This is a demo of different focal lengths and aperture settings in taking pictures.
![[50283503106_fbc558033d_b]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283503106_fbc558033d_b.jpg)
![[50283655982_c9342e5c0a_b]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283655982_c9342e5c0a_b.jpg)
I tried to keep the relative size of the lanterns and the angle I shot from the same in all pictures.
The first pic is at 24mm. The lantern is distorted and seems insignificant against the busy background. The second picture is at 70mm and the lantern now dominates the picture, and there is no distortion in the shape of the lantern.
Now aperture or f stop. The pictures above are shot at f16. I chose to focus on the direction disk, but everything in the pictures is in focus.
![[50283503071_14cd0d5726_b]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283503071_14cd0d5726_b.jpg)
![[50283655907_4176f0b786_b]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50283655907_4176f0b786_b.jpg)
These two are at the same focal lengths as above, but shot at f2.8. Now the background is completely out of focus. Obviously, this setting is too shallow, as not all the lantern is in focus. I usually shoot at f5.6 for a nice compromise.
So my advice for shooting lanterns (or people or cars or whatever where you want your subject to dominate the image) is to use a mild- to mid-telephoto lens and open it up to the smallest number f stop that will get your subject in focus.
I hope this was of some use to someone!