What is the effect of using a wide-angle lens in photography?

Using a wide-angle lens creates an expansive view while exaggerating distance, which is a defining characteristic of this type of lens. When you use a wide-angle lens, it captures a broader field of view compared to standard or telephoto lenses, allowing photographers to include more of the scene in a single frame. This makes it particularly effective for landscape photography, architectural images, and any situation where the photographer wants to convey a sense of space.

Additionally, wide-angle lenses can create a sense of depth by making foreground elements appear larger and more prominent while pushing background elements further away visually. This exaggeration of distance is a result of the lens's short focal length, which also tends to distort perspective, making nearby objects seem larger and more pronounced relative to those that are further away.

This capability of a wide-angle lens to expand the view and manipulate perspective is beneficial for storytelling in photography and can enhance the overall composition of an image.