Photography primer - Part II

In part one of my photography primer, I gave you a small taste of my past.

Part two continues the journey.

My Kit

As a child of the analog age, I learned to appreciate the art I was trying to create. The Cameras I used didn’t come with sports mode, ISO adjustment, and a seemingly unlimited amount of space. Armed with just a lens and a 24 shot roll of film, I had to think about every photo I shot.

I make it sound like a bad thing, I know. It was a great thing for me; it taught me to think about what I shot, don’t rush, and to take my time. Enjoy what you shoot, enjoy the moment, and tell a story. Quite zen.

The first

I still love my first Camera, a Pentax P30N. It was the last of the Japanese built P30 series; hence the quality was impressive. It had a 24-105mm lens, Sigma flash, and was easy to use for a newbie like me.

The mighty Pentax P30n, in all it's glory. — The mighty Pentax P30n, in all its glory.

Many years passed, life got busy, and I didn’t have time for photography. I played with the odd digital Camera here and there, but nothing too serious.

Then, the digital SLR became mainstream, and the spark returned.

The current

This is my ‘everyday’ kit.

I use a Canon EOS 450D DSLR body. It’s a reliable body that takes good photos. It’s over ten years old, so it does have its limits, such as a small ISO range and not too good at fast moving things (like sport). But, for a first digital SLR, I’m still happy.

One of my favourite lenses is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime. Known as the “nifty fifty,” this lens is light a light magnet inside, and I tend to use this for macro and portrait work.

The Canon EOS450 with the Nifty Fifty lens attached

My everyday lens, the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. With such a broad focal range, combined with the USM quality, hence this is my go-to lens.

The Canon EF 28-135mm IS UISM, with Lens hood. A must have accessory, if you want to shoot on sunny days. — The Canon EF 28-135mm IS UISM, with Lens hood. A must have accessory if you want to shoot on sunny days.

For all my long-distance needs, I use the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II Lens. The entry-level zoom Lens that shipped with the 450D.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS USM. A good entry level zoom lens. — Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS USM. A good entry level lens.

It’s a reliable lens, but I’d love increased focal distance. I would like a Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM, but it’s probably too much for ‘family’ use. Perhaps if I shot more sports photography, then I’d consider purchasing the lens.

There is one thing I miss is an external flash. The body has one inbuilt, but it’s relatively weak. Something for the long-term shopping list.

My style

I can’t say I stick to one style; hence I like to try different things and see the results. Previously I’ve talked about my influences in the part I primer, and I would like to think that’s visible in what I like now. Elements of building (structure) and portrait photography are there.

Family/Kids

A big part of life is my family; therefore, they appear in a lot of my photos. Aside from the family moments, I’ve taken some beautiful portrait shots.

Before you ask, no this is not the entire family. I know my photo curation skills need work, but that will come when I can find them.

Macro

In short, close-up photography. My skills are still developing. However, I quite enjoy what I’ve made. I’d like to use it in aquarium photography, just need to work on lighting and speed.

Buildings

Buildings are something that is relatively easy to shoot. After all, they don’t move. It’s nice to wander through a small town, shooting whatever I see. See, for example, a stroll through a little Italian village called Torno.