Step by step Which focal length?

Test different focal lengths to find your preferred ‘look’ for the shot

Compose yourself

Choose a focal length that gives you the angle of view and composition for the subject you want to photograph. Focus the camera and take the image.

Get closer

Review the image and consider if moving closer and using a wider focal length might improve the composition if you have a good foreground.

Move back

Again, check your image and, this time, ask yourself if moving further away from the subject and choosing a longer focal length will provide more impact.

Differing views

Try photographing the same scene at various lengths, such as 14mm, 50mm and 200mm. You will see the magnification and angle of view change.

Decision time

See which focal length gives the best balance of angle of view, subject magnification and perspective, and use as a starting point for similar shots.

Play the angles

Think about other scenes and using different focal lengths to compress perspective or create a better balance between the foreground and background.