The 50mm focal length can feel tricky to use. It’s not wide enough to capture expansive scenes like a 35mm, but it’s also not telephoto enough to isolate subjects like an 85mm. This in-between nature can leave you feeling like it’s neither here nor there. However, with the right approach, the 50mm can produce clean, minimalist images that draw attention to your subject without overwhelming the frame.
Coming to you from Martin Castein, this helpful video explains how to use a 50mm lens effectively by emphasizing simplicity and balance in your compositions. One common mistake people make is trying to cram too much into the frame, resulting in cluttered and flat images. To avoid this, Castein suggests focusing on just one to three background elements that subtly suggest the environment without overloading it. This minimalist approach gives your images context while keeping the subject as the clear focal point.
Another important tip is to avoid the temptation of stepping backward to fit everything into the shot. Instead, you should move around your subject in an arc. This allows you to fine-tune the balance of background elements without changing your distance from the subject. By rotating and adjusting your angle, you can create stronger compositions without losing the clean, balanced look that the 50mm excels at. Castein demonstrates how to use leading lines and architectural framing to subtly enhance the image without drawing too much attention to the background.
One of the standout strengths of a 50mm lens is its versatility. It’s not just about full-body shots—you can also get great half-length portraits and even headshots with a few simple techniques. When shooting portraits, Castein advises getting down to the subject’s eye level or slightly below to avoid the distortion that can happen when you get too close with a 50mm. This small adjustment helps maintain the natural look of your subject’s features, especially in close-up shots. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Castein.
