blurs to varying degrees depending on the final
focal length, creating a shorter field of focus. I like
this type of photography and use this in my painted
images. It reduces background detail and highlights
the main subject, concentrating the eye on one
detailed object. And it’s the detail I am looking for
in the images to give me more option for my final
artworks.
“The smaller and wider 18 – 55mm lens is used
to capture the wide expanse of landscapes, which is
restricted in the narrower view of the telephoto lens. I
use the 18 – 55mm lens with its macro capabilities to
get up close to insects, plants and other still subjects.
“I use the natural light where possible, hoping to
reproduce (as accurately as possible) images that
are close to what is seen with the naked eye.
“Reflective or light surfaces, such as a sheet
of white paper, upturned white umbrella or silver
car windshield protector, even water surfaces
or light beach sand on occasion, can help with
extra lighting on subjects if a flash is deemed
too harsh. Using a flash also takes away from the
colour and mood of an object, although it can be
useful in some circumstances such as brightening
a shaded subject where surrounding light is quite
bright. Reflective surfaces can bounce light to
where you might need it – the further away from
the subject the duller the lighting. Keep in mindPROFILE A busy LIFE
10 artist