I will admit: The last few months have been amazing for my photography and even more so for my editing. I was quite dissatisfied with some of my final products and needed to figure out how to achieve the kind of photos I truly desired. And I did. My equipment consists of a Canon EOS 600D (which I believe I bought 12 years ago), the 18-55mm kit lens, a Canon 50mm 1.8 for $100, my beloved (but currently unused) Canon 70-200mm L f/4, and my current workhorse lens, a Sigma 100-600mm Contemporary, which I’ve owned for roughly 1.5 years.
When I first received the Sigma lens, I felt like I was in heaven. I no longer needed to take extreme crops, and a whole new world of photography opened up to me. However, I soon realized that I needed to make significant adjustments to my photography techniques when I switched from my 70-200mm to the 150-600mm. I now rely much more on a tripod, have significantly more weight around my neck, need to use different shutter speeds, adjust my ISO due to the inability to have longer exposures, deal with noise issues because the Canon does NOT handle high ISO well, and really think through my shots. I began to learn about my new options and limitations when it comes to the technical aspects of photography.
Moreover, the higher zoom range of my new lens allowed me to explore wildlife photography, which required a whole new practical skill set. I had to get acquainted with my new environment, research the different animal species I could find, and learn how to approach wildlife without startling them. The transition from photographing pets to capturing wildlife wasn’t easy, but I ended up finding it meditative, exciting, and enjoyable. I believe I’ve found my niche.
I also switched from using Gimp to the iPad Apps of Lightroom and Photoshop, which brought about another significant change in my workflow. This transition initially set me back a bit, but I can now say that I’ve become quite proficient with both of these apps. This has allowed me to explore more creative editing possibilities. I try various techniques, run numerous tests, and occasionally encounter failures, but I’m always learning. When I do falter, I don’t hesitate to delete a photo from my social media and re-edit it with fresh eyes and new ideas.
In this blog post, I’d like to share examples of photos I love and compare them to old photos of the same species. Remarkably, all of these photos were taken with the same lens, the Sigma 100-600mm Contemporary. I find this comparison personally fascinating because it underscores the significance of knowing your equipment to achieve outstanding results. Cameras and lenses are tools, but it’s the craftsmanship behind them that truly matters. Discover your limitations, and then find ways to push them.
Examples
The photo on the left is one of my first “usable” kingfisher portraits, taken with a significant distance between me and the bird. I was truly dissatisfied with the clarity and background of this photo. It was a bit demoralizing. However, shortly afterward, I relocated, necessitating a fresh start. I had to do a lot of scouting but eventually found a birdwatching hut near a lake inhabited by at least one pair of kingfishers.
Every time I visit this location, I allocate several hours for them to appear. They have a fairly extensive territory, and getting them to perch where I need them takes time and patience. Eventually, I captured the second photo, which I’m quite pleased with. While there are still minor details I’d like to improve, it’s very close to my vision.
Next up is the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a bird that has always been on my “must-have” list. These little birds seem to taunt me and engage in a game of hide and seek. It’s a love-hate relationship, to say the least. Now, take a look at the progress in these photos, once again all taken with the same lens. I’ve simply learned how to use it effectively and leverage its strengths to my advantage.
The last animal I’d like to showcase is a bit larger, the roe deer. I encountered the buck roughly around the same time I acquired the 600mm lens. In other words, I was still relatively new to handling such equipment.
I attempted to blur the background in the initial photo, but it didn’t turn out well. I was still learning how to use Photoshop and Lightroom on my iPad, and it shows. The noise in the photo is dreadful, the lighting is uninspiring, and there’s an abundance of distracting texture.
What I aimed to achieve in the photo with the buck, I finally realized with the image of this adorable roe doe on the right. The background is beautifully smooth, the face is full of detail, the fur appears soft and sharp, and the lighting is significantly better.
Conclusion
In sharing these comparisons, I hope to highlight the importance of truly knowing your tools as a photographer.
My journey with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens taught me that the camera and lens are merely instruments; it’s the craftsmanship behind them that truly counts. Whether you’re using an entry-level camera with a basic kit lens or a high-end setup, understanding the nuances of your equipment and pushing its limits can make all the difference. Photography, like any art form, is a continuous learning process. It’s about adapting, experimenting, and refining your skills.
I encourage you to revisit your old photos, armed with new knowledge and techniques, and give them a fresh edit. Don’t be discouraged by early mistakes or less-than-perfect shots; they are valuable stepping stones on your creative journey. Remember that expensive lenses don’t automatically guarantee stunning photos; it’s the photographer’s vision and skill that truly shine through. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep capturing the beauty of the world through your unique lens.
In my photography journey, I’ve come across numerous editing techniques and photography tips that have been instrumental in my progress. If you’re interested in learning more about specific editing techniques or if you have any questions about the aspects of photography I’ve discussed in this post, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be more than happy to share my insights, offer guidance, or even create follow-up posts based on your interests. Your feedback and questions are invaluable, and they help foster a community of passionate photographers eager to learn and grow together.
Remember, photography is a never-ending adventure, and there’s always something new to discover. So, let’s embark on this creative journey together. Whether you’re a fellow enthusiast, a budding photographer, or just someone curious about the world of photography, your curiosity and passion are welcome here. Feel free to share your own experiences, tips, or questions in the comments section. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire one another to push the boundaries of our art
Marie Rack 
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