What is lens distortion?

Lens distortion refers to the bending of straight lines in an image, which often occurs due to the optical characteristics of the lens used for capturing the photograph. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable at the edges of an image and can manifest in different forms, such as barrel distortion, where straight lines bulge outward, or pincushion distortion, where straight lines are pinched inwards.

Understanding this type of distortion is crucial for photographers because it affects the overall composition and visual appeal of their images. By recognizing and correcting for lens distortion in post-processing or by selecting lenses with better optical performance, photographers can achieve more accurate representations of their subjects. The impact of lens distortion is significant in architectural photography, for instance, where maintaining straight lines is often essential for a realistic portrayal of buildings and structures.

Other options do not accurately describe lens distortion; for example, the first option relates to color representation rather than geometrical alterations. Brightness factors and image resizing techniques focus on different aspects of photography and are unrelated to the concept of distortion. Understanding these distinctions helps photographers utilize their equipment more effectively and be mindful of how lens choices can impact their final images.