Stop Making These Wide-Angle Lens Mistakes

[@JessPedersenCPH]

You are the master of composition and the ebooks are equally amazing for getting insight into all the composition tricks. What I find extremely inspiring is that you are always able to find some kind of composition that just works. It is not as much relying on specific composition rules but the holistically use of composition guidelines towards a specific scene and applying that perfectly! To others; If you have not bought the very inexpensive ebooks yet - They are worth 10x times more than they cost! Again - thanks for sharing such a solid video again!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so, so much, Jess! Such very kind words! :D

[@NigelDanson]

This is such a good video Mads and a perfect reference for anybody wanting to take wide angle images. The examples you give are amazing. Loved it!!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much, Nigel! That means a lot :D

[@Karmakazi369]

Very true

[@ramdogproductions]

@5:31 love the right image. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and tips!!

[@razafiarisonmichael4421]

Which ones to choose... I prefer all of them, all the compositions are great (very dreamy and dramatic), the dynamic range, the light and dark sides on the sands are very sharp. Thank you for the advices !

[@davidscullbonz]

This is the first of your videos I have seen. I’m looking forward to more; your delivery is relaxed, free of technology, and focused on the art of making pleasing photos. Well done, Mads.

[@orcaspest]

It is difficult to choose a favourite picture because each one is special in its own way but because you asked, at 5:28 I prefer the photo on the right. Thank you for all the great tips Mads!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You are so welcome and thanks for your thoughts ☺️

[@ryanrichardson8282]

I agree. I think it is because the lines lead your eye to the lighthouse a bit more and give it slightly more flow. That said, they are both amazing photos in their own way!

[@ernie28ernie]

Hi orcaspest, the right one is the 'classic' one and really great, but the tension in the left one lets me personally look longer and more often on the picture ;) Cheers, Martin

[@Maruszan]

Whenever I think there's not much else to photograph at some of your locations,(meh weather conditions or subject matter) you ALWAYS find an awesome selection of photos at the end! Then my jaw his the floor for the 100th time. Thanks for sharing!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very much, Adam! I wasn't too optimistic myself, but the change of light throughout the day makes such big differences!

[@photopicker]

It's more about making a photograph then finding one.

[@terriroberts8594]

I like the second lighthouse photo better. I like how the lines in the sand lead your eyes to the lighthouse.

[@stefanievandijk7528]

me too

[@Stillfilm1]

I love the picture on the right at 5.31 where the sand ripples lead to the subject and also the final golden hour image. Your photography and processing is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing those useful tips.

[@dude157]

Our eyes are such amazing tools for viewing landscapes, incredible dynamic range, wide field of vision, no distortion, they focus sharply on whatever draws our attention and we have stereoscopic vision to really get a strong sense of depth. Wide angle lenses seem the perfect way to capture the 'view' as it were. However wide angle lenses aren't our eyes. They distort the field of vision and depending on the distance of the subject they can really effect the perception of scale. This makes wide angle landscape photography perhaps the most challenging form of normal photography, at least in terms of composition. Long focal lengths make it easy to isolate the subject, introduce depth and give a sense of scale. Somewhat counter intuitively long focal lengths actually work brilliantly well for landscape. This is a wonderful tutorial that really exposes the limitations of wide angle shooting and provides insight on how to work around and how to make those limitations work for you.

[@grom5756]

5:30 left one, but without the top cloud. I like the point of view more and the light seems more interesting, I like it more because of the curves near the light house, but right one has the better sky and clouds.

[@JayFunningham]

I love the diagonal lines of image 1 at 5:30, so dynamic. Though they do lead your eye to “nowhere” as they sadly die off in the sand while the lighthouse is back in the centre. For that reason I’d say option 2 is probably the better balanced image but I love both.

[@valk-photography]

Superb video Mads !!! Clearly explained ! The picture on the right @ 5:29 is my favorite but I also like the light on the left picture @ 19:29. Thanks for the info Mads !!!

[@jeffhowe2892]

Hi Mads. I love the right hand picture at 6:56. The detail in the foreground sand is wonderful. At 11:51 I love the shape of the shadow from the nearest brick and being able to see the side of the lighthouse. Finally at 19:33, the left hand image. The lines in the sand are fantastic and again, seeing the lighthouse from a corner is great. Thanks for a great video!

