The Impact of Focal Length on Portraiture

Understanding Focal Length

Focal length, measured in millimeters, determines the lens's angle of view and, consequently, its magnification and framing capabilities. Simply put, focal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus. It greatly influences the composition of your portrait photos by changing how much of the scene is captured.

The difference in focal lengths and their effects on the field of view.

Focal Length and Field of View

Changing the focal length alters the lens's field of view. Wide-angle lenses (shorter focal lengths) capture more of the scene and are great for environmental portraits where you wish to include background elements. Telephoto lenses (longer focal lengths), on the other hand, offer a narrower field of view, focusing more on the subject while compressing and isolating them from the background.

Zoom vs. Wide in Portraits

While wide-angle lenses can introduce interesting perspectives and a sense of place, they might distort facial features when used too close to the subject. Zoom lenses, with their longer focal lengths, are preferred for traditional portraits as they provide more flattering and natural proportions.

Effects on Facial Proportions and Distortions

Different focal lengths can dramatically affect how facial features appear in portraits. Wide-angle lenses can distort features, making them appear larger or more elongated, which might not be flattering. Conversely, lenses with focal lengths around 85mm to 135mm are ideal for portraiture because they maintain natural facial proportions and minimize distortion.

focal length 105mm focal length 70mm focal length 50mm

focal length 35mm focal length 24mm

Depth of Field and Bokeh

The combination of focal length and aperture affects the depth of field in an image. Longer focal lengths with wider apertures produce a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and highlighting the subject. This effect, known as bokeh, adds an aesthetic quality to portraits by making the subject stand out.

Photographer-Subject Distance

The choice of focal length influences the working distance between the photographer and the subject. Longer lenses allow you to shoot from a distance, making the subject more comfortable and potentially leading to more natural expressions. This distance can also affect the interaction and the kind of candid shots you can capture.

Choosing the Right Focal Length

Close-up Portraits: A lens around 85mm is ideal as it offers good facial feature compression and pleasant background blur.
Full-body Shots: Lenses around 50mm to 70mm work well, balancing subject and environment without noticeable distortion.
Group Portraits: A focal length of 35mm to 50mm can capture multiple people clearly, depending on the group size and the scene.

Creative Use of Focal Length

Photographers can experiment with different focal lengths to explore unique artistic expressions and visual narratives. Altering focal lengths can dramatically change the mood and story conveyed through the portrait.

Focal Length in Various Environments

In studio settings, where space and background are controlled, longer focal lengths are typically used to isolate the subject and control the frame tightly. In outdoor or dynamic environments, varying focal lengths can be used creatively to integrate the subject with the environment.

Images by Janusz Miarka

Practical Tips and Common Mistakes

Common Mistake: Choosing too short a focal length for close-up portraits can lead to unflattering distortions.
Tip: Experiment with different focal lengths in various settings to understand how they influence the final image.