I changed the 85mm f1.8 for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN and don’t regret it, both are great lenses but I do prefer the OOF areas of the Sigma. It’s very sharp too.
Odd, I’ve not noticed my Sigma having slower AF than the 85mm f/1.8. To be fair I never tested side by side but when I got the Sigma I don’t recall thinking it was slower, and I don’t find it slow now either.
There must be cash (debt!) burning a hole in my pocket because shortly after 9am, weighing up all the 85mm chat I decided to stick with my 1.8 and (ironically given your post!) I succumbed to your subtle plugging of the 35 GM and pulled the trigger. Samyang is £499 and half tempted by Nandbytes’ glowing review but for now I’m good. Quite excited to try the GM, might keep the 35 1.8 too though given its compact form (and before anyone flags it, PLEASE don’t tell me about the focus breathing! Fed up of watching ‘photography’ video reviews chatting about film. I’m a photographer not a filmographer!)For me, the FE85/1.8 has never let me down & does everything I need & want it to do.
Size, weight, AF, IQ, filter size etc are all perfect for me and I'd rather have those things than f/1.4
.........
There. I said it!
Oh fair point on the focus stacking, hadn't thought of the implications there. But every damn YouTube review just slates the GM for focus breathing and it gets so tiresome
Happy New Year to you too.
I wish I was one of those people who could see merit and big up their own work. I constantly see photos on FB and Instagram where someone says "I took this awesome photo at....." or "I'm really happy with this photo I took......" etc. I read these and think I'd never say anything like that. But why not, why am I so critical, why do I feel that every photo I take should be up there with the best and then get disappointed it's not, why can't I just be happy that it's a nice photo? Seems a bit crazy when I 'say' it out loud 
Well said Toby. Burn the lab coat. Also, enjoy the process more. For me so much fun is in the creation. Never mind the results.Happy New Year to you too.
As for summing up my photography in 2024 that's a tricky one. The first word that springs to mind is frustrating. I'm rarely happy with my photography, which in itself is frustrating
I also get frustrated that even after all these years I still cannot create a preset I am happy with despite endless hours of trying. I think I've created one, but then apply it to a different set of photos and it looks pants, I can't tell you how many times this has happened and how many presets I have created. I tend to just revert back to my 'true to life' preset, which is always a good place I guess as it's not something that will age like other styles may, however I do like subtle film like processing but haven't created on yet that works 'across the board'.
All this being said, there was actually a photo I was happy with this year, I think mostly due to the fact is that I had an idea of what I wanted beforehand and it turned out as I wanted. It's rare that I have an exact idea in mind and execute it, normally I 'roll with it' at the time and 'wing it'
A1_9538 Re-Edit by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr
And then a real boost was my recent Photographer of the Year award via Session Days. I don't do photography for anyone else by myself, but I'm not going to lie winning that gave me a real boost and it is nice when others pass compliments. Clearly I must be doing something right, which brings me back to the above, being able to see merit in my work. I'm going to really work on this in 2025 and try to stop being hyper critical.
Happy New Year to you too.
As for summing up my photography in 2024 that's a tricky one. The first word that springs to mind is frustrating. I'm rarely happy with my photography, which in itself is frustrating
I also get frustrated that even after all these years I still cannot create a preset I am happy with despite endless hours of trying. I think I've created one, but then apply it to a different set of photos and it looks pants, I can't tell you how many times this has happened and how many presets I have created. I tend to just revert back to my 'true to life' preset, which is always a good place I guess as it's not something that will age like other styles may, however I do like subtle film like processing but haven't created on yet that works 'across the board'.
All this being said, there was actually a photo I was happy with this year, I think mostly due to the fact is that I had an idea of what I wanted beforehand and it turned out as I wanted. It's rare that I have an exact idea in mind and execute it, normally I 'roll with it' at the time and 'wing it'
A1_9538 Re-Edit by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr
And then a real boost was my recent Photographer of the Year award via Session Days. I don't do photography for anyone else by myself, but I'm not going to lie winning that gave me a real boost and it is nice when others pass compliments. Clearly I must be doing something right, which brings me back to the above, being able to see merit in my work. I'm going to really work on this in 2025 and try to stop being hyper critical.
Yeah, I do enjoy the process which is mostly why I do it.
You are overthinking it. Do what makes you happy.Yeah, I do enjoy the process which is mostly why I do it.
I think in truth some of it is a self confidence thing as I find myself often feeling embarrassed rather than proud sharing my work. But this is true of everything. For example I dabble in music production and have had a few releases in the last couple of years (nothing commercial as it’s more underground ‘dance’ music), one’s even on vinyl yet I’m a bit embarrassed by it wondering how other people perceive it.
Part of me thinks I’m approaching my fifties in the next few years and I should just accept who I am, but part of me thinks I should try and work at it. I guess time will tell which part of me wins
Really interesting read, thanks for sharing. As someone who shoots mainly for himself with a few paid for weddings here and there as a side hustle to my corporate job, it’s really interesting to hear the year through the eyes of a full time wedding photographer.
