Stop Making These Wide-Angle Lens Mistakes

There are many mistakes to stop making while using a wide-angle zoom lens in landscape photography. In this video, I show some of the mistakes and how to avoid them. I visit the iconic Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Denmark and take many landscape photos, all the while explaining my thought process. It was a gorgeous day and I got some of my favorite landscape photos from this place while getting pummeled by the wind.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER - get the free Landscape Composition lite eBook:
eepurl.com/cJRfF5
THE POST PROCESSING COURSE:
Use the Coupon Code "MPIKZbin" to get 15% OFF!
madspeteriversen.teachable.com/
Get my Landscape COMPOSITION eBOOKs:
payhip.com/MadsPeterIversen
HOMEPAGE and PRINTS
www.mpiphoto.dk
Standalone PHOTOSHOP Tutorials, DISCOUNT CODE: “mpiyoutube” for 10% off:
payhip.com/MadsPeterIversen
Get my LOCATION maps:
payhip.com/MadsPeterIversen
0:00 - What to include and to exclude?
2:31 - Get everything in focus
4:24 - Another composition
5:35 - Too small background subject?
7:03 - Wrong use of the polarizing filter
8:42 - What filter I use?
9:33 - Bad foregrounds and good foregrounds?
12:00 - Too close to the subject?
13:39 - Each scene is unique!
16:52 - Distorted subjects are awful!
17:58 - Landscapes are not just horizontal!
19:19 - The final golden hour photos
INSTAGRAM: madspeteriversen_photography
TWITTER: MadsPeterIverse
MUSIC:
EPIDEMIC sound: share.epidemicsound.com/wpJt9
Affiliate links (I get a small commission for each sale without any extra cost for you) for MY GEAR and recommended gear:
My Landscape Photography Gear:
My B&H shop with my gear (and recommended):
--- bhpho.to/304aMIG ---
Sony a7R3:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2Ps0lsS
- B&H: bhpho.to/30Wlmm1
SmallRig L-bracket: amzn.to/2QklniI
Sony 12-24 f/4:
- AMAZON: amzn.to/2rr0QKg
- B&H: bhpho.to/30WlCS1
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8
- B&H: bhpho.to/2PnUyug
Sony 24-105 f/4:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2PsgazO
- B&H: bhpho.to/30Yz1ZZ
Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-5.6
B&H: bhpho.to/3dY66ie
Sony 70-200 f/4:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2UpVOek
- B&H: bhpho.to/30WlCS1
100-400 LENSES:
- B&H: bhpho.to/2BmeLK2
Sony 100-400 Lens Collar Shoe:
- B&H: bhpho.to/2BmkqzN
Sigma 20mm f/1.4
- Amazon: amzn.to/2QovxyV
- B&H: bhpho.to/30XFaWp
Laowa 15mm f/2:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2Pq6MNd
- B&H: bhpho.to/30Yuab4
KASE filters:
- Amazon: goo.gl/9auyDW
- B&H: bhpho.to/30XDJY3
TRIPODS:
- Benro Travel Angel FTA19CV0 (discontinued in the US, FTA18CV0 is a close alt.): bhpho.to/2BS05zk
- Benro Mach 3 TMA38CL: bhpho.to/2JKOExn
K&F Concept filters - get 5% OFF on Amazon using the code 97L8OU4N (until 30th. June. 2020):
Nano X-II Variable ND+Pol: www.kentfaith.com/KF01.1466
ND2 - ND32 Adjustable filter: amzn.to/2PhH1ll
ND8 - ND128 Adjustable filter: amzn.to/2YKhdkT
CPL + Variable ND: amzn.to/2rLCzCm
BACKPACK:
- Shimoda Action X50 and others (get 10% OFF with the code "IVERSEN10": bit.ly/mpishimoda )
BACKPACK: Tenba Solstice 24L:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2L2ksxg
- B&H: bhpho.to/30UPu1q
My recommended SD card:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2L6y1fg
- B&H: bhpho.to/30Yv5s2
PEAK Design Camera Capture Clip V3:
- Amazon: amzn.to/3gzsqxh
- B&H: bhpho.to/30XEiB9
DJI Mavic 2 Pro:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2PsvY5B
- B&H: bhpho.to/30SzU6l
My Vlogging gear:
DJI Osmo Pocket (main vlog camera):
- B&H: bhpho.to/2SrfoIl
Sony RX100 (latest model):
- Amazon: amzn.to/2PoDf6t
- B&H: bhpho.to/3117neU
Sony a6000 (my 2nd camera):
- Amazon: amzn.to/2EagxNG
- B&H: bhpho.to/30VKCJe
Micro SD for drones:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2SCXMq5
- B&H: bhpho.to/30XG319
Manfrotto mini-tripod (new version):
- Amazon: amzn.to/2L6dW8F
- B&H: bhpho.to/30YAzmL
Zoom H1 (new version):
- Amazpn: amzn.to/2Qoj1iD
- B&H: bhpho.to/30YORnh
RØDE lavalier mic (remember adapter cable):
- Amazon: amzn.to/2PoCMBq
- B&H (complete package): bhpho.to/30YORnh
RØDE VideoMic Pro (deadcat is important!):
- Amazon: amzn.to/2SBuIzc
- B&H: bhpho.to/30ZlUYq
Other stuff:
Camera Dust blower: amzn.to/2L4cAeQ
First Aid Kit: amzn.to/2L2PB3C
Sports Tape (for twisted angles): amzn.to/2EaUuGH
Emergency Blanket: amzn.to/2QhP7N7
Foldable HEX key: amzn.to/2EbdS6u
HEAD Torch: amzn.to/2Qkteg3

