Hannah_Ch5

After reading chapter 5, I'm reflecting on a point made about picking the correct lens for the correct scenario. More specifically, the advantages to telephoto lenses over wide-angle lenses when filming close-up shots. The author explains that telephoto lenses do an excellent job in a close-up frame, coining the nickname "beauty lenses" for their flattering compression and the ability to make people's facial features look proportionate. 

What Is A Telephoto Lens? Definition & Film Examples - FilmDaft

This simple article gives more of the definition and assets of the telephoto lens. According to the article, telephoto lenses are popular for isolating the subject, compressing space, and creating tight frames from greater distance. The article focuses a bit more on the overall capabilities of the telephoto lens, but I'll be focusing on its close-up advantages. Though these lenses can do really well in wide, scenic shots, they often will thrive in close-ups for their high definition and beautiful compression. As described in the textbook, when you are using a wide-angle lens or even a practical zoom lens on a close-up subject, the subject may tend to look a bit more distorted or awkward than they would under telephoto. The coolest thing about telephoto lenses in my opinion, is their ability to provide and influence emotion in a shot. Because of the natural definition and beauty in these lenses, close-up shots can make you feel like you are directly looking at someone's face rather than through a screen barrier. It's an amazing tactic of connecting your audience to the character(s). 

Something that is challenging for these lenses is their exaggerated camera shake. You almost always will need a tripod while filming with this lens, because the tiniest bumps are unsettling to the definition of the picture.