How can I minimize unflattering facial distortion when shooting people with a 35mm lens?
Asked 1/31/2013
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I often carry a 35mm prime on full frame (or about 24mm on crop) for general walk-around shooting, but if I get too close for a 3/4 portrait or tighter, faces can look distorted—especially noses. If a wider prime is all I have in the moment, what techniques help people look more natural? For example, should I keep the subject near the center of the frame, back up and crop, or change camera angle?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
9
Actually to avoid distortion the opposite of what you said holds true.
- Move faces or features you don't want to distort such as fingers away from the edge of the frame
- Keep the lens parallel to the subject if at all possible
- Step back and shoot, planning to crop to the desired framing later
- Consider using the distortion to your advantage for "fun" shots; typically works best with kids
- Keep in mind what you can distort without much of an issue, such as legs or torso sections(vertically) and use this to your advantage
- Correction can be applied in post production so use this if possible
Journalists won't likely get in the face of a subject with a lens like this, they will produce more environmental type shots.
Finally, don't be afraid to pick up a tiny inexpensive 50mm prime or pancake lens to being with you. They aren't expensive and will really be more flattering for your subject in the end!
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main cause of the unflattering look is usually perspective from being too close, not just the lens itself. To minimize it with a 35mm:
- Back up a bit and crop later if needed.
- Keep the subject’s face near the center of the frame; distortion is usually more noticeable toward the edges.
- Keep the camera plane as parallel to the subject as possible, especially for tighter portraits.
- Avoid putting important features you want to keep natural near the frame edges.
- Use the environment to frame a looser, more environmental portrait rather than forcing a tight headshot.
Wide lenses can still work well for people, especially for environmental portraits. If you must go close, be aware that some body parts can tolerate exaggeration better than facial features. You can also correct some distortion in post-processing.
For controlled portrait work, many photographers prefer a longer focal length—around 50mm as a normal option, or closer to 100mm for classic portraits—because it naturally avoids this problem more easily.
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