Street photography is an art form that requires a deep understanding of human behavior, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to capture life’s fleeting moments. When it comes to choosing the right lens for street photography, many photographers swear by the 35mm focal length. But is 35mm really the best choice for capturing the essence of the streets?
Understanding The 35mm Focal Length
The 35mm focal length is considered a “standard” lens, as it closely approximates the human eye’s field of view. This makes it an ideal choice for capturing everyday scenes and portraits. On a full-frame camera, a 35mm lens provides a wide enough angle to capture the surroundings, while also allowing for a shallow enough depth of field to isolate subjects.
The Benefits Of 35mm For Street Photography
So, why do many street photographers prefer the 35mm focal length? Here are a few reasons:
- Wide enough to capture the scene: A 35mm lens provides a wide enough angle to capture the surroundings, allowing the photographer to tell a story about the environment and the people in it.
- Narrow enough to isolate subjects: At the same time, a 35mm lens is narrow enough to isolate subjects and create a sense of intimacy, making it ideal for capturing portraits and close-up shots.
- Discreet and unobtrusive: A 35mm lens is often small and discreet, making it easy to carry around and use without drawing attention to oneself.
- Fast and versatile: Many 35mm lenses are fast (with a wide aperture) and versatile, allowing photographers to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions.
Real-World Examples Of 35mm In Street Photography
Some of the most iconic street photographers have used 35mm lenses to capture their images. For example:
- Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered the father of street photography, often used a 35mm lens to capture his famous “decisive moment” shots.
- Garry Winogrand, a renowned American street photographer, used a 35mm lens to capture his wide-angle shots of everyday life.
- Martin Parr, a British documentary photographer, often uses a 35mm lens to capture his colorful and satirical images of modern life.
Alternatives To 35mm: Other Focal Lengths For Street Photography
While 35mm is a popular choice for street photography, it’s not the only option. Other focal lengths, such as 28mm, 50mm, and 85mm, can also be used to capture great street images.
28mm: A Wider Perspective
A 28mm lens provides an even wider angle than 35mm, making it ideal for capturing broad scenes and landscapes. However, it can also make subjects appear smaller and less intimate.
50mm: A More Intimate Perspective
A 50mm lens provides a narrower angle than 35mm, making it ideal for capturing portraits and close-up shots. However, it can also make it more difficult to capture the surroundings and context.
85mm: A Telephoto Perspective
An 85mm lens provides a much narrower angle than 35mm, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects and compressing perspective. However, it can also make it more difficult to capture the surroundings and context.
Conclusion: Is 35mm The Best Focal Length For Street Photography?
In conclusion, while 35mm is a popular and versatile focal length for street photography, it’s not the only option. The best focal length for street photography ultimately depends on the photographer’s personal style, the type of images they want to capture, and the equipment they have available.
That being said, 35mm is a great choice for street photography because it provides a wide enough angle to capture the surroundings, while also allowing for a shallow enough depth of field to isolate subjects. It’s also a discreet and unobtrusive lens, making it easy to carry around and use without drawing attention to oneself.
Ultimately, the key to great street photography is not the focal length, but the photographer’s ability to see and capture the world around them. Whether you’re using a 35mm lens or something else, the most important thing is to keep practicing, experimenting, and pushing yourself to capture the best images possible.
Final Thoughts: Tips For Shooting With A 35mm Lens
If you do decide to use a 35mm lens for street photography, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Get close to your subjects: A 35mm lens is wide enough to capture the surroundings, but it’s also important to get close to your subjects to create a sense of intimacy.
- Pay attention to the background: A 35mm lens can capture a lot of background information, so make sure to pay attention to what’s behind your subjects.
- Use the aperture to your advantage: A 35mm lens can create a shallow depth of field, so use the aperture to isolate your subjects and create a sense of depth.
- Experiment with different angles: A 35mm lens is versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives.
By following these tips and practicing with a 35mm lens, you can capture great street images that tell a story about the world around you.
What Is 35mm Focal Length And Why Is It Ideal For Street Photography?
