Laajakulmia

Laajakulmia is a Finnish term used to describe wide-angle photography and the lenses associated with it. It refers to a broad field of view achieved with relatively short focal lengths, enabling photographers to capture expansive scenes, large interiors, or architectural spaces with a sense of depth.

In technical terms laajakulmia depends on sensor size; on a full-frame camera, wide-angle typically includes focal lengths roughly from 24mm down to 14mm (and shorter for ultra-wide). On APS-C formats, these values correspond to higher equivalent focal lengths due to crop factor. Short focal lengths introduce perspective distortion and barrel distortion, which can be used creatively or corrected in post-processing.

Common subjects include landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, and architectural exteriors, where the wide view conveys scale and space. The effect often yields pronounced foreground interest and a sense of depth; objects near the camera appear disproportionately large relative to distant elements.

Practical considerations include choosing the right focal length for the scene, managing depth of field with stopping down, and using hyperfocal distance to maximize sharpness. Distortion is a challenge near edges; some photographers use tilt-shift lenses or software to correct it in architectural photography; care with close focusing is important.

Laajakulmia has deep roots in the history of photography, with early wide-angle designs expanding creative possibilities. Today it encompasses a range of primes and zooms, from moderate wide to ultra-wide, used across media, art, and documentary photography.