Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What effect does a telephoto lens have on the subject and the background in terms of space?

1. Spreads them apart

2. Compresses them together

3. Elongates the subject

4. Blurs the background

The correct answer is: Compresses them together

A telephoto lens is designed to magnify distant subjects while providing a narrow field of view. This lens achieves a unique effect on both the subject and the background, creating the illusion that they are closer together than they actually are. This phenomenon is known as "compression," where the spatial relationship between the subject and background is altered. When using a telephoto lens, the perspective changes, making it appear as if objects in the background are compressed towards the subject rather than spread apart. This allows photographers to isolate the subject more effectively and create a more intimate composition. While other effects like elongation or blurring of the background can also be present when using a telephoto lens (depending on aperture settings), the primary and most significant impact of a telephoto lens in terms of spatial relationships is the compression of space.