Varying focal lengths of DSLR lense

Compact digital camera zoom lens

Focal length indicates whether a lens is wide angle, telephoto or anywhere in between.

Generally speaking, using wide angle is ideal for shooting scenes such as land and cityscapes, group photos and room interiors. For portraits, a mid-range focal length is a good choice. Long telephoto lengths are ideal for photographing wildlife and distant subjects.

Focal length as a creative tool

Focal length selection can be used creatively when composing a shot, beyond simply getting more or less of a scene into the frame. The focal length you choose plays an important role in composition and the “feel” of an image.

Wide angle effectively exaggerates distance and shrinks distant subjects. Telephoto compresses distance without shrinking distant subjects.

Selecting a focal length to achieve the effect you want can be just as important as selecting the right aperture and shutter speed. Focal length can also be used to vary the emphasis on an object/subject.

Natural history photographer Deb Tappan contributed to this article.