Mastering the ultra-wide camera: 10 tips for better photography

The popularity of ultra-wide cameras has skyrocketed in recent years, and for good reason. They offer photographers a powerful tool to capture the world in a whole new way. Unlike traditional wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses feature an even broader field of view, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes, dramatic architectural details, and immersive environments in a single frame.

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This expanded perspective increases the number of scenes you can include and creates a sense of scale that mirrors human perception. So, to help you unlock the full potential of your ultra-wide angle camera, here are some tips and tricks.

1. Take advantage of the inherent distortion

Ultra-wide-angle cameras are known for creating distortion, especially at the edges of the frame. You can use this to your advantage to enhance the composition. Play with perspective by getting low to the ground or close to your subject to create a dramatic effect.

2. Get down low

Lowering your camera position goes beyond just distortion effects. Shooting from a low angle offers a fresh perspective on a scene.

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By including strong foreground elements like rocks, flowers, or architectural details, you draw the viewer into the image and emphasise the vastness of the scene behind them. For example, using a low angle and including foreground elements can be particularly effective in landscape photography.

3. Leading lines

Leading lines are visual elements that naturally guide the viewer’s eye through an image. In ultra-wide-angle photography, these lines become even more powerful tools for creating depth and dimension. Paths, rivers, fences, or even architectural lines can all serve as leading lines.

4. Fill the frame

Don’t be afraid to get close! The wide field of view allows you to capture a vast amount of detail. By filling the frame with your subject, you eliminate distracting background elements and create a more immersive experience for the viewer.

5. Pay attention to the corners

While distortion can be a creative tool, it’s also essential to be mindful of its placement within the frame. The most prominent distortion typically occurs at the image corners and edges. When composing your shot, avoid placing crucial elements like people or buildings directly in these areas, as they may appear unnaturally stretched or warped.

6. Watch out for vignetting

Vignetting is a common phenomenon in some ultra-wide lenses, causing the corners of the image to appear darker than the centre. This can be distracting and detract from the overall impact of your photograph. There are two ways to address vignetting. You can correct it in post-processing software after capturing the image. Alternatively, you can adjust the exposure settings during capture to compensate for the darkening effect.

7. Be careful with polarising filters

Polarising filters are a valuable tool for reducing glare and enhancing colours in landscapes. However, standard wide-angle polarising filters can cause uneven darkening in ultra-wide-angle photographs. This is because the filter has a limited angle of effect.

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Consider using circular polarizers which are designed to minimise this issue. Alternatively, some manufacturers offer specialised wide-angle polarising filters specifically designed for ultra-wide lenses.

8. Use a small aperture

Due to the wide depth of field of ultra-wide lenses, everything from the foreground to the background can be in focus at the same time. For landscapes, where you want maximum sharpness throughout the image, it’s recommended to use a small aperture (high f-stop number). This ensures that all elements, from the foreground wildflowers to the distant mountains, are captured with crisp detail.

9. Optimise exposure to find the perfect balance

The wide field of view of ultra-wide lenses affords greater flexibility with aperture settings. While a small aperture is ideal for landscapes seeking maximum sharpness, you might experiment with different apertures depending on the desired effect. For example, a wider aperture (low f-stop number) can be used for astrophotography to let in more light and capture faint stars, while maintaining a shallow depth of field to blur the background.

10. Make small spaces look bigger

The expansive nature of the ultra-wide lens can be used to create a sense of spaciousness in tight environments. When photographing interiors, emphasise foreground elements like furniture or architectural details to create a sense of spaciousness in tight environments. Emphasise foreground elements and leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye deeper into the scene.

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And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ultra-wide lenses open a world of possibilities for photographers. With a little practice and applying these helpful pointers, you’ll be well on your way to transforming everyday scenes into stunning compositions.