
Broad-angle lenses sometimes aren’t the primary that involves thoughts for capturing portraits. However these of us who’re but to strive it are lacking out on some attention-grabbing outcomes. A minimum of, that’s what I assumed after I noticed a latest portrait shoot problem carried out by Manny Ortiz and Pierre Lambert. Insane is how they described what went down, and I completely agree!
Within the video above, we see the 2 photographers tackle the duty of capturing superior portraits utilizing the brand new Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 lens (B&H | Amazon). Now, possibly 24mm doesn’t appear that unusual of a focal size for portraits — particularly for those who’re doing environmental portraits, protecting occasions or capturing in a pleasant outside location. However with the lens featured on this problem, they needed to go even wider, leading to some actually enjoyable and funky images.
Experiment with completely different wide-angle angles
Picture by Pierre Lambert
Picture by Manny Ortiz
The very first thing to notice when capturing with extremely wide-angle focal lengths is that they produce excessive distortions when you’ve a topic up shut. Nonetheless, you can even use this function to get additional inventive together with your portraits.
Each Manny and Pierre used the distortions to their benefit by capturing from completely different angles. Capturing from beneath to elongate the topic and make them extra imposing proved particularly highly effective for each photographers!
Play with distance and views
One other approach to make use of the distortion is to play with distance and the angle it creates round your topic. An awesome instance of that is capturing underneath the bridge with the topic on the heart of your body to make all the encompassing traces converge and lead towards the central level.
You can too use symmetry to experiment with perspective and create the phantasm of distance or a extra placing setting.
Use foreground parts so as to add curiosity

Pierre was the grasp of this system because the video confirmed, and I’ve to agree with Manny that we are able to all be taught a factor or two from his examples.
City places are by no means wanting foreground parts to include in your pictures — even folks strolling into your body might produce some distinctive and attention-grabbing outcomes! You can too strive utilizing the foreground parts to border your topic or as main traces to attract the eyes higher.
Strive the sluggish shutter method
Final however not the least, experiment with sluggish shutter speeds to create the impression of a dynamic scene round your topic. Since your mannequin will keep nonetheless and maintain their pose, every thing else that strikes will likely be captured as movement blur in your shot. With the suitable timing, pose and blurry parts, this will produce some highly effective portraits.
Additional tip: Do this method when capturing alongside a busy road at evening!
Need extra cool movies like this? Don’t overlook to take a look at Manny Ortiz’s YouTube channel for extra of his images ideas and methods.