What is focal length?

The focal length of the lens is the distance between the lens and the image sensor, when the subject is in focus, usually stated in millimeters (e.g., 28 mm, 50 mm, or 100 mm). In the case of zoom lenses, both the minimum and maximum focal lengths are stated, for example 18–55 mm. Changing the focal length changes the angle of view. The shorter the focal length (e.g. 18 mm), the wider the angle of view and the greater the area captured. The longer the focal length (e.g. 55 mm), the smaller the angle and the larger the subject appears to be.


I tried having a go with this concept, by focusing firstly on the backdrop rather than the central figure, and then on the figure rather than the backdrop.

In this image I chose to focus purely on the backdrop of the trees rather than the character within, as an experiment with my cameras focal length.


This image however I chose to focus on the closer object to the lens, which happened to be a bee on a flower, therefore blurring out the backdrop rather than keeping it clear.