Lens-Artists Challenge – One Lens Walk

For many, many years I only had one way of taking photos. My trusted Nikon with my telephoto lens 18-105mm. When you have just one lens you get to know what it can do and what you need to do in order to get what you want. It still is my lens for walks and travelling. Old habits die hard and I’m not a person to swap lens in the middle of a walk. Too many times a shot was lost just because I was too slow to react, or the settings on the camera were not ideal. Swapping lenses? Not for me. I’ll adapt.

The following photos are from our walk last May at the RSPB Loch Lomond. An interesting part of the vast loch Lomond shores, this section is maintained by the RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Unfortunately, we didn’t see any birds, perhaps we were a bit too noisy for that, but the walk is varied and mainly flat with loads of brilliant photo opportunities. For this landscape, only my telephoto lens would do.

It also worked to get more detailed shots of the local wildlife, lovely bluebells and butterflies. And the ancient, massive trees.

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At some point it was clear that I needed a macro lens, especially for walks in gardens. All those flowers deserved a lens that could capture them in all their glory. Here’s a gallery of photos taken at one of our favourite gardens, Geilston. The lens is wonderful for those details, for everything else is a bit of a struggle. Experimentation is key, but I would never go to a garden without this lovely little lens.

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Last Summer I had a bit of a camera problem while on holiday and was left with only my mobile phone. I’ve never relied on them, mobile phones would only do for quick shots. That changed with my current phone. Now, every Sunday that I’m working, I go into town early and walk the quiet streets and snap away. It’s been a refreshing discovery of nooks and crannies; secret bits of this city I thought I knew well.

Back in the house I look for more information on specific buildings that have caught my eye, like the Portland House (on the right), a grade B listed former cinema! I would never have guessed and passed by so many times. It’s amazing what we can find by having time and just looking up.

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This week Anne invites us to take a lens for a walk. Or you can, like myself, search your archives for walks where you’ve only used one lens. I recommend a visit to Anne’s beautiful, insightful post and join us. Remember to link back to her original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.

Last week I was in awe with the creativity to the challenge I proposed. It was great to see so many different interpretations of the prompt, some of them I hadn’t even contemplated… and for that I thank you deeply.

Next week our newest member Donna is hosting for the first time. A big welcome to her! Please visit Donna’s impressive site and join us if you can. Until then, take care.

Posted for Anne’s Lens-Artists Challenge

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