Photography Distance Guides
In-depth articles on subject distance, working distance, and distance calculations for bird, wildlife, portrait, and video photographers.
Subject Distance for Video: Staying in Focus While Moving
Video demands that focus move with your subject — and understanding subject distance is the key to making that seamless. Lens choice, AF tracking settings, and distance management for smooth video focus.
Read articleWildlife Safety Distances: How Far Is Far Enough?
Minimum safe distances for bears, bison, moose, raptors, marine mammals, and songbirds — with lens recommendations for each distance and the ethical principles behind them.
Read articlePortrait Distance: What Focal Length at What Range
From 35mm environmental portraits at 1m to 135mm compression at 4m — how working distance shapes face rendering and background separation in every portrait scenario.
Read articleMacro Photography: Working Distance Explained
Why a 50mm macro and a 180mm macro both reach 1:1 but produce completely different results with live subjects — and how to match focal length to the insects, reptiles, and flowers you actually shoot.
Read articleCalculate Subject Distance
Use our free calculator to find exactly how far your subject was — or needs to be — for any lens and camera combination.
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