Technical Concepts

Focal Length

The optical distance from the lens to the image sensor when focused at infinity, measured in millimeters.

What is Focal Length?

Focal length, measured in millimeters, determines a lens's angle of view (how much of the scene will be captured) and magnification (how large individual elements will appear). Shorter focal lengths (wide-angle lenses like 16-35mm) capture a wider view, exaggerate perspective, and make objects appear smaller and more distant. Longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses like 70-200mm) capture a narrower field of view, compress perspective, and make distant objects appear larger and closer together. Standard focal lengths (around 35-50mm) roughly match the perspective of human vision. Photographers choose different focal lengths based on their subject matter and creative intent - wide angles for landscapes and architecture, telephotos for wildlife and sports, and standard or short telephotos for portraits.

AI Prompting Tips

When creating AI images with specific lens characteristics, include the focal length in your prompt, such as 'shot with a 24mm wide-angle lens' or 'taken with a 200mm telephoto lens'. For creative perspective effects, try 'ultra-wide 14mm perspective with dramatic foreground' for exaggerated perspective, or '85mm portrait lens with compressed background' for flattering portraits. Specify the typical effects of various focal lengths, like 'with telephoto compression' or 'with wide-angle spatial distortion'.

Example Prompts

"Portrait of a woman with beautiful bokeh background, soft evening light, professional photography"

"Street scene at night with focal length effect, urban environment, neon lights, cinematic"

Related Terms

Perspective

The spatial relationship between objects in a photograph, creating the illusion of depth and dimension.

Wide Angle

A lens with a short focal length that captures a broad field of view.

Telephoto

A type of lens with a long focal length that magnifies distant subjects.

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