That's interesting, it's something I've always tried to avoid. I did do one this year but that was because it was family and I felt like I couldn't say know, but I've turned down numerous over the years for a few reasons really. Firstly, it's not something you can wing obviously, there's a lot of time and effort in the prep work beforehand, plus the experience of organising the guests and knowing how to get the shots that are going to tell the story of the day. All the people who have asked me have said tehy just want some photos of the day and would be happy with anything, but we all know it's not as simple as that. I don't think people appreciate the work and skill involved.
Not the first time I've been told I over think things
I think it's just who you are and while I can appreciate it can be frustrating the other side of it is that you've probably reached the levels of photography you have because you've been motivated to continually improve. I hope over time when you look back at your older photographs you can step back a little and appreciate them better than when they were current where you were likely more critical.Yeah, I do enjoy the process which is mostly why I do it.
I think in truth some of it is a self confidence thing as I find myself often feeling embarrassed rather than proud sharing my work. But this is true of everything. For example I dabble in music production and have had a few releases in the last couple of years (nothing commercial as it’s more underground ‘dance’ music), one’s even on vinyl yet I’m a bit embarrassed by it wondering how other people perceive it.
Part of me thinks I’m approaching my fifties in the next few years and I should just accept who I am, but part of me thinks I should try and work at it. I guess time will tell which part of me wins
Thanks, I think you’re right and hopefully I will look back and appreciate them. I certainly do with my holiday photos, or more to the point look back with fond memories rather than critique the photo. I do lose sight of the fact that photos are a moment captured rather than a ‘technical masterpiece’
Nice read Alan
I've not been out for much dedicated photography this year. Had a few things going on, the weather hasn't been the greatest when I've wanted it to be - we've had lots of nice weekdays & crap weekends - and I've only done a handful of sunrise shoots in the past few months. I have shot a lot of street photography on the X100f though - that has been enjoyable to get into for the photography, the places & the exercise!! I've also only done a handful of night skies this year, that's mainly been down to the weather/cloud cover too!
Anyway, I've been out in the fog/low cloud this morning for some trees/woodland stuff
That would be nice, but often we need to sell things to afford new things
Or told we have too much stuff for the houseThat would be nice, but often we need to sell things to afford new things
That would be nice, but often we need to sell things to afford new things
Did you factor in admin and marketing? Things like the time involved backing up images etcThat's interesting, it's something I've always tried to avoid. I did do one this year but that was because it was family and I felt like I couldn't say know, but I've turned down numerous over the years for a few reasons really. Firstly, it's not something you can wing obviously, there's a lot of time and effort in the prep work beforehand, plus the experience of organising the guests and knowing how to get the shots that are going to tell the story of the day. All the people who have asked me have said tehy just want some photos of the day and would be happy with anything, but we all know it's not as simple as that. I don't think people appreciate the work and skill involved.
Secondly I just don't want that kind of pressure. I've got a pretty high pressured job at the moment kowing that one mistake could negatively affect someone's life/health, not to mention get sued for all I'm worth, I don't want any more pressure. If I wanted to retire and take on something to keep me 'ticking over' I presonally wouldn't choose something as pressured. I'd much rather get into motorsport photography, or even portrait photography (dog portrait photography would be even better).
I appreciate we're all different though. I was actually discussing what wedding togs charge with a fellow tog yesterday and we worked out this particular person we were discussing probably earns close to £400/hour when you factor in prep work and editing time. Now I get that not all togs will charge the fees this person does, but even if you charge 1/4 of what they do that's still £100/hour. Not too shabby, and if my health deteriorates to the point I can't continue to do my current job this is certainly something that I could revisit, I could just work weekends and still earn more than I do now. Of course again, it's not that simple as you need to build a reputation and this would require a wedding every week, but it could certainly be a consideration.
Sorry for the ramblings, I'm a bit under the weather and am bored
One lens. The Leitz Tele-Elmarit M 90/2.8 thin version that I had
What a b*****d
I started off my Sony journey with the A7, that 90/2.8 & the Voigtlander 40/1.2 Classic all in M mount with a helicoid adapter.
Oh, and 28mm f1.5.
I have 4 Sony mount Voigtlanders (and 1 M mount), the 35mm f1.4 is by far the most used and I've probably taken more pictures with that lens than with any other but it's not without issues so I thought I should have a better Voigtlander for the times when I'd put up with the extra bulk and weight to gain more image quality.
I'll have to have a long think. I have the 35mm f1.2 and f1.4 and the 50mm f1.2 and f2. Maybe the 35 and 50mm f1.2's should go and be replaced with the 40mm giving me the small and light 35mm f1.4, the 40mm for better IQ and maybe the 50mm for just about perfection when I want 50mm.
