The Art of Lens...

As a professional photographer, I often get asked about the gear I use, what camera I have or lens I work with, and when I'm asked these questions, the people asking always give this look like, "if I find this out this is what will make the difference to my images."

This, I am afraid, is simply not true. Like everything in life, photography is not only a skill but an artform. It is the way you look at something and interpret it whether digitally or analog. And the camera, a lens you choose, is just the tool used to create, but fundamentally if you do not know how to see then the camera and lens are useless.

Now with many years in the bag, I have a decent arsenal for equipment at my disposal but still try to use only what I need rather than what I have. The shot above is one taken just a few months back nearing the end of September. My friend in the image, Claire, wanted some new images and I had in idea so we ran with it. We went to a river near me in the Brecon Beacons and found some large, deep areas I thought perfect for what I wanted. Although I am comfortable using big flashguns, top quality glass, and all the trimmings, I often find myself coming back to two lenses. For me these are the Nikon 50mm 1.4 and the Sigma 24-70 2.8.

I have found over many years that these two lenses give me everything I want and more. I use them for all my weddings, portrait work, landscape, and everything in between. They are not the most expensive lenses in the world but they offer the clarity and durability I always look for.

So when people ask me about lenses, this is what I always say: find what works for you, what you feel comfortable with and can use to get that shot every time.

When I first started out, like many, I had no gear. I had bought a D50 from a local shop with a 50mm lens and used this for almost a year solid without any change. Now most would, so you can do everything with just one lens. I say if you can't do everything with one lens then you're never going to be able to do it with all the lenses.

Try finding that one or two, maybe even three lenses, that work for you instead of buying what others tell you just because you will not only find what works for you gear wise, but also your skill and ability with broaden.

Be yourself and do what works for you.

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Also, the image above was taken with a 50mm lens whilst balancing on a branch in a tree 12 feet off the ground.

The Gear is only the tool..

Robert Hunt Photography