What effect does a wide-angle lens typically have on a photographic subject?

A wide-angle lens is known for its ability to capture a larger field of view compared to standard or telephoto lenses. One of the defining characteristics of a wide-angle lens is the distortion it can create at the edges of the frame. This distortion can manifest in various forms, such as barrel distortion, where straight lines appear to bow outward. This effect is most pronounced in extreme wide-angle lenses and can add a dynamic quality to images, especially in architectural or landscape photography, where the subject can appear exaggerated or stretched.

Additionally, while wide-angle lenses do tend to offer a greater depth of field, this may not be as pronounced as with certain other lens types, especially compared to macro or telephoto lenses. The perception of depth can indeed be enhanced due to the expansive scene that is captured, but the specific effect that stands out with wide-angle lenses is the distortion at the edges, making it a defining feature of their use in creative photography.

In summary, the unique capability of wide-angle lenses to create edge distortion is a key element that photographers often leverage to inject a sense of drama or uniqueness into their compositions.