Dane Reynolds, Lower Trestles. Lens: 500mm
“For many photographers, including myself, zoom lenses allow us to achieve greater focal range, at a relatively low cost. Good glass doesn’t come cheap, so many photographers need to stretch their lens budget by buying zoom lenses. There’s nothing wrong with that. But the ability to zoom can sometimes lead to stale perspectives. It’s far too easy to sit in one spot, zoom in to get a tight shot, and then zoom out to get a wide shot. But far more important that moving your zoom ring, is moving your feet. These photographs of Jason Arnold (below) and Dane Reynolds (above) were shot with the same lens (50mm fixed), on the same day. Two completely different perspectives, achieved by moving closer, and farther away from the subject.” -Shawn Parkin
Try this:
-Grab a prime (fixed focal length) lens for a session, or if you don’t have access to one, then use your zoom lens, but keep it fixed on one focal length. This will force you to move your position.
-To get a wide shot, you’ll have to move back. To get a tight shot, you’ll have to move in close. This will change the perspective in your photographs, and when done right, will help to create more interesting angles.
-Keep in mind that moving around to find different angles doesn’t always mean standing on your feet. Lay down on the ground. Climb a tree. Get weird.
