The Wide Angle objective is usually one of the most dreamed goals, not only because of its surprising results and its possibilities, but because it usually escapes the budget of mere mortals. And as for many of us how easy and affordable is boring or less desirable, ipso facto tends to pass to our list of photographic desires once we have delved a little into the subject of photography. We have talked about the Wide Angle always associated with landscapes, because it is perhaps one of its best known and recognized facets, but the truth is that a Wide Angle lens can adapt to numerous situations and give you really incredible images. Of course, for this, before you have to know a little to squeeze your possibilities that are not few
WHAT IS A WIDE ANGLE OBJECTIVE?
They are those that provide a very wide viewing angle. In general, those whose focal length is between 18mm and 35mm are considered Wide Angle. Within the Wide Angle objectives we have those considered "normal" and those considered "Super Wide Angle". - Standard Wide Angle : They usually include the focal points between 28 and 35mm and with a viewing angle that varies from 60 ° to 65 °. They are part of many of the Zoom that come in Kit, so these focal points will not be completely unknown to you, unless you are a lover of fixed optics and do not have them - Super Wide Angle: They include the focal points between 17 and 28mm and a viewing angle of more than 80 °. Due to their wide viewing angle, they are the most used in landscape photography.MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WIDE ANGLE OBJECTIVES
- Distortion: One of its main characteristics is the distortion they cause in the lines, especially those closest to the edges of the image, where they seem to narrow. Likewise, the planes closest to the target will be more affected by this distortion than those further away.
- Depth of field: Another characteristic of the Wide Angle lenses is its high depth of field that allows us to focus most of the planes in the image.
- Greater viewing angle : Large viewing angles allow us to include more elements in the scene.
- Distance between planes : The Wide Angle accentuates the exaggeration of the distance between the different planes; Things seem to be much farther from each other than they really are.
9 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH WIDE ANGLE
1) APPROACH AND WORK SEVERAL PLANES
This is, perhaps, the most important advice to keep in mind when using a Wide Angle. In such wide viewing angles, it is difficult to focus interest , and easy to fall into boring images, perhaps with a lot of information, but without a remarkable story, or a clear center or message. The wide angle allows us to use different planes in the same scene, very interesting effect to highlight our protagonist, and at the same time put it in context. Of course, to have a close-up , it is necessary and advisable to get closer than usual, because the focal length does not bring things closer, if not quite the opposite; drives them away. As you see, it is not a goal for cowards Therefore, it is not only a landscape objective, but also a journalistic objective, Streetphotography , Documentary or artistic Photography among other styles.2) WORK THE COMPOSITION
It is especially important that you take care of the composition when working with Wide Angle lenses, since the success of the image depends largely on its interest. And this, beyond the subject, is achieved through the prominence of a good composition that enhances the center of interest.3) WORK THE LINES
The lines are a very interesting compositional element in photography, but even more so in photography taken with Wide Angle since in this case, their power is accentuated. The inclusion of lines in the compositions with this type of objectives, accentuate the leaks and converging lines, direct the gaze , and give the image a lot of visual power and dynamism . Keep in mind this effect of distortion of vertical lines whenever you photograph with a Wide Angle, sometimes you may want to enhance them, and sometimes not, forcing you to change the composition, work the post-processing, and so on.4) WORK SHARPNESS
They are not only known as the best optics for landscapes because of their open angle. They are also because of their great depth of field. Combining this type of objectives with the Sweet Point and the Hyperfocal , you will achieve an unmatched sharpness and depth of field.5) CONTROL ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THE IMAGE
Everything that is wonderful about a Wide Angle for its wide field of vision, it is also dangerous if you do not control what you want to appear in the frame, or simply do not take it into account. Before shooting, make sure that all the elements that appear in your image are those that you want to appear, and what does not interest you, try to get it out of your frame.6) AMPLITUDE
Not by chance many interior photographs are taken with a Wide Angle. This type of lens accentuates the feeling of space and spaciousness, so it can be very useful when you want to photograph interiors. In addition they are usually luminous lenses, so you can work with them at relatively low ISO and at good speed (always depending, of course, on the amount of light available to the interior you want to photograph).7) EYE WITH FILTERS
Due to the angle of the lens, its use with filters tends to produce undesirable effects on the image, especially at the edges of the image, of which the most common is vignetting. You must take special care especially with polarizing filters , as they generate very unreal and heterogeneous shades of blue in the image.8) ORIGINAL PORTRAITS
It will not be a formal or classic portrait that you make with a Wide Angle, but you can make original and creative portraits thanks to the distortion created by the lens. The shapes closest to the target will look exaggeratedly large and the furthest ones are exaggeratedly small and remote.9) WHEN TO USE A WIDE ANGLE
We have already been advancing something throughout the article, but we will see some of the most common applications related to these objectives.- Landscape
- Indoor photography
- Architecture
- Documentary Photography
- Photojournalism
- Artistic photography
