To me, the 40mm focal length is a sweet spot. I have always found 35mm too wide and 50mm too cropped, though you’ll see next week I have the most experience with it.
The Faux-Bride

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Date: June 6th, 2010
Settings: 1/500 @ f4.5(ISO 400)
This was part of a wedding themed TFP (Time For Photos) in preparation for shooting my first wedding. One of the models that showed up had a shaved head and I absolutely loved it. My best shots of the day were from this non-traditional faux-bride. During our session I came up with the idea of tossing aside the bouquet in irreverence, and it worked out wonderfully. I skewed the angle in post and was happy to see some motion in the flowers. A shot I am still proud of sixteen years later.
The Real McCoys

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Date: June 19th, 2010
Settings: 1/160 @ f6.3 (ISO 200)
After the TFP dress rehearsal, which really helped, I did the wedding without incident. While this isn’t in the top ten from that day, this was a solid capture under the 40mm umbrella.
The Ride

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Date: August 1st, 2014
Settings: 1/800 sec @ f8 (ISO 400)
Taken in Roslyn, Washington during my first road trip to the United States. Known for being the shooting location of the intro to Northern Exposure. I felt this was a nice slice of Americana.
The Grand

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Date: February 7th, 2015
Settings: 1/50 sec @ f5.6 (ISO 3200)
A shot of the Grand Theatre in downtown Calgary. Whenever I can get a slice of classic architecture with little or no interference of the modern I take advantage. Not an original concept for sure, it seems nostalgia sells these days but none the less I shoot what tickles me without the pursuit of originality.
The Globe

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Date: February 7th, 2015
Settings: 1/13 sec @ f22 (ISO 3200)
Taken the same night as the last image. I think what I am shocked about was hand holding a 1/13 sec shot. I suppose I was aiming for depth of field here with that f22 setting but I honestly don’t remember. Globe Cinema is a staple of downtown Calgary. A classic theatre with an indie vibe. Not many of those left.
The Longshot

Lens: Canon Nikkor Z 40mm F2
Date: August 5th, 2024
Settings: 1/320 sec @ f2 (ISO 400)
Man, look at that, an honest 40mm shot taken with a prime lens. A Kensington micro mall of hand made items by various artists. I’ve always liked the indoor longshots and you can see it throughout my work.
The Sunset

Lens: Canon Nikkor Z 40mm F2
Date: August 15th, 2024
Settings: 1/160 sec @ f10 (ISO 800)
Waterton Lakes National Park near sunset. Subject is unknown but I appreciate the immaculate pose. This was my second venture to thos magical place just along the border and on my 15th wedding anniversary.
Be sure and check back next Wednesday for the fourth and final part, looking at 50mm.

Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.