I have been experimenting with full-height portrait framing with my infinitely patient wife. My setup right now is as follows:


Painter's tape on floor for target location = 8' 9" from image sensor to focus point (nearer eye)


40D, portrait orientation (center of image sensor = 57" AFF)


Slight (5 degrees?) downward angle of camera body


17-40 mm set to 24mm/38.4mm EFL (seems to provide full body through the viewfinder)





My questions are many, but first I want to know if this is a typical physical distance for this kind of work. If not, I want to know what is generally acceptable and what others use who do this for a living or side money. I want to make sure, especially with a wide angle, not to over-emphasize features resulting in an unflattering picture. I am guessing that means not getting much closer than I am in my setup.


I asked earlier in another thread what additions or changes would be useful for my current kit in order to help go forward with this kind of work, and got feedback that a 24-70 would be a great choice, but based on my trials so far, I am running into difficulty from this distance getting a full body shot if I zoom tighter than 24-26mm.


I know some reference test shots would give more perspective and I am working on that. I will post them as soon as possible. My one and only battery is charging right now! I am working on that. I figured out today that the first two things I need are an L-bracket and an extra battery. And a flash. And a modifier of some sort. And.....