The camera had to be set at standard focal length, this is achieved when the image in the viewfinder looks about the same size as with the naked eye, my lens does have a standard focal length mark (55mm) although I did not realise this initially, I set it at that and took one photograph. Then the lens had to be opened up to its widest view and another photograph taken. Then again with the lens set at its furthest setting and another photograph taken.
The images were printed onto A4 paper and then returned to the scene. The three prints were held up at eye level to determine the distance from the eye when the prints become 'life' sized.
My camera is a Sony A200 with a 18-70mm zoom lens.
At 300mm from the eye this print achieved real life size, which is a comfortable viewing distance.
This print was too close to the eye to measure accurately but around 50mm it became real life-not comfortable.
At around 550mm this print became real life, arms length.
Pretty uninspiring photographs I know, but I thought the scene would demonstrate the exercise sufficiently.
What did surprise me was the standard focal length of my camera, I did expect it to be around 25mm as my DSLR is 'entry level'. A read through the manual revealed a 3:2 aspect ratio (full frame) albeit with a 1.6 crop factor.
