The Secret of
Lenses
by Lou Jones
Famous portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh
once quipped, “Look and think before opening
the shutter. The heart and mind are the true
lens of the camera.” To that point, our talent and
energy create good photographs. And while
the camera is the repository of details and data,
lenses actually shape the way those images look.
Choosing a camera is technical, utilitarian and
economic. Choosing the right lens is art.
As our tools grow more sophisticated, it is easier
for us to fashion more interesting photographs.
The differences between amateur point and
shoot, prosumer, mirrorless, cell phones and
DSLRs cameras are constantly being reduced,
but lens choices are ever expanding: autofocus,
vibration reduction, variable aperture, etc.
Besides improving our capabilities, lenses have
character and personality. You change lenses
for simple reasons. If you want to see more, you
mount a wide angle lens. The “glass” actually
captures more than you can see with your naked
eye. If you are trying to shoot a friend on the
opposite ledge of the Grand Canyon and you cannot approach closer, you
need a telephoto. It produces a much narrower angle than your eyes.
In practice using depth-of-field can dramatically alter the appearance of an
image. A wide aperture can be employed to throw a distracting background
out of focus and enhance a delicate portrait. While a small aperture will put
everybody in focus for a big group photo. Your eyes can’t do that.
Artistically, different focal lengths have unique looks. Here I will share the
secret lore that is never revealed: lenses “see” differently, i.e. they have
personalities. And with a trained eye that character can be exploited by your
imagination, to your benefit.
8 | PicsArt Monthly