Or just keep them all and add the 40mm
We didn't factor in everything. It wasn't a serious look into it, we were more just saying how crazy some of the prices were, especially this one particular tog and guestimated he likely made in the region of £400/hour. Of course, we don't know this for sure, they may spend days reccying the venue, spend hours upon hours editing etc.
This would be my worry too. It's one of the reasons I've not seriously looked into a media pass for motorsports, I don't want to be tied into going to every event, I want to pick and choose when I want to go.
I doubt I'll be buying any camera gear in 2025, purse strings need to be tightened. I'm not complaining though, I've already got a lot of amazing gear and don't 'need' anything elseMight get them in the January sales
Which happen in November now I think
Prices have definitely went up in the last couple of years. The job has changed a lot in the same time frame though in terms of the work most need, to put into marketing.We didn't factor in everything. It wasn't a serious look into it, we were more just saying how crazy some of the prices were, especially this one particular tog and guestimated he likely made in the region of £400/hour. Of course, we don't know this for sure, they may spend days reccying the venue, spend hours upon hours editing etc.
This would be my worry too. It's one of the reasons I've not seriously looked into a media pass for motorsports, I don't want to be tied into going to every event, I want to pick and choose when I want to go.
A similar kind of thing is that when I learnt to DJ is ruined my raving days, instead of enjoying the music I subconsciously listened to what the DJ was doing instead and stopped enjoying it as much.
I doubt I'll be buying any camera gear in 2025, purse strings need to be tightened. I'm not complaining though, I've already got a lot of amazing gear and don't 'need' anything else
I guess it varies on the person, I work in IT and still do lots of technology stuff in my own time and I find they compliment each other well. There's cross over between work and personal use so that skills earnt in either help the other and I have setups I wouldn't have otherwise like an ESXi server for my home lab stuff, really useful for work but often handy for testing software or operating systems for personal use. Similarly camera equipment for work use could be used for personal use whereas now it's difficult to justify much of what I'd like to buy because I know I won't get the use out of it to justify the cost or worse, not sure if I will.
I’m not sure the quality of work necessarily goes hand in hand with being able to make a living from it. I’ve seen some pretty poor photographers make a living from photography, they’re just very good at selling themselves and working in the media. Of course there are many great photographers too.
How someone managed to convince the art world that was worth $4.3m I’ll never know I’ve done a few weddings over the years and I absolutely love it. Don’t feel any pressure, just the rush of it all, I get such a buzz from it. You’re absolutely right, there’s loads to think about and lots to prepare - not least with the client - but I love it.That's interesting, it's something I've always tried to avoid. I did do one this year but that was because it was family and I felt like I couldn't say know, but I've turned down numerous over the years for a few reasons really. Firstly, it's not something you can wing obviously, there's a lot of time and effort in the prep work beforehand, plus the experience of organising the guests and knowing how to get the shots that are going to tell the story of the day. All the people who have asked me have said tehy just want some photos of the day and would be happy with anything, but we all know it's not as simple as that. I don't think people appreciate the work and skill involved.
Secondly I just don't want that kind of pressure. I've got a pretty high pressured job at the moment kowing that one mistake could negatively affect someone's life/health, not to mention get sued for all I'm worth, I don't want any more pressure. If I wanted to retire and take on something to keep me 'ticking over' I presonally wouldn't choose something as pressured. I'd much rather get into motorsport photography, or even portrait photography (dog portrait photography would be even better).
I appreciate we're all different though. I was actually discussing what wedding togs charge with a fellow tog yesterday and we worked out this particular person we were discussing probably earns close to £400/hour when you factor in prep work and editing time. Now I get that not all togs will charge the fees this person does, but even if you charge 1/4 of what they do that's still £100/hour. Not too shabby, and if my health deteriorates to the point I can't continue to do my current job this is certainly something that I could revisit, I could just work weekends and still earn more than I do now. Of course again, it's not that simple as you need to build a reputation and this would require a wedding every week, but it could certainly be a consideration.
Sorry for the ramblings, I'm a bit under the weather and am bored
For a while I had prints for sale on my website at what I considered to be very affordable. I got zero orders so have now set them to silly prices. I still get zero orders, but I feel better about it!
Yeah I hate the business side of things too.
The difference is your photos are very good, I just don’t get it with things like the Rhine II. To me it looks like some junior school kids art work, and to think it was heavily photoshopped too. The only good thing with it is the size of the print.For a while I had prints for sale on my website at what I considered to be very affordable. I got zero orders so have now set them to silly prices. I still get zero orders, but I feel better about it!
Maybe I need to go even sillier in case one day someone REALLY likes one of them
The difference is your photos are very good, I just don’t get it with things like the Rhine II. To me it looks like some junior school kids art work, and to think it was heavily photoshopped too. The only good thing with it is the size of the print.
I do wonder if I’m missing something
