Apr 26, 2013

Meet My Babies: The Lenses I Use

Over the past couple years I have accumulated these four amazing babies ;) Each with their specific purpose that adds SO much to taking amazing photos. Photographers always talk about how it's ALL about knowing your camera and nothing about your lenses...and well it is VERY IMPORTANT to know your camera (having an amazing lens doesn't not mean you'll be an amazing photographer), it definitely helps to have the best lenses to work with-specifically canon's L-Series lenses. I love each lens I have for different reasons...some of which may be different from other photographers. When and what you use your lenses for is one thing that emphasizes your unique style. And well I might not share ALL my secrets about them...I will definitely share a few! ;)


***From left to right- 50mm 1.2, 24mm 1.4, 100mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8***

*50mm 1.2*

 This is my newest baby. I am seriously in LOVE with this lens. Up until a couple months ago, I used my 50mm 1.4 instead of this lens. My old 50mm was my very first lens I bought. As time went on I bought other lenses and kept using my old 50mm (my only non L-Series lens). For awhile it had been in the back of my mind to buy this lens. An opportunity to do so came up a couple months ago and I am SO happy it did! I really do not know how I lived without it, haha. The bokeh and sharpness is unmatchable! This lens is most commonly used for portraits. The focal length and shallow depth of field create the most beautiful photos. I love using this lens for bride & groom couple portraits, groomsmen, bridesmaid and individual bride portraits. I also love using if for detail shots, during the getting ready portion of the day and the untouched reception photos. Of course you're not limited to only these uses, they are just my most common uses for it!

Examples below:



      
                                                                                   
 *24mm 1.4 Wide Angle*

This baby is definitely in the top two for favorite lenses...possibly my #1 favorite lens. This is the 24mm 1.4 WIDE angle lens. I love this lens for many reasons, but first let's talk about "general" uses of it. It is most commonly used for shooting large groups of people. Since it is a WIDE angle lens it has the ability to fit many people into the shot, even in small crammed spaces. It is also commonly used for landscape type shots, shots where you want to include a lot of the scenery. I love using this lens to get a 'whole reception shot'. If time allows, I'll whip this lens out when I'm shooting the untouched reception photos and get a shot of the whole room with all the tables included. This lens is really great for family portraits after the ceremony and the bridal party. I often use my 50mm as well for those, but I use this one the most during those times.  My TOP favorite use of this lens is for artistic couple portrait shots! Most photographers I know mainly use 'typical' portrait lenses  (50mm, 85mm) for shooting bride & groom and other couple portrait shoots. While those lenses are amazing for portrait shots, I like to get a little more creative and use my 24mm wide. It gives a certain artistic flare that I LOVE. I love love love how it wraps around the couple and gets right up close. Many people don't like the distortion that the 24mm has. I however LOVE it. It's what emphasizes that artistic look and I embrace it!! haha. Below are a couple examples of my most recent wedding shots taken with it.







*100mm 2.8 Macro*

 Ahhhh, the macro lens. The lens is so pretty ;) The bokeh of this lens is so amazing as well! This lens is most commonly used for your close-up and super super close-up shots. During a wedding day, I use it for getting ready details shots (dress, shoes, jewelry) and untouched reception detail shots. I will also often whip this lens out for portrait shots. If used for portrait shots you just need to make sure you have enough room to create distance between you and the couple, if you don't just want super close-up shots :)

Examples below:





*70-200mm 2.8 Zoom*

This is the only zoom lens I use. It is the most commonly used zoom lens for wedding photographers. Why you might ask...well, it has incredible sharpness, considering it is a zoom lens. All my other lenses are prime lens due to the tack sharp images they can create. With a zoom lens it is harder to create tack sharp images, due to movement, camera shake, etc. This lens comes with IS: image stabilization. It allows you to produce tack sharp images, while being a zoom lens. I mostly use this lens during the ceremony. It allows me to stay in the back and still get a variety of shots-including close up shots. I also often use this lens during the reception. It depends on the size of the reception area, but I'll definitely use it at least for some of the time. The quality of this lens is amazing. I know I keep saying this...but the bokeh is just awesome on this lens! The only downside to it is it is reeeeeeallllly heavy, haha. It definitely gives you a good work out when you use it. I remember shooting with it when I was 7/8months prego and it definitely forced me to use my muscles, haha.

Example below:




Of course there are many uses for these lenses and everyone has their own 'artistic license' when using them. These are just the many ways I use them and love them. And how I use them to uniquely emphasize my style :) Thanks for reading and happy friday everyone!!

Katelyn :)

P.S Had to share a couple pics of the little booger who was trying to run off with my lenses while I was trying to take pics of them, haha

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