The 35mm focal length is a versatile and widely used lens in photography, particularly in street photography. It is considered ideal for this genre because it provides a wide enough angle to capture the surroundings and context of the scene, while also being narrow enough to focus on the subject and create a sense of intimacy.
The 35mm focal length is also close to the human field of vision, which makes it easy to compose shots that feel natural and unobtrusive. This allows street photographers to capture candid moments and authentic scenes without drawing attention to themselves. Additionally, the 35mm focal length is often considered a “normal” lens, meaning it doesn’t distort the scene or create an unnatural perspective.
How Does The 35mm Focal Length Compare To Other Focal Lengths In Street Photography?
The 35mm focal length is often compared to other popular focal lengths in street photography, such as 28mm, 50mm, and 85mm. While each of these focal lengths has its own unique characteristics and advantages, the 35mm focal length is often considered a sweet spot for street photography. It is wider than 50mm, which allows for more context and environment to be captured, but narrower than 28mm, which can sometimes be too wide and distorted.
In comparison to 85mm, the 35mm focal length is much wider and allows for more of the scene to be captured. However, 85mm can be useful for creating a sense of compression and isolating the subject from the background. Ultimately, the choice of focal length depends on the photographer’s personal preference and the specific scene they are trying to capture.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A 35mm Lens For Street Photography?
One of the main benefits of using a 35mm lens for street photography is its versatility. The 35mm focal length is wide enough to capture the surroundings and context of the scene, but narrow enough to focus on the subject and create a sense of intimacy. This makes it an ideal lens for capturing a wide range of scenes, from landscapes to portraits.
Another benefit of using a 35mm lens is its ability to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image. The 35mm focal length is able to capture a wide enough angle to include the background and foreground, which creates a sense of layering and depth in the image. This can add complexity and interest to the image, and help to engage the viewer.
How Does The 35mm Focal Length Affect The Composition Of A Street Photography Image?
The 35mm focal length can have a significant impact on the composition of a street photography image. Because it is a relatively wide angle, it allows the photographer to capture a wide range of elements in the scene, from the subject to the background and foreground. This can create a sense of complexity and layering in the image, and require the photographer to carefully consider the composition of the shot.
The 35mm focal length also allows for a wide range of compositional techniques, such as leading lines, framing, and symmetry. The wide angle of the lens makes it easy to capture these elements and create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image. Additionally, the 35mm focal length is often used to create a sense of intimacy and closeness to the subject, which can be achieved by getting close to the subject and using the wide angle to capture their surroundings.
Can I Use A 35mm Lens For Other Types Of Photography Besides Street Photography?
While the 35mm focal length is particularly well-suited for street photography, it can also be used for a wide range of other types of photography. The 35mm focal length is a versatile lens that can be used for everything from landscapes to portraits, and is often used in documentary, photojournalism, and fine art photography.
The 35mm focal length is also a popular choice for indoor photography, such as weddings and events, because it is wide enough to capture the scene and the people in it, but narrow enough to focus on the subject and create a sense of intimacy. Additionally, the 35mm focal length is often used in commercial photography, such as product and food photography, because it is able to capture a wide range of details and textures.
What Are Some Tips For Using A 35mm Lens For Street Photography?
One of the most important tips for using a 35mm lens for street photography is to get close to your subject. The 35mm focal length is wide enough to capture the surroundings and context of the scene, but it is also narrow enough to focus on the subject and create a sense of intimacy. By getting close to your subject, you can create a sense of connection and immediacy in the image.
Another tip for using a 35mm lens is to pay attention to the background and foreground of the scene. The 35mm focal length is able to capture a wide range of elements in the scene, from the subject to the background and foreground. By carefully considering the composition of the shot, you can create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image, and engage the viewer.
What Are Some Popular 35mm Lenses For Street Photography?
There are many popular 35mm lenses for street photography, ranging from high-end professional lenses to more affordable options. Some popular choices include the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA.
These lenses are all high-quality options that offer excellent image quality, fast apertures, and durable construction. However, there are also many more affordable options available, such as the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM or the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your budget, personal preference, and the specific needs of your photography.