The Frame - 4

Project: Focal lengths

Exercise: Focal lengths - for cameras with variable focal lengths

For this exercise I had to take three photos, at different focal lengths. So I used a wide angle lens first, then a zoom lens for the second and third photos.

The first photograph, taken with the lens at 20mm focal length, gives a wide view, encompassing the greenery, the golfe course, the sea, the sky. It was a foggy day, so the sky is only slightly blue.

Photo 1 - 20mm focal length

The second photo, at 48mm focal length, shows the golf course much better, and the ships in the distance can be seen more clearly. Also there is a bridge that can be seen now, compared to the first photo, in which it was barely visible.

Photo 2 - 48mm focal length

Same for the third photo (70mm focal length), in which the golf course, the ships, the bridge are even bigger in the view.

And although the sky doesn't show much in this photo, the detail in the rest of the image makes an interesting composition, with the fresh green in the middle, and the "golf house" and the bridge, balancing one another.

Photo 3 - 70mm focal length

Indeed this exercise helps to appreciate the difference between one focal length and another.

I took my photos from a spot where I usually go just to watch the big vista. And I was sure that the widest view would be the best. And it turned out to be the least interesting, because of the lack in detail.

I think it's very useful to end up with surprising results. Makes the learning process fun and interesting.