Lens-Artists Challenge #165: Going Wide

13Sep
by Oh, the Places We See
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.

Henry Ward Beecher

Patti Moed of pilotfishblog.com offers the topic for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge: Going Wide. Her post and the delightful shots taken both with wide-angle lenses and a cellphone follow the advice she gives:

  • Before you shoot, identify a subject of interest.
  • Include features in the foreground to help the viewer get a sense of the distance between the camera and the subject
  • Try varying your perspective by shooting upward or downward. 

Even though I’m only now reading this excellent advice, I may have had an inkling of it when I snapped away, mostly with my iPhone since I’ve never owned a wide-angle lens. Here are some photos — some I love, some not so much — that go wide.

First, the Temple of Poseidon (shown at top) at Cape Sounio in Greece. I took the shot when we first arrived in order for the whole of this ancient temple to fit into a photograph, and, without realizing this at the time, I was standing at a lower level shooting upward.

Second: a landscape outside Staunton, Virginia. Perhaps not an award-winning photo, but a scene that enticed us to pull over and revel in the summer colors.

Yellow fields near Staunton VA

On this same trip through Virginia I used Patti’s third suggested technique — “shoot upward or downward” — as well as her second one: “include features in the foreground.” I like the dominant shot of green in front with a side view of the red barn, but I’m thinking that if I had stooped a bit lower, the photo might be more interesting. Of course, there’s also the chance I’d tip over!!

Red Barn near Staunton, VA

In this shot below, taken in Rockland, Maine, I could have used a wide-angle lens to best advantage. With a 2-mile granite block walkway, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse barely fits into a photo — no matter what lens you attach. Unique, interesting, and well-visited, this lighthouse would be fun to photograph at a variety of distances.

Rockland Breakwater Light, Rockland, Maine

To photograph the entryway to Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia, I tried to position myself squarely in the middle of the elegant trees. Then I waited until the long line of cars dwindled to just one in the distance before snapping the picture.

Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah, GA

Finally, a shot I hope to repeat this fall when we again visit the Blue Ridge Parkway near Culhowee, North Carolina. It might be the best time of all to whip out a special lens, but look how pretty those colors are, even with a mere iPhone Xs. Except for my not getting down or standing on a ladder for height, I’m pretty sure this photo meets Patti’s other two requirements: have a subject of interest and include features in the foreground.

Blue Ridge Parkway near Culhowee, NC

Thanks for the advice, Patti, and for the opportunity to evaluate my work. Here’s my advice to readers of this post: Try going wide, no matter what camera you use.

And be sure to visit Patti Moed’s blog for more entries on this week’s topic.

Travel widely,

Rusha & Bert

39 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #165: Going Wide”

  4. pattimoed

    You underestimated your artistic eye, Rusha! You’re already taking the advice of the experts! Your collection is fabulous. I love your opener of the temple and the trees at Wormsloe and the Blue Ridge Parkway… A wonderful collection. Truly beautiful images.

    Reply

  10. Wind Kisses

    I can hardly wait to get to the Blueridge Pkwy next week, to stand in your shoes. It looks beautiful. I love the Wormsloe Historic Site tree shot. Great choices for looking wide. Donna.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Hope your trip is lovely. We found it to be restful and naturally beautiful. Take folding chairs, a thermos, and lunch. It’s great to pull off and sit a spell! Thanks so much for taking a look at both sites.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Talk about a majestic spot. And I’m glad I took it when we arrived. It was getting darker and darker the longer we stayed there, and by the time we got back to that spot, I couldn’t get another good photo. Thanks for taking a look!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much for always being so kind. I love the two you’ve selected. We’re hoping to get back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway when the leaves change, but we’re pretty sure a lot of people have the same idea!

      Reply

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