When I evaluate new cameras and lenses, I want to go out and do some shooting as soon as possible. I'll review the manual quickly to ensure that I understand the basic setup, but I really want to get 'out there' and start taking pictures.
I can't get the best out of a piece of gear until I've logged some experience with it. I want to jump in and get that experience right away - shoot, review, see what happens.
Sure, I'll make some mistakes. I won't understand how to find some settings, etc. But that's acceptable as long as I'm not shooting something critical (like someone's wedding). The struggle to access new features and locate obscure menu items actually helps to burn these details into my memory.
I met with good fortune recently when I took a new camera out for its first stroll. The sky was clear, the light was outstanding, and I ended up with some memorable images.
Hunter College in Reflected Light, New York City |
I had photographed this building at Hunter College previously, but I never seemed to capture it in a flattering light.
On the day of my new camera break-in walk, sunlight bounced off of a building across the street and cast interesting reflections toward the subject. The effect was unique and obvious. A gentleman passing by noticed what I was doing and said, "Oh, you're taking it with the reflections from the other building. That's cool!"
The light made a big difference. I had my first good shot of this building after several tries, and my new camera logged its first keeper.
Later on the same walk, I photographed this statue of Mary in the gardens of a prominent Roman Catholic church. Once again, it was a subject that I had visited previously with varying degrees of success. But this time, the pure quality of the light combined with the impressive greenery to create a memorable image.
The Virgin Mary with Flowers, New York City |
I like the serenity of the image. The sculpture itself is crafted to project serenity, and I'd like to think that the photo supports and enhances this mood especially with the addition of the flowers and the greenery. She seems far removed from the hustle and stress of the big city, and I suppose that that's really the whole point.
Not all of my shots that day worked as well. There were hits and misses, successes and clunkers. But with every shot I learned more about my gear, lessons that I would be able to apply to future projects.
I'm impatient. I don't like to read the manual until I've used the camera. But once I've enjoyed the immediacy of that firsthand shooting experience, I'll go back and read almost every page. I want to understand the details. The book makes more sense once I know how the camera responds and feels in my hands.
As a bonus, even a first attempt can yield good photos. It's all part of the magic and mystique of photography.
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S
Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.
Copyright © 2013 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved
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