Concept
Focal length changes how your scene is perceived. Wide lenses show more of the environment and create a stronger sense of depth.
Telephoto lenses compress distance and isolate your subject. By changing focal length, you can dramatically alter the feeling of a shot.
Watch the next trigger:
How to apply it
• Use wide lenses to show environment and scale.
• Use longer lenses to isolate your subject.
• Zoom in to simplify a busy background.
• Use telephoto lenses to compress distance.
• Mix wide and tight shots to add visual variety.
MENTAL TRIGGER
“Should this shot be wide or tight?”
Download the Cheat Code
Sometimes when you’re out filming, your mind goes blank.
You know there are things you should be thinking about – composition, movement, lighting, storytelling – but in the moment it’s easy to forget. That’s exactly why we created this printable Creator’s Cheat Code.
Download the printable cheat code so you can use these ideas in the field. If a shot doesn’t contain at least one of these triggers, it’s a good sign it could be improved.
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