I readily admit that I rarely use my telephoto lens, in fact the last time I remember having it on my camera was in North Dakota at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, two years ago.
So it was with a fair amount of grumbling that I screwed that 55-250 lens on my camera and set out for a photo walk around my town.
I quickly realized once I was walking the sidewalks, that I have grown short-sighted, seeing only the things that present themselves right in front of me. This happened because I tend to only shoot with my 17-55mm wide angle, or my 60mm macro lens.
I have forgotten how to look up.
I have forgotten how to look farther into the distance.
I have forgotten how to see things differently.
I have forgotten about the joy of discovering new/old things.
This lesson has taught me many things, but most of all it has taught me to be open to trying things and to stop being so short-sighted.
Check out one of my fellow group mate's blog about the same exercise and what she discovered.
17 comments:
I've enjoyed, over the last few years, taking only one lens at a time with me when I go on a walk. {and my phone} I have three lenses - kit lens, 50mm and telephoto. Having only one of the three helps me to see very different things when I walk in some of my usual places. The iPhone is handy ... cause it'll give me a wide view or a macro view if I really feel the need for one of the other lens types. Anyhow - love this. Cause I so enjoy being "led" by my lenses!!
I always enjoy your photos . . .
"Looking Up" turned out some great pics.
So good to learn new things, Sarah. Funny, I used to use my 55-200mm all the time. I go through spurts. Close ups. Landscapes. Often the only time I use the 55-200 now is when I can't get close enough to my subjects, like the antelope on the northern Colorado plains. Thanks as always for your insights. Different subject: I'm going to go back and really read your Coffee Shop Chronicles. I think I'd love to do something like that and visit a new coffee shop each time.
So fun changing lenses and seeing things with a new perspective. I love my 70/200 lens and also my 600 mm. It really brings things in to focus that I would not be noticing without it. Probably one of the reasons that I am about to have this shoulder surgery though. Love your shots Sarah. Oh and I bought that book by David Duchemin. You inspired me. and thanks for the heads up
I'm glad you took the opportunity to play around with your 55-250 lens. Mine lives on my camera and I use it for amazing bokeh backgrounds. I mainly shoot nature, so I leave it on f8 or 9 and get amazing backgrounds when I shoot birds, butterflies, insects, or flowers, and they only have to be a couple of yards away to use it. I hope you play around with the lens and learn to enjoy it more.
Such wonderful shots ... so glad you took your telephoto lens out. I love mine......it's on my camera 95% of the time. Happy shootin' :-D diane @ thoughts & shots
Wonderful images with the telephoto, Sarah.
Like you, I've not had mine on my camera in forever.
You have inspired me to dig it out.
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
My 55-250 was passed down to my son because it never got used. My 70-300 on the other hand is almost always included for outings (especially sporting / golf). I recently got an 18-250 which gives me the best of two worlds. As for my 'nifty-fifty', it hasn't seen the light of day in ???? Creature of habit - glad I'm not alone.
You certainly nailed this assignment with some great captures. I keep my telephoto lens on both my cameras but now I see I am limiting myself. It's time to get out different lens. It is funny how we can get in a rut even with our lens....
These are great. I love it when we get to see things anew.
Interesting to see all you can do with your telephoto lens, Sarah! I really like that first shot.
The advantage I have is my zoom is always there as I have a bridge camera. I think i isolate more than any other technique I think. Lovely images and once gain thanks for hosting this group I'm loving all the wonderful work.
Wonderful work, it is funny how when we change lenses we can see new things. I try and switch off every few weeks just to get a fresh perspective. Have a wonderful day!
You've already gotten your money's worth from the book by David Duchemin - even from only this one lesson. I think we all get comfortable with a favorite lens or two and it's good to mix things up a bit. Your photographs isolate the subjects beautifully here. I LOVE my telephoto lens (70-200 with a constant 2.8 aperture) and use it about half the time I shoot. I've had to go in the opposite direction of you and teach myself to shoot wider to bring in more of the background. It's a dance- when the background helps to tell the story with rich detail and when the subject needs to stand alone. Thanks for this thoughtful post, Sarah!
That sounds like a successful exercise. I love a telephoto but they are so clunky I prefer traveling light.
No matter what lens you use your photos are always interesting and so well done. I really liked that first shot with the hand and dripping water.
We did see things quite similarly didn't we! Confession: I grumbled about putting on my lens, too and how it was heavier and I didn't want to carry a tripod downtown and it was irritating to have to change back to my 50mm lens when I saw something interesting close by. But, overall, I learned a lot and won't always leave it at home anymore!! Beautiful post and images!! Thanks for the shout out! You're very sweet to mention my blog!
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