{"id":106068,"date":"2013-09-12T15:45:00","date_gmt":"2013-09-12T23:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightstalking.com\/?p=106068"},"modified":"2020-08-13T10:05:33","modified_gmt":"2020-08-13T14:05:33","slug":"why-you-should-sometimes-embrace-the-distortion-of-wide-angle-lenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lightstalking.com\/why-you-should-sometimes-embrace-the-distortion-of-wide-angle-lenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Sometimes Embrace the Distortion of Wide Angle Lenses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Most photographers have a favorite lens to shoot with, a lens that is attached to the front of their camera more often than not. A 50mm is a common preference since it\u2019s useful for a variety of photographic scenarios. Then there are those who are entrenched at longer focal lengths, while others are obsessed with macro lenses. Everyone\u2019s got their own thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what about wide angle lenses? Are they strictly the domain of landscape photographers? Aren\u2019t they less versatile since they tend to distort things? There\u2019s no way you would ever use a wide angle lens for portraits, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under most circumstances, no – a wide angle lens won\u2019t be your first — or even second — choice for shooting portraits. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to do something a little different with your portraiture, then forget convention for a moment and embrace the distortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What You Need to Know About Wide Angle Lenses and Distortion<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wide angle lenses generally distort in three ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are ways to overcome these distortions through a combination of good technique and software, but have a look at what happens when you rebel against photography norms and shoot with the intent of not only retaining, but highlighting, those wide-angle-induced distortions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n