The Magic of 23mm and 28mm in Street Photography

The Magic of 23mm and 28mm in Street Photography

Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Street Photography Academy blog. Today, we are going to talk about using 23mm and 28mm lenses in street photography and how these lenses can transform your images, especially in vibrant and densely populated cities like Hong Kong. These lenses allow you to get closer to the scenes and prevent your images from looking too compact, capturing the essence of places full of life and activity.

Why Choose a 23mm or 28mm Lens?

1. Wide Field of View The 23mm and 28mm lenses offer a wider field of view compared to the popular 50mm lens. This is essential in a city like Hong Kong, where there is so much to see and capture:

• Wide Scenes: You can include more elements in your frame, which is ideal for capturing the atmosphere of bustling streets and busy markets.

• Depth of Field: These lenses typically have a greater depth of field, helping keep more elements in focus, making your images more detailed and sharp.

1. Get Closer to the Action Using a 23mm or 28mm lens forces you to physically get closer to your subjects, resulting in more intimate and dynamic images:

• Interaction: Being closer to your subjects allows you to capture emotions and details that you might miss with a telephoto lens.

• Unique Perspective: This proximity gives you a unique perspective, making the viewer feel part of the scene.

1. Avoid Image Compression Longer lenses tend to compress scenes, which can make images look flat and less interesting. With a 23mm or 28mm lens:

• Space and Separation: Photos have more depth and separation between elements, making the scene look more natural and less crowded.

• Context: You can include more context in your photos, showing not just the main subject but also their surroundings.

Shooting in a City Like Hong Kong

Hong Kong presents unique challenges and incredible opportunities for street photography. This is where a 23mm or 28mm lens truly shines.

1. Capture Urban Density Hong Kong is known for its crowded streets and impressive architecture. With a 23mm or 28mm lens, you can:

• Show Scale: Capture the height of skyscrapers and the density of buildings in a single shot.

• Include Details: Focus on both the architecture and the daily life happening around these buildings.

1. Document Daily Life The streets of Hong Kong are full of life and activity. These lenses allow you to:

• Depict Street Scenes: Capture vendors in markets, passersby, and everyday activities in a way that a longer lens cannot.

• Immerse in the Action: Get close to people and the small stories unfolding at every corner.

1. Handle the Crowd The crowd can be overwhelming, but with a 23mm or 28mm lens, you can manage it better:

• Wide Frames: Include multiple people and elements in a single shot without making the image look crowded.

• Creative Composition: Use the crowd to create dynamic and energetic compositions.

Practical Tips for Using 23mm and 28mm

1. Pay Attention to Composition With a wider field of view, it's crucial to pay attention to composition:

• Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to balance your photos and guide the viewer's eye.

• Leading Lines: Take advantage of architectural lines and pathways to direct attention to your main subject.

1. Be Brave and Get Close Don’t be afraid to get close to your subjects:

• Human Interaction: Establish brief eye contact or offer a smile before taking the photo to make people feel more comfortable.

• Move Your Feet: Getting physically closer can result in more impactful and lively shots.

1. Experiment with Angles Play with different angles to make your photos more interesting:

• Low Angle: Shoot from a low position to give a different and dramatic perspective of the scene.

• High Angle: Find a high point to capture the scene from above, showing the layout and relationship between elements.

1. Stay Light and Mobile Street photography is all about moving quickly and being ready to capture the moment:

• Light Gear: Use a lightweight camera and a compact lens to avoid drawing attention and to move easily.

• Quick Settings: Familiarize yourself with your camera settings so you can quickly switch between different lighting and scene situations.

Conclusion

Using a 23mm or 28mm lens can transform your approach to street photography, especially in a vibrant and dense city like Hong Kong. These lenses allow you to get closer to the action, capture wide scenes, and avoid image compression, resulting in more dynamic and authentic photos.

Summary of Advantages

• Wide Field of View: Capture more details and context.

• Proximity: Get physically closer for more intimate images.

• Depth and Separation: Avoid image compression and add depth.

• Adaptability in Dense Environments: Perfect for cities like Hong Kong.

At Street Photography Academy, we believe that experimenting with different lenses and techniques is essential for developing your unique style. So, hit the streets with your 23mm or 28mm lens and start exploring the endless possibilities these lenses offer. Happy shooting!