Portraits with a view
Usage of wide-angle lenses in portraiture photography will give unique perspectives to your photos, writes Razz Rozzfaisal
GENERALLY, photographers will avoid wide-angle lens for portraiture shots. However, if you want something different and want to explore new shooting experiences, try using a wide-angle lens for this genre. A wide-angle lens normally has a focal length of between 16mm and 24mm. A focal length that is below 16mm falls under the ultra-wide or super-wide category.
Wide-angle lenses are not popular in portraiture photography because of the distortion they cause. However, correct subject placement and distance from lens to subject will help in minimising the distortion. Lens distortion can also be corrected in post-production work.
The major difference in using a wideangle lens compared to a portrait lens in portraiture photography is that with a portrait lens, the focal length would eliminate most of the background. For example, using a 85mm focal length would eliminate the background or blur it all together. However, with a wide-angle lens, the background can still be seen.
Here are some tips in using the wideangle lens for portraiture photography.
1. DISTORT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:
With a wide-angle lens, the actions of the subject will be exaggerated and this will bring a dramatic effect. You need to wait for gestures or action before taking the shot. In this photo, I waited for the vendor to extend her hand and pressed the trigger. This creates a dramatic look with her hand stretched out.
2. SELECT YOUR BACKGROUND:
This is the most important aspect of using a wide-angle lens for a portrait because of the wide focal length. Choose your background wisely since it will take up most of your photo. Place your subject at a suitable distance that reduces the distortion effect. In this photo, I placed the subject against the sea, and by using a wide-angle lens, I was able to capture the beautiful scenery.
3. PLACE YOUR SUBJECT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRAME:
This would be the safest thing to do with wide-angle lens when shooting a portrait. Avoiding the edges and corners of the frame will help reduce distortion.
4. ADD ELEMENTS:
You can add elements to the frame describing the subject. In this photo, a wide-angle lens can easily include the subject’s shop and frame the watches around him, which in a way describe his shop and workplace. On the contrary, it is also easy to accidentally include distractions. Just be careful with the corners of your frame.
5. GET CLOSE TO YOUR SUBJECT:
A wideangle lens will make viewers of the photo feel as if they are standing close to the subject. The viewers will be drawn into the photo. In this photo, the traditional desert musician looks like he is sitting right in front of you. The musical instrument with distortion looks long and big, thus attracting viewers into the photo.