Ideal for environmental portraits and lifestyle shots. It allows me to include more of the surroundings without distorting your face.

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM – If I had to recommend one lens to any photographer getting started or a client curious about how I get my signature look, this would be it. It’s versatile, flattering, and consistent.

Each of these lenses helps me create a specific look and feel. And because I know them so well, I can focus on what really matters during your shoot—you!

Why I Don’t Zoom (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Zoom lenses offer convenience. But convenience isn’t always what you want when creating something timeless. When I use a prime lens, I’m not adjusting from behind the camera—I’m actively participating in the shoot. I’m walking, crouching, moving side to side. That movement keeps me connected with you, with the moment. It helps me stay fully present.

Using prime lenses also means the look of your gallery is more consistent. There’s a flow, a rhythm. The depth of field stays consistent. The perspective doesn’t jump from one photo to the next. It all feels cohesive, and that matters when you’re choosing images to print, post, or frame.

What That Means for Your Session

When we work together, you’re not just getting “photos.” You’re getting intentional, high-quality images crafted with tools that are built for beauty. Here’s what you can expect:=

• Soft backgrounds that draw focus to you

• Natural skin tones without extra retouching

• Low-light flexibility for early morning or late afternoon sessions

• Consistent framing that makes the gallery feel unified

• More movement and creativity during the shoot itself