Currently shooting with RICOH GR III and 21mm adapter. I’m having SO MUCH FUN! Some ideas on shooting with a 21mm lens:
1. Get very close and fill the frame
Whatever you’re shooting, get super-close. Fill the frame with the elements you find interesting.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-63.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
2. Minimalism
For the most part, when you’re shooting with a 21mm lens, you have this tricky job:
How to make an interesting photograph without zooming on a certain spot of interest.
For example this silhouette of the statue — I framed the photograph to put the subject to the extreme bottom of the frame.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-10-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
3. Architecture
Shoot architecture. Go to the downtown area, and get close to the buildings and SHOOT UP!
Also a tip — to make your photos more dynamic, tilt your camera (dutch angle).
![architecture](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-47-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
4. Unusual perspectives
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-27-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The most fun thing about 21mm:
Being able to make very strange, unusual perspectives in your photos.
For example, get very close to the side of a building, and look STRAIGHT UP (bend your back backwards, like yoga, and shoot straight up). This can allow you to capture very unusual compositions.
5. Photograph your own feet
![feet](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-78-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Look down and photograph your own legs. I really like these photos, because they (literally) put the viewer into your shoes!
6. Photograph while walking (embrace blur)
Make photos while walking. I think the ultra-wide angle of 21mm, while walking produces interesting blur effects, which really makes you feel like you’re moving.
![blur road](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-77-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
7. Put yourself in the image
Shoot random snapshots of yourself, when you’re at the coffee shop, or doing anything. Get your hands, your stuff, coffee cups, etc into your images.
![coffee shop iPad](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-39-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
I really encourage this type of photography because the photos are incredibly personal. The more personal your photos, the better.
8. Work the scene
I’m still learning how to shoot with a 21mm. It seems the best way to figure out what the best composition is this:
Keep working the scene (shoot a lot of photos of the same scene), and while you’re shooting, keep shooting, tilt your camera, adjust your framing and compositions.
Then later review your photos, and choose your 1 favorite image.
For example when sitting outside at a coffee shop, I kept shooting this man next to me, and caught the ‘decisive moment‘ of the man putting his hand on his face.
![street](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/eric-kim-photography-berlin-v5-ricoh-gr-iii-2019-1-1800x1200.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
CONCLUSION: Just keep experimenting
There is no right or wrong way to approach photography. I would simply suggest:
Keep experimenting with your photography, compositions, and perspectives.
Keep photography fun and interesting to you, and NEVER STOP!
ERIC
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Wide-Angle Lenses
The best focal lengths/lenses for street photography: