Zooming

The difference between "zooming with your feet" and using a zoom lens boils down to perspective and field of view. 

Here's a breakdown:

1. Zooming with Your Feet

Action: Moving closer to or farther from your subject physically.

Effect on Composition:

Changes the perspective. Objects in the background will shift relative to the subject. For example:

Moving closer exaggerates depth and makes background elements appear smaller compared to the subject.

Moving farther compresses depth, making background elements appear closer to the subject.

Limitations:

Physical constraints might prevent movement (barriers, safety, etc.).

The perspective might not align with your artistic vision.

2. Using a Zoom Lens

Action: Adjusting the focal length of the lens to change the field of view.

Effect on Composition:

Keeps the perspective constant, as you’re not physically moving.

Adjusts the field of view, allowing you to include or exclude more of the scene while staying in one spot.

At longer focal lengths, background compression becomes more pronounced, creating a flatter, more compressed look.

Advantages:

Greater flexibility in tight spaces or when movement is restricted.

Allows experimentation with background compression for artistic effects.

Visual Example:

Imagine photographing a street performer:

Zooming with your feet: If you move closer, their surroundings will look more spread out and dramatic.

Using a zoom lens: You can zoom in to focus tightly on the performer while keeping the background compressed.

In Photography Terms:

Zooming with your feet changes perspective; zooming with a lens changes magnification. Both techniques can be used creatively depending on the story you want to tell.