I wanted to introduce you to this photo that I took recently at Mars Hill Church in Portland. I was privileged to photograph the Easter services this year and loved the atmosphere of the Castle. Yes, our church is in a castle, kind of strange but that is the way Portland is I suppose. The light coming in through the large stain glass windows is perfect for getting excellent photos. Not only was the light perfect for the scene, this woman was really interesting to me; she had a very contemplative, stoic look about her that required my photographic attention.
One technical point I want to bring your attention to is that this photograph proves the inverse relationship between focal length and shutter speed rule wrong (if not wrong at least not obligatory). This was shot with a 200 mm lens at a 1/125 shutter speed (1600 ISO). As photographers, we are taught to accompany a 200 mm lens with at least a 1/200 shutter speed. Anything slower than this usually produces blur. This photograph shows that there is an overriding rule to the one previously mentioned; good technique. This photo was taken while I was in the sitting position with my elbows firmly wedged in the side of my knees, always keeping in mind to breath slow and to press the shutter release button upon exhalation. Most of the time great photos can be taken with the equipment you already own. I didn't need vibration reduction, I needed steady positioning with good breathing techniques. Who knew the rifle positioning techniques I learned in the Marine Corps would come in handy as a photographer. For questions on how to obtain sharp images feel free to email me at info@wickliffephotography.com.
