📷News Photography Unit 8 – News Photography: Lenses and Focal Lengths

Basics of Camera Lenses

• Camera lenses are optical devices that focus light onto the camera's sensor or film plane
• Consist of a series of glass or plastic elements arranged to refract light in a specific way
• The lens aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera and affects depth of field
  • Wider apertures (lower f-numbers) allow more light and create shallower depth of field
  • Narrower apertures (higher f-numbers) allow less light and create greater depth of field
• Focal length, measured in millimeters, determines the angle of view and magnification of the lens
• Lenses with shorter focal lengths have wider angles of view, while longer focal lengths have narrower angles of view
• The focusing mechanism allows the photographer to adjust the lens to achieve sharp focus on the subject
  • Manual focus requires the photographer to adjust the focus ring
  • Autofocus systems use motors to adjust the lens based on detected contrast or phase differences

Types of Lenses in News Photography

• Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and often offer superior optical quality and wider maximum apertures
  • Common prime lens focal lengths include 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm
• Zoom lenses have variable focal lengths, allowing photographers to change the angle of view without changing lenses
  • Examples include 24-70mm and 70-200mm zoom ranges
• Wide-angle lenses have short focal lengths (typically 35mm or less) and are used for capturing expansive scenes or working in tight spaces
• Telephoto lenses have long focal lengths (typically 70mm or more) and are used for capturing distant subjects or compressing perspective
• Specialty lenses, such as fisheye or tilt-shift lenses, offer unique creative possibilities but are less commonly used in news photography

Understanding Focal Length

• Focal length is the distance between the lens's optical center and the camera's sensor or film plane when the lens is focused at infinity
• Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 24mm) provide a wider angle of view, allowing more of the scene to be captured
• Longer focal lengths (e.g., 200mm) provide a narrower angle of view, magnifying distant subjects
• The relationship between focal length and sensor size determines the lens's effective angle of view
  • On full-frame cameras (35mm), a 50mm lens is considered a "normal" lens, providing a field of view similar to human vision
  • On cameras with smaller sensors (APS-C or Micro Four Thirds), the effective focal length is multiplied by a crop factor (e.g., 1.5x or 2x)
• Focal length also affects perspective, with longer focal lengths compressing the apparent distance between objects

Wide-Angle vs. Telephoto: Pros and Cons

• Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing expansive scenes, such as landscapes or interiors
  • They allow photographers to work in tight spaces and maintain a sense of context
  • Wide-angle lenses can introduce distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame
• Telephoto lenses are ideal for capturing distant subjects or isolating details
  • They allow photographers to maintain a safe distance from potentially dangerous or sensitive situations
  • Telephoto lenses compress perspective, making distant objects appear closer together
• The choice between wide-angle and telephoto lenses depends on the story being told and the desired visual impact
  • Wide-angle lenses can create a sense of immersion and emphasize the relationship between subjects and their environment
  • Telephoto lenses can create a sense of intimacy and focus attention on specific details or emotions

Lens Choice and Storytelling

• The choice of lens can significantly impact the way a story is told through images
• Wide-angle lenses are often used to establish context and show the relationship between subjects and their surroundings
  • They can create a sense of depth and layering, with foreground elements leading the viewer's eye into the scene
• Telephoto lenses are often used to isolate subjects and create a sense of intimacy or tension
  • They can be used to capture candid moments or emotions from a distance without disturbing the scene
• The use of different focal lengths within a single story can provide visual variety and guide the viewer's attention
  • A wide establishing shot can be followed by tighter shots to reveal details and emotions
• Lens choice should be intentional and serve the narrative, rather than being purely aesthetic

Practical Applications in the Field

• News photographers must be prepared to adapt to a wide range of situations and subjects
• A versatile lens kit typically includes a wide-angle zoom (e.g., 24-70mm), a telephoto zoom (e.g., 70-200mm), and a fast prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8)
  • Additional lenses, such as ultra-wide or super-telephoto, may be used for specific situations
• Photographers must be able to quickly assess the scene and choose the appropriate lens for the desired storytelling effect
  • In fast-moving situations, zoom lenses offer flexibility and the ability to quickly reframe shots
  • Prime lenses may be preferred for low-light situations or when the highest image quality is required
• Lens choice can also be influenced by practical considerations, such as the need to maintain a safe distance or avoid drawing attention

Technical Challenges and Solutions

• Wide-angle lenses can introduce distortion, particularly at the edges of the frame
  • Photographers can minimize distortion by keeping subjects near the center of the frame or using lens correction software in post-processing
• Telephoto lenses can be challenging to use handheld, particularly at slower shutter speeds
  • Using a tripod or monopod can help stabilize the lens and prevent camera shake
  • Image stabilization technology, either in-lens or in-camera, can also help reduce blur
• Focusing can be challenging when using wide apertures or in low-light situations
  • Autofocus systems may struggle to find contrast, requiring the use of manual focus
  • Focus peaking or magnification features can assist with precise manual focusing
• Lens flare can occur when shooting towards bright light sources, particularly with wide-angle lenses
  • Using a lens hood or shading the lens with a hand or card can help minimize flare

Ethics and Lens Selection in News Photography

• The choice of lens can influence the way a subject is portrayed and the emotional impact of an image
• Wide-angle lenses can exaggerate the size and importance of foreground elements, potentially misleading viewers
  • Photographers must be mindful of the distorting effects of wide-angle lenses and use them responsibly
• Telephoto lenses can be used to capture subjects from a distance, potentially invading privacy or causing distress
  • Photographers must balance the need for compelling images with the ethical considerations of their subjects
• The use of certain lenses or techniques, such as extreme close-ups or selective focus, can be used to manipulate the viewer's perception of a scene
  • Photographers must strive to accurately represent the truth of a situation and avoid misleading or biased imagery
• Ultimately, the choice of lens should serve the story and the public interest, while respecting the rights and dignity of the subjects being photographed