Choosing the RIGHT LENS - Why Focal Length MATTERS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LENS - WHY FOCAL LENGTH MATTERS //
Choosing the right focal length is much more than about creating a flattering portrait or being able to fit everything you want into your frame. Your choice of lens changes the dynamic of your image and the psychological meaning the audience will derive from it. In this video essay, I examine how different focal lengths can be used to communicate different messages to your audience.
*CORRECTION*
I've just noticed that the image @ 3:39 is incorrectly labelled. It's by John Bulmer. Apologies.
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FILMS AND TV REFERENCED IN THIS ESSAY
'Jaws'
Universal Pictures, 1975
'No Country for Old Men'
Miramax Films, 2007
'The Man Who Wasn't There'
Entertainment Film Distributors, 2001
'Barton Fink'
Universal Pictures, 1991
'The Big Lebowski'
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, 1998
'Call Me by Your Name'
Sony Pictures Classics, 2017
'Fallen Angels'
Kino International, 1995
'The Graduate'
United Artists, 1967
'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs'
Netflix, 2018
'Doctor Who'
BBC One, 2018
'The Handmaid's Tale'
Hulu, 2017
'Killing Eve'
BBC America, 2018
All copyrighted content used for the purposes of commentary and education under the 'Fair Use Act' (sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988)
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♫ Music
● Todd Siesel, "Boom Bap"
/ todd-siesel
● Music during animated essay: Composition performed by me.
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jamiewindsor.com

[@Caracalaba]

Video essays. You've raised the quality of KZbin.

[@Sbayo9]

"quality of KZbin" lol

[@one4allall4one91]

8k quality

[@leonie9248]

Quality of uptight and obnoxious. :(

[@authenticNL2]

@@leonie9248 :P

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

Agreed! Just outstanding on every level!

[@LORDS.And.Hammers]

Protect Jamie Windsor at all costs.

[@josh885]

This is probably the best video on focal length and one of the rare videos on youtube that is actually about photography/cinematography. It was very refreshing and inspiring to see. A needed change from what you usually get on KZbin. Just thinly veiled shilling for gear and workshops book ended by simple tips we've heard 100 times and most people pick up in their first week of learning. This is how you make a video about equipment. You related to the actual craft and art the gear is used for instead of analyzing it in isolation as a technical exorcise. Most people talk about lenses in isolation from actual photography as if these things are made for some engineering purpose instead of artistic expression. I once tried to tell people arguing about zooms vs primes on a popular forum that you should be picking the focal length on purpose for the look you want and the feeling you want to convey anyway so the argument was silly. Because either way you should not just zoom or walk closer to fill the frame as it changes the whole look and feeling of the image. But these people really couldn't' understand it. They argued all you were doing was cropping with the lens so it didn't matter what focal length you were at as long as you "filled the frame" and used a "portrait" lens for portraits SMH. Stay off of forums. They are full of gear heads who know nothing about actual photography or cinematography and just want to "be right" on forums to look good. Oh and show off how much money the spent on their new expensive f/1.4 lens they didn't' really need and that will mostly sit on shelf while they argue on forums anyway.

[@MiaogisTeas]

That's often the case: the people talking about it are rarely the ones doing it 😅

[@gopolarisstudio]

This might sound weird and I don't have enough time to explain it fully - but I have a theory that this very thing you're describing is a product of public education. It's a sort of classically, AND operantly conditioning process that makes people very thoroughly in boxes. People who actually LOOK for rules to follow, because they can't think artistically. Basically, because of technology and what not - lots of nonartists are able to dabble.

[@SeanPDurham]

@@gopolarisstudio josh885 - I totally agree about the tech heads, they really have a problem with expressing ideas about the actual use of an object. Whether it be a camera, lens or a set-up for a portrait, there seems to be a lack of education regarding the "why" and "how" of the thing. It becomes intensely boring to listen to another explanation about how cool and dope a lens is, when clearly the reviewer has little experience in using it, therefore, they haven't experienced the effects and the possibilities at all. Jamie is spot on in going for the nugget of the matter and showing us ideas regarding the artistic side of the business. To be a great photographer who understands their art, and a great business person, can only be a more power to you situation.

[@gopolarisstudio]

One thing to note though is that actually there's a cool effect that no matter what focal length you're on, cropping, moving, whatever - it's actually the exact same look.

[@user-gg2vn1es8q]

You are really good at telling stories

[@JAStechnicalmedia]

This is an uncommonly well written video. In a medium dominated by just-wing-it presentations - some of them quite good despite their casual origins - this essay demonstrates what disciplined writing can bring to an audience. The visuals are every bit as well curated as the narrative is written. I know we're all here for the photography & video information but, as a matter of composition, this piece by Jaime Windsor stands out in much the same way fine photographs stand out from snapshots. Both have value. One, exemplified by this I'll assert, offers more.

