Wide-angle lenses are essential tools for storytelling because they capture the "where" as much as the "who." When the objective is to convey the atmosphere of a location—be it a bustling city street or a serene landscape—shooting wide provides the necessary context.

Furthermore, these lenses are indispensable in tight spaces, such as car interiors or small rooms, where physical distance is limited. The resulting images often feel more dynamic and energetic, thanks to the inherent distortion that adds a sense of movement and grandiosity to the composition.

Not all wide angles are created equal. A 14mm lens offers an extreme, "bigger-than-life" perspective. It stretches the edges of the frame, making objects close to the glass appear massive and the background appear distant. 

This is ideal for action sports or high-fashion editorial work. A 20mm lens provides a more balanced approach, offering a wide field of view with manageable distortion, making it a favorite for environmental portraits where the subject needs to remain recognizable but the background is equally important. 

Finally, the 35mm lens is the gold standard for natural-looking storytelling. It closely mimics the human eye's perspective, ensuring that people look flattering while still capturing the surrounding vibe.

One of the greatest challenges of shooting wide is managing lens distortion. To keep subjects looking their best, it is advisable to keep them near the center of the frame, especially when shooting portraits, to avoid the "stretching" effect that occurs at the edges. 

Additionally, varying the shooting height can completely transform a scene; a low angle can make a subject appear heroic and powerful, while a high angle can emphasize the vastness of the floor or landscape. 

If a blurred background is desired, one must get physically close to the subject, as wide lenses naturally have a deeper depth of field.