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 

[ebiggs1]

If it did not come with a kit lens buy the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

[ebiggs1]

"In closing do not hesitate to ask questions, there is no such thing as a dumb question."

Perhaps but there are dumb answers galore! 😀 

[amberwilson430]

What’s that supposed to mean? I’m just trying to figure out how to get started. 

[kvbarkley]

Nothing, just some snark. Note the smiley.

[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.