An 85mm lens feels like the most restrictive lens in your bag, but what if it is actually the one that sets your creativity free? Let us explore how narrowing your field of view can lead to a more intentional way of storytelling through your photography.
Aristeidis Sfakianos explains the nuances of composition in this video and takes us through his journey of mastering the 85mm focal length. He challenges the common misconception that this lens is only suitable for traditional portraiture, revealing instead that it is a powerful tool for deliberate, precise street photography.
The video is full of compositional tips, such as using natural frames like doorways and shadows, and the benefits of image compression for cinematic shots. However, for me, Aristeidis’ unique tip of composing with an 85mm lens is the most interesting exercise for isolating the essence of a scene. He suggests first imagining a composition as if using a wide 35mm lens to take in the entire environment, then identifying the one specific element that defines the moment. By physically stepping back and using the 85mm to isolate that detail while still considering the supporting environment, the photographer is forced to engage with the scene more thoughtfully. This method, in summary, is a process of elimination, in which silencing background noise makes the core story more prominent.
He provides examples showing that he has spent two years working with this focal length, debunking the misconception that it is suitable only for portrait photography. He concludes that the 85mm lens is not easy to master; this is where creativity comes into play, allowing photographers to think outside the box and use it for storytelling.
Mastering such a tight frame requires a willingness to move with intention rather than relying on a wide angle safety net. To see the beautiful results from his fog and light projects and to learn more about balancing your frames, you should watch the rest of the video.