Focal Length

Time to experiment with the focal length of a digital camera!

The focal length of my Olympus VR-340 is ranged from 4.2 to 42.0mm.
Here's an example of a group portrait using the wide angle and the telephoto zoom of my camera (while avoiding any digital zoom):

 

Wide-Angle

Telephoto

For the group portrait, I prefer the result of the wide-angle shot simply because the subjects of the photograph (my classmates) are less contrained and the overall shot feels much more open. The telephoto zoom gives the image a border that visually confines the subjects.

 

However, the telephoto zoom allows each of the subjects to be of equal importance, regardless of which photograph I prefer, the telephoto zoom capture exactly what is needed and not any unnecessary backdrop.

Wide-Angle

Telephoto

Without critiquing the slighly blurry telephoto image quality, both photographs have a unique element about them that make them appealing. The wide-angle shot brings the central focus on Marlee and leaves the background revolving around her. The distance between each of them is equal, but in this image, Marlee seems to appear extra close to the camera, which is stylistically interest in my opinion.

The telephoto zoom neatly displays my classmates in a uniform focus. One may say that Stephanie is the primary focus (at the back) but generally the portrait is a flat plane without too much depth. A photo like this would be great to manipulate into a drawing (at least that's how I imagine it).

 

Wide-Angle

Telephoto

There's a very obvious difference in these portraits of Stephanie. The telephoto shot is easily the more flattering image, simply because it profiles her face rather than captures her among other elements in the photograph (as the wide-angle shot clearly did). The wide-angle actually appears to be unnatural looking, even without the use of an optical zoom.

After experimenting with both focal lengths, the use for them is clear:

Wide-Angle: Best for shots of scenery and a landscape.

Telephoto: Best for single and group portraits.

See for yourself, it's probably what can make a decent photographer into a good photographer!