Mastering Composition With an 85mm Lens

When I first picked up an 85mm lens, I thought it was just for portraits—a tool for creamy backgrounds and flattering faces. But over time, I realized it was so much more.

This focal length forces you to be precise. It challenges your composition skills. It teaches you the art of isolation, storytelling, and thinking outside the box.

In this video, I take you through my journey of mastering the 85mm lens, sharing the lessons I’ve learned after two years of shooting exclusively with it. Whether you're capturing street photography, portraits, or cinematic scenes, this lens will change the way you see and compose your shots.

🔥 In This Video, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why the 85mm focal length is more than just a portrait lens
✅ How to use depth and compression to create storytelling images
✅ The power of framing, isolation, and subject placement
✅ A practical exercise to help you master the 85mm lens
✅ How to achieve a cinematic feel in your photography
✅ My favorite shots taken with the 85mm and the stories behind them

💡 Join the Conversation!
Are you shooting with an 85mm lens? What’s been your biggest challenge or breakthrough? Let me know in the comments! And if you have images using this focal length, tag me on Instagram using #20001stepsaday. I’d love to see them!

📍 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: aris_sfakianos

🔗Links That Support Me:

Thanks for watching! Until next time, I’ll see you on the streets! 🚶‍♂️📸 #85mmPhotography #StreetPhotography #CompositionMastery #PhotographyTips

[DineshKumar-qzwe]

Your command of English is excellent.
You exude passion of photography in every word followed by the image.
Very captivating.
Thank you.

[davidwoods]

I have a theory that disputes the assumption that 50mm most replicates what we see naturally. While we may "see" at 50mm, our brain is really. focusing on details that might better be captured with, say, an 85mm lens.

[Mr-S.C.]

A brilliant video Aris. Switching from 50mm to 85mm was always going to be a challenge and I knew it from the onset. However, I took the plunge and despite the learning curve involved, I took it to two different countries and refused to take it off for the duration of the trip. The results have been astonishing and I'm glad I did it despite missing out on potential shots, those that were taken have been some of my best. There's always a sacrifice though and it's a balance between the loss of certain shots and the gaining of fewer more incredible ones which needs to be considered. -- Sat.

[whereisjohnnow]

85mm ia a story telling focal length. I like that a lot. excellent video.

[SikandersDesiVlogs]

I really like the way you explain it, it s true the 85 is a must have but one very tough cookie to tame. Once you realise its guidance, it s the one for those little details. That closeness and intimacy that it provides is really to just focus on the detail. I have one in my kit as well and I don't use it often as I want to. But I do use it to highlight certain food details, it's a great alternative to indeed share a story. I like to use it in street photography as well because of its ability to capture the right feeling, wonderful with the shadows as well. Very effective indoors too. Portraits? yes very useful but weirdly I like to shoot portraits with a wide angle. ahahah Struggles : I think that everyone struggles with a new lens, whatever the focal length it's always require patience and practice. Once you understand how this focal length is useful to you in your work, you just become one with it.

[dalsingh]

'I had to find one moment within it that told the story' - that resonated with me.

[pumassg]

That photo of the shadows of the two people passing by… wow!

[ClaudiaSobral-eb]

We can feel the passion in every word, briliant vid man, really enjoyable. Cheers

[Jarillaartmusic-jtqu]

I just started using an 85mm for more creative and candid photos. I am amazed at the intimacy and emotion this brings to light, as well as the attention to story it invokes. Very inspiring and beautiful work you do, thank you for the inspiration!!

[paulm]

Thoughtful theme, Aris. Love the fog photos. Two years using only one lens, and an 85mm at that. Really? Instead of telling a story, I'd try to add a bit of mystery and perhaps just hint at a story, letting viewers conjure up their own. Next up, how about a tilt-shift lens? Don't see much of that for street. Cheers!

[stuartcreighton]

Well Done Aris. I love your passion and pursuit of personal excellence

[TAdams-hxlk]

I had requested this and you do not disappoint! Many thanks.

[Fifthimagez]

This video was just on time i’m going on vacation next month and was thinking about taking my 85mm 1.8 it’s the one lens. I don’t use as much. I really wanna get better with my story telling thanks for sharing great images

[ELGuapoGregg]

A storytelling focal length. Brilliant! Cheers my friend.

[MrTifoso]

Currently I use my 85mm only for portraits. But your video inspired me to use it more for other scenarios 👍

[conegeorge]

Just discovered your channel and after watching a couple of your videos, I’ve subscribed. Your guides and sharing your experiences is just worth watching and following. And I agree with everything you said in a previous video about retaking your art back! This is what truly separate and artist from an influencer! Keep it up, you’re doing a brilliant work.

[youphototube]

I have a Nikon Z85mm f1.8 and it is a joy to use and the way it renders is faultless to my eye. I find it much easier ro get results I like with an 85 vs 35mm. That is because it inherently simplifies the scenes.

It was not purchased for portraiture. Although, I managed to get some excelent monochrome shots of my chickens heads last Summer!

[delphinekirkland]

This is the best kind of tutorial, thanks! I'm using a Sony apsc format so my 50mm f/.95 gives me a full frame equivalent of 75mm. I think I'll work with that...a few more steps forward, a few less backwards.

[SotirisZacharopoulos]

Hey Αριστείδη, Ι just wanted to say thanks for all the awesome content and the time you put into your work! I really appreciate it. I was wondering if you'd consider doing a video about some of your favorite photography books from seasoned pros that are great for beginners. That'd be super inspiring for folks like me who are just starting out. Keep it up and thanks again!

[robconner]

Two of my favorite areas for using the 85mm are street/environmental candid portraits and architectural abstracts. The architectural abstract aspect is normally shooting close where structures merge. The portrait aspect with 85mm allows me to shoot from farther away, affecting the subject as little as possible, while including some of the surrounding environment to add to the narrative. Good video. Thanks!