The Wide-Angle Lens Technique Many Have Forgotten

[@MartinCastein]

This is the award winning photo from a long time ago: instagram.com/p/BeBzY0oH_xP/

[@CoolBreeze031_Photography]

Very nice work!

[@Gidgetandmoondoggy]

Wonderful photo 👌🏻

[@toshsimpkin4386]

Feeling a bit robbed that you didn't include that architecture image that you won that competition with. Thank you otherwise.x

[@MartinCastein]

I meant to add it and forgot I’m sorry I’ve done this before with the same picture 🥲I will try to link in the comments and pin it I really did this with the same picture before forgetting to put it up wow

[@toshsimpkin4386]

@@MartinCastein Don't be sorry; it was a compliment really; love seeing your images.

[@STARGATE9]

​@@MartinCasteinI cannot see any pinned comment. Great video by the way!

[@CoolBreeze031_Photography]

@@MartinCastein Is the image on your Instagram page? I'd really like to see it

[@MonticelloMagic-yv1qu]

.. perhaps your mind needs to allow itself to query his work on the Internet ...

[@SteveSmith-yc9ss]

I have been looking through your older videos as well as the more recent, you always make it so easy to understand what you are teaching, i also love that you are not obsessed about all the recent gear, thanks for putting these videos out there.

[@MartinCastein]

thanks!

[@rickyzagalo]

I "find" you on KZbin just one week ago. Since then, I have watched more than 10 of your videos. What I could tell you is that I have learned with you much, much more than ever. Something in the way you put things, present, and explain the concepts. Everything immediately is logical and makes sense, which makes it easier to improve our results.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much I’m really pleased my way connects with you

[@wilibilljones]

I found an inspiring quote decades ago in an interview with Suze Randall. I always paraphrase, especially for those who would have to Google her name, what she said as, "It's a picture of what it's a picture of. The composition is centered on what I'm there to photograph." Her approach to centering her subject left a good bit of context. But it was never uncertain what it was she was there to show us.

[@daemon1143]

Sod me, a competent photographer who acknowledges the existence of zoom lenses. With respect to centralised compositions, the rule of thirds wasn't originally just about the lines, but also about the tiles between the lines and the use of these helped in circumstances such as you so very well describe.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you haha that’s very kind of you and I was going to include more about rule of thirds but decided to keep it simple, thanks for the comment!

[@LeandroBighetti]

That’s very helpful too! I use the rule of thirds for that sometimes indeed, centralise it in the middle tile and create the “borders” in the other tiles. Not that this is always ideal but it’s a quick starting point one can reference from the rule of thirds lines in the camera. 🎉

[@danielspenner3683]

This method of zooming in one the subject and then slowly zooming out again to refine composition is something I have recently stumbled upon and have been using ever since.

[@PetrS]

After many years in hobby-photography BEST explanation I ever heard. Plus great tip at the end. Discovered your channel recently and love your attitude!

[@MartinCastein]

Welcome aboard!

[@Dngrov257]

Thank you. I think the weakness of many of my landscape shots is the lack of a dominant feature. Too often, I am photographing the scene. I will try to practice this.

[@DougSanford]

Shooting for 40 years and this was immediately helpful.. thanks!

[@jremi]

No, I was not aware of that technique and I did find this video very useful because I am feeling a bit in a rut right now as far as composition is concerned. Thank you! Subscribing now.

[@alanhowe6588]

This was excellent. Clearly delivered, well-justified by both example and theory, highly focused on teaching & improving... Eight minutes extremely well spent. Thanks very much.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shadowfoxsports]

Wow. Never heard this technique before. Definitely going to try it and no doubt I'll now make it part of my shoot. Thank you.

[@zae5159]

I've got a used EF 16-35 f/4 on the way to me, I can't wait to use this while I work on learning wide angle landscape composition!

[@dillank3240]

Between this video, your 85mm video and your 50mm video, you've given me a lot of things to think about! Excellent! This kind of content is not common.

[@AlexandreFagundesdeFagundes]

That´s an interesting idea, focus on the subject, than zoom out, I will try it out, thanks Martin!

[@Jack_Schularick]

Yes, and it's intuitive: putting the interesting thing in the center. We learn about the rule of thirds, of not putting the main interest in the middle, about foreground, mid- and background as a must. Your tip here is very good, i think. Thank you Martin.

[@yoki9743]

Hi Martin... Thanks again for the technique reminder... Again ...super intuitive video... this channel is becoming a "real place" not like the many fake ones out there.... this is actual proper info given in a non technical way by a guy who knows his stuff... I doff my cap to you Martin... Kind regards... Yoki..

