How to Shoot Portraits with a Wide Angle Lens

When Sony debuted their 20mm f/1.8 G lens, I had to have it. This was right around the time when my interest in landscape photography was really starting to take off. Additionally, I was hoping it could be a decent walking lens for my crop censor camera.

When the lens came in, I immediately tossed it on my a6400 and tested it out. I loved the results. Unbelievably sharp. And on the a6400, the distortion was less noticeable.

My Godson, concentrating on his Snowball.

In the year or so since I purchased the 20 G, I sold my a6400 in favor of a Sony a7c full frame camera. I admit that I don’t use the 20 all that often anymore. It didn’t end up being my walking around lens.

But! That doesn’t mean I’ve changed my mind.

The thing is, using a true wide angle lens for portraits has its challenges. You have to be aware of the distortion issues that will effect how your subject is portrayed. If you know how to use it though… you can get portraits with a unique look.

ISO 125 - 1/1250 sec. - f/5.6

This image of my friend, comedian Kyle Smith was taken on a shoot with the 20 G and my a7iii. When used right, you can make it look like your subject is popping out of the image. The effect varies, based on how close you get to your subject. If I had shot this with a telephoto lens, it would have compressed the background, making it appear closer to Kyle. The 20 provides a nice background separation.

This probably isn’t a lens you should be using to shoot weddings or birthday parties. Mostly, it’s for landscapes. But if you really want to go out and have some fun, take a model— take a friend— whoever— and play with a wide angle. Anything less than 35mm.

Honestly this was a fun shoot last year, towards the end of the lockdown in New Orleans. I’m pretty anxious to get out there and shoot with. Maybe this weekend. Any takers?