Mastering Wide-Angle Portraits with the Canon 24mm Lens

Hi Jimbo. The first thing we need to address is the traditional definition of portrait. Let's delve into the nuances of this term and how it relates to using wide-angle lenses for portrait photography.

Defining a Portrait

The dictionary defines a portrait as

a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.

However, this definition can be expanded to include more than just traditional headshots. Full-body portraits, for instance, can capture a subject’s environment and establish a sense of place. The key is in the perspective and how the subject is represented within the frame.

Why Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Portraits?

Using a wide-angle lens for portraiture is a different ball game from using a normal focal length. The closer a subject is to the lens, the more flattering the perspective becomes. Take selfies, for example: the nose appears much closer to the lens than the ears, leading to noticeable perspective distortion. This is why selfie sticks were invented – to increase the distance between the subject and the lens.

Portrait photography, when done correctly, requires a greater camera-to-subject distance. Most “portrait” focal lengths are around double the normal focal length, which is determined by the diagonal of the sensor. For Canon's 24mm lens, while this isn't a traditional portrait lens, it can produce striking results if used correctly. As Paul Moshays succinctly points out in his answer, wide-angle portraiture is challenging, but also rewarding when executed well.

Best Practices for Using the Canon 24mm Lens in Portrait Photography

Camera Levelness: Keeping the camera level is essential to avoid any barrel distortion. Central Frame Placement: Placing your subject near the center of the frame helps to evade any distortions that a wide-angle lens might introduce. Distance Matters: Keeping your subjects at a greater distance from the lens ensures a more flattering perspective. Environment Integration: Full-body portraits or portraits with the subject in a specific environment can capture a sense of place and story.

One of the most compelling portrait examples is when the subject is positioned close to or in the center of the frame, leaning perhaps on a polished conference table, and reflected in it, with a window displaying a skyline view behind her. This setup, while cliché, works remarkably well, making the subject stand out against the unique background. It's a testament to the creative possibilities and mastery of wide-angle techniques.

Conclusion

While it's not ideal to use a wide-angle lens for traditional headshots, the Canon 24mm lens can still be a powerful tool in portrait photography, provided you’re mindful of perspective and distance. By following these guidelines, you can create stunning wide-angle portraits that tell a compelling story.