Sales Tax Budget
I’m never satisfied.
Been making photographs since I was 12 years old, more than half a century ago, and yet I’m still questioning my ability, my technique, knowledge, and proficiency. It’s a struggle.
A struggle I’m more than happy to endure as the results can be exceptionally satisfying. They can also be very frustrating which is also a good thing.
This photo of Uptown Westerville gives both results.
I recently got a tilt-shift lens. Not the one made by Nikon. Mine cost less than the sales tax on the $4,000 Nikon lens.
If you’re not sure what a tilt-shift lens does it’s very simple. Kinda. The lens body is not a single piece. It is designed so the positioning of the lens glass can be moved out of alignment with the film plane so the focus shifts from a flat surface to an oblique surface. This creates a plane of focus that can be shifted to any section or position on the film plane. (Wikipedia explanation.)
It’s a challenge learning to use it. It’s a manual focus, 50mm lens. I see the world in a wide-angle view which means I’ve had to learn to step back more than I’m accustomed to.
The corner of Main and State was my first serious exploration of how the lens works. Loosen the knurled knobbed set screws, twist the lens to shift the focus, focus, set the f-stop to get the depth of focus you want, make the photo. I know how it works. I’m just not very good at it, yet.
It’s difficult to see in this photo but there is a small section of the center of the frame that is just enough out of focus that it disturbing. Also, the far left section is too out of focus, blurred. It’s distracting instead of contributing.
Another complication is this is a multiple-exposure panorama photo made from three photos joined together in Photoshop. That complicates the focus points, the depth of field, and the framing.
So much to learn. I’m a subscriber to the scientific method so I’ll be back out today trying to get better at what I’ve been doing through several generations of people who’ve seen my photos. If only it were as easy as it seems.
Veterans Memorial Update
The Veterans Memorial dedicated last November is finally getting its roof after production and shipping delays. Installation will take about three weeks depending on the weather.
Below, for paid subscribers, are full-size photos of the installation and all my edited photos from April 7, 2023.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or comments please share them with me. I’d like to make this newsletter better, just like I’m always struggling to make better photographs.