9) Project: Focal Lengths. Exercise: Focal lengths - for cameras with variable focal lengths (with a zoom or interchangeable lenses) - Page 31.

Deciding the subject.

For this exercise, I had a few subjects in mind, perhaps a lighthouse as per the example, a shed in the distance at the local park, a central island at the same park or a windmill.  However, whilst on a family day out, this sign caught my eye, knowing that it had been there forever, I never thought for one moment I would ever photograph it.  Once I began taking the photos, I become increasingly satisfied that I chosen a nice subject.  There are many different elements, textures colours within the photos, which were really unexpected.  I am pleased I chose to photograph something, I had previously not considered at all.

Setting up.

Setting us was very simple.  I used a miniature tripod set up on the breakwater.

Equipment used.

Camera: Canon 500D
Lenses: Canon 18mm – 55mm, Tamron: 70mm – 300mm
Mini tripod.

Settings and results.

IMG4438e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 18mm
Equivalent in 35mm:
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/14
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4439e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 34mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 54mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/16
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4440e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 55mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 87mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/16
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4441e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 70mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 111mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/14
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4442e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 104mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 165mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/14
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4443e

Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 192mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 304mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/14
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







IMG4445e
Camera setting: Shutter priority
Focal length: 300mm
Equivalent in 35mm: 476mm
Shutter speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/10
Flash: Not used
Metering: Matrix
ISO: 100
White balance: Manual







Findings and conclusion.

The results of this exercise are clear to see and the photographs really speak for themselves, in the fact that you can see the difference in each shot that you seem to be drawing closer in onto the main subject, as the focal length increases.  The one thing I love about these images, is that fact that even though you are being ‘drawn’ closer to the main subject being the signpost, you can also see that the breakwater on the right hand side of the image also changes in the fact that they become closer together and more blurred as the depth of field changes.

I am very pleased with the results of the exercise the choice of subject being something that I have seen frequently, but never contemplated photographing and I think illustrates the exercise fully.