[@MartinCastein]

Awwww man thank you that means a lot!

[@dennisjones5579]

Thanks Martin for providing the proof that the "Rule of Thirds" is simply a guideline. Well done

[@iphoneography]

Love this. Merry Christmas Martin.

[@Digital_Photog1995]

THANK YOU! Almost forgot this technique as the rule of thirds got in the way. Continuing to learn even though I’ve been shooting for over 40 years!

[@simonforsyth1700]

An excellent video that reminds people that there are other options to the role of thirds! The role of thirds is so ingrained that even though you know this technique it is easily forgotten!

[@rkhayden]

For me, a useful video for the "zoom in tight then zoom out until it's right", which I don't do often enough (simply because the lens when stored is zoomed out, so I usually do the reverse), and can be applied to many compositions, not just centralised ones.

[@tombain5665]

Another really valuable and simply presented tutorial. You are a natural teacher Martin. Thank you once again

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Tom!

[@vmarek]

very interesting lesson - thank you

[@jerrydalton3203]

Fo rme this is under the heading of "I knew about it but I have not used it enough". Oddly there have been times when I did use it and felt guilty because it wasn't rule of 1/3's so thank you for breaking that mold. Use it when appropriate and no guild!! Thank you.

[@DavidRoyle-h4w]

I think your observational comments and advice are absolutely fantastic! Thankyou for sharing such profound (yet simple) information, I will put it to good use immediately.

[@MartinCastein]

You are so welcome!

[@fineartviewfotografie3742]

Hi Martin, thanks for this for me kind of wake up call. I have been started as a architecture photographer without including people. Later I started to include people and from that time I did name myself as a Urban Photographer. Nowadays I still doing Urban work, Alan Schaller is my top favorite, but portrait/fashion and environmental portraits are dominating my work. I love centralised composition. My absolute favorite in portrait/fashion is Peter Coulson, who is mainly using central composition. I don’t have the option for zooming, I limited myself in having 5 primes, 20mm, 28mm, 35mm, 58mm and 85mm. With this I can cover my two genres.

[@caseylafran3028]

This video is worth a sub

[@legvalmont]

Do I find it useful? You're inspiring me to get my camera again. I think there's my answer. A long long time ago I tried wedding photography, did some work which I'm proud of. Played with children's birthday parties. But ultimately "retired". Now inspired by your channel I'm trying portrait and might as well do some landscape. Not to mention the "go out there and shoot jpeg" exercise. By the way, my KZbin profile image is a recent one strobe-bounced-diagonally-off-the-ceiling selfie. I think the one word answer is "inspiration". Because that's like what life's all about: inspiring other people. So, thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

Well done to you, i read your entire comment, good, im glad you find my videos useful. Keep going, youve got this.

[@ajeromemahon7808]

I've many many composition videos from all different types of KZbinr photographers but nobody has ever explained this! I quite like a central composition (after i got over always using the rule of thirds) but had to just vibe it. This tutorial is very useful. Can't wait to try it

[@emrhyssstead]

Great video, thanks for the valuable insights

[@SamBugas]

Excellent video Martin! I’ve always gravitated to central framing, and you’ve really perfectly explained why it’s so alluring to me. I think it’s often disregarded, and I can’t confidently say why. Maybe we just gravitate to the same suggestions and rules most often, and shooting centrally just isn’t as popular.

[@pvillez]

This is brilliant. Love the logic of it as you explain it. Thank you very much.

[@alexandrunegrea359]

exceptional! the best material I've watched in years! Thank you!

[@MartinCastein]

Wow, thank you!

[@wtonthemove6861]

This is an outstanding tip. It makes a lot of sense and explained very well. Thank you very much.

[@IanInChengdu]

I have been trying this with my 10-24 thanks for the advice

[@dennisvanleent1]

Putting it like that, you're "framing your subject with negative space". Obviuously not entirely true, but a very interesting concept. Been doing that a lot intuitively in the past, but actually understanding it makes it so much more deliberate and powerfull. Thanks a lot for the insight!

[@LeandroBighetti]

Yes, I use it with people, it works fantastically well, I especially like it either full body shots. Amazing video Martin, good stuff !