[@niftytwo]

Good evening Mads. I like the photo on the left hand side. It’s a difficult choice and neither photo is bad. Thank you for your tutorial.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot for your comment, Neville :)

[@paulg.2347]

Thank you for all these tips . I am curious to see how you clean-up your gear after working in a such dusty sandy condition.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Not that bad, at the sea most of it a bondage with moisture.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

A pencil, a toothbrush, a dust blower, and a wet cloth. That's about it :)

[@chrisbujanos9680]

Thank you for your tips! I’m a beginner at wide angle photography

[@StefanOffermann]

Beautiful location with the light house and the sand dunes ❤️ I like all verticals with a strong foreground, the lines towards the light house are a bit nicer than the diagonal ones, in my opinion.

[@alanatwood7995]

I just returned from a 5 day photo trip and employed most of these tips with a degree of success!! And the funny thing is.....I waited until I returned to watch. I think a lot of times the best photos I see come from using the composition rules as guidelines. Too many people are so rigid that they refuse to allow themselves the creativity to think outside of those rules. Perfect example is shooting landscape vs portrait orientation. I dont know how many times just on my most recent trip that I flipped back and forth between so that when I started post I could easily see which worked better. In going through some of my images, however, my polarizer actually caused a reflection from the front of the lens back into the camera. Unfortunately it ruined some of those shots but it does illustrate the point about using polarizers. I thinm all of these images look awesome! The one I like best I think would be the second one where you moved to your left and back slightly to pick up a different pattern in the sand. I tend to like that pattern just a bit better, but as the sun was getting lower the colors deepened a bit. Great shots all though. One footnote. I did discover a definite need for a good 24-70mm lens on my trip. On some of my shots I could have used that focal range better, but point taken on zooming in on a shot can really make a big difference. Unfortunately I do not own any lens in that focal length so it may be one I start hording my loose change for. (You shaved....how revolting!🤣🤣).

[@mogbaba]

5:28 Of course both photos are good, but I prefer the one at the right. To be honest, I don't think, you need to know, which photo I prefer, I just decide to comment to say, thank you. 5 minutes into the video, and I definitely learned something new.

[@Bergkette]

Hello Mads, your videos impressed me, but also your "visual" approach to composition. Your Ebooks are so inspiring. Love it. Greetings to Denmark from the Alps.

[@sulaearts]

Proud owner of you first ebook. Just grabbed my eCopy. Thank you for the great tips...I totally understand what you're saying when you "go against" the tips.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you, Kevin! Really means a lot :)

[@0doubledseven589]

The image on the right. I like the way the sand is pointing in to the lighthouse.

[@DennisSiebertPhotography]

5:33 I prefer the photo on the right, too. What I don't like so much is that the lighthouse is photographed directly from the front. A little further to the left, so that the illuminated side comes out, I might have liked it better. Or further to the right so that the darker side comes out. I was there a few days before the tower was moved, but somehow I left my brain in the hotel again. I just didn't see any way to hide all the footprints. You can see very clearly how easy it is. And any place that has not yet been trampled is sure to be found ...

[@jacuswoczega9180]

Polarisation filter problem: go 100-200 steps left in radius of lighthouse , zoom by foot. Photographer foots are extremely important with wide angle.

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Another great video Buddy with some excellent real world tips throughout, I think the image with the bricks was my favourite but all of the images were stunning .. the texture in the sand was sublime... Bravo !!

[@balazsjb]

Been into photography for 10+ years, but I was not a fan of landscape photography AT ALL. Until now. Subscribed. ;) Thank you Mads!

[@zmerc1969]

I love the 2nd lighthouse foreground, even though both are lovely

[@sandrawalding3097]

Excellent tips. Just going on a landscape photography holiday so your tips will be used!

[@domhaughton6809]

So useful Mads as I use my wide angle lens for shots exactly like these. The tip about the polariser especially helpful. My favourite shot was the one on the right hand side of the first pair of two with the ripples in the sand leading towards Knude. Thank you 👍

[@Michael-Bennett]

Photo on the left at 19:30. Beautiful!

[@Michael-Bennett]

For the first 2 images I think I prefer the one on the left. I like the pattern in the sand and the way it drops off in the front. Nice cloud too.

[@marckleff3738]

Fantastic location and a very special day. In terms of wind. Was really a pleasure to meet you up there!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You too, Mark! It's always a pleasure meeting other photographers on location! 🙏

[@AndrewSzikla]

Early in the video (5:24) you ask for feedback on which image is better and to my eyes the right one is hands down much better. Not only the sand leading lines reinforce the subject but also the clouds are much better too. IMO the clouds in the left image “unbalance” the image and to some extent also compete with the lighthouse.

