Silly Summer Portraits with a Fish Eye Lens

It is unseasonably hot in Scotland right now (26C). I know I know.. I can hear the laughter through the internet as I write this.. its not actually that hot in the grand scheme of things, but for the Scottish this is what they call "a scorcher".

^{* Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*}

This is the ideal opportunity to have a garden party or a backyard bbq. Its not every day we get the kind of weather that lets you enjoy some sunshine and cocktails in your backyard! As a photographer a party is a great opportunity for some portrait photography and in general just practicing your craft. It also helps that you are surrounded by friends who have been drinking and are therefore very happy to go along with your nonesense.

^{* Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*}

Case in point, you can easily get people to wear silly glasses and smile stupidly into the camera. For this party I decided to go a slightly different route from normal and took a fish eye lens with me instead of my usual 50mm lens for portraits. The results were rather amusing, and pretty good too..

^{* Be sure to click on the image to view full screen!*}

Due to the ultra wide nature of the lens you have to get in reaaaaal close to your subjects. You practically have to have the lens touching their faces, which is why its handy to do this at a party and/or with friends. The results are a lot of fun though as it slightly distorts people's heads to an almost cartoon degree. I wouldn't use a fisheye for regular portrait work though as its really just a 'fun' lens. Well.. upon reflection I wouldn't out right dismiss it.. it certainly opens up more possibilities .. but it wouldn't work for serious portraits.. you know, like corporate shots or school photos.. that sort of thing..