Wide angle portraits are uncommon because most people assume distortion ruins them. But understanding distortion can elevate your photography by giving you deliberate, dynamic control.
Coming to you from Gavin Hoey with Adorama, this practical video walks you through the essentials of using wide angle lenses effectively, specifically addressing the tricky issue of distortion. Hoey emphasizes that while wide angle lenses have a reputation for causing exaggerated perspectives, this distortion isn't inherent to the lens itself—it actually results from shooting extremely close to your subject. Demonstrating clearly, Hoey photographs his model, Rob, at various distances, showing how distance, rather than lens choice alone, significantly influences the final look. Understanding this principle can help you control or intentionally emphasize distortion to create visually compelling portraits. Hoey also details how he sets up lighting for wide angle shots, using two flashes in tandem to maximize light output at a narrow aperture.
The video further highlights the delicate balance required to achieve sharp images at smaller apertures like f/16. Hoey explains the concept of diffraction, a physical phenomenon reducing image sharpness when you use very small apertures. Despite diffraction risk, he chooses f/16 deliberately to ensure maximum depth of field, carefully balancing sharpness with comprehensive focus across the frame. He shares valuable tips on calculating and compensating for the increased flash power needed to achieve proper exposure at narrower apertures.
In addition to addressing technical challenges, Hoey creatively leverages distortion as a deliberate stylistic choice. He encourages incorporating props close to the lens to accentuate the exaggerated perspective, enhancing visual interest. Throughout the shoot, he utilizes props like a trumpet and camera to engage the model dynamically with the lens, demonstrating how props can help tell a story and add character to your images. Moreover, the use of props not only boosts creativity but practically illustrates how managing distance can control distortion, reinforcing the video's core concepts in real-time.
Hoey also showcases his practical lighting and camera setup, emphasizing simplicity and versatility. He achieves soft, directional light ideal for portraits. By thoughtfully positioning the light source and modifying its height and angle to match changing perspectives, he ensures consistent lighting quality and desired shadow placement, even while breaking traditional portrait rules. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hoey.
If you would like to continue learning about the art of portraiture, be sure to check out our range of tutorials on the subject in the Fstoppers store.
Really liked how this broke down the misconception around wide angle lenses—especially the idea that distortion has to be avoided. When used deliberately, it actually adds a bold character to the frame. We've seen more creatives using it to bring personality and edge to fashion/editorial shoots.
Would love to hear if others have a go-to focal length or pose that helps balance the distortion while still keeping that dynamic feel?
Typically I would shoot portraits at 50mm up to 150mm, but I'm loving capturing street portraits at 28mm currently.
He didn’t mention in camera algorithms that correct distortion, such as with the Sony G-Master 12-24mm f/2.8. Can the correction be turned off? Or do you want to leave it be? I have the Sony 12-24mm f/4 G lens. That will turn any round ball on the edges into a sausage.
I never thought about using a wide angle with a smaller aperture than f/8. Nor have I thought of it as a portrait lens. It might open up my use of my lens more.
I'm having to learn how to use my camera from a wheelchair. I know that my 12-24mm will receive more use than before from my lower vantage point. Maybe, I'll be wanting to choose smaller apertures from down here.