The 50mm lens, often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” holds a special place in the heart of photographers, both beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Its reputation stems from its versatility, affordability, and ability to produce beautifully sharp images with a natural perspective. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or creative still life, this lens offers endless possibilities to unleash your creativity.
What makes the 50mm lens so unique is its ability to mimic the human eye’s perspective, making it ideal for storytelling and connecting emotionally with your audience. But the real magic lies in how it challenges you to think outside the box. If you’re ready to take your photography to new heights, here are ten creative projects to try with your trusty 50mm lens.
Table of Contents
- Use a 50mm Lens for a Day in the Life Project
- Try a 50mm Portrait Challenge
- Take a Street Photography Adventure With a 50mm Lens
- Start a Minimalist Photography Project
- A Single Subject Study With a 50mm Lens
- Create a Black and White Photography Series
- Low-Light Photography Exploration With a 50mm Lens
- Gear Up with a 50mm Lens
Use a 50mm Lens for a Day in the Life Project
Photo by Cam Morin on Unsplash (license)
One of the best ways to explore the versatility of your 50mm lens is by documenting a single day in your life. This project encourages you to find beauty in the ordinary, from the morning coffee on your kitchen counter to the vibrant hustle and bustle of your local market.
Start by planning your shots to include a mix of wide scenes and close-ups. The natural field of view of a 50mm lens allows you to tell a cohesive story without distortion. For example, use a wide aperture like f/1.8 to focus on small details, such as the steam rising from your coffee mug. Later, switch to narrower apertures for broader scenes like your commute or a scenic walk.
This project is an excellent way to train your eye to spot interesting compositions in everyday settings. Plus, the challenge of shooting an entire day with just one lens pushes you to think creatively and make the most of every shot.
Try a 50mm Portrait Challenge
Photo by Anatoliy Cherkas via Shutterstock
Portrait photography is where the 50mm lens truly shines. Its ability to create stunning bokeh and sharp subject focus makes it a favorite among photographers for capturing human expressions and emotions.
To start, experiment with different lighting conditions. Try natural light for soft, flattering tones, or use an artificial light source to create dramatic shadows. Position your subject in various environments, such as in front of colorful murals or against textured walls, to add visual interest to your portraits.
Photo by shurkin_son via Shutterstock
Another approach is to play with depth of field. Set your aperture wide open (e.g., f/1.8) to isolate your subject from the background, creating a dreamy, blurred effect. Alternatively, use a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8) to include more of the environment in the frame for environmental portraits.
The key to this project is connecting with your subject. Engage in conversation, encourage natural expressions, and capture moments that reflect their personality. With a 50mm lens, you’ll find it’s easy to achieve intimate and compelling portraits.
Take a Street Photography Adventure With a 50mm Lens
Photo by ALEXANDRO80 via Shutterstock
Street photography with a 50mm lens offers a perfect balance between capturing wide scenes and intimate moments. Its unobtrusive size and natural perspective make it ideal for blending into your surroundings and capturing candid shots.
Begin by exploring your local neighborhood or a bustling city street. Look for interesting subjects, such as people interacting, unique storefronts, or intriguing light and shadow patterns. The 50mm lens’s versatility allows you to capture both detailed close-ups and broader street scenes.
One technique to try is shooting from the hip. This approach helps you stay discreet and capture authentic, unposed moments. Another is to look for storytelling opportunities—for example, a vendor chatting with a customer or a musician performing on the street.
Street photography is all about patience and observation. With your 50mm lens, you’ll find yourself immersed in the art of capturing life as it unfolds.
Start a Minimalist Photography Project
Photo by Floral Deco via Shutterstock
Minimalism is an art form that emphasizes simplicity and clarity. With a 50mm lens, you can create striking minimalist images by focusing on clean compositions and isolating your subject.
Start by finding uncluttered backgrounds, such as a blank wall, an open sky, or a smooth tabletop. Place your subject—a single flower, a cup of coffee, or a piece of jewelry—in the frame. Use a wide aperture to blur the background and draw attention to the subject.
Pay attention to light and shadow, as they play a crucial role in minimalist photography. Experiment with natural light streaming through a window or create interesting patterns using artificial light sources. The goal is to strip the scene down to its essentials, highlighting form, texture, and color.
Minimalist photography with a 50mm lens is a great way to train your eye to see beauty in simplicity.
A Single Subject Study With a 50mm Lens
Photo by troyka via Shutterstock
Choosing a single subject and photographing it from different angles, perspectives, and lighting setups is a fantastic way to get creative with your 50mm lens. This project encourages you to think outside the box and find unique ways to showcase your subject.
For example, if you’re photographing a tree, start with a wide shot that captures its entire structure. Then, move closer to focus on the bark’s texture or the delicate veins of a leaf. Change your angle by shooting from below to create a sense of grandeur or from above for an abstract view.
The key is to experiment with composition and lighting to highlight different aspects of your subject. By the end of the project, you’ll have a series of images that tell a comprehensive story about your chosen subject.
Create a Black and White Photography Series
Photo by ErichFend via Shutterstock
The 50mm lens excels at capturing the contrast, light, and texture that make black-and-white photography so compelling. A black-and-white series challenges you to think in terms of tones rather than colors, sharpening your compositional skills.
Look for scenes with strong contrasts, such as a sunlit alleyway or a shadowed portrait. Use natural or artificial lighting to create depth and drama in your shots. The 50mm lens’s sharpness and wide aperture capabilities allow you to highlight fine details and subtle textures.
When processing your images, adjust the contrast and brightness to emphasize the tonal range. Black-and-white photography with a 50mm lens can transform everyday scenes into timeless works of art.
Low-Light Photography Exploration With a 50mm Lens
Photo by Photo Art Wall Decoration via Shutterstock
Low-light photography is where the 50mm lens truly shines. Its wide aperture allows you to shoot in dim environments without compromising on image quality.
Test your lens’s capabilities by photographing nighttime streets, candlelit scenes, or indoor spaces. Use available light sources, such as streetlights or neon signs, to create mood and atmosphere. Adjust your ISO and shutter speed to balance exposure while minimizing noise.
This project is an excellent opportunity to practice shooting in challenging conditions and create moody, dramatic images that showcase the 50mm lens’s low-light prowess.
Gear Up with a 50mm Lens
Photo by Wang An Qi via Shutterstock
Clearly, a 50mm lens is a fantastic asset to have in your camera bag. Of all the benefits you can reap from a lens like this, one of the best, though, is its price. Many 50mm lenses are under $200 brand-new, making it a budget-friendly investment.
You can make your next 50mm lens even cheaper by buying used. Online platforms like MPB have a wide selection of 50mm lenses from major brands that have been thoroughly inspected and graded. With detailed descriptions and photos of the actual lenses, you know exactly what you’re buying before you press the buy button.
Of course, MPB offers a six-month warranty on most lenses to give you peace of mind. There’s also a seven-day return window in case the item you receive doesn’t quite fit with what you expected. Better still, you can trade-in or sell gear you no longer use and can use the proceeds to help offset the cost of a new-to-you 50mm lens, making it even more affordable. What’s not to like?!
Photo by BublikHaus via Shutterstock
The 50mm lens is more than just a reliable piece of equipment—it’s your ticket to endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re documenting daily life, exploring minimalist compositions, or mastering bokeh, this lens challenges you to see the world in new and exciting ways.
By trying these projects, you’ll not only improve your technical skills but also deepen your appreciation for the art of photography. So grab your 50mm lens, step outside, and start experimenting. Who knows? You might just create your next masterpiece!
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Hero Photo by Anastassia Anufrieva on Unsplash (license)