[@daintyasia8152]

Thank you for professional lesson. 🎉

[@mattbibbings]

I'm enjoying your recent content. Simple and thoughtful. I am predominantly obsessed with woodland photography. One compositional idea that I find works frequently is to let the subject dictate the aspect ratio and subsequent framing. Put simply, a wide ranging tree would lean towards a more panoramic ratio like 16:9 but a tight, compact tree leans towards a 1:1. I think we naturally perceive and view things in this way and so composing like this makes a more appealing image.

[@MartinCastein]

Forest photography is difficult but enjoyable. I feel like I don’t come back with much but enjoy the experience

[@mattbibbings]

@@MartinCastein ...and that's what makes the keepers even more rewarding.

[@wilfrieddebergh6537]

Let the subject dictate the aspect ratio and subsequent framing. You are absolutly richt. It serve te subject and the vision, and free the photographer from the cameraratio he or she use.

[@peterblyth5500]

"Dead centre is deadly": not any more. Liked and subbed.

[@dance2jam]

Thank you, Martin, for frequently having an eye for educational topics and explaining them in your own way. A professional photographer, that had a YT channel for many years, would frequently berate those watching videos or attending workshops, to learn something saying out loud, if you did that,, "I don't want you" around me. I always found that a bit short-sighted. I know he is a proponent of going out to shoot all the time (and I get it), but there are good references on line and good people making good videos (like yourself), that I believe help those of us with less experience, and are not surrounded by photographers, and have a job (i.e. we are not out beating the pavement everyday meeting many like minded people looking for work as a photographer in the industry), to more slowly, over time, gain insight and perspective, and help us think outside the box. I'll thank you once again for what you do - and the time you spend doing it - to help educate us. I'm sure it won't be the last time I do it either. (BTW: While watching this video, I realized I had done this with people in the past).

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much really amazing to hear that. I personally think you have to learn from those that have been before us and so education plus doing is the answer. If you don’t learn from others you have to work out everything yourself but you might not reach your potential or at minimum lose a lot of time trying

[@dance2jam]

@@MartinCastein Again, we are completely in sync here. This is what I tell say to my friends all the time. Why waste time reinventing the wheel from scratch. Learn from those with more knowledge, and then let your artistic instincts take hold. Anyway, what do I know. Thank you, and I meant what I said about your work. I'm looking through your courses, but the prices are in pounds (or is there a dollar equivalent as well)? It's because of your channel I did a deep dive into what creates "color science". Keep up the great work.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you, yes agree completely I mean imagine everyone learnt to drive just by figuring it out themselves or flying a plane.. yeah lol. I’m thinking about switching them to dollars as most of my audience seems to be American anyway. The checkout will still work, right now they are just post production courses and need filling out still but the updates are free once in.

[@dance2jam]

@@MartinCastein Thanks. Will look at them when I get a moment. Yes, I'm in medicine, and I used a similar example "Never done this before, but let me try it out on your family". ;-)

[@hholton7245]

I liked this explanation and video. It has given me some good idea's and inspiration to try on my next outing. Thanks

[@gigiphotos6184]

This was very helpful. I feel I often get stuck when I do the opposite. I will be using this technique on my next photo walk which is tomorrow. 😎

[@PixPete]

Great teachings, master! I figured out recently that I actually love centrally positioned compositions much more than Rule of 3rds, after studying films made by directors Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan who nearly always place their subjects in the middle. The theory is because their films are made for huge IMAX screens they want to keep your eyes on the middle so your peripheral vision is filled. It works so well for photography too making the viewer feel more immersed in the image - assuming of course you're not looking at it on a tiny phone screen!

[@MartinCastein]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this!

[@MrDunk66]

Had not appreciated that this was actually a “technique”, but I certainly think it is something I should experiment with and remember to try, and thanks for providing a method Martin.

[@MrDunk66]

Martin, did you ever do a video on what is a “compelling image” - that would be a complex topic as it surely combines objective (eg technique) and subjective (eg emotion) issues. Perhaps “compelling viewing” is all that a thoughtful photographer is ever trying to achieve for the intended audience - how can anyone hope to satisfy all the audience (myself, family, contest judges) all the time!

[@MartinCastein]

Ohhhh nice idea for a video!

[@MartinCastein]

I made a note!

[@luzr6613]

That was a good discussion. Cheers.

