Photography Basics: Focus & Focal Length

Understanding Focal Length

Focal length affects how much of a scene you capture, how objects appear in relation to one another, and how much distortion is introduced.

1. Wide-Angle Lenses (15–34mm)

  • Commonly used for architecture, interiors, and creative compositions

  • Can produce significant distortion, especially near the edges of the frame

  • Objects closer to the camera appear exaggerated, while objects farther away appear smaller

Class example:
The photograph of Bill Clinton shown in class demonstrates wide-angle distortion. Notice how the hands and limbs appear stretched and oversized, while the head looks less distorted because:

  • It is closer to the center of the frame

  • It is farther from the camera

In this case, the photographer intentionally used an ultra-wide lens for a strong compositional effect.

2. 35mm Lens

  • My favorite focal length

  • Has an “in-your-face” feel without excessive distortion

  • Excellent for:

    • Indoor photography

    • Environmental portraits

    • Street and documentary photography

3. 50mm Lens

  • Often described as the focal length that most closely matches human vision

  • My second favorite lens

  • Produces natural-looking images with minimal distortion

  • Great for everyday photography and portraits

4. 85mm and Above

  • Not a focal length I personally use often

  • Essential for:

    • Bird photography

    • Sports

    • Concerts and school performances

  • Allows you to photograph subjects from farther away while maintaining detail

How to Get Better Focus

This article covers everything discussed in class and adds a few helpful extras:

9 Things You Can Do Right Now to Get Sharper Focus Photos
https://www.theclickcommunity.com/blog/9-things-do-right-now-get-sharper-focus-photos/

  • Highly recommended reading

  • DSLR users will find a clear explanation of back-button focusing, which I used when shooting with a DSLR

Weekly Photography Goals

Set a goal to learn one new photography skill each week. Small, consistent practice leads to big improvements over time.

1. Composition

  • Study one compositional tool or technique each week

  • This resource lists 50 composition tools—one of the most comprehensive lists available

Photography Composition 101 (Part 1):
https://www.tatakis.com/post/photography-composition-101-part-1

2. Learn Lightroom

  • Join Skillshare and take:
    “Adobe Lightroom Essentials”

  • About 9 hours of content

  • Skillshare offers a 31-day free trial

    • If you stay disciplined and finish the course within a month, it’s free

Course link:
https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/adobe-lightroom-essentials-course/1659844683

3. Take a “Picture-a-Day” Challenge

  • Many photographers do daily photo challenges

  • I’ve done several and really enjoyed them

Personal examples:

  • One year: self-portraits using reflective surfaces

  • Another summer: documenting something found in nature

These challenges help train your eye and build the habit of seeing.
I once had a blog called “Awakening Eyes,” which reflects what I believe is one of the greatest gifts of photography—learning to truly see and appreciate the beauty around you.

Picture-a-Day Project:
https://digital-photography-school.com/take-this-picture-of-the-day-project-to-practice-and-help-you-grow-as-a-photographer/