I can remember reading the autobiography by iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz and how she describes the 35 mm lens as the closest to how the human eye naturally views the world. It was then when my curiosity was born and until this day I love to predominately shoot with this lens.
It may seem strange to be talking about a fixed 35 mm lens on a blog that predominately presents wildlife photography but this is such a great lens we felt that it had to be shared. Here are just a few reasons why I love this lens:
The very compact and light weight 35 mm has been around for years and was actually originally created for press photography.
The distinct strength of owning one of these lenses I believe lies mainly in its speed and its large f stop, moving right the way down to a 1.2 f stop. This means that it allows one to shoot with greater ease in low light situations. The advantage of this is that, you can still capture some beautiful moments in the soft afternoon or morning light without flash. I loved this because I never shoot with flash.
Distortion and vingnetting is also usually much less noticeable with the 35 mm lens.
It is also an incredibly versatile lens, allowing one to shoot most things be it landscape, portraiture, interior, street photography etc. I personally love using it to photograph portraits.
I do believe that such a lens can teach one to be a better photographer in some instances, in that it encourages you to move your body in order to frame your image, it teaches you to consider your composition that much more due to its fixed focus. It’s also light weight and compact– an easy lens to use for travelling.
We have so many beautiful people that make up the Londolozi family, so with this as inspiration I walked around Londolozi during this past week and captured some of the ‘behind the scenes’ moments of some of my fellow co-workers here. Without further ado here are just a few images that I shot with the now familiar 35 mm, enjoy!
Collecting wood in the early morning light
Bejay Watson in charge of the Londolozi Living Store sets up shop for the day
Margs our sweet Varty butler lovingly carrying her grandchild
Mchongolo practising enthusiastically for their evening performances
‘Have courage’ – a young girl, symbolic of our future generation walks down Freedom’s Way
The hands of Norah a sweet lady whom I work with daily, you may have seen her gentle face around if you have stayed in Varty Camp .
July quietly making camp neat while guest are are out on drive.
Emma setting up a surprise Cubs Den ‘braai’ for her kids.
Women from the housekeeping team enjoying the afternoon sun on their staff outing into the bush.
A young performer displays his talents to a crowd
Written and Photographed by: Caitlin Fay Smith
Do you have a favourite lens that you use? Tell us your favourite lens and why you enjoy using it below.
Phenomenal set of images which convey the essence and spirit of Londolozi – the people! Well done Caity Fay, look forward to seeing more of your work on the blog
Amazing photographs! Look forward to seeing more.
Beautiful pictures of beautiful people in a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!
Happy you enjoyed the post Lynn!
The photo of July is quintessentially him! My morning walk to Tree Camp wasn’t the same if I didn’t pass July quietly sweeping the Varty parking area. Lovely photo’s Caitlin!
Hi Lisa, thank you so much!
Your comment and feelings toward the image of July perfectly describes what we aim to share. So many people have small connections to the people here it’s beautiful to share !
Beautifully captured Cait. I am looking forward to part 2.
Beautifully captured and written Caiti, agree with Rich, looking forward to seeing and reading more of your amazing work 🙂
Happy you enjoyed it veiks 😉 hoping to do alot more little stories with heart !
Thanks very much everyone, it was so great to share a little more of the inner workings of Londolozi-the beautiful people. We hoping to only keep growing these stories !
Beautiful images of the heart and soul of the Londolozi Family. Thank you Caitlin – hope to see more!
It’s a great pleasure Susan! Great to share and thank you for leaving your thoughts !
My favorite “Londoloz lens” is a 70-300 so I can capture animals’ eyes in a shot from the vehicle. For shooting in camp I use an Olympus 590z and have a great shot of Marg and her grandchild I captured one morning in the preschool. Freddy Ngobeni has gotten some amazing video footage with the Olympus while I am framing shots with the Nikon. I wish I could be with you more often. Aloha.
Beautiful pictures Caitlin! I am going to make plans to get to Londolozi one of these fine days to meet all these wonderful people 🙂
Thank you for your kind words Wendy, YES do come and visit us soon :)!
What camera are you using to take these awesome photos?!
Hi Kat, thanks for your comment. Caitlin shoots with a 5D Mark D Canon and and uses a 35 mm fixed lens.