patty connelly
@pattyconnellyfoto6 Jun
Sticking with one focal length for a while.
Piggy-backing on Ford Lauron's question about which focal length is most challenging made me think about the often recommended idea that sticking to one focal length for an extended period of time will improve your skills faster than switching up lenses. Curious what others think about this idea?
I used a 40mm exclusively since 2019 until late last year when I bought a 100mm which is now my dual lens setup. A single focal length does challenge you to try to find ways to use it so your photos don鈥檛 always end up looking too similar. Restrictions do force you to think more and be more creative I find. Also spending so much time with one lens you will get to know exactly how that focal length looks and feels which really helps when anticipating the moments to photograph.
I usually shoot with either a 40mm or 28mm. Lately the 28mm only comes out when it's busy/crowded. While I'm not sure if sticking only to the 40mm makes me more creative, it does make me more comfortable. And I'm very much into the process of photography as an excuse to go outside and do something, so comfortable really helps getting off the couch.
The end result doesn't matter as much besides helping me remember where I went and what I saw.
I feel the same way lately. It's actually the getting out and observing that is my goal.
In my experience, if you're going to switch focal lengths, you have to soldier through the first couple of weeks, which usually goes like this:
- COOL this is so interesting. My photos look so different
- Hrm. This is actually hard, and I'm missing shots.
- I don't like this. Where's my 50mm.
- Loop
If you get through that for a few weeks, and you still don't like the focal length, then I think it's a legit move to switch back to what you're comfortable with.
Similar point to Corin's, I think we all default think more options means more creativity and interest. When in reality setting specific limitations with equipment with likely lead to more creativity and skill development. Rather than looking at a scene and thinking you needed a different lens for it, you end up thinking next time I need to look at that differently to make it work for the lens I am using.
I have had the 50mm f2 on my Fuji for probably the last year.
Over time, I learnt what I want to do with that focal length and I already know what I'm going to get in camera before I raise it to shoot.
It means I'm thinking fas less about my gear and focused more on the image. It also means I can react far quicker when something interesting presents itself.
I can鈥檛 deal with the choice. One lens definitely for me.
I have conflicting feelings about that. On one hand, I think that sticking to one lens is extremely beneficial and important for improving your composition skills. The easier it is to handle your gear, the more that part will be out of your head when shooting.
But I think that after a while, it is important to challenge yourself and swap lenses, not only to gain a better knowledge of how lenses and focal lengths work, but also to give yourself a challenge and bring some novelty, which often sparks creativity
Does a 24-70mm count ? 馃槀
During my first two years of street photography, I only had a 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent). Looking back, that limitation was a good thing as it trained my eye to see certain scenes and compositions.
When I switched systems, I picked up a 28mm and used it for almost a year before committing to a 24mm for another year. This is where I'm at now.
I enjoy carrying just one lens and making the most of it. It keeps photography fresh, especially when shooting the same places over and over again.
I wrote a blog post about this challenge a few years ago. I decided a way to justify buying a new lens was to not allow myself to take it off the camera for six months. I would highly recommend the process, you may even find yourself with a more distinct photography style by the end of it:
https://lukekennyphoto.com/blog/six-months-with-the-leica-50mm-summicron-version-4
Look forward to reading it.
There's plenty of debate online about this. I think it's a bit of "whatever suits your fancy" kind of debate. I do like to carry a couple lenses for street just to change mood, style, perspective and so on. After a couple of hours with one lens, do a couple hours with another. Keeps it fun.
