Pincushion distortion is a type of optical distortion that occurs in images, where the corners appear to be pulled inward, creating a pinched effect. This distortion is commonly seen in images taken with certain types of lenses, particularly wide-angle lenses. It can affect the overall composition and accuracy of the image, making straight lines appear curved. This phenomenon is often contrasted with barrel distortion, where the image bulges outward. Pincushion distortion can be corrected in post-processing software, allowing photographers to achieve a more accurate representation of their subjects. Understanding this distortion is important for those using cameras and lenses in photography.