When we speak of 85mm, street photography isn’t the first that comes to mind. It’s typically regarded as a classic portrait focal length for the flattering and slimming effect it creates on the face. However, some photographers still experiment with other genres using this lens and see what this lens can do for them. But could 85mm actually be hindering your street photography?
UK-based street photographer Mike Chudley argues that it does in the video above. He explains that while it’s not unheard of for street photographers to get great shots using long lenses, some may also rely too much on the qualities that the hardware provides rather than their own skills or ideas. The creamy bokeh of wide-open apertures and the compression of long lenses, for example, tend to distract both the photographer and the viewer. These qualities often take away the context that the background provides in the composition.
Admittedly, this could be quite a controversial perspective. After all, we’re allowed to use whatever tools and approaches we feel would allow us to achieve our creative vision. For some, that may mean breaking the rules and going against the grain.
Still, it’s always a good idea to be open to different perspectives. They allow us to gain a deeper understanding of how some focal lengths work better than others when it comes to capturing street scenes.
Additional reading: How to choose your focal length for street photography
That said, do you agree with the insights shared in this video? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’ve already joined the Photofocus Community
So you love the lens but you hate it… That is here the core of a creative process!! I have shot successful street photography with a 300 mm lens, and my fav lens is the 100mm. What I clearly see is that my mindset adjusts to the type of lens I am using , and I approach the street and the subjects in different ways. I recall many years ago I won a contest about street photography and I clearly recall that I decided to use a 28 mm lens with the intention of winning the contest, which I did,… Read more »
I always think that street photography with anything much longer than a 50mm looks kind of voyeuristic, like clandestine photography by a private investigator. Wider focal lengths give a much better feeling of intimacy, much more like you’re actually there with your subject. I think 85mm is a good place to start for people just starting in street photography, and maybe they’re nervous about getting in too close, but I just think it’s too long for serious street photography … in my personal and subjective opinion.