[@ianbarnes1406]

I can see why some people would prefer the second photo with the sand creating leading lines towards the lighthouse but I actually like the diagonal lines in the first shot, as they meet up with another diagonal line on the right, before your eye is led out of the photo, and that lovely cloud above the lighthouse is the icing on the cake, as we say in the UK!!😄

[@seekingprimal4822]

Hi Mad, I like the 1st more angular sand pattern with the light house. I like that contrast of the horizontal pattern and the vertical light house, the more golden color against the blue sky. In a way the cleaner the pattern, the more striking and simpler it becomes. Simple is best.

[@treyfoerster8759]

First right light house image. Love the composition tips of using the sand foreground when at the shore.

[@brsseb]

Master of composition

[@oig40203]

I am heading to the beach soon with my Fuji 10-24. This video was extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@peterdijkhuis]

I prefer the second one. It leads your view more to the subject

[@carlgough7839]

16:45 my fav shot 😍 Looks like the lighthouse has angel wings

[@lisajeanlevin]

I think your video is great. I don’t know much about landscape photography, but I am trying to learn, and just listening to you talk is very informative. The only thing is I don’t use a tripod, so I don’t know if I’ll ever really get a good landscape.

[@ArifSyedKanata]

This is great info thanks. Of the first 2 photos my preference is for the 2nd the leading line take you towards the light house the 1st photo leads you off to right. My overall favorite is in the last group of 4 that being the first (time mark 19:30 approximately) Golden hour glow and the granular ridges , accompanied by the drifting sand in the distance , and darker sky weighted to the right is so pleasing . Your eye follows through the Lighthouse naturally , and effortlessly. The portrait frame works really well to hard to imagine to achieved this a wide angle lens. My only caveat is how difficult it must have been cleaning all your equipment from the sand blowing all around you.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Love your beautiful images, and there's always some great hint, tip or reminder. My personal favorite was the one with the bricks. loved the shadows they cast and the overall composition to keep your eye in the image.

[@MrFoghorn111]

First time here on your channel. I have to say, I really found your composition tips quite enlightening. I've seen a lot of photography videos over the past 5 years or so, but your tips resonate with me more than a lot of the others. You gave me a clear understanding of what your composition was aiming to be, and didn't assume that I already knew what you were talking about, or that your composition was self evident. That's not common. Great video.

[@littlesue2633]

All your photos are superb. So enjoyed your tips this week. Many thanks indeed.

[@audreyrice996]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I've watched a few of your videos and have learned so much from you. I've been using at 16-35mm lens for years now, and really struggled in the beginning. I wish I knew all your tips and tricks beforehand, but hey, better late than never!

[@SebSej]

I was there for the first time this Thursday, and Boy, its Hard not to take beautifully photographs up there. The wind was strong, and i spend 2,5 hours there, and got sand EVERYWHERE! Changing lenses is almost impossible. It was well worth it though.i felt like a pro When seeing the results When i godt home. Thank you so much for very inspirational videos. You make me a better photographer. 💪🙋‍♂️

[@hondomiljkovic1885]

I definitely do prefer the first lighthouse picture. I know, there are rules and leading lines, etc., etc. But, in the second image the sand pattern is competing with the lighthouse and generates a tension, which does not add anything to the picture in my opinion. For me the first works much better as the sand pattern is so parallel and harmonic and does not distract from the main object, the lighthouse, therefore I don't feel like the lines are leading outside the picture. It just works perfect together. In my opinion this little change is making a more pleasing picture and an overall impression then just following rules. I heard a nice statement once: "Rules are there to make a picture more pleasing, but if the picture is already pleasing, rules will just destroy it." But there is one thing I do like more in the second picture and that is the angle, it stretches the lightouse into length and is therefore emphasising the height. A last comment just because in today times some people feel offended very easy: whoever is reading my opinion, please take it as my personal opinion, my intention is not to offend people having a different taste or sense how to apply rules or not. Thank god we all have a different taste and are so diverse. Bless you all!

[@JaypeaFoto]

Love your tips, certainly something that I can build on. Love your shots as well.

