Limit your focal length

weekly exercises

26 May

For this exercise, I want you to spend a week or more shooting at only one focal length. This will help you design photographs within a very tight framework.

If you use Lightroom you can sort your photographs into lens length. That’s in grid view, in the library filter under metadata. Interesting reading hey, so what’s your most used length? You all ready know mine. In fact, I currently own two cameras that I only have 50mm lenses for.

I recommend you go with a 50mm equivalent lens. Though you may choose a different length. If you’re highly competent, choose a length you rarely use. If you consider yourself a beginner or regularly use a wide selection then choose the 50mm equivalent as it will teach you a lot about this all round focal length.

If you have a prime lens, you can put it on and start. If you have a zoom, tape your camera lens to one focal length for this exercise. Turn the zoom barrel until the focal length you choose is set, then use electrical tape for this as it’s easier to get off and your alcohol based lens cleaner will remove any residual glue.

Shoot for a week or more with it and post your best or favourites. Discuss and describe what it was like and what you learned.

Enjoy!