Use these three key tips when shooting with long lens in tight spaces

Shooting with longer lenses in tight and narrow spaces comes with a set of challenges that can be quite frustrating. But the good news is that you can overcome them and still end up with beautiful shots! In his recent video, Roman Fox explores the markets and streets of Hanoi, showing you how to make the best of your long lens even in cramped places like this.

Choose your elements

In his video, Roman uses the Fuji 90mm f/2 lens. Since the market passages are pretty narrow, it poses quite a challenge for him to get the shot. But hey, we’ve got to work with what we’ve got, right? In cases like this, Roman suggests simplifying your compositions by focusing on specific elements. Look for strong colors, clean shapes, and interesting textures to build your frame. For example, Roman found vibrant orange and green backdrops in the market and used them as graphic elements, splitting his composition to create striking visuals. He waited patiently for the right subject—like someone wearing a traditional hat—to complete the shot.

Roman compares this approach to fishing rather than hunting. Instead of chasing after a subject, you find a good spot and wait for the right elements to come together in your frame. This approach can be more rewarding, especially in chaotic environments.

Embrace the compression

Long focal lengths like 90mm provide you with lens compression, and Roman suggests finding a long, straight street or path and shooting down it to emphasize this effect. By placing a subject at the far end of the frame, you can create a sense of depth and grandeur. This technique works well in busy urban settings, with lots of straight roads and interesting backgrounds.

Seek out the abstract

In situations like this, Roman encourages experimenting with light, patterns, and textures to capture abstract photos. A long lens allows you to isolate these details, cutting out distractions you may have with a wide-angle lens. For instance, reflections in scooter mirrors, close-ups of hands, or the folds of fabric can make for compelling shots that add variety to your portfolio.

While Roman admits these abstract images may not tell a story on their own, they do contribute to a larger body of work. Roman emphasizes that when combined with other types of photos, they add depth and richness to your collection.

Technical challenges

Shooting with a long lens at f/2 comes with its challenges. Roman points out that focusing takes longer due to the larger glass elements and shallower depth of field. He advises sticking to single-point autofocus unless you’re tracking a moving subject. Even at smaller apertures like f/8 or f/11, achieving perfect focus across the frame can be tricky. Pre-focusing on a background and waiting for a subject to enter can be effective but requires practice. So, stay focused (mentally) and be patient.

To sum up, using a long focal length in tight spaces is truly a test of creativity and patience. However, Roman’s video shows it’s entirely possible to still create incredible images. So next time you find yourself in a bustling market or narrow alley, consider trying Roman’s tips.

[A Difficult Focal Length via FStoppers]

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