SiJy 2019 Discussion

Hi folks, the 4th thread is here, anyone feeling the pressure? I can't do without dogs or changing lenses.
Here's mine, falling back into my comfort zone fast. Shot with the 40D and EF 85mm 1.8 USM lens.

Do forgive me reminding you of the "rules" of this challenge as I understand them, they are ONE camera, ONE lens for 31 days, not ONE camera and a DIFFERENT lens every day, otherwise why are we bothering? Surely it's the use of one lens to photograph many different situations that is the challenge.

Barrie
 
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Do forgive me reminding you of the "rules" of this challenge as I understand them, they are ONE camera, ONE lens for 31 days, not ONE camera and a DIFFERENT lens every day, otherwise why are we bothering?

Barrie
I thought I could get by with the EOS M50 and 32 1.4 prime, and I tried, but I'd like to take the best photos (of different things) I could as a challenge and for that each lens has its advantages. Besides I just don't feel like using a zoom lens at all.

I still want to try to do everything with minimal options, the rule says limiting yourself to one camera and one lens could help with creativity for some people, so do bother, as the purpose is to push oneself to do better.

I'd apologise if that upset anyone, and by the way the 40D+50 1.8 combo seems to work better for me so I'll probably work with that more often.
 
Do forgive me reminding you of the "rules" of this challenge as I understand them, they are ONE camera, ONE lens for 31 days, not ONE camera and a DIFFERENT lens every day, otherwise why are we bothering? Surely it's the use of one lens to photograph many different situations that is the challenge

Even though people should do as they please, I very much agree with you Barrie. The idea was to let go of GAS and use the gear you have. Concentrating on one lens to create a picture each day for a month would teach you how to use that lens better, because you get to know its quirks and benefits. Otherwise it would be a mere PAD, which I personally have no interest in. But again, whatever makes your creative juices flow is fine by me.
 
Even though people should do as they please, I very much agree with you Barrie. The idea was to let go of GAS and use the gear you have. Concentrating on one lens to create a picture each day for a month would teach you how to use that lens better, because you get to know its quirks and benefits. Otherwise it would be a mere PAD, which I personally have no interest in. But again, whatever makes your creative juices flow is fine by me.

Thank you Marlof, that would seem to succinctly sum up the "rules" such as they were when I first entered one of these challenges in 2012. I do apologise for not realising that there seems to be a slackening of the aims of this challenge which, in the ultimate, could mean that we are each given the opportunity to make up the rules to suit ourselves. I have no interest in GAS and as far as I'm concerned it's the photographer that creates the picture, not the camera.

Barrie
 
Have to say, personally the challenge so far has been a tremendous success. Of course it's the early days so things can happen. I've never been a fifty shooter, I just don't see in fifty the way I see in 35. So that's my "theme" for the challenge, to get acquainted with the angle of view.

These first days have been painless so far. Eagerly anticipating how will I tackle the 'hard' part, ie seeing and capturing entirely new scenes in fifty.

I'll be traveling the days 5-7 but will be shooting. Should I retroactively post the daily picks in corresponding threads afterwards?
 
I've never been a fifty shooter, I just don't see in fifty the way I see in 35. So that's my "theme" for the challenge, to get acquainted with the angle of view.

I'll be traveling the days 5-7 but will be shooting. Should I retroactively post the daily picks in corresponding threads afterwards?

Mike, that is exactly the ethos of the challenge. Far be it from me to usurp Matt but I've always understood that retrospective posting of images taken on days when you aren't able to post them to the site are perfectly acceptable, and indeed encouraged.

Barrie
 
I thought I could get by with the EOS M50 and 32 1.4 prime, and I tried, but I'd like to take the best photos (of different things) I could as a challenge and for that each lens has its advantages. Besides I just don't feel like using a zoom lens at all.

I still want to try to do everything with minimal options, the rule says limiting yourself to one camera and one lens could help with creativity for some people, so do bother, as the purpose is to push oneself to do better.

I'd apologise if that upset anyone, and by the way the 40D+50 1.8 combo seems to work better for me so I'll probably work with that more often.
Hi, just to add my contribution...I have always been of the opinion that the “Single in” events have been all about limiting yourself to one camera (and one lens if relevant). If for logistical reasons that is not possible, then other options are perfectly permissible, but I don’t think you should be giving up on the original choice within the first couple of days. You may find that you find more about your gear than you expected.
 
