Sunday, August 23, 2015

Life At Wide Angle

My approach to photography has always been to find something visually interesting, get close to it, and focus your attention on it. To do that, I use several telephoto lenses (up to 300mm) that enable me to bring objects into close range even when they're far away.

I've decided to try something new. I just got a wide angle lens, my first ever (18mm). Wide angle lenses push you back from individual objects and focus, instead, on an entire scene. The scene itself becomes the subject, not anything particular within it. It's a different approach than the one I'm used to.

I played around with my new lens at Sagamore Hill, the famous home of Teddy Roosevelt. The results are quite different from my normal shots. I'm sure that a little practice will improve my skill at this new visual style.

Have you ever used a wide angle lens?


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

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25 comments:

  1. The Elle DiariesAugust 23, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    I am fascinated with what you can do with a new lens and a good eye!
    These shots are so crisp and beautiful . I am so taken by the one of the marsh!
    xx, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com

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  2. PattiAugust 23, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Wonderful eye, Ally. Life does look different through a wide angle. xo

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  3. ConnieAugust 23, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    Oh Sagamore Hill. I 've been there. So pretty. What a great place to try out your new lense. And what great results. How fun!

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  4. MaggleBishAugust 23, 2015 at 8:33 PM

    Great pics!

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  5. JodiAugust 23, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    Lovely shots! I use a variety of wide angles, mostly for landscape... ie. 10-20mm and an 18-55mm Is fun playing around with it! You DO have a good eye for photography, as you do for fashion :)

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  6. Danielle Ste. JustAugust 23, 2015 at 10:24 PM

    I like the first one, the fence seems to go on forever. Its shape is mirrored by the grasses, a nice asymmetrical symmetry. The scene beckons us forward.

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  7. Witchcrafted LifeAugust 24, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    What serene, deeply beautiful landscape shots, Ally (they would look fabulous in a calendar). I think that you might have a new BFF in your camera bag.

    Wishing you a terrific last week of August,
    ♥ Jessica

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  8. KezzieAugust 24, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    Lovely!!! I've not used one!

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  9. UnknownAugust 24, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    Darn it - you've made me want to go and get a new camera now! Lovely shots.

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  10. KatiAugust 24, 2015 at 2:24 PM

    Wow, I like your new approach! These shots are very pretty...

    Have a great week,
    -Kati

    P.S.: Thanks for leaving such nice comment on my recent post!

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  11. SuzanneAugust 24, 2015 at 2:29 PM

    Everything does look so different through a wide angle. Like you've pushed a whole world into one photograph.

    Wonderful shots. The marsh one especially.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  12. UnknownAugust 24, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    Gorgeous photos! I've had my eye on a wide angle for a while but alas, it's nearer to the bottom of my list at the moment. Though your shots are starting to change my mind... ;)

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  13. DebAugust 24, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    Nice photos!

    Yes, "years ago" I carried a case of lenses and used a completely manual SLR Minolta. Ancient history, but so much fun!

    I am hoping to upgrade to a better multi-lens digital camera this year. All my shots are through a Canon Powershot pocket digital camera and I really feel the limitations more and more.

    What camera system do you use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShybikerAugust 25, 2015 at 9:32 AM

      When I was young and film ruled the land, I had a Minolta SLR like you. Before blogging I was using the same Canon Powershot for casual pictures. Then, due to blogging, I decided to get more serious about my photography. I now use a Nikon D5200 d-SLR with several telephoto and wide-angle lenses. When I was young, I always wanted a Nikon because of their superior quality but couldn't afford one. Now I can.

      Delete
  14. melbournebeantasterAugust 24, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    I have used a wide angle lens and was happy with it, but i really want to get a polarization lens as it gets rid of glare so will change the colours of the photos or if you take pictures of fireworks or water it can give a clear image. Your pics are beautiful :)

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    Replies
    1. ShybikerAugust 25, 2015 at 9:34 AM

      Filters are fun. You can create a variety of effects with them and they're relatively cheap.

      Delete
  15. Happiness at Mid LifeAugust 25, 2015 at 1:03 AM

    These photos look beautiful through your view! I don't know anything about lenses and still shoot my DSLR in auto which is I know is lame but I have not time to learn it and then teach my hubby.

    Alice
    www.happpinessatmidlife.com

    Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShybikerAugust 25, 2015 at 9:35 AM

      Take a photography course! It's the easiest way to learn and it's fun, too.

      Delete
  16. jessAugust 25, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    I've never tried a wide angle lens. I still use a point and shoot.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AshleyAugust 25, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    Very cool! I've had a wide angle lens sitting in my Amazon.com cart for the past five years. You made great use of yours. Have you ever tried a fisheye lens? I love the idea but the uses seem so limited.

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    Replies
    1. ShybikerAugust 25, 2015 at 8:28 PM

      My Canon point-and-shoot has a fisheye effect and I took a really cool picture of my motorcycle with it. Very interesting effect but, as you say, limited use. Not enough to buy one, so I was pleased to see it built into my existing camera.

      Delete
  18. Shawna McComberAugust 25, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    Lovely photos! I have certainly fantasised about adding to my camera lens repertoire but I don't take enough photos to justify that expense. I would like a telephoto lens as I have a lovely view and many eagles that can be photographed from my living room window or balcony. But then, I keep spending my money on books. xoxo

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  19. LorenaAugust 26, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    Nope ! I can barely manage my little Canon ;)

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  20. Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissistAugust 29, 2015 at 12:35 AM

    I am an exceptionally skilled photographer...on my iPhone. I wouldn't even begin to know how to choose different lenses for different things. These prove even more that you simply just have an eye for capturing things beautifully with photography, no matter what you're using. Not everyone has that.

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  21. TrueScrapAddict@blogspot.comAugust 30, 2015 at 2:37 AM

    I have a Samsung phone and use the camera on that ... I LOVE these photos ... you have an amazing eye!

    ReplyDelete

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