Why I Shoot with a 35mm: A Lifestyle Photographer's Essential Lens

In a strange sense, the 35mm focal length has become so commonplace in the photography industry that its usefulness and application outside street photography are rarely discussed.

While it’s frequently thought of, alongside the 50mm, as a hobbyist’s best friend due to its affordability, it’s also a commercial, lifestyle, and apparel photographer’s close companion for a wide variety of applications, ranging from establishing shots to grouping multiple subjects to candid-esque portraiture and so much more.

1. Versatility

Something that I find a little humorous about the 35mm is that, even if it’s not the most initially creatively inspiring lens, it’s also the lens I would take with me 100% of the time if I were only allowed to take one.

Take this Oregon trip, for example.

The lens was wide enough that I could capture the vast majority of landscapes without feeling constricted.

At the same time, using a wider angle allowed me to highlight details and moments that needed close-up framing without feeling restricted.

2. Natural Perspective

Although most photographers consider the 40-50mm range to be the most accurate focal length for representing the human perspective, with many opting for the 50mm, I’ve slowly come to feel that the 35mm is a more substantial representation of the broader field of vision we take in when observing the environment and subjects around us.

It does an excellent job of bringing viewers into the moment and your point of view while not honing in too closely that it comes across as distracting or unnatural.

3. Lightweight & Candid

Almost every photographer has felt the pain of having a fleeting moment pass directly in front of them and then dealing with the frustration of missing the moment because their gear was either not ready in time or their lens wasn’t suited for highlighting it.

Thankfully, the 35mm focal range excels at this.

It is typically incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, even on longer ventures, so those moments of spontaneity are less likely to be missed.

4. Environmental Portraits

Whenever a person is in the frame, more often than not, it’s important to establish context and include elements in your environment that enhance your narrative and help tell the whole story.

This is useful not only for brands looking to highlight their products in a way that showcases their utility in a natural and relatable manner but also for hobbyists looking to hone their skills at building a strong composition without relying on an overly specialized focal range to the heavy lifting.

5. Depth & Context

My favorite way to utilize a 35mm is for horizontal shots where I want to establish the “introduction” to the story and build context before switching over to my 85mm for some punched-in verticals that help to highlight specific details and moments.

When shooting campaigns, I like to think of my 35mm lens as my “warm-up” lens and my go-to for trying to come across as a “fly on the wall” when documenting moments I want to present as candid and authentic.



35mm excels the most in the F/3.2-5.6 range when you want to have a pleasing roll-off in the DOF and provide subject separation from the background that comes across as natural.

Ready to explore the versatility of the 35mm in your next lifestyle or apparel shoot?

Contact me through my form to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.