Exercise - Focal Lengths

Exercise: Focal lengths - for cameras with variable focal lengths (with a zoom or interchangeable lenses)


Find a view that is open and at the same time has some details in the distance, in the middle of the view. Then, without moving, using a tripod if you have one, take a sequence of photographs, all aimed in the same direction, with whatever range of lenses you have been able to assemble or with different settings on a zoom lens. Vary the composition slightly if you think it benefits a particular image in the sequence. In the photos below you can see the enormous differences focal length can make to an image.

This sequence of images was taken on a recent skiing holiday, looking out of the apartment window, overlooking the pistes

Figure 1 - 18mm

The first image was taken at the widest angle available on the lens, 18mm, and gives the viewer a good “feel” of the environment, showing a number of skiers enjoying the new perfect skiing conditions.

Figure 2 - 28mm

The second image in the sequence is taken at 28mm, and while still gives the viewer a good general view of the environment, the viewer is led towards the mountain in the background by the dark line of trees that leads the viewer from the right hand side of the frames to a point where the mountain starts to rise a little to the left of centre of the frame

Figure 3 - 59mm

The third image of the sequence shows the mountain dominating the frame, seeming to sit on the line of trees in the lower section of the frame

Figure 4 - 125mm

The fourth image in the sequence shows the building perched on top of the mountain, which now only shows the mountain, with none of the skiing that is still going on directly in front of the position where the photograph was taken. The viewer is given the impression that this is a cold a desolate environment, with no signs of life.

Figure 5 - 200mm

The fifth and final image of the sequence shows the building on the top of the mountain as the main subject of the frame, while the viewer can see some form of life, by the two cable cars seen approaching and leaving the building, the viewer is not aware of the many hundreds, if not thousands, of skiers that are no more than a few yards from the position where the photograph was taken.