What You Need to Know about the Angle of View
Saturday, May 10, 2008 @ 00:02
The angle of view is one of those terms often misunderstood by new photographers just getting involved in the hobby. Also known as the angle of coverage, or the field of view, the angle of view is the amount of a scene a photograph captures. It can be measured vertically, horizontally or diagonally and will change depending upon the type of lens used to take the photo. Therefore, the photographer can take the exact same picture with two different types of lenses and have entirely different angles of view for each.
A wide angle lens will capture more of a scene than any other lens, while longer lenses will only get about two degrees of a scene within their angle of view. So depending upon the effect you are looking for, choose your lens accordingly.
Another way to manipulate angle of view is also in the selection of a lens for the photograph. For example, the further away from the photographer is from the image the longer and narrower of a lens they will have to use. For example, if a photographer wants to include more or less light within the angle of view, he will have to use either a petal or a hooded lens. If the photo subject is far into the distance, the photographer would be wise to choose a longer, narrower lens.
Regardless of whether you are currently a novice or an expert photographer, changing the angle of view of a scene can add a fresh, unique perspective to an otherwise standard picture. By altering the angle of view, you can create some unique effects and give your pictures a somewhat unconventional or artistic, though aesthetically pleasing, flare.
