Selecting the right lens for each subject can greatly improve your finished image. Photo editing software is excellent for improving sharpness, contrast and slight distortion, but it can’t compensate for using the wrong lens.
When taking a picture of your store front or interior, use a normal (50 to 55mm) lens when possible. If interiors are too crowded, then a wide-angle lens (25 to 35mm) might be required. I find that wide-angle lenses cause undesirable distortion that spoil an otherwise good image, so plan your photo carefully and try to use nothing wider than a 25 mm lens.
Regardless of the lens used, building exteriors such as store fronts will show noticeable distortion as the camera is tilted up to frame the shot. Try for a straight-on centered shot to minimize this effect. When unavoidable, editing of the RAW file using software (that may come with your camera) can correct for some distortion.
A 50mm (or 55 mm) lens is designed to produce an image equivalent to what you see with your eyes at the camera position. For this reason, this lens will be the first choice for most subjects. But for photographing people, it can cause noticeable distortion, so use a 100 to 135 mm lens (often called a portrait lens) for favorable results.
Some lenses have a Macro setting that allows extreme close-up of small objects such a jewelry or details of a larger items. As with other lenses, compose carefully to minimize any distortion. Also, a Macro lens setting will usually require extra attention to lighting the subject.
A telephoto lens is useful for pictures of larger objects that are difficult to compose such a boat at the marina. On the dock you might be too close, so selecting another camera position and using a 300mm or larger lens can give you the ideal shot. Remember that a telephoto lens will magnify camera motion, so it’s best to steady your camera or use a tripod.
Lens selection is a complex issue so we can only touch on the subject here. Please send me your questions and I’ll try to answer them as soon as possible.