My Favorite Lenses for Capturing Authentic Moments | Shreveport LA Portrait & Fresh 48 Photographer

 Erin Blake Photography

 As a passionate portrait and couple photographer in Shreveport, LA, I get asked a lot about the gear I use — especially my go-to lenses. While I love experimenting, there are two lenses that never leave my bag: the 35mm and the 50mm. These primes are my secret weapons for creating emotional, timeless images, whether I’m photographing a snuggly Fresh 48 session, a romantic couple shoot, or a family portrait at golden hour.

 

 Why I Love My 35mm Lens

The 35mm lens is a powerhouse for storytelling. It gives me a wide enough frame to capture environment and emotion without distortion — perfect for those intimate, in-between moments.

Fresh 48 sessions are where the 35mm really shines. In those tiny hospital rooms, space is tight and natural light can be tricky. The 35mm lets me move freely, capture context (like the baby’s name sign or the parents' reactions), and still stay close and personal. As a Fresh 48 photographer in Shreveport, I love how this lens brings out the raw, fleeting magic of those first 48 hours.

I also use the 35mm for candid couple sessions around downtown Shreveport or the Red River trails. It allows me to keep things relaxed and documentary-style — perfect for couples who want natural, story-driven photos.

 

 

Why the 50mm Lens is a Classic I Keep Coming Back To 

There’s something about the 50mm lens that just feels right. It’s often called the “nifty fifty” for a reason — the images are crisp, the background blur (bokeh) is dreamy, and it’s flattering for all types of portraits.

This is my go-to for classic Shreveport LA portrait sessions. Whether we’re in a park, at home, or walking through a field at sunset, the 50mm gives me enough compression to isolate my subject while still feeling natural and close. It’s amazing for emotion-focused photos — think close-up cuddles, laughter, and soulful eyes.

The 50mm is also my favorite lens when I want to slow down, connect, and focus on the little details that matter — a hand squeeze, a soft smile, the way a couple leans into each other.

 

 

Honorable Mention: The 100mm Macro Lens

While my 35mm and 50mm lenses are my daily drivers, I have to give a special shout-out to my 100mm macro lens. Most people think of macro lenses as being just for detail shots — like rings, tiny baby toes, or eyelashes — and yes, it absolutely shines there. But what most don’t realize is how incredible this lens is for portraits.

As a Shreveport LA portrait photographer, I reach for the 100mm when I want something a little extra — a close-up that feels cinematic and rich with emotion. The compression is beautiful, the bokeh is buttery, and the detail is razor-sharp without feeling clinical.

It’s especially stunning for solo portraits, maternity sessions, and capturing those still, quiet moments during a couple session or Fresh 48 shoot. When I want to elevate a gallery with images that feel both editorial and personal, the 100mm delivers every time.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

While I have a full kit, the 35mm and 50mm lenses are my most trusted tools. And when I want that extra magic, the 100mm macro is right there with me. These lenses help me create images that feel true to who my clients are — raw, connected, and beautiful.

If you're looking for a Shreveport LA portrait photographer, a Fresh 48 photographer, or someone to document your love story with intention, I’d love to connect. Let’s make magic with simple tools and real moments.