The resulting 100mm f/2.8 is a good portrait length. You could use
soft-focus filters to create softness around the edges - this would be one
of many effects available to you through the use of filters. There are lots
of options depending on the mood you wish to portray with the image.
Shooting wide-open you would be able to throw the foreground and background
out of focus if you want.
One of the most important things about portraiture is composition. If you
don't have that, it isn't going to matter which lens or special effect you
used. The same can be said of how well you capture the spirit of the
subject. If they are tense, uncomfortable, nervous, contrived, etc., you
might like the images but they probably won't.
It depends a lot on the person you are photographing - the best shots may be
the ones you take when you first set up. With other subjects it can be
worthwhile to shoot a lot with the expectation that shots taken later in the
session, once the subject has become used to you and your camera, will be
the best ones. I have heard it suggested that you shoot without film for a
while, but I think that risks missing good shots, and film, after all, is
not THAT expensive, compared to a missed shot.
Look at some of the good books about portraiture, and also some of the
"coffee table" books by some of the greats. This will give you a good idea
of the many possibilities at your disposal.
Paul M. Provencher
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