Then it showed up on Wednesday, completely unexpectedly, giving me lots and lots of time to play with it and figure out how to use the damn thing. It’s a 50mm f1.8 lens which basically means that it has a fixed focal length and can’t be zoomed; the f-number refers to the size of the aperture which affects your depth of field. This lens is great for portrait photography because you can get a nice sharp image, with the background all blurred.
I’d class myself as an enthusiastic amateur, when it comes to photography. I’ve played around with different settings on my camera, I know how to change them, and most of the time I can work out what settings I need to change to get the effect I want. But this knowledge has largely been acquired through trial and error (and the occasional tutorial online). And ever since I got my camera, I knew I needed to get one of these lenses.
I did briefly put my camera into the Full Auto setting when the lens arrived, took two photos, realised how little control I had over what I was doing and switched out of it. I’m still learning, but I’m in love with this camera lens already.
The above photos are amongst the first one hundred that I took,
but I’m very pleased with them (they’re not even my favourite ones, I’m saving
some for my upcoming Wordless Wednesday posts). Tara has always been a willing
victim, half the time you point a camera or phone at her she’ll pose for you (my
labrador is a diva) and I love how that photo of her came out. The focus fell on
her nose instead of her eyes (which I’ve got the hang of fixing now) but I think
it’s a cute photo nonetheless.
You can probably expect to see a bit more of my husband’s ugly mug
on here while I practice my portrait photography (one of my reasons for getting
a 50mm lens). It’s so easy to use (since you don’t have to worry about the zoom)
that I’m hoping to train him up so he can take photos of me. This means I might
make an appearance on my blog occasionally!
I’ve also found it great for photographing my ratbags. Wicket is
scared of most noises and Yoda is very fast-moving so I don’t normally get many
pictures of them, something I’m hoping to remedy now I’ve got this lens.
Wicket’s still not a fan of the noise the camera makes, but he’s tolerated a few
photos. Yoda on the other hand is quite the little ham. It’s such a fast lens
that most of the time he’s in the frame and I’ve even managed to get him in
focus a handful of times. ;-)
I know that I’ve still got an awful lot to learn about using this
lens to its full potential. I’ve taken it to the beach already and I’ll be going
away to a local festival soon so that’ll be another chance to practice with it.
I’m also hoping to find some more victims volunteers to help me
practice my portrait photography. For now I’ll carry on making do with Mr Click
and Tara:
This is officially my new favourite photo. I know it's not perfect by a long way, but I still can't help feeling a bit proud of myself every time I see it.
I hope you haven't minded this week's slightly photographic interlude. Let me know which pictures are your favourites and if you've got a 50mm lens, share your tips and tricks in the comments.
Great photos - Tara is obviously a natural model! As is your husband - he looks very natural and relaxed. Me - I can only point and click. It's my husband who's the photographer in our household.
ReplyDeleteAnabel's Travel Blog
Adventures of a retired librarian
Thank you.
DeleteTara is definitely the most photogenic one in the house. As for my husband, I'm not sure how relaxed he was. I was perched at the top of a small bank (with my new and expensive camera lens) and he was trying to keep a labrador from jumping up at me and knocking me (and my new and expensive camera lens) off the bank. He is definitely a good actor, hehe.
The last one of Tara is adorable and the ones of Wicket and Yoda are very clear. Can't wait for your Wordless now!!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop going back and looking at the photo of Tara. I might have to upgrade it to desktop background status (though it might stop me from getting anything done as I'll spend all my time staring into her begging eyes).
DeleteThese are easily the most in-focus shots I've ever gotten of my boys as well.
I'm going to have to up my game for Wednesdays, aren't I? ;-)
They're great Click … I particularly love the last one of Tara and the one on the right of the little hamster - so speedy… fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :-)
DeleteI'm so pleased with how Tara's picture turned out, I've taken some more good ones since then as well.
And, uh, the hamster is actually a rat. ;-)
Congrats on getting that fabulous new lens. I have yet to venture into the DSLRs but want one for sure. Back in college (the early 80s) I took a black and white photography course and absolutely loved it. I have a dogsitting business now so I do a lot of dog pictures. Some of them come out really good, but you know how it is: you have to shoot a zillion pictures to get one or two decent ones. I think I'm intimidated by the DSLRs. I'm intimidated by the learning curve. One of these days I'll break down and get one.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing all your photos. How fun to have a new toy! I like all the pictures you've posted here. And your animals are adorable!!
Michele at Angels Bark
Thank you. :-) I think my pets are adorable, but I am kind of biased. ;-)
DeleteI know what you mean about having to take hundreds of photos to get a good one. I should really share some of my 'bad' photos here at some point.
There are lots of good tutorials online to help get to grips with DSLRs, if you do decide to get one. The best thing to do is just to jump in and start playing. ;-)
Oh...I want one of those lenses. I have a Nikon...an older model, but digital, and I've really really loved it, but lately I have been thinking it is time to upgrade. We'll see....other stuff to do first. But I do love the effects you are getting with your new lens...look at those eyes...so much expression and such a sweet girl. Too cute the ratbags...hubby is pretty cute too...nice smile! Look forward to seeing your ClickGal face too.
ReplyDeleteSue at CollectInTexas Gal
I've already started eyeing up the new camera body models, but until I get the funds together for that, it's almost like having a brand new camera.
DeleteAnd thank you for the compliments on my family. ;-) My husband was especially pleased. And yes, I may put in an appearance sometime soon.
I love that you added pictures of Wicket and Yoda this week. I hope to see more pictures of your rats now. That picture of Tara is really cute. I have a point and shoot digital camera that takes pretty good pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning a ratty post as I type, so you'll definitely be seeing more of them soon. :-)
DeleteI've got a super duper point and shoot camera as well (which takes fantastic video), it's handy for when you don't want to be carting lots of different lenses and a big camera around.