Project 10 : Focal lengths and different viewpoints
This project is a follow-on from project 9.
In project 9, the camera remained stationary, but used a zoom lengths to bring the scene closer. In this project, we physically move closer to the subject whilst still switching between a zoom and a wide lens.
The effect of this is very apparent.
As you can see from my first 2 examples: When using a zoom lens the perspective effect is very much reduced. In contrast, when using a wide angle lens, the perspective effect is very much exaggerated.
Long Lens
300mm 1/400 f/8.0 ISO 400
Wide Lens
33mm 1/400sec f/8.0 ISO 400
This shot of a power hut alongside of the canal in South Ferriby demonstrates the difference between a wide and a long lens, shooting from different viewpoints.
Long Lens
300mm 1/320 f/6.3 ISO 200
Wide Lens
28mm 1/200 f/8.0 ISO 200
Here is another example, this time taken at the Ropery in Barton-upon-Humber.
To conclude
Although I’ve used a zoom lens before, I was never really aware of how apparent this effect is. This is something I will definately use in the future when out on a shoot. When I’m composing a scene, I will try to consider how I want the persepective to appear when making my choice of focal length.
Also, by combining my choice of focal length with the aperture size, I will be able to control how much focus I want in the background of my shot.
Archery
170mm 1/250 f/5.6 ISO 200
Primrose Hill
140mm 1/400 f/8 ISO 400
Here are two more examples of shooting with a long lens to reduce the apparent differences in size due to distance.