Focal Length Photogpraphy

Focal Length Photography

Definition 
There are two different lenses, prime and zoom. A prime lens stays at a fixed length and produces a higher quality image whereas a zoom lens offers flexibility between different focal lengths. 

A lens with a focal length of 50mm is called 'normal', it does not reduce or magnify the image, it keeps it the way we see it to the naked eye.

Wide angle lenses (short focal length) capture more because they have a wider picture angle. A wide angle is associated with the reduction of objects. 

Telephoto lenses (long focal length) have a narrower picture angle, it is associated with larger magnification of distant objects. 

Focal Experiment 1 

The first focal experiment I done was testing how much of a frame I loose when moving from each lens stop. The lengths on my camera are 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 45mm and 55mm. To do the experiment I set my camera up on a tripod and ensured that Phoebe's body (my model) was all in the frame. Without moving I took a photo at each focal length zooming in each time and loosing part of the frame with that. 

18mm

 24mm

 35mm

 45mm

 55mm

      I think this experiment went well as it accurately shows how going from  wide angle to telephoto image changes the amount of background that is visible. I like the closeness of the last image as it isn't over complicated, the background is simple and Phoebe being the main subject is very focused. I think the framing of the last couple of images is really good and I prefer it to the first ones as Phoebe is slightly off centre with red flowers being in the corner bringing a good amount of colour and depth to the image. 

Focal Experiment 2 

        The second focal experiment I done was to test the distortion when using different focal lengths. Again I started with 18mm and worked my way up to 55mm. However this time I moved back at each stop to ensure that only Phoebe's head and shoulders were in each frame.  As I done this Phoebe's facial features went from out of proportion at 18mm to seeing her normally at 55mm. 

 18mm

 24mm

 35mm

 45mm

55mm

        I think this experiment was very interesting seeing how an image changes completely by zooming out but still keeping the same framing. The first image shows a lot of distortion in phoebe's facial features which was illuminated by zooming out to 55mm. The first images where they are distorted could be seen as a comical approach a its very cartoon-like to exaggerate features whereas the last ones are how we see each other with the naked eye. Overall I think this experiment worked well by correctly showing the change between different focal lengths. 

Animated Gif

Animated Gif 

Gif Definition - a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images.

How are gif's made? 
Gif's are made using Photoshop once you have a sequence of images that show movement. Firstly you open these images in Photoshop then in timeline window press 'Create Frame Animation'. Secondly create a new layer for each frame and the choose 'Make Frames From Layers'. Lastly choose how long you want each frame to last and how many times you want the gif to loop. 



How was the image produced? 

1. Firstly, I gathered together several images that I wanted to be in the Gif. 
2. Secondly, I ensured that all of the images were reduced to 72pixels per inch and 600 by 900 in size. 
3. Next, I copied each individual image onto the first one to create layers 
4. Once the layers were created I pressed on 'Window' and 'Timeline'. 
5. this brought up an option for me to make a video which I selected. 
6. Once my images had appeared on the timeline I reduced them all to 5frames per second and arranged them one after the other. 
7. Lastly, I pressed play and looped the Gif, then saved it to the web. 

These were the two Gifs that I created throughout this technique. The first one used just 5 images as it was the first one that I created so I was learning the instructions to create a Gif. However the second was more complex and used 11 images, therefore, displays more movement. I believe quality wise the second one is better as the increase of images gave it more detail, as there were more photos to include I put each of them as 3 frames per second which increased the overall pace of the Gif. With the extra images and decreased speed, it made the Gif less segmented and flow a lot smoother. 

One thing I would improve in this technique is the first Gif. Although it was my first attempt and I was just getting the grips of the technique, I think my work would benefit from recreating it. If I was to do the piece again I would include more frames to show the full range of motion in the cartwheel, instead of at the end her foot not touching the ground.