Standard focal length

I chose a trip to the beach to practise the use of my prime 50mm lens as, not used to being without a zoom I thought this would give me enough space to move around. The 50mm focal length produces images almost as the eye sees, without the distortion given with a wide angle or telephoto lens so I felt that the images would come out much more real and flattering to the human form and features.

Street photographer Henry Cartier-Bresson mainly used this focal length; he believed that by using a fixed or prime lens, he could develop a better idea of how his images would look as he viewed the scene.  

After a bit of running back and forth to get the right shots, I quickly found myself developing an instinctive feel for the distance needed between the subject and myself. I enjoyed the new, lighter feel of my camera and also the faster shutter speeds available by using the wider apertures available with the lens.

Obviously without the use of an adjustable zoom, some scenes remain too far away to shoot and lack detail while others are too close, meaning I may not capture everything I want in the shot. 

Update:

Since completing this exercise, I have had more practice using the 50mm prime. Although the fact still stands that I can’t always get everything I need in the shot; sometimes this is to my benefit. While at a family party, I saw a scene, which the confinements of the room just wouldn’t allow me to photograph in its entirety. I did the best I could in the circumstances and the image I captured has turned out to be one of my favourite images of all time.

Had I used a wide-angle lens, I would have ended up with more in the shot, but the image would have been distorted and unflattering. The restriction imposed has forced me to close in on the detail and the bond between mother and daughter. I love this lens!

Close and involved

Quite nervous about the closeness in proximity necessary for this exercise, I chose to shoot from the hip and captured the images by letting the camera hang on the strap while subtly pointing and shooting at scenes I found interesting. In editing, most images needed some straightening, loosing chunks of the original image but I considered it a worthwhile pay off in order to remain a little closer to my comfort zone.

It was a very small market so I had little time to build my confidence, mainly shooting stallholders and the backs of their customers.

As the rain set in, the scene changed as people started to put up the umbrellas. I liked this image of the couple huddled together keep out of the rain.

Wanting to capture the array of brollies, I took a chance shooting a cluster of people walking towards me. 

It is clear that one lady caught me in the act as she is staring right at the camera. The camera level low, it gives the sensation of the lady looking down on a child as she has noticed him doing something he shouldn’t. I feel that it is this feeling of being captured that actually makes this image.  

Standing back

I chose to use the ferry ride from Zeebrugge to Hull to practise the use of the telephoto lens in photographing people. I remained in the same spot on the rear deck for entire exercise and snapped away as people came and went.

As with many of these exercises, the holiday situation naturally puts people at ease around the camera so I had plenty of opportunity to capture ferry life.

My first few images are of people working on the ferry from workmen loading vehicles to a chef taking a quick break.

My attention then turned to other passengers as I started to feel more comfortable. It was interesting to see the lorry drivers, taking advantage of the ride and enjoying a break from the solitary world of driving.

As darkness settled, I enjoyed the comfort in being less noticeable and managed to take some images of other passengers enjoying the journey. I was really pleased to capture a father taking his own photographs of his family.