Street photography is all about capturing life as it happens, and the 35mm lens has become a go-to tool for photographers seeking authenticity in their shots. Compact, versatile, and with just the right field of view, the 35mm lens allows photographers to blend into the environment and document candid moments with ease. In this article, we explore why the 35mm lens is ideal for street photography and provide tips on mastering its use.
Photo by: Matt Hardy
All the images captured by Jontxu Fernandez
1. The Perfect Focal Length for Street Photography
The 35mm lens offers a natural perspective that closely mirrors human vision, making it a perfect choice for street photography. Unlike wider lenses, which can distort the scene, or longer lenses that create a narrow field of view, the 35mm lens strikes a balance, allowing photographers to capture both subjects and their surroundings without exaggeration.
2. Lightweight and Discreet
One of the key advantages of using a 35mm lens is its compact size and lightweight design. Street photographers often spend hours walking around, and a lightweight lens allows for greater mobility. Additionally, the 35mm’s discreet appearance helps photographers blend into the scene, reducing the likelihood of drawing attention to themselves and disturbing the natural flow of the moment.
3. Versatility in Framing and Composition
The 35mm lens provides a versatile field of view that makes it easier to adapt to different compositions on the street. Whether you want to focus on a close-up portrait or incorporate a wider scene, the 35mm gives you the flexibility to create dynamic compositions without switching lenses or moving too far from the action.
4. Capturing Context and Storytelling
Street photography is not just about photographing people but also about capturing the environment that surrounds them. The 35mm lens allows photographers to include enough context in their shots to tell a compelling story. It’s wide enough to show the background, yet tight enough to maintain focus on the subject.
5. Low-Light Performance
Street photography often takes place in challenging lighting conditions, such as in the early morning, at dusk, or in dimly lit alleyways. Many 35mm lenses offer wide apertures (like f/1.4 or f/2.0), allowing you to shoot in low light while maintaining sharpness and detail. The larger aperture also enables you to create beautiful background blur (bokeh) that isolates your subject.
6. Improved Zone Focusing
Zone focusing is a popular technique in street photography where you pre-focus your lens to a certain distance to capture fast-moving subjects. The 35mm lens, with its relatively wide depth of field, makes zone focusing easier and more accurate. This allows you to capture spontaneous moments without having to rely on autofocus, which can be slower or less precise in street settings.
7. Ideal for Moving Through Crowded Spaces
In street photography, you’re often working in bustling, crowded environments. The 35mm lens, with its moderate wide-angle view, lets you get close to your subject without feeling intrusive while still capturing the energy of the surrounding environment. It’s perfect for navigating crowded spaces like markets, festivals, and busy streets where quick reactions are essential.
8. Mastering Composition with a 35mm Lens
To get the most out of a 35mm lens, mastering composition is key. The lens’ field of view demands careful attention to the entire frame, as it will often capture more elements than a longer focal length. Leading lines, balance, and the rule of thirds are all crucial to creating visually compelling street photos with a 35mm lens.
9. Developing Confidence with the 35mm Lens
Street photography requires confidence, especially when photographing strangers in public spaces. The 35mm lens encourages you to get closer to your subject, creating more intimate and impactful images. As you develop confidence, you’ll find that the lens’ natural field of view allows you to immerse yourself in the scene, helping you become a more effective storyteller.
10. Embrace the Limitations for Creativity
Every lens has limitations, and the 35mm is no exception. It may not be as wide as a 24mm lens or provide the compression of an 85mm, but by embracing its limitations, you’ll find opportunities to get creative. Instead of zooming in, you’ll move closer to your subject. Instead of relying on a tight crop, you’ll consider how to incorporate the environment into your frame. These choices ultimately lead to more thoughtful and engaging street photography.
Conclusion
The 35mm lens has long been celebrated by street photographers for its balance of versatility, portability, and natural perspective. By mastering its use, from composition to zone focusing, you’ll find that the 35mm lens is not just a tool, but an essential companion for capturing life on the streets with authenticity and artistry.