Let’s discuss insights from a video by Pit Haupert on effectively using a 35mm lens for photography. It highlights key composition techniques to enhance the clarity and appeal of images captured with this lens.
This video has pushed me a few steps forward in buying my first 35mm lens. Pit highlights that because a 35mm lens is a wide angle lens, an image that is not carefully composed using this lens may have elements in the scene that are distracting, and the viewer’s eye might struggle to find the subject. Another noteworthy problem is that, because it has a wide field of view, it is difficult to create a blurry background using this lens at a wide open aperture, such as f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8. By contrast, this is relatively easy to do with an 85mm or a 50mm lens.
While a beginner may be discouraged by these problems and end up selling their 35mm lens, Pit shares practical tips on composing with a 35mm so that the field of view it offers is used to your advantage in creating compelling images.
The video covers numerous tips with examples, with two clear themes. The first is subject-centric, which involves composing in a way that ensures there is only one main element in your image that the eye clearly identifies as the subject, without confusion. This can be further enhanced by choosing a visually interesting subject, such as a unique piece of attire or an engaging expression. The second theme is environment-centric, which involves using elements in the scene, such as leading lines, borders, or frames, to help the eye easily find the subject, creating an aesthetically pleasing image. Watch the full video with examples as he explains effectively how to use a 35mm lens in the way it is intended.
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