Way back on October 1, 2013 I posted my last “Homebody” tip on “Getting Creative.” It was a list of 5 suggestions that are consistently recommended to spark your creativity.
I wrote that post because I was feeling a little dissatisfied with my photography. Everything seemed to be the “same old, same old.” I researched these suggestions because I needed something to jump-start my creativity.
I decided to start with the #1 recommendation on my list: Commit to a month of just shooting with one lens, or just one focal length if you have a zoom lens. I’m back to report that this technique worked for me.
I’ve posted a gallery of images I made during the month of October (and a little after) made with just one lens: An 85 mm f/1.8 “prime” lens. This is a short telephoto lens that is very useful in low light situations and for taking portraits.
My favorite, go-to lens is the 28 to 300 mm f/3.5 zoom lens. It is an extremely versatile lens, going from a wide-angle view (28 mm) to a medium-long telephoto view (300 mm). It handles many situations in photography and can solve a lot of problems encountered in the field.
It is, however, not as fast or sharp as the 85 mm f/1.8. But, with the 85 mm lens, you have to think more about getting the picture right in the viewfinder before you actually take the picture. This can be a challenge, to say the least.
In fact I was kicking myself a little for taking on this challenge in the beginning of October, because it was difficult to shoot with just one focal length lens all the time. However, by the end of October I did not want to take the 85 mm lens off the camera because I was getting such good results!
Kings Park Photo Club: Next meeting is Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7 PM at the Kings Park Library. Come on down and bring a friend. The Club will also be having a Fall/Winter-themed display at the Nissequogue River State Park Administration Building starting January 5th. Also, the Club has an on-going display of members’ work at the People’s Bank on Indian Head Road.
Have a happy and safe New Year, and grab a few shots of that snowstorm coming our way later this week!
