Certified Professional Photographer Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Achieve Your CPP Success!

Barrel distortion is a type of optical distortion that affects the perception of straight lines in an image. In this scenario, straight lines near the edges of the frame curve outward, creating a bulging effect toward the center of the image. This phenomenon is commonly seen in wide-angle lenses, where the lens shape causes the light to refract in a way that exaggerates the central area of the composition while distorting peripheral areas.

This distortion contrasts with other types, such as pincushion distortion, where lines appear to pinch inward towards the center, creating a tightening effect rather than a bulging one. Color distortion and optical distortion are broader terms that encompass various visual aberrations, but they do not specifically describe the characteristic of lines curving outwards at the center. Understanding barrel distortion is crucial for photographers, particularly when selecting lenses for architectural photography or any situation where maintaining straight lines is essential.