Fisheye fun

I found my Lomo fisheye camera and decided to develop the film which I took at the Ayr flower show and of my neices. The results were fun and have given me some ideas for the Buildings & Spaces project. I love the skewed perspectives and think using a fisheye may yield interesting and unusual shots, especially in the city.

 

 

 

So, consequently, I have treated myself to an inexpensive digital lens - Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye - (good reviews on Amazon) and figure if the results are not that great then I haven't spent a fortune! Just waiting patiently now for it to arrive. . .

Ex 1: Portrait, scale and setting reshoot

Revisiting this exericise again there are still issues but I think the results are much better. The pictures were taken mid morning and unusually for Glasgow in February, the sun was splitting the heavens, causing very strong shadows and harsh lighting. Crucial detail is lost, especially in the eyes, which is a real disadvantage for portraiture.

 

F9, ISO 200, 28mm

 

 F5.6, ISO 200, 34mm

I like this composition but not the shadow on his arm, or the fact that you can't see his eyes under the hat. 

 

F9, ISO 200, 30mm

I think this full figure shot is the most successful. I love the curves and angles of the bridge along with the city backdrop. The analogous colours reflect modern architecture and although the picture is busy, by placing David on the third, I think he commands attention. Unfortunately, the shadow on his legs ruins what would otherwise have been a satisfactory image.

 

 

 F11, ISO 200, 52mm

Ex 7: Focal length

This exercise requires consideration of the effect of focal length on a subject. Focal length measures where a lens converges (focuses) light and also determines the magnification of distant objects.

A photographer can use this information to make lens choices depending on the style of image required. Wide angle lenses have a short focal length and telephoto lenses are associated with a narrower angle of view and foreshortening of distant objects.

At 18mm, I only needed to stand approx 1m away from David to get his torso in shot. This close proximity was slightly intimidating for the subject, so not the best solution for portaiture. The lens takes in more of the scene but there is some distortion to his features and the surroundings, which can be clearly seen by the converging verticals of the window frame and the brickwork. A wide angle lens would really only be suitable if an exaggerated perspective was required.

 

18mm, F16, ISO 200, 1m from subject

Using a 'standard' focal length of 50mm, David looks more natural, as I was now positioned approx 2m away, he was more comfortable and relaxed. I was within distance to engage with the subject without invading their space. The window frame now looks straight, as we would expect. If David had been some distance from the wall, a shalllow depth of field effect would have been possible due to the narrow plane of sharp focus.

 

50mm, F16,  ISO 200, 2m from subject

At 105mm I had to stand over 3m away from David to keep the same framing.  I felt I was loosing communication with the subject and he has changed pose and looks less engaged as a result. With this focal length and above, perspective will start to appear flattened, which may make features look less attractive.

 

105mm, F16, ISO 200, 3m