[@EricFosnaught]

I’m telling you, I see Jaimie Windsor, I click. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@enid2798]

Same!

[@woodsy6578]

Totally agree... He should definitely be more popular.. Better than the childish shit others post riding around on Boosted Boards & click baiting..

[@EposVox]

With this background music, anyone else spend the video waiting for Aerosmith or Eminem to start playing?

[@jamiewindsor]

I actually made the background track. It was based on the first 4 chords of _Dream On_ by Aerosmith and the 2nd 4 chords of _In A Broken Dream_ by Python Lee Jackson. I then experimented with different melodies and changing the bassline to create variations.

[@EposVox]

@@jamiewindsor Haha, interesting! Glad I'm not crazy for hearing Dream On in it, then!

[@nora-dq9mo]

@@jamiewindsor I thought Dream on will be playing! Great Video :D

[@alexmetcalfe4668]

@@jamiewindsor, you actually made the music to this!? I come to this video sometimes just to listen to it!

[@JamesClark1991]

Wow. That was wayyyyyyyy better than I was expecting. I think you've slowly become my favourite photo-related KZbinr! Also, I have a degree in Sound Engineering (although I fully admit I'm not the best), I'd be more than happy to help with audio advice if you ever need it. But tbh, saying that, I've never found the audio to be an issue on your channel and I've watched the entire catalogue.

[@johnbianchi6430]

It's not the quality of the audio we should be paying attention to. It's the quality of what is being said. And, that is just superb.

[@JimSamuel267]

I am glad to see that you are focusing on videos that discuss technique and photography as an art rather than the latest gear. Much appreciated.

[@stansabev]

Your style morph into something deeper and closer to you. It seems to me you’ve been finding your voice and because of that the expansion of your creativity. I love the story telling style, the view, the depth of understanding of the subject matter. Not just the audio, your Channel quality improve and getting close to perfection. I feel not just inspired or educated, but conditioned to see the world trough my lenses selectively.

[@robertprins2653]

Nicely stated Stan.

[@CuriousRiz]

I love your videos dude, The art and concepts around photography and videography, it's a refreshing change to all the gear videos out there. :)

[@RayFisherBiscuitstix]

This explains focal length in a way I haven't seen before... Learned alot thanks!

[@anthonyblodgett2227]

Yah I def hit that bell.... Man. The value here and the presentation is next level!

[@millerdp]

"Most people use their phone cameras to take pictures of things rather than to create an aesthetically pleasing composition." Jamie, this is a brilliant bit of observation. It provides a perspective of how people view, use and define photographic technologies. Sierra Hotel!

[@findrichie1]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate that you display the artist's name with each photo. I always end up doing an additional deep dive into great photographers.

[@RyanRolshouse]

I swear, everything this man puts out is a piece of art. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Jamie.

[@joshchapman6050]

I’ve really been impressed by the quality work you’ve been putting out lately - KZbin tutorial meets art history seminar. Great work.

[@LaurenceBakerAdobe]

You’ve nailed the crossover between art and technology. Having a graphic design background is a big plus for you. Original and informative.

[@maipenlaikap]

Once again a super high quality submission Jamie. Thanks for uploading. I look forward to each of your videos

[@forkeMuffin]

Your videos are amazing! They are like little essays really inspire me to get out and shoot but also teach something. Great job!

[@stinkystealthysloth]

I've been looking for a video like this for months, I love essays like this. Thanks Jamie!

[@MarkStCyr]

This was excellent, and helped me understand the available power of using a wide angle for close ups. Particularly in a time when KZbin is filled with the conventional understanding of using a 85-90mm for portraits/close-ups only and wide-angle for landscapes only. With your selection of films and photos you really helped me FEEL and understand the experience of receiving a Wide-Angle close up. You mentioned the comedic capacity of shooting a close up with a wide-angle and that's something I learned on the TV show I act on this past year. To hear it again through you was affirming. Please keep up the high quality essayist like discussions of working in the mediums of photography and cinema. Thank you.

[@bogrunberger]

Your videos are among the very best on KZbin, Jamie. I recently discovered your channel, but it's one of my absolute favourites!

[@Oahnay14]

My goodness Jamie, please keep making videos like this! You get to the heart of the how and why of photography technique, and I believe that this is something that more people need to know about.

[@MikeHermesPhotography]

Jamie, the quality of your content is off the charts. Thank you

[@the.jonfernandez]

Whenever you post I get so stoked. Your way of presenting topics is so unique

[@richsricheys]

Very inspirational and educating at the same time. Always after your videos I get urge to try your ideas in practice. Thanks Jamie! And audio was top notch.

