3 Create abstract zoom shots with a telephoto

For a fun alternative to conventional photography, use this flexible optic and camera movement to let your creative instincts shine, says Niamh Cottle

The telephoto zoom has become a camera bag staple for wildlife and sports photographers. It’s prized for its convenience and versatility – one lens can do it all. But in addition to capturing faithful reproductions of far-away subjects, a telephoto zoom can also be used for creative applications.

This project uses the focal range of a telephoto to turn you into an artist with your lens. It’s about using movement to capture vibrant colours in a different perspective, and creating an abstract view within a photograph. You will learn a fresh way to portray everyday objects and scenes, using slow shutter speeds and moving around with the camera.

Telephoto lenses come in a variety of focal ranges, with 70-200mm models being particularly popular with enthusiast and pro photographers. For this project, though, I’m using a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro superzoom: its longer focal range, coupled with the use of slow shutter speeds, will create additional blur and a sense of movement in the images.

Another piece of kit I’m using is a Manfrotto Compact Advanced monopod, which will allow me to be more flexible with my movement while capturing my subjects.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

● Digital camera

● Telephoto zoom with long reach (I’m using a 70-300mm)

● Monopod or camera support

● Image editing software of choice

● Time: Two hours