Focal Lengths – Wide Angle to Telephoto – Fixed & Changed Viewpoints

The aim of these 2 exercises is to demonstrate the difference not only between wide & telephoto images but also using physical distance as a zoom and the dramatic differences it makes to the character of the image.

Using a fixed position it is possible to include more or less in an image either by using a wide angle or telephoto lens or a Zoom lens.

When using this technique we are concentrating part of an image.  That is the difference in shape and form of any object in a wide angle images is exactly the same as a telephoto images taken from the same viewpoint.

Image of a disused railway bridge from @100m

Maximum Zoom at 200mm (Effective focal length 300mm 1.5 crop sensor)

Careful study of the above show that they are in fact the same image, just a closer and closer zoom or if you like an in camera crop.

It is also clear from the perspective between image 1 and 3 that the final image would be impossible to take close up without a very large set of ladders.  Therefor as an image of the brigde and tracks it shows the detail but does nothing to show perspective.

The following set of images are of the same subject but as the focal length has been changed so has the position.

Wide angle from a distance showing the disused bridge in its environment.

Mid Point

At this mid point the perspective has changed, the span of the bridge can be appreciated over this overgrown dried creek.

Close position telephoto

In the final image the character of the shot has totally changed, whilst the image is of the same bridge and from the first image to the last it is easy to work out the camera position it now says a lot more to the viewer.  To me it clearly shows more of the scale of the timbers used to construct the bridge and the many angles used to provide strength to the bridge also draw the eye through the picture and the supporting pillars and back following the cross members and the pasterns created by the light through them.

In basic terms by changing position:

Image 1 is a country view that includes a bridge as its focal point.

Image 2 is an image of the bridge

Image 3 is about scale & patterns in the bridge