[@drooghead]

Jamie Windsor and Mike Browne cover everything that I need in photography from very different perspectives and neither fusses too much about gear. Keep up the good work.

[@SalawuIbrahim]

Your voice, the music, your storytelling is just so amazing! Watching this for the third time and added to playlist to watch later. Thank you!

[@JeffCreates]

Great stuff Jamie. Genuinely providing something different to most other KZbinrs.

[@WayneLLC]

Your videos are always top notch! Keep it this way, your way.

[@lieuwlieuw]

Love the way you make video’s. Your storytelling is truly great! Appreciate all the effort you put in your video’s Jamie! Thanks a lot!

[@mattbower2441]

The best presented video I have ever watched. Absolutely love your work keep them coming

[@ashkuigp]

It was awesome to see photography examples that used one or another lens. As an amateur photographer i learned or picked some of those psychological effects. But at the same time nothing can replace a quality example of the principle done right. In my opinion that makes your channel outstanding. It is informative and makes clear examples.

[@zkw100]

I love these cinematography essay videos. Learning less about the what and the how, and more about the why. Learning about the artistry of photography, creating moods and effect, along with some iconic examples to really bring the points home. I will be rewatching this one to remind myself, I’m sure. Thanks for doing this.

[@danielmcneil8165]

This was far too good to not comment! So many nuggets of gold in such a detailed, informative & Inspiring video! Keep doing you’re thing, it’s a blessing to so many others.

[@stevenmeyer-rassow8551]

This is genuinely helpful and awesome insight. Cheers and keep up the great work Jamie.

[@julieberryman6917]

I love this. It’s a mini-documentary. It’s informative, it has meaning, history, ..depth. I so appreciate the thought and effort you put into your video creations. Truly gifted.

[@AndyGoodstuff]

I'd go as far as saying you're my favourite person on KZbin at this point. Thank you so much once again for such a well made, informative video on a subject I care so greatly for. Keep up the good work man!

[@henriquemoura9169]

Great quality video Jamie! Thanks!

[@mikeosinski50]

Fantastic video Jamie, so much great information I have to watch it a few time. 👍

[@strote]

Very useful and informative. I think I'll watch more than once. Thank you!

[@Dplaysitcool]

Great stuff mate. As always!!

[@Joshua-sz7ij]

love your content man, great work.

[@obryobry]

I love the way you give historical facts, practices and reasoning behind the practicalities - super work mate!

[@barkyvonschnauzer2188]

Very well put. Love your format for youtube presentations.

[@rgarciamainou]

Absolutely brilliant, Jamie. Instead of talking and reviewing a lens as all the other channels do, you take us behind said lens inviting us to rethink why we chose it in the first place. Loved it.

[@er.mannov5735]

Great job, Jamie! This makes it easy to understand focal lenght. The samples help alot. Keep it up😊

[@gorgemuld7812]

Thank you for your videos! I just started on the photography journey, and I like your tutorials. You manage to explain what I as a n00b needs to think about, and most important.. WHY I need to think about it.

[@cwjonesII]

I just recently discovered your channel. What a great collection of thoughtful, analytical and entertaining videos! Thank you. (And an excellent discussion of focal length and its use in film and photography. Very well done. Gives me much to think about.)

[@iainmacdonald7034]

Absolutely excellent video, Jamie - thank you. Really informative and insightful with great examples that are making me think again about lens choice. Oh, and I loved the sound quality. Another great one!

[@billpickle2875]

Your videos are so well thought out and put together

[@Francescofilmmaker]

What an incredibly insightful video. Thanks so much mate. Happy new year

[@ampimagery]

Dude really love your videos!! Keep up the good work!

[@SchellMusic]

Truly a great video- thank you! Your explanations and the film/photo examples really get the points across.

[@ethanjenssen2412]

Nailed it again Jamie! Wonderful video

[@MiaogisTeas]

I love the 35mm/50mm focal lengths, but gods am I sick of seeing it abused by cellphone snapshots. 😅 So true that composing well with 35mm sets one apart. Thanks so much for your videos!

[@micamotaph]

Great video ! Well done, 'belled' to know about new videos ! Good references as well, both with video and photographers, explaining why the chooses. Many thanks !

[@millerviz]

Clear, well written, and beautifully delivered. Great job!

[@LennyLenya]

THIS is the definition of a visual essay and I love how informative it is!

[@JocelynMgirlskater]

Always so informative, thanks Jamie!

[@Yulfi]

The audio quality of this video is great, bro. I love your videos, my man- they're really captivating, well-produced, informative and interesting. I've already shared your channel with a Cinematographer friend of mine so that he can check out your editing style.

