Wide angled lenses can produce stunning images, but they come with challenges. They require skill to avoid common mistakes that many, especially beginners, often make.
Coming to you from Alister Benn, this informative video breaks down the pitfalls and advantages of using wide angle lenses. Benn emphasizes that while these lenses can create breathtaking perspectives, they also present unique challenges. He uses examples from his own experience and work to illustrate both the potential and the problems of wide angle photography.
One common issue is vignetting. These lenses often have a bulbous front element, which can make it difficult to use filters without getting dark corners in your images. Benn demonstrates how newer holders minimize this problem by allowing filters to sit closer to the lens. Despite these advancements, vignetting can still occur, and while it can be cropped out, it’s something to be aware of when composing your shots.
Another frequent problem is the distortion of scale relationships. When you use a wide angle lens, the foreground can become exaggerated while the background shrinks. Benn explains that this can make elements in your photos look disproportionately large or small. He shows examples where this effect works well and others where it detracts from the image. Getting close to your subject can create dynamic compositions, but it requires careful consideration to avoid unnatural distortions. That's just the beginning, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
My 9mm is one of my favorite lenses. I hate all of the mistakes you pointed out, plus one you didn't. Shooting buildings with a wide angle lens tilted, so that the vertical sides converge or diverge unnaturally. I always keep a bubble level in my hot shoe when shooting with my wide angle lenses. This prevents almost all of the mistakes you mentioned. Some cameras have the option to turn on two internal levels (pitch and roll). This would negate the need for a bubble level. I still like my bubble level.
Focal length blending is a topic I don't hear many photographers talking about. I remember the first time I noticed it; I was trying to capture a scene from a similar location and realized there was no way the image was an "honest" shot. I did prefer the blend though but I had never even considered that before my experience.
On another note, is that a Telecaster with a Floyd Rose? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.
Looks like it! I've never seen one either.