EOS Rebel T3i Portrait lens recommendations

[amberwilson430]

So I have the rebel t3i ( old I know but it was given to me) I want to get into portraits, family sessions etc. what lenses would I need for this camera? Or do I need to get a newer camera 

[WCETECH]

Sounds like you have a good starting point.

[WCETECH]

Sort of, I would suggest you try to come up with some ideas of how you would alike the shots to come out, see if you can find a friend you can work with and try out some locations, indoors and outdoors to get an idea of what locations you like photographing your friend at.

And a trip to a local library to check out any books you can get your hands to provide some guidance on basic portrait photography.

You are going to make mistakes we all did when starting out so get that worked out before the larger step of doing paid work, you will also want to learn the aspects of running your business.

Just don't try doing it all at once take it one step at a time and have fun while you learn the ropes.

And always remember learn from your mistakes do not let them discourage you and welcome criticism both good and bad. 

[kvbarkley]

Nothing, just some snark. Note the smiley.

[WCETECH]

I would say you have all you need for now, hold off buying anything else until you find you abilities restricted by your current gear.

And I also always recommend if you need a lens for a certain setup consider renting versus owning, as a business a rental is a write-off.

[ebiggs1]

"What’s that supposed to mean? "

It means not all answers will be beneficial so weight them carefully.

[ebiggs1]

"I have the EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 and EF-S 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 IS II"

As I understand your situation now, don't buy anything until you use what you have for a good long while to see exactly what working and what is not working for you. If you go out and buy something either on a whim or by someone's suggestion I guarantee you will be buying twice. Now depending how much money you have that may be either a good thing or it can be a bad thing

Best way to learn your camera and photography is to use it. I will suggest you get DPP4 form Canon; it is free to d/l from the web site. It is a capable editor and is where photos are made or not. I also recommend you set the camera to raw and not jpg. Raw offers far more editing capabilities than jpg ever can. Try to use P mode at first. In DPP4 you can monitor your settings and quickly see what settings are best for the various situations or conditions. About 75% of the time P mode will get you a good photo. When it won't, Tv and/or Av are next. M, or manual mode. is last chance and isn't nearly (maybe 1%) as necessary as it once was.