Why Lens Choice Matters

Whether you realize it or not choosing the right lens for a shot is very important, and I'm not talking about the brand of lens either - I'm talking about the focal length.

And by the way, this could apply to video or photos, but here I'm primarily talking about shooting narrative fiction, i.e. movies or TV.

Now if you've been shooting video or photos for a while then you likely know why this matters, but if you're new or someone who just shoots casually or maybe for a hobby, then you might not know. And even if you're a pro then you might need a refresher as it's not just shooting wide, medium and close-up "because that's just what we do".

There should be a reason behind the lenses you choose and the shots you capture as ultimately they have to serve the story.

Watch this video below to see this idea in action.

Keep in mind too, while here I'm shooting with an iPhone and ReeFlex lenses - this applies to any and all types of cameras and lenses.

So whether you're just starting out and making a first short film or you've been making movies for 20 years, definitely keep these ideas in mind when planning a project. And that's even if you're not a cinematographer. Directors, producers, editors and more should all have a good understanding of lens choice and how it affects the mood and tone of a shot and scene.

Also remember, there are really no right or wrong ways to approach this - it can be very subjective and largely depends on the story you want to tell - but having a good understanding of this concept is crucial and will help you make better films.

Was this something you already thought about? Or is this ideas new to you? Hit me up on YouTube and let me know.

Note: Unfortunately comments on this blog have been overtaken by spambots and so I've had to turn most of them off (unless you're already a site member).

Happy filmmaking!

-BC