Sharp As a Bowling Ball and Other Tips

Maybe it's my tendency to fall asleep when things get overly technical or I receive a long-winded answer to a very simple question.Whatever the reason is, I like simple and easy to understand especially when it comes to anything technical.

Back when I was trying to learn all the technical aspects of my camera, one of the challenges I came across was trying to understand what the heck the difference was between a lenses when the super cool experts would refer to a 24 mm lens or a 24-70 lens or a 50 mm lens, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've nodded and smiled my best PhD in camera technicalities smile as this was explained to me at the lens shop while really, I was feeling as sharp as a bowling ball. It wouldn't have killed me to just come right out and say "Ummmmmm, I don't get it.", but I inherited my dad's pride and just felt like it would be too dumb of me to ask for a more simple explanation. In short, my personality has always been to gather as much information as I could and then dissect it later. That's why Google and me became BFF's. High-five, Google. Thankfully, Google and I now try to take a break from each other, and I am learning how much more beneficial (and fun) it is to get over myself and ask for help from industry peers.

So what do those numbers mean and why do all these lenses sport different ones? Basically, the lower the number goes, the wider the view is in your camera. If you were to put a 24-70 mm lens on your camera and zoom in and out, you'll see that when you veer towards the 24 mm mark, you're able to capture a wider view. On the flip

side, if you were to turn the lens towards the 70 mm side, you'll find that the view in your camera becomes much more narrow and much more close up to your subject. It's probably the most ghetto-fabulous explanation ever, but that's how I remembered it and it's worked for me just fine. Lower number means wider photo view and higher number meant a more narrow photo view. When I finally understood this, it was like a lightbulb went off and off I went to happily drool (now there's a picture) at all the creative possibilities that could come from different lenses available to rent and try out.

Side note? Renting lenses is  an AWESOME and a fun way to stretch your creativity on your camera without hurting your wallet. The folks at Keeble and Shuchat as well as Borrow Lenses are super helpful, so if you're ever in the Bay Area, definitely give either one of these companies a try.

And this random photo? It just reminds me of how art truly is everywhere. This was captured in the Art Gallery District of New York. 


Happy Friday!