Is it not amazing what we can learn from our blog friends? A few days ago I posted a macro of a bug. I was practicing with my new lens, my Nikon 40mm fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Here it is again (I was practically touching the bug with the edge of the lens):
I thank everyone for their awesome comments, btw. But
Lisa Gordon from 'Lisa Gordon Photography' wrote, and I quote:
"The first one is my favorite too Barb.It really is a wonderful shot.
The 40mm is a wonderful lens, and I love the fact that it's so light, yet works so beautifully as a macro. it's also a great portrait lens.
Have fun with it!!
"it's also a great portrait lens" say wha...???
I thought to myself - I must have referred to the wrong lens - this lens is only for real close up shots, isn't it? For a few days I kept thinking, I have got to try that lens again to see if it truly can do what Lisa said.
I didn't have anyone to take a portrait of at that moment so I set up a small vase of flowers and proceeded to take a 'portrait' shot. I was dumbfounded when I looked at the result . . . I had NO idea that this lens would do this:
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| . . . get a load of that bokeh . . . |
Thank you Lisa! People just don't realize what a kind word and a bit of advice can do. One small comment opened up a whole new world for me . . . I can't wait to get a human subject . . . look out my darling grandchildren . . .
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| . . . another shot . . . |
These next two shots were taken with my trusty 18-55 mm. The person who inspired this was Kim Klassen. For the last little while she has been showing us her 'office' on her front porch. She said the winters were long and she wanted to be outside even if she was working (especially when she was working). That inspired me to set up a little 'office' on our deck. I dragged up an old table, put up the umbrella, got an extension cord and hooked up my laptop. Our wifi works perfectly on the deck and I spent several hours there . . . it was incredible.
My table and chairs are not as pretty as Kim's but the view, ahhh, the view . . .
There is endless inspiration out there - be on the lookout for it!
really pretty shots! i love lisa - wish i had her skill!
ReplyDeleteand i like your outdoor office, too!
Gorgeous!! And what a view is right!
ReplyDeleteJo
A lovely post, and now I've learnt something too! That view of yours is something else.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite welcome my friend, and your photographs are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat is the very reason I love blogging! I learn so much from everyone, it's amazing! Great photo by the way of the bug!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what a view you have from your "office"...I do that occassionally, take the laptop to the porch, but I don't have the view you do. And Kim Stevens from Picking Poppies uses that trusty 40mm macro all the time for her great macro shots. Love them all.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful photos...inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, what a view!!
ReplyDeleteOh Barb, your view is so relaxing, and your porch office is perfect. Any color works outdoors. About the lens discovery and suggestion from Lisa...I have the 60mm macro lens for macros...one day I was searching online for a good portrait lens and discovered from others it could be used for portraits also. I love it too! Have a lovely week - I'm a bit behind in blog visiting after a vacation.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Lisa really is an inspiration. :)
ReplyDelete