Ultra wide angle photography can add drama and interest to your images by capturing a wider field of view. Using an ultra wide angle lens or camera mode allows you to get more of the scene into your shot, which is perfect for landscapes, architecture, interiors and more. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to shoot ultra wide images with your camera.
What is Ultra Wide Angle Photography?
Ultra wide angle photography refers to using a focal length that is shorter than 24mm on a full frame camera. This allows you to capture an extremely wide field of view between 120-180 degrees when taking a photo.
Normal lenses typically sit around 50mm, so an ultra wide angle opens up the frame significantly more. The wide field of view makes objects appear further away and distorted compared to a regular lens.
Ultra wide angle lenses emphasize expanse and depth within images. They lend themselves to dramatic perspectives where the foreground is exaggerated and background is stretched. This makes them ideal for landscape, architecture and interior photography.
Benefits of Shooting Ultra Wide
There are many creative benefits to using an ultra wide angle for photography:
– Captures expansive scenes – Fit more of a landscape or room into your shot.
– Exaggerates perspective – Foreground elements appear larger, background distorted.
– Creates drama – Expansive look is eye-catching and impactful.
– Conveys space – Sense of depth and vastness comes through.
– Versatility – Suits many genres like real estate, travel, events.
– Immersive feel – Viewers feel pulled into the photo.
– Distortion can enhance – Barrel distortion adds dynamism.
– Captures telling details – Wider view shows more relevant information.
The ultra wide look brings a unique dimension to images that longer focal lengths simply cannot match. The exaggerated perspective is dramatic and helps tell a story.
How to Shoot Ultra Wide
There are two main ways to shoot ultra wide photos – using a dedicated lens, or a camera mode:
Ultra Wide Angle Lens
Dedicated ultra wide angle lenses allow the most flexibility and highest quality results. Common focal lengths are:
– 8-16mm fisheye
– 14-24mm rectilinear
– 16-35mm wide zoom
Choose a lens based on your camera – crop sensor or full frame. Crop sensor cameras magnify the focal length, so you can use lenses around 10-16mm to get the ultra wide effect.
With a full frame, you need lenses 14mm or wider. Fisheye lenses create a circular, warped effect for a wider than 180 degree view. Rectilinear lenses keep straight lines straight for more natural perspectives.
Tips when using an ultra wide angle lens:
– Get close – Move near subjects to exaggerate perspective.
– Find foreground interest – Lead the eye into the scene.
– Shoot verticals – Adds to the depth and scale.
– Watch your edges – Avoid clutter on the periphery.
Ultra Wide Camera Mode
Many smartphones and cameras have built-in ultra wide angle modes using a smaller secondary lens. These allow you to easily switch to an ultra wide perspective without the need for a dedicated lens.
Look for the ultra wide or panorama mode in your native camera app to access this. You typically toggle between 1x, 2x and ultra wide angles. The field of view varies but commonly sits around 120 degrees – perfect for that ultra wide look.
Tips for using ultra wide camera modes:
– Toggle to ultra wide angle mode
– Compose loose – You’ll capture more background
– Use for landscapes and interiors
– Try unusual perspectives
– Shoot handheld or with a mini tripod
The built-in modes remove the cost of buying a dedicated lens and allow anyone to experiment with ultra wide photography.
Composition Tips
Composing a great ultra wide angle photo takes practice. Here are some tips to nail your composition:
Foreground Interest
The exaggerated perspective of ultra wide lenses means having something interesting in the foreground is key. Place a person, object or line to lead the viewer into the scene.
Rule of Thirds
Placing elements along the rule of thirds line adds balance. Position the horizon in the upper or lower third.
Layers
Compose in layers from foreground to background to show depth. Overlapping elements also adds interest.
Symmetry
Symmetrical lines and shapes work well with the ultra wide look. Think reflections, architecture and repeating patterns.
Lead Lines
Use linear elements like paths, fences or walls to draw the eye through the image. Position along diagonal lines for dynamism.
Negative Space
Don’t clutter the edges. Leave negative space around the focal point to let it stand out.
Best Subjects for Ultra Wide Angle
Certain subjects really lend themselves to being photographed with an ultra wide angle lens or camera mode. Top subjects include:
Landscapes
Dramatic sweeping landscapes allow you to capture the full expansive scene from foreground to mountains. Position features to lead the eye.
Architecture
Interiors and exteriors take on impressive scale and depth with an ultra wide perspective. Show symmetry and patterns.
