A wide-angle lens has the unique ability to capture an entire scene in one frame. But, working with these optics can be a challenge, particularly when photographing people. The distortions caused by wide-angle lenses require some problem solving. In this week’s Photos of the Week, find inspiration in these wide shots from Jim Caryl, Jane Iskra, Brynne Ferenczy, and Abi Neda Riley.

Jim Caryl, The Caryls Photography

Jim Caryl of The Caryls Photography prefers his 85mm and 105mm, as wide-angle lenses can sometimes flatten the mountainous landscapes in Scotland. But when he spotted this giant rainbow while the couple was headed to dinner, he immediately pulled over. The couple ran out across the moorland and Caryl used his Leica Q2 with its fixed Summilux 28mm f1.7 ASPH in order to fit the entire rainbow within the frame.

“We work mainly in mountainous landscapes in Scotland, where using wide-angle lenses can tend to flatten the landscape a little, especially if you’re a mile or so away from the nearest hill,” Caryl says. “So our go-to lenses are typically the 85mm and 105mm. This was one occasion when we needed a wide angle to allow us to fit the entire rainbow into a single frame.”

Jane Iskra, ISKRA Photography

After meeting the couple, Tony and Jane Iskra of ISKRA Photography decided to include this canyon waterfall in the Iceland elopement. The photographers knew the location would show off their personalities and connection with nature. Once they arrived, the couple’s emotion and connection let this shot unfold naturally. Jane Iskra captured this shot with the Canon 5D Mark IV and the Canon 24mm f1.4 II lens.

“We shoot wide lenses pretty often, as many locations require them to show the scale,” she explains. “We try not to shoot people from a low perspective because of distortion. We place models and main objects mainly in the center of the frame for the same reason. You just need to be extra careful when shooting people with wide lenses.”

Brynne Ferenczy, Brynne Photo

Photographer Brynne Ferenczy of Brynne Photo typically shoots lifestyle portraiture, but after pushing herself to learn astrophotography, the genre is a new favorite that she incorporates into her work often. This shot taken with a wide-angle lens showcases a quiet moment between the couple as they look up at the stars. Ferenczy captured the shot with the Canon R6 Mark II and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens.

“I love the wide angle perspective because it allows you to feel like you’re really a part of the scene,” she says. “I watch for distortion by keeping my subjects away from the edges of the lens unless it’s done intentionally to create leading lines.” 

Abi Neda Riley, Abi Riley Photography

The wide angle perspective in this shot by Abi Neda Riley of Abi Riley Photography allow the lines and texture of the sand to draw the eye to the couple at the center of the frame. The starburst effect on the reflected sun, created by shooting at a narrower f10 aperture, further highlights the couple. Riley explains that because she’s a local and has photographed several weddings at the location, she knew the couple would be able to get the sunset images they requested at Watergate Bay. She captured the shot with the Nikon D750 and Sigma 24mm f1.4 lens.

“I took and delivered several images with a similar composition, but this one I loved the most, and so did the couple,” she says. “One of the challenges of working with a wide-angle lens is balancing light, which is done in post processing by adding local adjustments. In this photo, the skies were very dramatic, but I had also added a linear gradient to accentuate the dramatic clouds.” 

Dig into our Photo of the Day archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching wedding photos and portraits. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery (up to 5 images at a time) to: [email protected].

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Photographing Couples In Love by Kristina Wikle