The Fallacy of Focal Length in Street Photography
The Fallacy of Focal Length in Street Photography
Street photography, with its candid moments and slices of life, captures the essence of humanity in various environments. As photographers, we often obsess over technical aspects, and one of the most discussed is focal length.
The conversation frequently revolves around which lens is best suited for street photography. While focal length undeniably influences composition and perspective, overemphasizing it can lead us astray, creating a fallacy that can hinder our creative expression. The opposite can also be true in that many street photographers choose to master a single focal length. They often refer to seeing in 35mm. Each artist has their style and will see and record the world in their way. Previsualizing and matching focal length to that vision is the most significant skill any photographer can develop. In street photography, that skill must be sharp and lightning-fast, a reflex.
Understanding Focal Length and Field of View
Focal length in still photography refers to the distance from the lens to the image sensor when the subject is in sharp focus, typically expressed in millimetres (mm). It directly relates to the field of view (FOV), which describes how much of a scene can be captured in a photograph. Lenses with shorter focal lengths produce a wide field of view, allowing more of the scene to be included, making them ideal for capturing landscapes or group shots. Conversely, lenses with longer focal lengths provide a narrow field of view that emphasizes and magnifies distant subjects, making them perfect for portraits or wildlife photography. Understanding this relationship allows photographers to select lenses that suit their artistic vision and compositional needs.
The Danger of Focal Length Fixation
While we strive for technical mastery, an overemphasis on focal length can lead to several pitfalls:
1. Limiting Creativity: A fixation on focal length can limit the way we approach a scene. If we believe only a specific lens can yield a great street photograph, we may miss opportunities to experiment and vary our perspective. Creativity thrives on exploration, and sometimes, the best shots come from using unconventional means.
2. Ignoring Context and Emotion: Context and emotion are the heartbeats of street photography. When we become too focused on the technical aspects of focal length, we can overlook the context that helps tell a compelling story. Sometimes, a wide-angle lens captures the chaos of a location perfectly, but in other situations, a longer lens might evoke a sense of isolation that enhances the narrative. The question should be, “What story do I want to tell?” rather than“What lens should I use?”
3. Overlooking Personal Style: Each photographer has a unique vision and voice. The choice of focal length often reinforces a particular aesthetic, but basing one's identity heavily on a singular focal length can stunt individual style. A street photographer who primarily uses a 50mm lens might find themselves confined to that perspective, missing the opportunity to explore diverse styles that could enrich their portfolio.
If you have mastered or “see” in a specific focal length, go through the pain of learning a second and a third. Even if these focal lengths result in failure, the experience will enrich your photographic abilities, taking your previous mastery to a level unseen previously.
The Power of Versatility
Consider the power of versatility instead of getting caught up in the focal-length debate. Here are some thoughts on how to approach focal length in street photography in a more balanced and open-minded way:
1. Experimentation is Key: Try out a variety of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, and observe how each changes your approach to street photography. A 24mm lens might allow you to capture bustling street scenes, while an 85mm lens might help you concentrate on a single, impactful moment without intruding on the subject's space. Adventure into different focal lengths during your photography sessions to discover new ways to express your vision. Give yourself permission to fail and come home frustrated and empty-handed.
2. Think Beyond the Lens: While your lens is an essential tool, it's just one part of your photographic toolkit. Pay attention to lighting, composition, and the moment itself. A new vision may arise by shifting your focus from the technical specifics of your lens to the broader picture. Which may not be “your work,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make it. As you do, your original work does as well.
3. Engage with Your Surroundings: Sometimes, the best way to approach street photography – irrespective of focal length – is to be immersed in your surroundings. Spend time observing the ebb and flow of urban life. Put the camera down and watch. Guess what is coming around the corner next; guess based on observation. This engagement lets you anticipate moments and creates a connection with your environment. Whether using a wide-angle lens to capture the scene or a telephoto lens to document candid expressions, stay open to what unfolds around you.
4. Let Your Intent Drive Your Choice: Rather than succumbing to the pressure of 'what's best,' focus on the story you want to tell. Are you aiming to create an intimate portrait of a stranger, or do you want to depict bustling city life? Let your intent guide you in selecting the appropriate lens. Sometimes, using a lens, you are less comfortable with, leads to unexpected delight in your results. If your intent is always the same, challenge yourself to be uncomfortable. Choose the opposite of what comes naturally to yourself. Again, failure is your friend.
Conclusion: Embracing the Fallacy
In conclusion, the fallacy of focal length in street photography reminds us that while technical knowledge is crucial, it should enhance our artistry rather than dictate it. Focal length is just one aspect of a broader framework that makes up a photographer’s unique vision.
Street photography thrives on spontaneity, and it is in those unplanned moments that true stories unfold. As photographers, we should strive to look beyond the lens specifications and immerse ourselves in the ethos of street life, letting our experiences and emotions drive our photographic journeys. So, take a step back next time you find yourself debating the merits of various focal lengths. Embrace the fallacy, stay curious, and remember that it’s always about what you captured, not how.
