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Re: [OM] perspective (was Softening F280 flash)

Subject: Re: [OM] perspective (was Softening F280 flash)
From: "John A. Lind" <jlind@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 01 Sep 2002 23:02:28 -0500
At 20:41 9/1/02, you wrote:
Perspective and image size are two different things. The distance alone
defines the perspective. You then choose a focal length to give the required
image size.
Perspective management is done by walking, not zooming.

Julian

Julian,
That paraphrases what I stated:
" . . . perspective is managed by changing focal length *and* moving camera position proportionately to maintain the same [i.e. desired] principal subject magnification." Whether the lens is changed first and then the camera is moved, or the camera is moved first and then the lens is changed makes no difference. The end result is the same: the camera moves and perspective changes.

The sequence in which this is performed most efficiently depends on subject material (e.g., landscape or macro), and whether a specific principal subject magnification or a specific perspective is more important for the visualized image. I've done it both ways. When working with primes, it's nearly impossible to achieve both a specific magnification and a specific perspective except by serendipity. Step function changes in focal length forces one, the the other, or perhaps a compromise with both, to suffice.

Two examples of one being specific and the other sufficing when using prime lenses:

1.  http://johnlind.tripod.com/oly/gallery/om55.html
Magnification of the tractor parked between the fence posts was paramount. Perspective sufficed when the distant bluffs were made taller than the tractor. I started at a minimum distance with the top of the bluffs above the tractor, changed lenses to one that matched or exceeded desired tractor magnification, and then moved back a few feet more until the posts were at the image edges.

2.  http://johnlind.tripod.com/oly/gallery/om58.html
These are the same bluffs and same fence posts. Perspective in using them for "framing" the view of the fields was paramount. Magnification of the tractor was sufficient. I changed lenses first for a sufficient tractor magnification and then moved until the perspective provided by the posts were at the image edges.

-- John


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