how does a hood help?

[shumonsaha]

1. do I need a hood for portraits?

2.If yes, pls recommend an inexpensive value for money hood for 50 mm 1.8 lens. The camera is 600d.

[TCampbell · Accepted solution]

The purpose of the hood to prevent light from directly shining on the glass at the front of your lens in order to prevent issues such as dust particles flaring in the image.  It is usually not needed when indoors.  Outdoors it's usually only need in sun and then only at angles where the sunlight could shine on the front of the lens.

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

http://www.adorama.com/CAES62.html