The most important tip for a wideangler

I'm the type that loves candid shots, well composed and non-posed pictures that give you a true sense of story. If I had a telephoto lens, I could more easily sit back, aim at my subject from afar, and shoot. So why don't I use one? Well for a few reasons including "I don't have one" and "I'm not that interested".

See, wide-angles are the true story-telling lens, which is really what candids are all about when they can capture a moment. As opposed to a telephoto lens, there's a significantly greater chance that most of your frame will be in-focus, allowing tremendous depth of field which adds so much detail about the context of your shot. Also, the wide-angle lens's ability to include more and "see everything" adds the signature unique touch for which many seek out this lens; this allows more for your story-shot.

The problem though is that many photographers perceive the wide angle lens's main purpose to be to "include everything". While this may make the lens shine in landscape or similar situations, that is just one small facet of wide-angle glass. When not in those landscape-like situations, the "include everything" strategy can lead to mediocre pictures.

So what is the true wide-angler strength? Simply, it is to bring your viewer into the exposure, make him/her feel a true connection to your subject, as if s/he were right there (which is why landscape shots can be so powerful in the first place). How do you do this? Simple answer: MOVE CLOSER TO YOUR SUBJECT!!!

When you think you are close to your subject and you're ready to shoot, move another two or three steps closer. Without this proximity to your subject, you miss out on the impression of exaggerated perspective that add an important, artful wideangler touch. Without this close proximity, can be left with subjects that take an insignificant and uninspiring portion of your frame, not lending a connection to your viewer.

Still as a humble beginner, I am fascinated by wide-angle photography, but I'm finding it to be the most difficult lens to use. When you move close to your subject, you must concentrate on the "art of exclusion", eliminating all non-contributing items from the sight of your viewfinder (this is a whole other tip in itself). Being this close, you also compromise the "candidness" of your shots, which is a challenge; conversely, you are more intimate with your subject.

This all takes practice, I still have a lot to learn. I plan to showcase a few different examples in future posts and welcome your contributions as well! In a nutshell, the most valuable trip I've heard for wide-angle shots is certainly to push in close to your subject.