It Just Clicked

As Gail and I are still off work, we decided to return to the NEC in Birmingham for the last day of Focus on Imaging; the annual photography trade show, where you could see and try all the latest cameras, lenses and other photographical gadgets.

We thought we would sit in on a few of the seminars, talks and demonstrations today, instead of trying not to spend any money.

Firstly we listened to professional photographer Damian Lovegrove who demonstrated some lighting techniques and what difference just moving a light a little bit can make.

We then went to see another 'top tog' called Stuart Wood, who has shot a lot of TV personalities for magazine covers. He gave a very inspirational talk about his photos and how he achieved them. He is well known for only taking a couple of minutes to shoot a star, which is sometimes all the time he is allowed.

We of course had to look in on the Olympus stand, as we both have an OMD. We noticed that they had some different lenses to try out. So of course we had to test them. I took this one of the OMD promotions girl with a 75mm f1.8.  The lighting conditions weren't perfect, but it was a lovely lens to use. So much so, that we just had to order one.

Goodies, And More Goodies

Gail and I popped over to the NEC in Birmingham for the annual photographic extravaganza that is Focus on Imaging.

This is the third year that we have been. Last year my brother from Australia came with us, as he was over here on holiday at the time, so he was fortunate with the timing, as he enjoys photography himself.

As we are mainly using our Olympus OMD's at the moment, I had a couple of lenses on my shopping list that I wanted to try out.

The first was the Sigma 30mm f2.8. I am after a general purpose everyday lens, and this one just about matches the 'nifty fifty' prime lens that every photographer should own. And a bargain too at £95.

The other is a bit more exotic and fun; the Samyang 7.5mm f3.5 fish eye.  I was keen to try it, as another photographer that I am in contact with on Facebook, and is also an OMD user, has one and has been putting up some very nice examples of what it can do without the photos looking too silly.

There was a Samyang stand at the show, where you could try the lenses out. So of course I popped the one made for Micro Four Thirds cameras and gave it a quick go. As you can see it gives a slightly distorted view of the world.

I was quite impressed with it, so decided to spend my birthday money on one. So you can expect to see some weird and wonderful views of Nottingham in the near future.