Invisible Observation, Freezing The Moment: The Application of Telephoto Lenses In Event Photography

Telephoto lenses, typically with a focal length of 85mm or longer, are used to capture distant people or landscapes. This stealth observation capability, which allows them to lock onto a target subject from a distance without disturbing the subject, is particularly popular in event photography.

1.What are the advantages of a telephoto lens in event photography?

The core characteristics of a telephoto lens determine its advantages in event photography:

(1)Long-distance capture

Due to its long focal length, a telephoto lens can capture close-ups without disturbing the scene, making it particularly suitable for shooting sensitive occasions, such as award ceremonies. For example, at sporting events, a 400mm telephoto lens can capture the muscle tension and facial expressions of athletes sprinting.

(2)Space compression effect

A telephoto lens can shorten the visual distance between the background and the subject, creating a sense of spatial compression and making a cluttered environment simple. For example, using a 200mm telephoto lens to shoot a speaker on the podium can highlight the person on the stage and blur the background of the audience behind him.

Telephoto lenses can produce a spatial compression effect

(3)Shallow depth of field blur

A wide-aperture, telephoto lens can blur distracting elements in the environment, allowing the subject to stand out from the crowd. For example, capturing a close-up of a bride at a wedding through a crowd would render the background and other people invisible as spots of light.

2.Specific applications of telephoto lenses in event photography

Telephoto lenses are widely used in event photography, including but not limited to the following aspects:

(1)Wedding photography

Telephoto lenses are often used for wedding photography. Their shallow depth of field allows the photographer to highlight the subject while blurring the background, focusing the image on the couple. For example, if shooting far from the wedding venue, a telephoto lens can center the couple or performers while gently blurring the background, enhancing the visual impact. In wedding location photography, a telephoto lens can compress the woods or buildings in the background, creating a cinematic composition.

(2)Sports photography

In sports photography, telephoto lenses are the embodiment of speed and power, capturing the action and moments of athletes in sporting events, such as a goal in football or a slam dunk in basketball. The use of telephoto lenses in sports photography is crucial, as they avoid interfering with the athletes' performance while also ensuring the photographer's safety.

Telephoto lenses are often used in sports photography

(3)Concert performance photography

At large concerts or stage performances, using a telephoto lens prevents the photographer from entering the crowd or the venue, thereby minimizing disruption to the event. For example, at large performances, a telephoto lens allows the photographer to capture the performers on stage from a distance without disrupting the flow of the atmosphere.

At the same time, the telephoto lens can compress the distant audience seats and the nearby stage or performers together to create a unique visual effect. At a performance, using a telephoto lens from the side of the stage to capture the tearful moment of the front row audience waving their glow sticks is a common example.

(4)Large conference photography

At large conferences or forums, a telephoto lens is a silent recorder. From the audience, photographers can clearly capture the speaker, the background, and the text. From the side, a telephoto lens can capture the expressions and body language of those on stage as they communicate. From the audience, it can also capture moments of interaction, as audience members attentively record or nod in agreement.

(5)Complex environment photography

Telephoto lenses also perform well in complex environments. For example, at a crowded event, photographers can use a telephoto lens to shoot from a distance, avoiding being surrounded by the crowd. Furthermore, telephoto lenses can be used in low-light environments by increasing the ISO value or using a tripod to ensure the best shot.

Telephoto lenses also perform well in complex environments

3.Tips for using a telephoto lens

Mastering and using some techniques can make your telephoto lens shooting effect more effective:

(1)Mastering the art of composition

Frame composition: Shooting the subject through foreground elements such as door frames and tree branches adds a sense of layering.

Leaving negative space: Using a telephoto lens to shoot the side face of a person looking out of the picture leaves room for imagination.

Repeating elements: Rows of seats and people in uniform clothing are compressed to create a rhythmic background.

(2)The art of light control

Aperture priority: Use the maximum aperture to ensure the amount of light entering, and sacrifice depth of field when appropriate.

Backlight handling: Use a hood to reduce glare, or deliberately keep the halo to enhance the dramatic effect.

ISO strategy: ISO 6400 is still usable on modern cameras, and noise reduction software can be used to remedy this in post-production.

(3)Stabilization and support

Keep your body steady: Keep your elbows close to your torso and gently press the shutter button while breathing.

Lens image stabilization: When IS/VR mode is turned on, the handheld safety shutter speed can be reduced to 1/focal length, such as 1/200 second for a 200mm focal length.

Choose the right tripod: Use a fluid head to achieve fast panning and capture laterally moving subjects, such as racing scenes.

In summary, telephoto lenses play a vital role in event photography, helping photographers better capture moments, showcasing the excitement and dynamism of an event, and adding a sense of artistry and expression to their images. When using a telephoto lens to shoot activities, you may find that it is silently observing the world, freezing the fleeting moments and helping you find details that you once overlooked.

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