By John Enman
I tried out an 85 mm lens for some roadside photography recently.
I have several photographers whose blogs are sent to me each week. They have had titles like Monochrome Monday, Wordless Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and My Weekly Challenge.
It was the My Weekly Challenge that I was thinking about as I read an article where the author was discussing using his new 85 mm Sigma Art f/1.4 lens for street photography.
He said that like most street photographers he preferred using prime lenses like 20 mm or 35 mm for that close in your face image. However, he decided to try the 85 mm for more distance and keep it at the f/1.4 wide aperture.
I just got a used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 in my shop and I had brought it home to see how the image files look. I had been experimenting in my house using my cats as models, but that challenge article made me think that I should make a drive around my snowy neighbourhood using only that 85 mm lens.
I sent a text to Jo saying I was going out and she said she would drive my car so I could jump out when I wanted. I’ve said it many times before, it’s good to have a photo pal.
The day wasn’t that exciting; flat light with an icy breeze and very overcast and grey sky. As I held the gate open for Jo to back my car out I knew I wouldn’t be getting very interesting photos, but what the heck, it’s always fun to try no matter the weather.
We drove along stopping to photograph several different old barns (that I have photographed countless times) in the snow and some tree outlines against the sky in the distance. I guess Jo was getting bored and said she wanted to drive down to the post office. Even though her camera bag was in the trunk she wasn’t getting inspired enough to get out and point her camera.
I said as long as we are down there I’ll go walk along the river near the Pritchard bridge. I like it down there, especially in the winter with snow or ice. There are always things sticking out of the frozen beach, or jammed against the icy bridge pillars.
The snow was deep but I came prepared wearing rubber high-topped insulated winter boots. Jo had only intended to drive or maybe stop along the ploughed road. Her boots weren’t good for the deep snow along the riverside so she stayed by the car as I trudged off through the snow. It’s always fun there and I could easily have stayed for an hour or so.
This time of year the river is low and I walked under the bridge and down the snow covered beach. The 85 mm is only a short telephoto, neat to use, but not long enough to photograph the ducks swimming in the river or resting on logs. I walked out, but they just moved away.
I could see my friend was standing along the road in the icy wind that always is with the river this time of year. So I walked back up.
As I got near the car Jo pulled her phone our of her coat pocket to take a picture of me, so I took a picture of her with her camera.
Now that I have put all my images on my computer for viewing I think that last photo of Jo will be my favourite of the day. There wasn’t much colour so I converted it to black and white and cropped it so there wouldn’t be as much unsightly background. I should have thought the photo out more and chose an angle with a better background.
That 85 mm is a quality lens, but in my opinion it’s best for portraits. For roadside photograph my preference is a bit wider or a bit longer focal length.
Stay safe and be creative. These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me at www.enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net.