[@greenmachatea]

Question for at 7:05 “wrong use of the polarizing filter” Just wondering, would bracketing a better solution than using a polarized filter? Or is using the filter still a better solution because u shoot in foreground focus, focus at the lighthouses, and focus at the background?

[@willsimpsonphoto]

these are great tips! Taking something super simple and creating some incredible photos.

[@jmfoty4280]

I like the leading lines in the photo on the right.

[@jamesmoore9511]

The right hand lighthouse picture with sand foreground is my fav.

[@krus0094]

@5:25, I think the foreground pattern in the right photo guides you to the subject while in the left photo it pushed you away from the subject. The rule of thirds works better on the right, you could argue for a rule of thirds on the left based on subject density, but it's a stretch. The proportions and scale are much better on the left and that's what really breaks the photo on the right. Very interesting to see all the correct theory applied on the right, but the left inherently looks better.

[@guy_trahan]

Here are some guidelines ... here's a great example of how to bre..., 🤔 bend the guidelines. 👍🏻 Love this because as the pictures evolved as you progressed. 😍❤📷💕

[@ntompson000]

Another absolutely fantastic video Mads. I saw where you were and thought ‘he can’t possibly get anything good out of this’ but I was so wrong. Magic photos. I love using a wide angle and I had a rough idea what you might say, but somehow you bring it to life in a real and tangible way that meant I learned heaps. And your photos - inspirational. Thank you. And one more comment: I love your videos from Iceland, and the Faroes. But I think maybe your series from Denmark are even better. Of course the landscape opportunities in those exotic places are extraordinary, but it is much more relatable to see you finding extraordinary compositions somewhere a little more ordinary. That’s where most of us are, most of the time: being able to find a composition out of the chaotic ordinary is not easy.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very much, Nick, for such kind words! I also really enjoy photographing in Denmark, so much more will come. I think my personal favorite series is probably the one from UK :)

[@ntompson000]

@@MadsPeterIversen awesome - I’ll have to check them out! Of course, if you ever want to do a Tasmania series…

[@j.f.zarama3140]

It is the first time I have encountered your work, photos and composition techniques; excellent work and thanks for sharing your work; from the two images, both are great but somehow I prefer the left or first one.

[@StephenBridgett]

Excellent Mads. I have a wide angle lens (Sigma 10-20) and I take it out when I can't get the field of view I want from my 24-105mm. But I have never know how to use it to get the kind of results I want. I think you completely nailed it in this video and I can't wait to start taking better images with my wide angle lens.

[@XiaojunMa]

For 5:50, i like the photo with diagonal sand pattern better. Just because the line of the lighthouse is vertical and vertical pattern in the sand feels a little monotonous.

[@royhakala7999]

I really appreciate your explanation, comments, and recommendations regarding using a polarizer on a wide-angle lens.

[@BatcatCA]

Great video :) Much preferred the right hand composition, the vertical lines draw your eyes into the photo and towards the primary subject better. The horizontal lines feel too harsh.

[@freedom5842]

5:25 I prefer the one on the left where the lines go to the side of the picture but there both great

[@dilus13]

Of the first two photographs with the sand patterns in the foreground I prefer the one on the right as the patterns lead your eye to the lighthouse. The patterns in the image on the left, although gorgeous tend to lead your eye off to the right and almost make the foreground more important than the main subject (the lighthouse) Some great tips Mads especially the use of a polariser and it’s effect on the sky and the distortion of things to the side 👍

[@et9300]

I like the right side of the last side by side photo scene on the video. Great video. Thank you.

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

Both beautiful! But you are right, the second one is spectacular!👍

[@carljarvinen1189]

Of the first two, I like the one on the right as the direct of the drifting sand leads me towards the lighthouse.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

Really enjoyed this video. Looks a fantastic location. Both of those shots are keepers, slightly prefer right hand one.

[@YoSpiff]

Try wideangle portraits for a fun change of pace. The cool thing about a wide lens is a very close focusing distance of a few cm. Gotta have a subject who isn't too self conscious, though.

[@nancyk9475]

Great video! Very helpful content. I just bought the Nikon Z 14-30 f4 S and this will be very helpful. I like the photo on the left.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Thanks for all the clever advises that I will try to think of next time I go out with my 16-35mm I loved this video

[@Peter-io2xs]

One of the best videos on Wide-Angle lenses I've seen. Thanks.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much, Peter! 🙏

[@campbellrousselle9752]

Beautiful photos. I'm interested in composition so I can improve my videos.

