Why Focal Length Matters in portrait Photography and How It Can Improve Your Shots

Why Focal Length Matters in portrait Photography and How It Can Improve Your Shots.

Understanding focal length goes beyond just the millimeter (mm) measurement of your camera lens. It’s a critical element that impacts the composition, style, and storytelling of your images. Let’s dive into what focal length is and how it can transform your portrait photography.

What is Focal Length?

Each lens has a specific focal length, like 50mm. When we refer to this measurement, we’re not talking about the physical length of the lens. Instead, focal length is the distance between the lens and the subject when focused at infinity. This involves complex optical calculations where light rays converge to form a sharp image.

An important concept tied to focal length is the Angle of View—the range of the scene visible through your lens and camera. Angle of view typically falls into two categories:

• Wide-angle: Captures a broader scene.
• Narrow-angle: Offers a more zoomed-in or cropped view.

How Does Focal Length Impact Composition?

Using different focal lengths results in varying angles of view, which affects what you see in your image and how the image feels. The lens you choose helps tell a different story, adding style and personality to your photography.

Take, for example, a scene I shot with my friend Beata Lubas. We used the same setup and lighting but switched between lenses, which gave each shot a unique feel and perspective. Before deciding on which lens to buy, think about your intended use and the story you want to tell. 2 Types of Distortion That Can Affect Your Portrait Photos

Using Wide Focal Lengths in portrait Photography

Let’s start with wide focal lengths. These lenses usually range from 16mm to 35mm and are great for capturing full portrait scenes like large table settings, restaurant interiors, or café ambiance. With a wide-angle lens, you can fit more of the environment into your frame, which is useful when you want to show off the setting along with the portrait.

However, keep in mind that wide-angle lenses can introduce distortion, especially if you try to capture close-up shots. We’ll dive deeper into distortion in the next lesson, but for now, remember that wide angles work best when there’s ample distance between you and the subject.

Using Narrow Focal Lengths in portrait Photography

On the other end of the spectrum, narrow focal lengths—often called zoom lenses—range from 85mm to 200mm. Narrow-angle lenses are ideal for portrait portraits, tight shots that focus on one subject with minimal surrounding details. This approach is often used at a 45-degree angle to emphasize the “hero” dish and maybe a few supporting props.

For example, I love using an 85mm lens for portrait portraits, as it provides that perfect blend of detail and background blur. With a narrow focal length, you can highlight individual elements without distraction from the surrounding space.

Focal Length and Buying Lenses

Choosing the right focal length is the first and most crucial step in purchasing a lens. If you’ve ever wondered why some images on Pinterest seem difficult to replicate, it’s likely due to the photographer’s specific camera and lens combination.

Before investing in a new lens, ask yourself what kind of images you want to create. Are you looking to capture bustling restaurant scenes, expansive flatlays, or detailed close-ups of a single dish? Answering these questions can guide you toward the right lens for your vision.

Instead of relying solely on recommendations from others, understand your creative goals. Here’s a quick guide on the best lenses for different types of portrait photography:

• For full-frame cameras:
  • 35mm for wide portrait scenes.
  • 50mm for flatlays.
  • 85mm-105mm for beautiful 45-degree shots.
• For cropped-sensor cameras:
  • 24mm for portrait scenes.
  • 35mm for flatlays.
  • 60mm macro for 45-degree shots.

If you’re in a big city, consider renting a lens to see how it fits with your style before making a purchase.

Recap – Focal Length Matters in portrait Photography

In summary, focal length is an optical measurement that affects how much of a scene you can capture, whether you’re working with a wide or narrow angle. Here’s a quick rundown of the main points:

• Focal length is the distance between the lens and the sensor, not the physical length of the lens.
• Angle of view describes how much of the scene you can fit in the frame.
• Wide-angle lenses (16mm-35mm) are best for capturing expansive portrait scenes.
• Narrow-angle lenses (85mm-200mm) are ideal for portrait portraits and tight shots.
• Choosing the right focal length and angle of view can help define your style.
• Know your creative goals before buying a lens, as different focal lengths produce different effects.

Activity: Discover the Right Focal Length for Your Style

Think about what you’re currently missing in your portrait photography. Gather some inspiration images and ask yourself:

• Are these shots of portrait scenes or portrait portraits?
• What type of camera are you using—cropped sensor or full-frame?
• Which lens would give you the desired angle of view for your style?

Use these insights to find the perfect focal length and start enhancing your portrait photography!