Long focal length scene compression.
Telephoto lenses are known for their ability to magnify distant objects and bring them closer to the viewer. But there's another visual effect that telephoto lenses create: telephoto compression.
Telephoto compression is a phenomenon that occurs when using a long focal length lens, typically 70mm or longer. The effect is achieved by compressing the visual elements of an image, making objects in the foreground appear larger and objects in the background appear closer.
When we use a telephoto lens to photograph a subject, the lens compresses the depth of the scene, which in turn flattens the perspective. This makes objects in the foreground appear larger than they actually are, and objects in the background seem closer than they actually are. This is different from wide-angle lenses, which have a wider field of view and exaggerate the depth of a scene.
Above: Keeping the clothespin about the same size in the frame and as the primary focal point, notice how as the focal length increases the larger and closer the background appears to be. This is telephoto compression at work.
One practical application of telephoto compression is in portrait photography. By using a telephoto lens, photographers can make their subject's face appear more flattering by compressing the features and minimizing any distortion. Additionally, the telephoto compression can also create a shallower depth of field, which can help isolate the subject from the background.
Telephoto lenses can also be used in landscape photography to compress the distant elements and create a more intimate perspective of the scene. By using a telephoto lens to capture a landscape, photographers can bring distant elements, such as mountains or buildings, closer to the viewer, resulting in a more dramatic and impactful image.
However, it's important to note that telephoto compression can also have drawbacks. Using a long focal length lens can create a narrower field of view, which can limit the amount of information captured in the frame. Additionally, telephoto lenses tend to be heavier and more expensive than wide-angle lenses, making them less accessible for some photographers.
In conclusion, telephoto compression is a powerful tool that can be used to create striking and intimate images. By using a long focal length lens, photographers can manipulate the depth and perspective of a scene, resulting in images that are both beautiful and impactful.