[@nicolinekronast7904]

I always enjoy watching your videos. You have an easy to watch style. Your home country is beautiful and I’m glad that you are showcasing so much of care of COVID. Here we are caught up in an extended lockdown with limited travel possibilities. Your last got house photos are both beautiful but my favourite would be the one on the right of the screen, the lines in the sand lead beautifully into the lighthouse and sky in the backdrop. Thank you for sharing. 🙂🙂

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have learned some new tips. Thanks.

[@peterprice8393]

Hi Jess great vlog , I like the photo n the left . I like how the foreground pattern in the dune leads you into the light house.

[@captinktm]

You are truly unique, in that you seem to be able to produce stunning images from ordinary scenes. It is inspirational. I am off to buy your ebook. Thanks for posting. Favorite photo........uh .............. 16:50 that is beautiful.

[@mickonYT]

I like the right picture. Has a more deliberate leading lines

[@alejandroblaquier2468]

Very clear tips. Congratulations!

[@helmutNO]

Sympathetic and good instructional video! Great content, as always 😊

[@daryl0063]

You are an adventure just with your videos. Finally subscribed since I watch a lot of your videos.

[@suanjiewtan8936]

Mads, the 1st photo with the bricks at foreground is great. If the light of the photo was the same as last 2 photo, in my view it will be perfect. Showing the demise of old & coming of new for the lighthouse. Finally great tips in using Wide angle lens. Thanks.

[@jaydogalicious]

Super helpful video! Thank you! Question. If the filter is such an issue on this wide of a lens, why not ditch it and care for the sky in post processing? Lightroom has some great tools for that.

[@bakermantube]

Very good tips, thank you! The location is amazing. I love landscapes like this. Your photos are all fantastic! The last 4 or 5 are my favourites and I would print them, put them in a frame! Thank you so much!

[@lennymo9088]

The photo on the left is my FAV.

[@TamiyaPhilippW]

5:29 i like the left photo best! Because it is more "orderly", static, it has more straight lines which better suit to a static building like the lighthouse

[@hannesgoertz2768]

The photo with the bricks is soo gogeous!! 😍😍😍

[@jsr8884]

Basics basics basics….rubbed in nice and well. Thank you Mads.

[@JayFunningham]

11:50 banging shot. The discarded stones make it look like you’ve just climbed through the desert ruins to find this lighthouse.

[@Pharesm]

I just say something polarizing, right before taking the shot - it makes the sky pucker up nicely!

[@mahdiali6732]

Great video. I would add one additional tip. I’ve noticed that you extended the weakest leg of your tripod. I would not do this specially if it is windy.

[@RichardPosey]

I like your very congenial presentation style and the degree to which you share your thought processes. Found you via your Instagram feed (Iceland!) Looking forward to viewing your other videos. Good work!

[@JeahnLaffitte]

This is soooo helpful! I never grab my 24mm unless I’m shooting stars. This makes me wanna take it exclusively to keep practicing these thing. Thank you!

[@lynnsargeant2749]

Fantastic ! I liked no 2 with the lighthouse….

[@bfs5113]

I'm not a landscape photographer and just use what I had heard from others to comment. Once upon a time, someone had said that the background of a landscape image should be picturesque while the foreground should be magnificent. Hence, for the lighthouse, the photographer should be considering the foreground first before figuring how to get rid of the distractions. IMO, the image on the right (@5:34) edges out the one on the left with a better foreground visual design--uniform and strong texture. But both images remain 'flat' without an element stands out. Some may select the golden hour to improve the background while others, such as Fan Ho or Ansel Adams might worked on the foreground layer by varying the contrasts or micro-contrasts (via zone system) to create a path (rhythm) of light towards the subject. Nevertheless, repeating the famous phrase from Sergeant Schultz (Hogan's Heroes), 'I know nothing' (about landscape photography). 🙂

[@kimbastien309]

Beautiful photos! I like them both, but my eye is more drawn to the one on the left.

[@davewomack2216]

photo on the viewers right is my favorite! Great work!

[@josepmbernaus]

I love the picture with the ripples towards the lighthouse, they really take you into the picture. Great video Mads Peter, as always!

[@pascaldebrunner7738]

I really like the picture at 11:52, but all others are also fantastic ☺️ as always 😎

[@sagi1547]

Great Vlog. I liked the comments about the polarizer and storytelling using the foreground.