Hi Tamara,

I just discovered your site today after the posting on Dear Baby, and I LOVE it! I took a 2-day photography class about two months ago and everything I learned is still sinking in. I love the simple terms you describe things in AND the visual aids, oh and that you put the exposure settings! Thank you! Thank you!

Anyway, my question. I learned in my class that many professional photographers use wide angle lenses. I am wondering if you use one and if so, if you would recommend others having one?

Thanks!
Alecia 

http://hoobingfamilyadventures.com, http://toocuteforwords.org

Thanks Alicia! And welcome!

A wide angle lens is anything really with a focal under 35mm, with extreme wide angles falling under the 21mm. They are fantastic for nature and travel as they pack a full frame of subject-y goodness and don’t discriminate on focus.

Wide angle lenses are very cool and can accomplish some pretty awesome things. But some awesome specific things. Many wedding and event photographers live and breathe by their wide angle lenses for group shots of congregations and bridal parties, but for me n’ Isla day to day I don’t think I’d go wider than what I have right now, a 17-55mm.

It’s an artistic preference as wide angles (especially extreme ones like 14mm or 10mm) head into the fisheye realm and can really distort your subject. But this can be what you’re looking for, such as below. Wide angles can make a tall person seem short, a short person seem tall, a nose seem larger than life… They can be really fun! But they can alter “reality” if not framed right when taking the picture. 

My go-to lens these days has been a 17-55mm which could be considered wide angle by some gangs n’ groups. I find this lens gives me an affordable* and quality lens with enough flexibility for a sweet portrait or on-the-run action shot. But if I get too close, I get the above. For that photo I would normally switch to my 50mm fixed lens but the distortion actually added to the comedic notion that Isla was using her arm to eat her cracker. Just proof that it’s all about what you’re looking to achieve, which is unfortunately my non-advice advice. Basically, I wouldn’t start with an extreme wide angle, but when time, money and necessity present themselves, have at it and enjoy!

* I say affordable because pro lenses for my new line of work reach and climb into the multi multi multi hundreds and this seemed to give me the most bang for my work buck. If you’re looking for a recreational lens with a range of flexibility, something in the 18-135mm range is a good and well-priced place to start.