How to Get Wide Angle Pictures With an SLR

Professional photographers often use SLR cameras so that they can switch out lenses.

A SLR, or single lens reflex, is a type of camera that often uses 35-millimeter film that produces high-quality photographs. Unlike point-and-shoot cameras, SLRs allow you to change your lens depending on your photography needs. With various lenses, you can take different types of pictures including wide-angle photos. There are some drawbacks to SLRs as well. They are relatively expensive when compared to point-and-shoot cameras and can be bulkier and heavier than smaller digital cameras.

Things You'll Need

• Wide angle lens

Instructions

1. Visit a photography store or shop online for a new lens. Talk to a sales representative about your particular needs for wide-angle photography.

2. Choose a wide-angle lens for your SLR. Typically, shorter lenses are wide-angle lenses and longer lenses are telephoto. Although there are many choices, 24- or 28-millimeter lenses are usually effective for beginners. Do not pick a lens that is shorter than 16 millimeters so that you avoid the fish eye effect.

3. Make sure you purchase a wide-angle lens that fits your SLR camera. Attach your new lens to your camera and take practice shots.

4. Find a subject for your wide-angle shots. Move in close so that the subject takes up at least one-third of your photo.

5. Use your wide-angle lens to take landscape shots. Choose a focal point and center it in your wide-angle landscape shot.

References

• Geometer.org: 35 Millimeter SLR Cameras
• Photo.net: Building a 35mm SLR System
• The Kim Komando Show: Digital SLR Camera Lenses