Monday, August 31, 2009

Summer harvest

This past week has been devoted not to shooting but rather to backing up photos as well as processing macro images for my upcoming macro class in Castro Valley. During my photo backup, last week's farmers' market photos caught my eye, so I thought I'd quickly process a few more of the shots I took. I had limited myself to a 50mm lens and an aperture of f/1.8 for minimal depth of field. Using just one lens (especially one that doesn't zoom) is good practice. I find it forces me to look a little closer and to use my feet to change the composition rather than relying on zooming in and out.

Quite often this is the way I'll approach photographing at antique car shows. I'll walk the show with just one lens, let's say a 70-200mm lens. Then I'll put on a 24-85mm lens and walk the show again. And if I'm feeling totally insane, I'll then use a 10-17mm fisheye lens and walk the show yet again. Each lens we use forces us to see differently, to come up with different looks. And in photography, that's always a good thing. ©Carol Leigh

4 comments:

DSRTDAVIS said...

Yum, yum. Now I have to go eat breakfast. Good idea - one lens only. I am getting spoiled with my new point and shoot.... too easy to zoom in/out. I am going to try the one lens only idea - as soon as I find where I packed that camera.

Carol Leigh said...

You crack me up! -- Carol Leigh

Judy said...

Wonderful photos, as always! Those fresh veggies look like they're begging to go home with you.

You've mentioned this idea of limiting one's self with one lens, maybe I should finally listen & try it? ;-)

Carol Leigh said...

Judy, give it a go. You have nothing to lose and it will stretch you as a photographer. -- Carol Leigh