Photography 1: P & P, Proj 7: Focal Length & Character

Project 7: Focal length and character

For this exercise I made exactly the same framing on a face with different focal lengths.  I used three focal lengths: 24mm, 75mm and 158mm.  I moved the camera toward and away from the subject to keep the framing consistent.  A gold reflector was held below the subject to reflect light into the shadow areas of the face.  I then examined the results of the shoot and noted the differences between the portraits in terms of how attractive or acceptable I thought the results looked.

The minimum amount of space between a lens and subject should be around 2 metres.  A focal length of approx. 80mm to 120mm (full frame SLR equivalent) is best.  A wider lens will exaggerate the apparent size of the nose and the front part of the face.

The images produced are shown below:

8181; 24mm focal length; F5.6; 1/40s

In this portrait the nose and front part of the face is too pronounced.  This is not a flattering portrait of the subject.

8183; 75mm focal length; F5.6; 1/40s

The parts of the face in this portrait are well proportioned.  There is a flattering balance to the subject's features.  This is the best focal length of the 3 for portrait use.

8186; 158mm focal length; F5.6; 1/30s

The features in this portrait are flatter than the previous.  The portrait is less flattering than that produced using a focal length of 75mm.  However the result is acceptable.

What have I learned from this exercise?

Generally speaking, the longer the lens the more flattering a close-up portrait becomes.  A silver or gold reflector held below the face adds a sparkle to the subject's eyes.

Most people look better in black and white than they do in colour.  They seem to carry a greater authority and strength, especially for male portraits.

A black and white portrait will remove distractions from the face.