So They Do - Three on a theme

[John 2]

I have been getting to know this lens recently and it's been a bit of a learning curve. In some ways it's easier to use. Focus, depth of field and camera shake are barely a problem but I soon realised that lazy composition i.e. "I'll get it right in PP" wasn't an option. Any degree of heavy cropping tends to defeat the object of the lens's inherent distortion. SOOC, at least in that respect, takes on meaning. It also has parallels with HDR in that using it's distortion just for the sake of it produces some initial novelty but can ultimately be meaningless. Consequently I have tried to find subjects to which the lens characteristics add something - such as a lead in to the subject. The three below are IMHO the most successful I've managed so far. The first is what I had in mind when I started. The second I found whilst I was there and the mono is because one of the frames of a continuous series just by chance produced the symmetry of composition that it has.

I would welcome some CC on these.

Fuji XT1 plus 8mm Samyang Fisheye
1.


2.


3.

[IzzieK]

I like the first one, John...nothing fisheye-yee in that one if you do not look at the bottom of the shot. I like the way you framed that shot and also to keep the post straight here. The speed of the train? Perfect blurring. I won't comment on #2. #3 is OK but honestly, I didn't the conversion much because I do not have much experience in B/W...so #1 for me.

[Shadowman]

Looks good so far, search for examples of fish eye images and you'll find some inspiration for more uses of the lens.

[Mike Buckley]

The first one is exceptional. Fabulous use of color, composition and motion.

[bnnrcn]

They are all very nice and interesting John I'm looking forward to seeing some more of images taken with that lens.

[John 2]

Thanks Izzie, thanks John, thanks Mike and thanks Binnur. Mike, your comment is especially welcome because as I said above, the first was the planned image. It's satisfying when you envisage something and it works.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

No. 1 is a great shot, but No. 3 takes the cake for me. You couldn't have gotten the timing more correct if you'd tried. Great shots!

[John 2]

Thanks AOA. It was pure luck and the use of the continuous shooting mode on the camera.

[FootLoose]

These are all good, John. I like the way the post's 'counterpart' appears in the middle of the speeding train.

I like the symmetry and processing of the 3rd, although the foliage on the edge of the frame bothers me.

A question about the 2nd: I'm not sure whether the train is coming or going in this one, but I wonder if it would be possible to take a shot with the approaching from the right of frame, with some space between it and the sign and shelter, so that it might appear the sign and shelter were bowing due to the pressure wave in front of the train?

[John 2]

............................................A question about the 2nd: I'm not sure whether the train is coming or going in this one, but I wonder if it would be possible to take a shot with the approaching from the right of frame, with some space between it and the sign and shelter, so that it might appear the sign and shelter were bowing due to the pressure wave in front of the train?

Greg, your timing is appalling. That's a really fun idea. It was only last night that I deleted a shot during some housekeeping that would have fitted the bill. Why didn't I think of that. Thanks anyway. I might just go back for a second helping.

[ST1]

Well seen and captured John

[John 2]

Thank you Peter.

[deetheturk]

Very good John, I like them all

[Bobobird]

Excellent shots John.
I got myself a 15mm to do just what you are doing but then the birds took over (as usual).

[John 2]

Thanks David, thanks Bobo.

Bobo, I came across a video on U tube covering a workshop by a Pro wedding photographer who uses a 15mm for some of his shots down the aisle as the bride and groom leave the alter. Surprisingly effective. I'm guessing 15mm FF about equates to an 8mm DX (in distortion terms that is).