Field Tips for Better Project Photos
The Exposure’s Field Tips series is all about giving you practical ways to capture photos you’re proud of—right in your own space, with your phone or point and shoot camera.
Ever tempted to pinch your screen and zoom waaaaay out to capture everything on site? We’ve all done it. It feels quick and efficient, but often times you get back to your desk and the photo just does not look right. Ultra-wide shots (.5x on your phone) bend straight lines, exaggerate corners, and can make a perfecting square room look like it’s leaning. Take a look at these 3 photos taken from the same spot at the Phoenix Art Museum:
- 0.5x (Ultra-Wide) → You can see more of the space, but notice the straight lines bend and the room feels stretched.
- 1x (Standard) → The same spot, but the proportions feel natural. This is much closer to how your eye actually sees the space.
- 2x (Telephoto) → Tighter Frame, but clean and true. Great when you want to emphasize detail or pull the viewer’s focus.
See the difference? The position didn’t change — only the zoom. Yet the story each photos tells is completely different.
That’s where the fix comes in. Instead of relying ultra-wide zoom to “get everything,” the better move is simple: zoom out with your feet. Step back, change your angle, and frame photo at 1x or 2x.
The next time you’re tempted to capture it all, remember: less is more. Step back, keep it simple and allow the work to speak for itself.
See also:
Field Tips #2: Lighting Basics
Field Tips #3: Straight on is Stronger
👉 Keep those feet moving, and when you’re ready to step up your game we’re here for you: taylorg@sitesnaps.com
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