Strong photos are the cornerstone of all great real estate marketing. They appear on everything from the MLS to postcards and online portals.

If you're already a shutterbug, you probably know that wide-angle lenses are recommended for real estate photography. They help you capture more of a room, and are particularly helpful for taking photos of compact spaces like bathrooms.

As with all good things, though, there is such a thing as too much. Whether you're taking your own photos or evaluating the portfolio of a professional, it's important to know how wide is too wide. For a great overview of focal length, check out this short video tutorial from pro photographer Simon Maxwell:

How can you tell if you're using a focal length that's too wide? Check for object distortion! For example, Maxwell took the photo below at a very wide 19mm focal length:

Notice any distortion? Look at the bowl and jars on the counter. When we zoom in we see that these once spherical objects appear skewed:

Next, Maxwell shortens his focal length to 26mm. To compensate, he backs out into the hallway and turns the camera to the landscape position:

Take a look at the countertop objects again. Notice how much more natural the perspective looks with the shorter length. The difference is especially pronounced when we compare the photos side-by-side:

However, Maxwell points out that the distortion is not necessarily the fault of the wide angle. The extreme receding perspective was partially caused by his being positioned too far into the kitchen.

Watch the video for more a complete understanding of focal lengths, and to hear Maxwell dispel common myths about wide angle lenses.

For More Information

• Read our collection of articles about Photography
• Explore Photography products and services