Stop and go
London, Ontario, October 2006
A funny thing happens when you use longer lenses on distant subjects: they tend to look sort of compressed. It's an effect I played with one autumn morning as I walked home from the grocery store. I thought lamp standards would look neat if I tried to look at them from a distance with a long lens.
I know what you're thinking: lamp standards are as interesting to look at as hydro poles. They're best ignored because they clutter the landscape. They're boring. The wires only add to the blight.
That may be. But on this morning, as I walked home with four litres of milk in my backpack for our three very thirsty children, the forest of lights against the pinkish-hued overcast morning sky made this moment worth preserving.
Your turn: I hope you'll take your camera out today and take an everyday image of something far away. When you post it to your blog, please link to it here so we can all share in your vision.
I LOVE THIS CARMI! So much to look at! What a great shot. I will try this tomorrow.... :)
ReplyDeleteYour post title, heh! love it.
ReplyDeleteI really should have read this post before dark right? Although...there are always the stars...
light and lines - what fun! I should read more about our camera, but playing is almost more interesting - might give it a whirl today :)
ReplyDeleteI love this shot!! Seriously. Do you need a "long" lense for these types of shots?? I ask b/c I've attempted shots like this before and they never turn out quite like I envision them. Plus, I have NO idea what a "long lense" is :)
ReplyDeleteThis one is really nice....the opposite of the prior photo....mor complex, by far. I don't have a blog, but I might be able to send you something directly to your email....if that is permitted?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. The address is in the sidebar of the site. And here:
ReplyDeletewritteninc AT gmail DOT com
Looking forward to seeing it, Kristin. Thanks!
Hi Carmi this is great and one of the wonderful phenomenons of the zoom lens. When I used to shoot show jumping I would always shoot at about 200mm from a 45 degree angle to the jump, getting the whole jump into the picture. It worked well because the horse would look far more in proportion to the jump than if I had to shoot at 35mm right on top of the jump. It also put the background nicely out of focus if there was a nice open scene behind and made the distance seem shorter which in all makes for a better shot. I usually refer to it as shortening the perspective in the shot LOL.
ReplyDeleteI think there might be a few examples on my MSN Groups website of shots from South Africa of cross country and show jumping.
Thanks again for bringing up another interesting part of photography. Bear in mind each lens has its own unique quirks so it is a good idea to get to know each lens and its capabilities, then the sky is the limit when planning particular shots.
Okay I am off to get my beauty sleep, I need it.
Lori
I love taking pictures of ordinary things and finding something extraordinary about them.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
Wait. You walked home with all that milk? I'm impressed! Jealous, even!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot Carmi!
ReplyDeleteHi Carmi,
ReplyDeleteThat's a very interesting effect.
I took some photos today with a telephoto lens. I was standing on a very tall building looking down on students sitting in the sun. It's film so I'll have to wait till it's processed before posting.
I love the confusion of this picture!
ReplyDeleteThe lines are everywhere.
To me, this represents the nonstop, overwhelming aspect of modern life.
greatcc photo! that did make an interesting shot...the depth.... and rows and rows and rows.....
ReplyDeletei don't have a camera that's good for these type of shots. i don't even have a zoom lens.
I meant to be writing in my own blog tonight, but came here for the first time, and stayed. Can I say I loved everything about it? Your words and pictures are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great shot Carmi. I seem to have missed a few days on the sight or you have been really busy!
ReplyDeleteHi Carmi
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous shot! Like you I really enjoyed the compressed effect a zoom lense gives, unfortunately I don't have one so can't get that myself.
Very impressed by the 4 liters of milk for 3 kids. How long will that last?
Cheers from Sydney
I like it!So many details.Good photo.
ReplyDeleteHi Carmi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visits to my blog. Sorry I've only just come here.
You've got many interesting posts :) I'll be coming back regularly...
I like all the repitition!
ReplyDeleteVery nice looks like a city I was once in and had to stop at every single light
ReplyDelete