A 35mm prime on a full format body (or 24mm on cropped) is a great lens to walk around with. But when one gets too close to someone to take a picture, invariably some of their features are exaggerated (noses are popular targets in that regard). Yet, sometimes all you have in a given moment is a wide prime.
Are there any tips and tricks to getting good shots of people, 3/4 portrait or closer say, and still keep them looking good?
Journalists use these lenses all the time, so there must be something to it.
For example, should I avoid putting people too close to the center of the frame?
Answer
Actually to avoid distortion the opposite of what you said holds true.
- Move faces or features you don't want to distort such as fingers away from the edge of the frame
- Keep the lens parallel to the subject if at all possible
- Step back and shoot, planning to crop to the desired framing later
- Consider using the distortion to your advantage for "fun" shots; typically works best with kids
- Keep in mind what you can distort without much of an issue, such as legs or torso sections(vertically) and use this to your advantage
- Correction can be applied in post production so use this if possible
Journalists won't likely get in the face of a subject with a lens like this, they will produce more environmental type shots.
Finally, don't be afraid to pick up a tiny inexpensive 50mm prime or pancake lens to being with you. They aren't expensive and will really be more flattering for your subject in the end!
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