7 Random Objects, One Nikon Lens
As a hobby, I love photography. But I often feel shy (and actually kind of afraid) to talk about about it because I just don't have the technical know-how to call myself a "true photographer." It's not from lack of trying either...my Nikon D300 for Dummies book has seen more action than my stack of "vintage" Domino Magazines (and we know that is saying a lot).
Even with technicalities slipping through my mind like a sieve, I still I find so much simple joy in snapping photos, that for today I'm going to brave the critical voice in my head telling me that you all will laugh me out of blogland (please don't), and just show you some of the photos that I took with a new lens that I got the other day.
photo taken with my phone
The lens is an AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G (I had to look up what that means exactly, too). Isn't she a beauty? Even though I take photos all the time, before buying it (my first lens purchase other than the one I bought with my camera body 5 years ago) I still spent hours googling photography terms to make sure that I was getting the right thing. I really wanted something that worked well in low-light situations and would also allow me to get beautiful close-up shots with a milky soft and shallow depth of field. Oh...and I needed to be able to pay for it using the gift cards I received for Christmas (thank you family)...so it had to be somewhat affordable.
Even after all my googling, when my package arrived I was afraid to open the box for fear that my lack of knowledge would land me with something only vaguely lens-related (like maybe a $200 lens cap or a cleaning pad). Luckily (what a relief) I managed to purchase the perfect lens, and got to snapping photos of random things immediately.
I'm obsessed with it! But since I can't really tell you all the technical how's and whys of the lens, I'll let the photos speak for themselves (if you would like more technical details you can read about it here). The only editing done to these photos was a few slight tweaks in the Levels setting in Photoshop.
I have so much to discover about my new lens' capabilities (I can't wait for a good low light scenario...and to snap photos at my sister's wedding later this year), but I can tell that it's going to be a lot of fun to figure out. xo Ez
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| by Ez Wednesday, January 9, 2013 
Reader Comments (61)
gorgeous captures! what a treat to discover new points of view like this.
loving those glittery pencil shots especially!
love you xo
Beautiful, simply beautiful
Congrats on the new lens! It's so much fun to finally find "The One" and get to play with it. For me, it was the Canon 50mm f1.8, and it still is my favourite lens. And don't ever let a lack of technical know-how spoil the fun! The most important part of photography is the eye for a good shot which you very obviously have, so just go ahead and play, you'll learn lots and lots of things and terms and technical stuff along the way.
Stunning photos! Don't be shy about your talent :) It is a gift to others when you share your gifts!
Your photography is lovely! I have the Nikon 1, before that I had a Nikon point and shoot so I'm working my way up in the camera world. I'm still learning and have a longway to go but your photographs are very inspiring.
Emma
That is FANTASTIC, you so deserve it hun and the photos are GORGEOUS. You don't give yourself enough credit, you are really an amazing photographer. And now? You will be even MORE amazing! Have Fun!!! :)
xoxo
Melis
I needed this post. Have been waiting to take the plunge and buy a new camera and this was my lens of choice. Having seen your photos, I'm even more convinced it's the right one.
This post has been so helpful to me! I always wonder how much editing is done in photoshop and get kind of scared by pro photographers posts on all things photography. Somehow the fact that you take such amazing photos yet profess to not know much makes me think there's hope for me yet!
wow, gorgeous! I think the 35mm will be my next lens. The softness is incredible...i love my Nikon!
Do not be afraid EZ! You are a great photographer. I love the shots you took, your doing a great job.
EZ, you have such a beautiful eye + I think that is half the battle of photography. (Says a fellow self-taught picture-taking-addict.) I LOVE it when you share your photos.
how handy! i'm actually just researching a 35mm 2.0 lens right now to get for my canon!
You shouldn't ever be afraid to share your talents, because you have so many! You are a truly special individual in that you are proficient in so many different skill sets. I love your photos you've captured with your new lens, and even the photos you post in Instagram taken with your phone! Your drawings also impress me, as does your ability to continually find amazing and beautiful things to share with all of us! Thank you for all that you do, and please continue to shine on! And tell your daughter the same thing! (Even though I'm sure you already do!)
Lovely photos, can't wait to see more pictures!
If you did want to find out more of the technical side, I've recently discovered "easyexposure" on youtube, a girl called Oxana. She's has the best tutorials I've seen (and I've watched a fair few to get my head round things!)
Hope you'll have lots of fun with your new lens! :)
Lovely! Especially the one of the feather poof -- I'm actually wearing a mint green one on my shirt today! :)
We are sisters in mind.
I use and love my Nikon D90 (and sometimes the D5100 of my husband). My favorite lens is the SIGMA DC 17-70mm 1:2,8-4 MACRO HSM. I love it! And of course I use it mainly for macros.
Respect! Your pics are wonderfull. The photos are important, not talking about the technology.
Good shots :)
Absolutely beautiful! Love them.
Ia m right there with you with respect to technicality.
I still have yet to buy a lens for my Canon Rebel xsi, but I did google to see what the equivalent was to the beautiful lens you just got and it's $100 more...anyway, one day. I was going to buy one many a time, and then a new TV was needed, and then another, and then a DVD player, etc. So the lens has been on the back burner.
I think all of these photos here are exquisite...I wish you still sold some of your photos. I love the pink painted apple, bird china and blossom minis...I have from long ago on my inspiration board.
These photos above are knocking me out! You are going to have so much fun with this new lens and I can't wait to see more of your beautiful work.
I'll let you know when I get mine :)
Oh, I NEED this lens! And it actually works on my (old) camera! WooHoo! Thanks so much for sharing.
What kind of camera do you use? I'm in the market for something between a compact digital with changeable lenses and an entry-level DSLR. The lens is great to keep in mind, but I'm curious about the body and what you like, or don't like, about it.
wonderful job! Congratulations Ez... you have hidden your talent too long for us glad to see you are following your passions.
Irene
These are wonderful!! I love the perspective on each. Well done. I woukd buy these types of prints too! Tell that little voice in your head to go away and never come back another day!!
Maybe you don't have technical know how (so you say!) so perhaps it's intuitive. Whatever it is, your photos are awesome! Oh, and those shoes? Beyond the beyonds. Love! I think you're just very humble because it seems you're good at everything. Now stop blushing!
Love your blog, as always!
Hi Ez,
Don't sell yourself short - there are some beautiful images there!!! Just lovely. As a Nikon girl myself, you've got me hankering after that lens now ;)
I love your blog, it always brightens my day.
Coralie X