This year, the image threads seem to fill up more quickly with narrative (a good thing, in moderation) and discussion about several topics; however, this being a photography challenge, I'd really urge you to use the image threads mainly (if not exclusively, see above) for presenting the images and share experiences and opinions in this thread; I'd really like to avoid any of the images threads getting derailed and completely off-topic.

This thread has been inspired by what went on here ...

M.
 
I'm by no means the "keeper of the faith" here; however, I adhere religiously to the ONE camera, ONE lens rule. I just don't think it's within my rights and duties to enforce such a rule. But yes, it the "Single in" challenges have always been about limitations, not options and ecclecticism. It's not about what you'd usually do, i.e. pick whatever suits your intention or the subject best, but use whatever you've picked in the first place, not knowing what that'll lead to - creating within a very restricted, yet exploitable framework. The fact that we don't enforce rules should NOT be seen as an encouragement not to follow them, in my opinion. However, since it's all about the images anyway, I'd be okay with not being told what anyone is using on a particular day and just be able to enjoy the images unhampered by some prejudice or other. This is not about toughing it out. It's about having fun.

But there's something else we desperately need: A discussions and behind-the-scenes thread. This thread has one image and a long discussion about the basic understanding of the rules. This ain't healthy if you ask me ... So, here you go.

M.
 
I haven't done one of these in a few years.

But let me tell you that the very first one I ever did, I stuck it out and I started "seeing" the images BEFORE I raised the camera to my eye after a couple of weeks. It was the first time I limited myself to one focal length, and it did a world of good for my composition, and learning about filling the frame (or intentionally leaving it fairly empty).

I'm not much into shooting any more, but rest assured I am watching (and enjoying) the increase in photography on display here.

You should all keep up the good work. :drinks:
 
I was going to go with my E-M1 and my pair of m4/3 primes, I only have the PL25 and S56. Using only the primes would have been a challenge and pushed me. But I forgot to review the older challenges and had forgotten the Single On was more than just a Single shot on each day. In the end I did pick my X70, though it almost feel like it was a bit of a cop out on my part. :redface:

I tried a 53 week project years ago and didn't make it, we'll have to see how the month goes.
 
Thank you to Matt and Bobby for separating out these comments from the image thread. I obviously opened something of a Pandora's box but at the time had nowhere else to post my comments and my feelings about how the challenge was drifting away from it's original intention when set up some years ago. My thoughts might be considered purist but as Luke states above the challenge of using a single combination of camera and lens can help with ones visualisation and serves a purpose.

The challenge is not about producing the best image, but about producing an image within the restrictions of the challenge. That might mean on some days our images might be lacklustre for whatever reason, that is no reflection on you as a photographer, no one can produce an award winner every day for a month. Perhaps the act of producing a lacklustre image will teach a valuable lesson if we ourselves analysis why that has happened and are open to others offering constructive comments, and I stress the word constructive, should they feel capable of doing so.

Onwards and upwards.

Barrie
 
Thanks everyone for taking up the offer and treating the matter in good spirit.

If I ever get to start off another of these challenges, I'll add that fact that "while we don't enforce the rules, we expect everyone to stick to them - it's an important part of the challenge that you limit yourself to your chosen gear for a month"; and then I'll add a couple of Barrie's thoughts (which, you'll find, I tried to express in my first post in the "Who's in" thread as well).

Now, as Barrie say, onwards and upwards:

I find the 75mm limitation both really challenging and very rewarding - the Summarit is very, very good and renders a great image, but I find framing with the 75mm frame lines tricky - though I think I'm getting there. The lens's bokeh is an incitement to use it wide open constantly - which means not doing the lens justice, but could be a theme. All three images I've posted so far were (coincidentally) shot wide open, so I could still make it work. I'll decide by the end of the week to further restrict my options.

The lens has one quirk that I find less than ideal: The aperture ring turns at the slightest touch; I often find myself with a much smaller aperture than I intended to use. It's a handling thing, I just have to slide my hand further back on the focusing ring, but the way I carry my camera, it can happen when I shift the grip for shooting.

Now that work load eases considerably (yesterday was the last big push), I'll be able to be more selective as well as more prolific in my shooting; I'll pick up speed during the next couple of days. I'm very much looking forward to that.

M.
 
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