2020 Vision | The Visual Vocabulary

The vision of my Lenses is my visual vocabulary.

This has been the most critical aspect of my Photographic Education to date.

Understanding the visual behaviour of my Lenses and implementing that visual vocabulary into my internal visual database has transformed how I see.

You could say, my Brain and Eye are now attuned to seeing in Wide Angle, Mid-Range and Telephoto, all without using any Lenses.

Here is the living proof; when I walk the streets, no matter where I am, my eyes, mind and vision are creating images and storing them on my subconscious hard drive.

I can look at a scene or an interesting face and just know what focal length I would use to create a compelling image.

The Fuji Lens line up is truly fantastic.

Light, agile and sharp beyond belief.

I really love the XF 18-135mm - it was part of my XT1 as a kit. It is a magnificent Optics and if used correctly, it will deliver gorgeous images. I have traveled the world with it and created some memorable moments.

The debate between Prime Lens Vs Zoom is far too subjective for my life; I like them both and use them in equal measure.

I am privileged to own more XF Lenses than I will ever need.

The acquisition of a new Lens is part of the joy, fun and education for me.

G.A.S. is part of this process, yes it can be controlled but why? Gear Acquisition Syndrome can be controlled by just letting it be.

Learning see in 14mm Vs 18mm Vs 23mm Vs 27mm Vs 35mm Vs 56mm Vs 90mm has been my journey.

I like to spend time with any given Lens - usually about a month and nothing else. This tunes my Brain and Subconscious into this specific field of view.

My monthly projects feature images of all kinds - I did this with just the 35mm 1.4 and it was a real education. I felt I could live with this Lens for the rest of my life.

My Zoom Kit consist of:

XF 10-24mm
XF 18-55mm
XF 16-55mm
XF18-135mm and my longest reach, the XF55-200mm.

The only one missing for me is the XF 50-140mm - I have used this Lens thanks to my buddy Matt and it is truly magical.

My Primes have taught me how to see in the field of view specific to each focal length as outlined.

When I use my Zooms, the scene I am about to create an image of will tell me which focal length I need. I will set my zoom to the required focal length and zoom with my feet where required.

This is how I roll with my gear.

I refuse to be lazy and just zoom away because I can, NO.

For example, the stunning 18-55 “kit” Lens is an amazing versatile zoom for street work. This Lens gives me all the ranges I could ever need for a stroll throughout London or when I Travel.

In fact, when I Travel, I take this Lens and the 55-200mm now, fully confident I can create images.

The last few years have taught me to truly understand the vocabulary of my Lens gear and how to communicate effectively with it.

My Brain automatically starts to see in 35mm when that’s all I have with me.

I know my vision will automatically see just a little bit W-I-D-E-R, at 14mm. I know my foreground interest will need to be compelling and dramatic for a story telling compositions.

As for my Telephoto, I know my options will be fully exploited to their full potential - particularly with Animals.

I love this because I have come to accept that my Eyes are the ultimate Lens, my Brain is the sensor/canvas and my vision is part of my inner muse that feels something in the moment. It is then that I instinctively start creating in relation to what tools I have with me.

This is a beautiful thing, it’s no different than having a deck of cards in my hand. I know I am armed with a tool box full of Sleight of Hand Techniques ready to create stunning magic with a compelling narrative.

My Camera and my Tool Box of Lenes support me in creating magical visual stories.

The ability to see is such a wonderful gift.

Our inner vision is a message from our creator that this moment is worthy of preserving in 35mm.

The happiest moments of my life come when I feel the power of this message and then proceed to create a visual expression.

My life is about bring glory to God.

God is Light.

Photography is Painting with Light.

To hold a photography in my hand is equal to holding the source of all creation close to my heart.

Thanks for reading. 🙏🏾