Taking Legacy Portraits at Home

Taking Legacy Portraits at Home

Portrait photography is a great way to capture a moment or slice of time to be immortalized forever.

We call this type of photography ‘legacy portraits’ because it is a picture that leaves a legacy. Traditionally, legacy portraits were for kings and queens, for presidents and senators who wished to be remembered in a specific way. Even before the invention of the camera, a legacy portrait was painted, such as Gilbert Stuart’s classic portrait of George Washington.

With the invention of the camera, legacy portraits have become something you can book a professional to do or attempt yourself at home. If you want a full family legacy portrait, you might need to book a professional portrait session to ensure everyone you wish to have in the shots is present and correct. This will also eliminate the stress of posing and capturing the images yourself. However, you may also want a legacy portrait of your family, which is personal, in which case you can conduct a private session all of your own.

If you wish to create your own legacy portrait of a family member, or group of siblings, then this is the equipment you’ll need to do so.

Camera

When it comes to a camera to take the shots on, you should be eyeing a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The most popular brands are Canon and Nikon, and both are solid cameras with good entry-level models, as well as some that are more advanced for those of you wishing to take your hobby to the next level. The range of cameras on offer can be staggering, but do not fret because you will be best served with entry-level models. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great starter camera and shouldn’t set you back more than $600. Generally, you’re safe with a Nikon or Canon, but don’t rule out Fuji or Pentax as both are solid manufacturers. Remember, most cameras do not come with a memory card, so you will need to invest in one as few have significant onboard memories to store your shots.

Lens

The reason Canon and Nikon are popular makes is their versatility and how widespread they are. Most have lenses manufactured by several companies, with Sigma and Tamron making lenses that fit the basic camera body. There are hundreds of lenses out there, and if you’re new to photography, choosing one could be tough. One which you should have in your bag is a 50mm prime lens. These don’t allow you to zoom in or out but have a shallow depth of field for portrait photography. They’re cheap too; some basic models should come in at under $100. If you wish to have further lens options, an 85mm, such as the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a solid choice. That will come in around $400 new but is a great additional tool for your legacy portrait arsenal.

Accessories

What else you choose to add depends entirely on what you are shooting. If you want to capture a group of people indoors, you may wish to purchase a tripod and flash to ensure pin-sharp images that last a lifetime. However, if you plan to shoot outdoors and want to capture your subject in a more candid way, the less formal your session feels, the better. In that instance, simply having your camera and you will work well, as your shots will feel more natural because the interaction between photographer and subject won’t be obscured by too much equipment.

Of course, for the very best results, contact a professional photographer to arrange a photo session in which the only worry you have is when to smile and when to have fun in front of the lens, rather than stressing or hiding behind it.