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@terriroberts8594]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@0doubledseven589]

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

[@chrisbujanos9680]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@littlesue2633]

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

[@zmerc1969]

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

[@oig40203]

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

[@ramdogproductions]

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

[@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

[@daryl0063]

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

[@sandrawalding3097]

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

[@2DogAle]

Almost forgot… favorites, were the ones with the brick included… really tells a story to me.

[@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.

[@davewomack2216]

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

[@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 :)

[@JaypeaFoto]

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

[@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.

[@jsr8884]

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

[@jamesmoore9511]

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

[@brsseb]

Master of composition

[@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!

[@bradnovlesky8764]

I do like the first lighthouse pic, even know they are not leading lines…but they look so RAD 😎

[@balazsjb]

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

[@peterdijkhuis]

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

[@thewanderingeye7133]

another great video, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Someday I will join you on an in person lesson.

[@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. 😍❤📷💕

[@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 👍

[@kimbastien309]

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

[@lynnsargeant2749]

Fantastic ! I liked no 2 with the lighthouse….

[@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!

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

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

[@alejandroblaquier2468]

Very clear tips. Congratulations!

[@et9300]

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

[@Pharesm]

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

[@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!!😄

[@jmfoty4280]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@royhakala7999]

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

[@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.

[@cds957]

Mads, I'll take the the one on the right, I really like it.

[@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.

[@campbellrousselle9752]

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

[@anthonyalongi3432]

Love the lighthouse photo with the bricks.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have learned some new tips. Thanks.

[@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.

[@johnwheeler5271]

Thankyou so much for your video.I will be following you more.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@ln7644]

Thank you for such an in-depth video. Thumbs up and now a subscriber.

[@treyfoerster8759]

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

[@Peter-io2xs]

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

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much, Peter! 🙏

[@willsimpsonphoto]

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

[@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. 💪🙋‍♂️

[@sagi1547]

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

[@VlogPhotography]

Really interesting and helpful video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jacuswoczega9180]

Very good material. I made photos 40 years, You tell me some new (very rare on average YT)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@donovanchindemi8556]

1 and 1 . but they all look amazing . great shots and video

[@carljarvinen1189]

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

[@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!🤣🤣).

[@carlgough7839]

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

[@richardka-ko4471]

Thnx Mads for your explination. As always your videos are a great inspiration for me.

[@mickdoan7534]

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

[@Lentziu]

This video gave me new perspectives about Landscape Photography. Thank you!

[@johnkeating3891]

Nice video on a subject that is generally not well covered

[@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.

[@8amfilms]

Mads, one day I'll have to hang out in Denmark. We could appreciate the practical knowledges together. I appreciate you putting yourself out there. I'm a former digital, all film photographer now, I don't say that to flex, I just really like practical photography. thanks for the video.

[@lennymo9088]

The photo on the left is my FAV.

[@ivopiscevic]

used to do lanscape photography and after watching this it seriously gives me the feeling I still have so many things to learn ! Great vid , you got +1 sub :)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I am very happy to hear that, Ivo! Thanks a lot 😊

[@mamulcahy]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@lonnieking7812]

I like the clouds in the first one but the sand in the second one. I would have a hard time picking one of these over the other though.

[@jrmccartyphotogallery]

Hi Mads, This video made the Shutterbug News Letter, dated 3 Aug 2021. They also have a link to the video. Congratulations!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very much ☺️

[@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! 🙏

[@MSmith-Photography]

I've got a wide angle, vertical photo that I took back in the winter of a bridge in my city. I was close to the ground with the wind-blown snow in my foreground and the bridge was out of focus and looking small (on purpose) and I'm quite happy with the result.

[@davidkrugs6466]

So very, very helpful 👌 thank you.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

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

[@joaquinloustaueisele4216]

Great video! Keep it on! Saludos desde Argentina

[@samgao]

another thing I've done, is to use a TSE lens and shift the plane of focus to get everything in focus. But, post work is also the real work as well! Well take this with me on my next shoot! Thanks!

[@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.

[@josepmbernaus]

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

[@hannesgoertz2768]

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

[@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 !!!

[@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.