Photoforum Photography Challenge 2011-3

[Grandpa]

"The most commonly purchased lens is a normal lens. Its focal length is about 50 mm. A normal lens is popular because it has the same perspective as the human eye."
This is from "Basic 35 mm Photo Guide for beginning photographers", Alesse, Craig. New York: Amherst Media, 1989.
Not terribly long ago, in the scheme of things. Back in the day... the 50mm is what came on a new SLR. The replacement of this by kit zooms meant that the 50mm has been forgotten by many.

The growing popularity of APS-C sized sensors has also given rise to prime lenses in the 28 to 35 mm range, affording a "normal" angle of view for those DSLRs.


Nikon D7000 w/ 35mm f/1.8

So first - a recommendation. For all those out there buying new DSLRs - Canon, Nikon, Pentax - doesn't matter. When you ask what lens should I get next? - consider the entry level 50mm prime. It'll run you around $125.00 and will be the fastest, sharpest lens you own. Or possibly a prime in that 28-35 range. Nikon has a 35mm f/1.8 for around $200.00.

Next, the challenge - if you have a 50mm put it on. Or one of the other primes. If you're using a zoom, set it to 35mm or 50mm and leave it there. Now go FIND some pictures. Zoom with your feet. Find the right angle. Think about the composition. If you're using a point and shoot, no zooming. And for everyone, no cropping.

The rules:

1. Only photos taken during the challenge period should be posted.
2. Limit of 2 pictures per post for this topic.
3. Discussion of technique and/or inspiration is encouraged!
4. Remember - this is NOT a contest - no voting, no prizes - other than better photos!

Have fun - take pictures - enjoy photography!

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[Dazzaone]

Right just changed my lens, battery charged, sun is out I am off to see what I can get

[Dazzaone]

I managed to get out for a stroll yesterday morning for an hour before my shoot with a client, didn't go far but managed to get a few for the theme.
This is just a few minutes away from the house and overlooks one of the surrounding neighborhoods...




Then I spotted this fabulous piebald in one of the fields and he was so friendly and didn't bat an eyelid as I got in and snapped away, look he's even smiling for me...

[Dutch]

Well, I just spend an hour or two outside in GLORIOUS sunny weather (no sense complaining about Dutch weather these days )
and set the zoomlens to 50mm, and lateron to 35mm.

I set out to take a few pictures I really wanted, but along the way I just took advantage of oppertunity. Here are a few results:


I actually quite like how this turned out; the reflection in the windows and the shadows on the car are really appealing to me .
Im less pleased with the bicycle and the empty bottle... Photoshop anyone? Its shot in RAW image format.


The statue of King Willem the 2nd. I dont think I would have thought of this without this assignment, so yay!
Had to run around a bit though to hide the many lanterns behind the statue .

[Grandpa]

Dazz- 2 compelling compositions. Well done!

Dutch - I'm glad the challenge made you think. Here's the car sans bike:

[spotted1]

Nice horse Darren! It's beautiful, and yes, it does look like it's smiling! P.S. The horse photographer in me wants to scold you for using a wide lens to photograph a horse!

Nice edit Dane!



Sue's baby shoes in the "Pairs" challenge inspired me to go digging in the closet through my box of old memories from the past. These are my baby shoes from long LONG ago.



1955 bank statement. In that same box as the shoes I found an old old cigar box that belonged to my grandpa. He kept all his check and bank paperwork in it years ago, and after grandma passed, this was one of the things I took from the house. I'm just amazed at what only a few dollars bought back then, and what he paid for electricity, gas, and other things we pay outragious prices for today.

[spotted1]

In honor of the recent Super Bowl win for our home team, I pulled out the old jersey from a favorite player of mine. I should have steamed out the wrinkles, but I was really just playing around to see what I could come up with, so they really didn't matter to me. Sorry Dane, I did crop this a bit to get rid of my backdrop stands on either side, and part of my umbrella...........but it was taken with the 50mm 1.4!

[JadenShelton]

Hmm i like this.

And this, Both on a canon 50mm fixed zoom, On a 20d.

I really need to clean my sensor.

[Grandpa]

Welcome tothe forum, Jaden. Yes, I'd say a sensor cleaning is in order.

Love the shoes, Geri - and congrats on your SB win!

[Dazzaone]

Thanks Dane, I am enjoying this one. Geri please don't scold me, the horse was not spooked in any way by me being so close, I have a thing with horses and can tell if they don't like the camera (I used to work at a stable in Ireland) and if you think I was close on that shot just wait til you see the second shot in this post... sorry couldn't resist

Well I went for a stroll in the hills today as there was a great mist settled on the tops and I have been waiting for the chance to get out and get some new images, here's one I have been longing to get...




This one is just for you Geri...



**No horses were harmed or distressed during the process of taking these photographs