[@moisescugat3948]

Jamie, dude, that has been awesome!! I have a lot to learn and it is a privilege to have you around to learn from

[@youbuddha1]

A more in depth and artistically useful explanation of the subject, well done and thank you.

[@nelsonpuello8722]

Great job Jamie in connecting the science and engineering of lenses to how they help us convey and/or evoque feelings. I am going to be more purposeful in my lense choices moving forward.

[@conorstephenson5652]

Awesome video, don't think I've heard it explained so well before. And the audio was also great!

[@grat2010]

An exceptionally well done video. The examples are fantastic.

[@riccardoduo7880]

Absolutely a must video... Thanks mate

[@EarPlugTV]

Lovely, lovely video man! Thank you so much for creating this.

[@tonychaar6780]

Very informative, as expected from you Jamie, don’t keep us waiting for the next one. By the the sound is really better

[@jjjames4484]

Amazing!!! can't say how much I loved this video. It was exactly what I was needing.. A reminder as to why we use some focal lengths. And such beautiful aproach of the subject!

[@BryantChurckyno]

WoW I love the way you edit your videos. And nice message throughout the video

[@paulashcroft556]

Good video Jamie, informative and well put together. Sound was great - can't say i have noticed your previous videos were lacking in sound quality.

[@bigCITY17]

I have to say Jamie that you really make some quality content. Everything you say and all your points are valid and make sense. Plus you explain everything in a way thats just easy to follow and understand. You obviously put a lot of thought and effort into your content. Thank you so much for teaching us all and being such an inspiration. You alone have made me (and im sure many others) a better photographer and videographer. Thank you for everything that you do.

[@behatiprinslooooooo]

Loved the video very much! Great info! I was trying to get my feelings with different focal lengths together. This definitely gave me more an insight in how to purposely shoot! Always loving your work! Informative, honest and all so well explained :)

[@Ins0mnia365]

this was a big eye opener Jamie, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@Red35Photography]

Wonderful vid mate. Live your work and philosophies in photography.

[@Metalfreakz17]

Jamie youre absolutely killing it on your stories!.. I wish i could speak like you do. It is very inspiring and gets me motivated to grow more in photography and as a person ::)

[@serpenth616]

Amazing video and also a great topic to tell about. Keep it up!

[@agis7172]

This is one of the best photography videos ever, great job!

[@davidponce1901]

Thanks for the great video Jaime. I really enjoyed it!!!

[@MFN]

As A youtuber and creator....I love your videos......so much. You are a storyteller

[@SurfRawFiles]

Such an amazing video bra, keep up the great work! Respect!

[@raymondgoodman9148]

always a pleasure. i'm not here for the audio but the ideas you share. this idea sounds great, thanks JW!

[@karolinabambolina]

The most valuable content about lenses I have found on line, thank you!❤️

[@felixairas451]

Love your stuff Jamie! Please never stop

[@eifionjones8513]

Top work as always. I love your videos, even when you don't teach me anything new, you have an ability to make me fall in love with what I already know. This is a value not to be underestimated.

[@brycesuzuki591]

Another excellent video! You’re such a skilled video essayist. Keep up the great work.

[@CreateWithZac]

I happened to find this video right on time, so I jumped on that Skillshare link :-) Happy and excited to learn new things while supporting an exceptional creator!

[@marnev5245]

As always, exceptional video, Jamie! In terms of content, research & presentation you have already set a new standard. Very well done, Sir 😃👍

[@gonzphotographymusicchanne2855]

So enjoyng your channel, your presentation makes it a joy to watch and you put a whole new and simple look on how we should see things through the lens

[@ArkitectFitness]

Jamie, your videos are awesome. You're my favorite KZbinr. Thanks again for your efforts on these. I'm learning a lot.

[@haroldogtr]

I get lost watching your videos, puts me in a trance. So beautiful and so meaningful. It always inspires me to get out there and start shooting. Keep up the amazing work.

[@bigbroondug]

Superb video. Really like the content, production and presentation. More of this please and especially the breakdown of classic pics, this would make a great series.

[@artistjoh]

Love the way you put this together. This will become something for my students to watch. They need to learn that say 85mm is not only (or principally) a way of getting a portrait with a blurred background, but is a creative choice rooted in the emotion we choose to elicit. That the blurred background is the technician taking the photograph, but the emotion is where the poetry resides.

[@steventhomas231]

Beautifully put together and described.

[@RudeRichDallas]

This is one of the best videos I have viewed in a while.... thank you!

[@hummelshoj]

What a nice break down of this subject. I'm working on a video about perspective drawing, and will be sure to link to this video. Good work!

[@AurelGergey]

Massive value thanks to a massive amount of energy you invested in this piece. Highly appreciated.