Life, in 35mm

💡To learn more about objectives, types, terminology, acronyms, focal lengths and more, don’t miss the mega guide we’ve prepared for you.

If we have seen life in 50mm, we are going to enjoy it in 35mm too. Both focal lengths are very similar to the vision of the human eye and if we dedicate a separate chapter to 35mm it is because it is well deserved. Both are known as standard objectives and both are especially indicated for social photography, however, they differ in two important aspects. The first, that the 35mm lens covers more of the scene, the second, which blurs somewhat less than the 50mm, its bokeh is softer.

At what times in your life can you use a 35mm focal length? In all of them, although in some more especially than in others, we are going to see them and thus you will see first-hand all the benefits that you can get out of them.

1. Social events (weddings…)

The 35mm (and more when it comes to a 1.4 aperture) is a great option for events of this type. The wide aperture allows you to shoot indoors in low light, without the need to fire the flash, but the important thing is that this focal length covers a large part of the scene without distorting, as is the case with wide angles. Also, since you have to get closer to the action, the viewer ends up feeling like they are part of the scene, which is more emotional.

2. Portraits

Many of you will agree that it is not the best lens for close-ups, because with 35mm you have to get very close to the subject and end up making him uncomfortable. But a portrait isn’t just a close-up (and it’s not just a face either), there are many types of portraits and you can achieve great results with this focal length. Why don’t you try it? Enter the world of portraiture here or you can also delve a little deeper here.

3. Everyday situations

Being the focal length that most closely resembles the vision of the human eye, it is ideal for transmitting normality. Day-to-day scenes that come to life through your camera and that despite being everyday, are full of beauty and sparkle, such as the following:

4. Flowers

You don’t need a macro to capture the beauty of a flower. Here’s a sample…

5. Landscape

For landscape photography, wide angles are usually recommended. However, a recommendation does not imply an exclusion. Here are three clear examples that you can capture the beauty of a place with 35mm focal length.

6. Architecture

And why not? Focus on the details, the lights, the shadows and not just include an entire building in the frame.

7.Street photography

I have left this point for last because it is my favorite, as I write, because I allow myself that luxury 😉 And I say that this point is my favorite because, in my humble opinion, it is a perfect lens for this type of photography (if you want to know more about this style of photography, click here). This time I am not going to leave you a sample, nor two, but an entire gallery of street photographs taken with a 35mm.

To finish, I remind you that if you do not have a Full Frame camera (you always ask this question) the angle of view with a 35mm will be similar to that of a 50mm on a Full Frame camera. But read well, the viewing angle yes, the blur no 😉 I know this is a bit of a mess, but here I clear some doubts for you.

And remember that a camera, a lens or any other element of your equipment gives you the possibilities but the final result depends on you and your photographic eye. Never stop practicing, it’s the only way to learn, to get to shoot without thinking and to awaken the deepest feelings in the viewer.

If the examples above were enough to inspire you to get your own 35mm, here it is for Nikonfor Canonfor sony and for Pentax.

If you found this post useful and/or interesting, I invite you to share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google +. Every one of your likes or little ‘share’ gestures are really big for the team. Thank you very much and until our next photo appointment! 😉