Saturday, September 4, 2010

Sticking with the 50mm

Saint George's Island Crab Boats-1

In a couple of previous posts (Improving Your Photography Through a Committed Relationship, and Taking my own Advice – Commitment to 50mm) I recommended snapping on a fixed focal length (prime) lens, and challenge yourself to develop a committed relationship to that lens.  I continue my committed relationship with the 50mm and here are a few results.  Since my first post on this subject, my 50mm has not come off the camera.

Seagull on Piling Saint George's Island

These photographs were made at one of my favorite locations and favorite times.  The location is the Saint George’s Island in Saint Mary’s County Maryland, and the time was just after sunrise.  One hour either side of sunrise and sunset supply the most interesting light of the day.  These photographs came a little outside that one hour window, but still very nice light.

Saint George's Island Crab Boats-2

One of the nice things the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II brings to these photographs is super sharpness.  While you can get some sense of this via these blog sized photos, the full resolution versions are sufficiently sharp that they encourage you to explore all the details in the composition.  Several times I have stated that pursuit of perfect focus and sharpness is an unnecessary endeavor.  However, in the right context an extreme level of detail adds a great deal to the photograph.  The first and third photograph in this post are good examples.  In the second shot, the silhouette of the seagull on the piling, it is not an important aspect.

Have fun and go make some great photography.

Craig

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