[@kensweet6022]

Hi Martin. Just came across your channel this morning, now subscribed, I agree 100%. I, quite recently, have taken to wildlife photography, primarily birds, and without any obvious outside influence, I have leaned towards the centralisation of my subject. I think it possibly came about because, as the subjects are often quite small and don't always allow you to get too close, placing the eye or head of your subject on or about the 1/3 intersection will, more often than not, leave you with a tiny subject in an otherwise large overall image. As I have no qualms about cropping, especially with modern cameras and careful use of post processing, it's a simple process to position your subject exactly where in the central area you want it and simply move & resize the crop frame to give you the desired result and it gives you the flexibility to allow any space to allow the animal to "move" or "look" into. This is working extremely well for me. Thanks for your content.

[@colinbourne7706]

Well done, Martin. Clear and encouraging!

[@patrickwest9049]

Fab video. Love the way you described this technique and its value. Thank you

[@JeffCreates]

I saw a video title on KZbin that claims to actually explain a technique rather than just throwing images on the screen without any explanation...and i got it! I'm so confused. I don't know what KZbin is anymore! ...i love simple but effective things to keep in mind when shooting like this. The wide angle zoom thing is really helpful. Just wish i had a wide angle zoom!

[@jasonwroyal]

nice video, recently I have been shooting with more centered subjects out of necessity. your suggestions keys in on why it works and what I like about it, but hadn’t quite figured out why.

[@wiggertvh8444]

Thanks Martin. Great insight and will keep this in mind when I compose my photos. Usually I edit my photos rather tight, but using my 16-35 lens is a great option.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BarwickGreen]

I often shoot square (medium format film) and the "rule" of thirds is seldom helpful, centralised composition is something I use all the time, but I hadn't thought about the "imagine a matt" idea, thanks for that one..

[@tetsi0815]

While your explanation is very good and you give a lot of information, I find this video would gain a lot if you added more than just that two examples.

[@Mitcheb4]

Thank you, Martin! This is exactly what I was needing to help me with additional uses for my wide angle zoom. I was pretty curious what you meant regarding the classic artwork, but then the example of composing zoomed in and then zoom out is brilliant! I can't wait to use this outside. Cheers

[@PJ-om2wq]

Finding subject matter to photograph and knowing how to compose it. This is the challenge for me. More of this type of video please. Thanks.

[@MartinCastein]

More to come!

[@KeithRobertson57]

Good tip, thanks 👍🏻 I think I have been doing this a bit already, but didn’t really know! When walking about outside I was making photos of say ‘interesting abandoned buildings’ in the hills. So it was the actual building or feature I was intrigued by. I’d have it filling the frame, right up to the edge of the frame. But the photo lacked a bit of context, of where the subject was, so reframing a little to show where it was made it a better photo for me. So, thanks for drawing my attention to this. BTW, the tree at Llyn Padarn is less then 1km from where I am typing this, drinking my morning coffee 🙂

[@rudolffamiev2188]

I love to shoot square format - in there centralized placement of the main subject is not uncommon. But in general - your advice is very nice - it reminds us the basic things, but often forgotten.

[@PsychedelicChameleon]

Thank you Martin, this helps me understand better something I've already been doing occasionally.

[@Diego-ih8kv]

I love the honesty and simplicity of your videos, they realy help! thanks a lot!

[@andrewlutes2048]

This is one of those things that isn’t being said, but seems obvious in hind-sight. I was subconsciously leaning toward this technique anyway, but didn’t have a method. Now I’ll be practicing it consciously. Thanks Martin!

[@MartinCastein]

That’s kind of what I felt, obvious but not said which is why I wanted to make it really. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lerrynhawke3375]

Thanks for another ripper video! I sub consciously do this technique, now I can be intentional about it.. you ledgend

[@joerg_koeln]

Thanks a lot, will try this out asap.

[@fredmcveigh9877]

I didn't know this method. Thanks, and I have subscribed.

[@bernym4047]

I often shoot B&W with a square crop which seems to lend itself to centralised composition. Thanks for the tips about practising on an unfamiliar genre. Subscribed.

[@BeardedGeezer]

My 16-35 lens is my most neglected lens. Maybe this video will inspire me to use it more.

[@janedagger]

My food for thought plate runneth over..., the photo of the lonely tree is sooo beautiful btw. thank you, sir !

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you! Sir!

[@janedagger]

@@MartinCastein Don't call me sir, I worked for a living. :P

[@MartinCastein]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Wannes_]

Why the central composition works so well in your image at 4:00 , is because the lines in the background also draw the attention straight onto the central object, the tree Obviously not by coincidence 🙂 The light and reflections are stunning

[@sarahbatsford4791]

Glad your channel popped up. Great advice thank you so much. Subscribed & ready to binge watch😁

[@ravimathew4123]

Thanks a lot for this wonderful information. I was about to skip your video because of the title focusing on wide angle lens. Felt an intuition to have a look and there it is. Best wishes. 🙏

[@thejacksons3019]

Excellent content as always Martin, always good to learn something new and interesting from an actual professional. Have unsubscribed quite a few ‘photography’ channels recently, as they seem to be running out of ideas and generally all do the same gear reviews when something new appears. Keep it up!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!!

