Engagement Shoot

Every so often I get asked to do a photo shoot for friends, whether it be engagement, wedding or baby photos.  A few weeks ago I did an engagement shoot.  I didn't put really prepare much, and took the D600 and 3 lenses, all of which were Sigma, the 20mm f1.8, the 85mm f1.4, and the 35mm f1.4; the latter of which I took around 70% of the photos.  I also took my SB-800 flash, and two vintage cameras, a Leica IIIf and a Yashica TLR as working props.

It was a fun shoot, shot mostly in Yorkville and in the Brickworks (until we got kicked out) and I used a lot of their ideas and props.  Here's some of the better shots from the day.

Nikon Df - Thoughts and Comments

The new Nikon Df is a delicious looking camera, beautifully styled in traditional late '70s early '80s camera garb.  Just like my favorite two Nikon film cameras, the F3 and FE2.

Inside it is basically a D4 in a lighter body.  So who will buy it?  I doubt a pro will; however cashed up amatuers who shot film on Nikon cameras in their younger years are prime targets.  Those who appreciate classic styling in a modern body and wish to reminise about their photography from 30+ years ago.

That's a generation ahead of me, but I appreciate old cameras - I now have a dozen or so, including 4 Leicas - and its also why I like the classic styling of my Fuji X100.

The specs are interesting too.  Nikon chose to use the lower resolution D4 sensor, rather than the higher resolution D600 or D800 sensors.  This 16MP sensor does have exceptional low light performance, with 200,000+ ISO capability and is also the lightest full frame Nikon available.  Clearly a camera designed for you to go out and take pictures, rather than photographing test charts.

One feature I really like is the external wheel dedicated to ISO.   This is an excellent feature, as it is one of the controls I use the most.  One thing that is a little odd is the combination of a Nikon 50mm f1.8 with slightly retro styling.  Sure its a good lens, but its kinda basic.  What about the new 58mm f1.4 instead?  That seems like it would be a killer combination with this camera, if not quite expensive at $4,500 or so.

Would I buy a Df?  If I could afford it, in a heart beat!

Nikon D600 - Tamron 24-135mm f3.5-5.6

A camera with balance

Of all the cameras I have kicking around the house, and there is a few, my wife likes the Nikon D90 with the Nikkor 35mm f2 combination the best.  Why?  For her it is the best combination of light weight and compact size, fast auto focus, good low light performance, ease of use with optical viewfinder I have.  

I have cameras that will better the above criteria, but none with that combination.

What about with the 18-105mm zoom?  Too bulky and low light performance is an issue.  D600 and Sigma 35mm f1.4?  Far too heavy.  Fuji X100 or Sony NEX 5n?  AF is too slow, especially in low light.  Leica M3?  Why would you want to shoot film?

Sometimes it's your most unloved camera that some else thinks is gold.

Nikon D600 and Tamron 180mm f3.5 macro

Beetles at Edward Gardens

Not only am I a sucker for shooting bees, I am also a sucker for beetles.  The good thing about beetles is that they don't move around that much so they're much easier to shoot than bees.  The bright colours and shiny surface on them also makes them fun to shoot as well.  

Like with the previous post I used the Nikon D600 with the Tamron 180mm f3.5 macro

Bees at Edwards Gardens

I'm a total sucker for shooting bees.  As soon as I see one it becomes a challenge to get a good photo.  Bees sit long enough to entice you into taking a photo, but rarely long enough so you get a good shot.  The key to getting a good shot, like people and animals, is to make sure the eyes are sharp, and the rest of the photo takes care of itself.  This last trip to Edward Gardens I was reasonably lucky, and got a few good shots in.

Like usual, I used the Nikon D600 with the Tamron 180mm f3.5 macro, which is an excellent combination, but as the depth of field is shallow, even at f11 on a full frame, it can get tricky.  So care, patience and plenty of room on the SD card is needed.