Cover photo by masa
※ cizucu-certified writer masa contributed this magazine article.
On a personal note, my first child, a son, was recently born. Contrary to the delicate image of a newborn I had imagined before his birth, my son has a surprisingly strong face. His eyelashes have grown, his cheeks have filled out, and I find myself unable to take my eyes off his growth for even a moment.
As his facial features change day by day, it becomes difficult to remember every detail, and I naturally want to take many photos. Each time I capture his changes with my camera, I am reminded of the value of taking and preserving photographs.
The Irreplaceable 35mm
During the newborn phase, I often used a 35mm prime lens to capture his small figure in its entirety.
The 35mm focal length, which is slightly wider than a standard lens, offers a field of view that can capture the scenery of our small home while allowing me to shoot at a distance where I can always reach out to my son.
Photo by masa
This focal length was invaluable during the newborn phase when I never wanted to be apart from him.
Creating Memories with 50mm
As my son’s vision gradually developed, he now confidently makes eye contact with the camera. Around the one-month mark, he began to show subtle expressions. Watching him grow and become more human-like fills me with awe.
Photo by masa
To capture these subtle changes, I’ve recently been using the 50mm focal length more often than the 35mm. The 50mm lens, which allows me to focus on specific parts of the subject rather than capturing the whole, preserves more striking expressions while maintaining the same distance from my son.
The Meaning of Extended Focal Lengths
By the time my son reached two months old, we started going out more often. The initial worries of parenthood gradually gave way to a sense of ease, and I began to feel a desire to show him new sights.
For outings, a standard zoom lens proves to be a convenient and reliable companion. In unfamiliar, spacious environments, being able to choose the focal length allows me to capture various moments along with the atmosphere of the place.
Photo by masa
The focal length of a lens can also represent the emotional distance with family. An extended focal length might symbolize the future when children grow up and eventually leave their parents’ side.