Real Estate
Give property photos appeal by emphasizing space and features. Enhance small rooms with the wide look.
Astrophotography
Capture the full majesty of the milky way overhead or northern lights with a sweeping ultra wide composition.
Cityscapes
The exaggerated perspective works brilliantly for urban shots. Lead the eye with buildings and layers.
Group Photos
Fit more people into the shot without being miles away. Show them in their environment.
Events
Capture a wider view of action at concerts, festivals and conventions. Immerse the viewer.
Tips for Better Ultra Wide Shots
Follow these tips when heading out to shoot ultra wide images for best results:
Shoot Raw
The wide perspective means more can go wrong at the edges. Shoot raw for greater recovery options.
Use a Tripod
Reduces shake which is more visible with the wide view. Enables sharper landscapes.
Try Vertical Framing
Portrait orientation adds height and scale to both landscapes and architecture.
Watch for Distortion
Minimize barrel distortion by keeping horizontal lines straight. Position camera parallel to lines.
Use ND Filters
Long exposures enhance water and clouds. ND filters allow slower shutter speeds.
Include People
Tiny people in a wide scene adds immense scale. Have them face into the scene.
Prioritize Foreground
Leading lines, texture or frames help create depth and pull you into the photo.
Focus 1/3rd In
To maximize sharpness, focus 1/3 into the scene rather than right at the front.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about shooting ultra wide images:
How wide is ultra wide angle?
Ultra wide angle refers to focal lengths shorter than 24mm on a full frame camera. This includes fisheye and rectilinear wide angle lenses.
What focal length is best for landscapes?
For epic landscape images, an ultra wide angle lens around 16-24mm is ideal. This exaggerates the foreground against an expansive background.
Do I need a full frame camera?
No, you can use APS-C and micro four thirds cameras too. The lens focal length is magnified by the crop factor to give you a wide angle of view.
Is it hard to compose ultra wide shots?
It takes practice as you need to incorporate foreground interest and watch the edges. Use leading lines, rule of thirds and layers.
What settings should I use?
Use a narrow aperture like f/8-f/16 to maximize depth of field. Lower ISOs minimize noise. Longer exposures enhance water and clouds.
Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when starting with ultra wide angle photography. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
No Foreground Interest
With no subject, lines or texture in the foreground, images lack depth and perspective. Get close or lower to include something in the near field.
Distracting Edges
It’s easy to include unwanted elements on the periphery. Scan the edges before shooting. Get closer or change angle to avoid clutter.
Horizon Not Level
With so much sky or ground, any slight tilt is noticeable. Use a grid display and keep the camera horizontal.
Too Much Negative Space
Ultra wide images still need a defined focal point. Don’t just include vast empty expanses with nothing of interest.
Overediting
It’s easy to oversaturate colors and blow highlights when processing ultra wide shots. Aim for subtle enhancement.
Shooting Handheld
Wide angles amplify shake. Use fast shutter speeds or a tripod for razor sharp landscapes and interiors.
No Sense of Scale
Without any familiar elements for size reference, photos can feel abstract. Include people, cars or buildings.
Editing Tips
Post-processing lets you enhance ultra wide shots. Useful editing tips include:
Lens Correction
Fix barrel distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration in Lightroom using the profile for your specific lens.
Adjust Perspective
Photoshop’s transform tools let you tweak perspective if lines look skewed.
Enhance Edges
Often the corners and edges need extra saturation and exposure tweaks. Use local adjustments.
Boost Depth
Increase contrast and clarity to add depth between foreground and background.
Straighten Lines
Use the rotate tools to neatly line up skewed horizontals and verticals.
Crop Creatively
Panoramas can be cropped to widescreen ratios. Create focus by cropping out expanse.
Enhance Skies
Brighten and add texture to overcast skies. Pop in sunrays or graduated filters.
Refine Foreground
Retouch objects in the foreground to remove distractions and improve lines.
Conclusion
The ultra wide angle look brings a unique, expansive feel that stretches perspective and pulls in the viewer. Using these tips, you can shoot stunning wide vistas, interiors and creatives images with foreground interest and layered depth.
Look for opportunities to go ultra wide. Move in close, position foreground elements carefully and watch your edges. With practice, you can capture images with impact.
Ultra wide opens up new possibilities you simply cannot achieve with longer focal lengths. Make dramatic landscapes, exaggerate real estate, get creative indoors and immerse viewers in your photos. Just watch out for distortion – use straight lines for natural wide perspectives.