[@microminstrel]

amazing shots! great video!

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Thanks for another great video. I would love to see the algorithm get you out to a broader audience. You have an outstanding teaching style. All the best!

[@BoyGeorgiaX]

Just got a wide angle lens. Thank you for the tip!

[@leandrowngo]

I kinda already subconsciously do this with my phone. I aim and compose first with the normal wide, then just like how you mentioned, I bring up the ultra wide to see how things fill up the frame.

[@darrengray1816]

Great information and tips

[@warmunky3797]

Great vid. Would have been nice to see some more modern world examples of you using this composition technique tho.

[@GusMcCrae01]

Excellent info.

[@Lez325]

Ah the tree in Llanberis an iconic image- I regularly use my Sony 70-200mm f2.8 lens for such images- great video thank you

[@NickHeaze]

I came for the advice on Canon 6D's (which I've seen a lot of your vids about as I consider buying a used Full-frame) and am staying for the sage photography advice!

[@Twobarpsi]

Very informative! I will have to try this.

[@L.Spencer]

May be just what I needed. And need to work on. Thanks!

[@DeniedGrace]

I would love to see examples as you explain this. Maybe I’m overthinking it or just a bit daft, but the verbal explanation of how to shoot a photography technique without photos as examples didn’t really connect for me.

[@trueatfalse]

great video. great input! would have loved to see more example images! 💜

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you I know realised after, got lost in the making of this one and lost my a little with the examples.

[@JamesWarrior]

That was a really interesting video. Thank you.

[@crawford323]

Excellent discussion. Very relevant.

[@derekbisbing]

Thanks for the reassurance in a style I embrace and take sh*t for!

[@sergeantcrow]

Excellent tuition... Thank you...😀

[@MartinCastein]

Welcome 😊

[@stemfourvisual]

I’m sure I sound like a philistine, but I started composing this way years ago when instagram forced us to use only square images 😊

[@lightbox617]

I started relying on "ultra wide" lenses when I started doing architecture and traveling to Europe. My first hint was looking at very old Japanese and Chinese prints where the actual subject could be the background and the figures, details were there for "scale"

[@MartinCastein]

ohhhh i love that idea. thanks for this comment.

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

Humblebragging with those 'bad' examples that are pretty great 😀

[@Needacreate]

Excellent advice/reminder, regardless of skill level. At a time when so much photography-related content feels staid, overly gear-centred, and hard to find relevant, what you're doing sticks out, Martin.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Great advice Martin, thanks !

[@davidligon6088]

Something I’ve tried to avoid. Thanks for giving me permission to include it in my options. 😉

[@ddsdss256]

I never use the rule of thirds (or any other "rules") as following rules tends to produce predictably boring results. If you do what everyone else does, how do you expect to create anything new? My only rule for composition is "does it feel right/does it say what I want to say?" If it happens to coincide with any established "standards," that's OK, but once one's comfortable making their own decisions about composition, one should consider turning off camera grid lines. Agreed that context is important for many images, but in some cases, you want the viewer to imagine what may be outside the frame, rather than including it. Good tip about imagining the matting, though. Pre-visualizing about how an image will look as a print* (including how it might be matted and framed) is essential. I also agree that "cross-training" by shooting multiple genres is very helpful, as it's good to get out of your comfort zone! *The only real photos are prints (as opposed to digital projected images). Perhaps no single thing can make you a better photographer than printing your work (ideally yourself, if it fits your budget and you're willing to add another learning curve). Of course, post-processing from RAW to optimize the print is also critical in realizing your artistic vision.

[@CoolBreeze031_Photography]

Great video! Question: how would you suggest using a 16-35mm f/2.8 shooting sports? stands, plays, etc. Thanks

[@MartinCastein]

id love to be able to answer that but i cant really because Ive never shot sports so any answer would be me just making things up.

[@greggh]

Would the technique of centralized composition apply to videography as well?

[@VGMO17]

Funnily enough, centralized composition is my main style, because I use one point focusing with chipped manual lenses, that can only make one point focus confirmation. If I use the screen to make the composition, I tend to use rule of thirds more often because of the grid option the screen allows