LAPC #211: What’s Your Photographic Groove?

Hi, everyone! I’m back to blogging after spending some time with family in beautiful British Columbia. Before I jump into Anne Sandler’s challenge this week, I’d like to thank to our wonderful guest hosts in July–Aletta, Jez, Andre, Tracy, and Sarah–for stepping in for us and doing such a terrific job. Your posts and inspiring themes were wonderful!

While we were traveling last month, Anne Sandler’s question popped into my mind from time to time. What type of photography do I enjoy the most?

To tell you the truth, I’m still exploring different types of shots–landscapes, still life, seascapes, portraits, macro, architecture, abstract, and so on. The Lens-Artists challenges have given me wonderful opportunities to explore different photographic genres and get valuable feedback from all of you. Your thoughts and impressions are helping me figure out the types of images that “work,” and what genres inspire me.

Like Anne and Tina, I switched to a Fuji mirrorless camera several years ago. It turned out to be a great decision. I’ve been delighted with the size of the camera, how it feels in my hands, its retro look (yes, I’m that superficial 😀), and the crispness of its images. The Fuji lenses are simply outstanding.

Here’s a small sample of my most recent photos taken in British Columbia. It’s an eclectic collection shot with a variety of lenses. (Click on each image to enlarge it.)

As many of you may have noticed, I’m drawn to flowers. This image was captured in Stanley Park in Vancouver with my 35mm f1.4 prime Fuji lens. I love how the lens is tack-sharp and works so well in low light conditions.

Shooting macro has opened up new photographic “worlds” for me. This image was captured with my Laowa macro lens. This is the first time I’ve bought a manual lens, which took some getting used to, but now I enjoy its ability to drill into the details. It also allows me to really control the focus in a variety of shooting conditions.

I shot this image of lily pads on Bowen Island with my trusty Fuji 18 to 55 mm lens– the one I use the most.

One of my current interests is creating more abstract images, so the shapes and colors of these lily pads really caught my eye.

Why do I always stumble across wonderful landscapes when I don’t have my Fuji camera?

I used my Google Pixel 6 to capture this sunset in English Bay in Vancouver several nights ago. The cell phone camera has several lenses and a “night sight” mode, which is great in low light. Landscapes and seascapes are some of my favorite types of images.

One of the joys of photography is experimenting with light and keeping me in the present moment. With the chaos swirling around all of us right now, I find peace and joy when I lift my camera up to my eyes and view the scene before my eyes. Photography allows me to witness the beauty in the world at that moment. It’s my form of meditation.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new Fuji 70 to 300 mm lens, which has been on backorder for months. Soon, I’ll be sharing my experiments with this lens. So stay tuned!

We invite you to join Anne’s “What’s Your Photographic Groove?” challenge this week. Be sure to visit her site to see her wonderful photos and learn about her photographic journey. Next week, it’s my turn to lead the challenge, so please stop by next Saturday at noon to join the fun.

Until then, stay safe, stay well, and be inspired!

60 replies »

    • Thank you so much, Tina! It’s interesting how the lily pads are a favorite this week. I wasn’t sure how it would go over. Your images are such a treat, as always! I hope all’s well with you. ❤️😀😀

      Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Amy. Thanks!! 😀❤️😀. I’m glad you like the lily pads. It was fun to explore Bowen Island with our son. And yes, the cell phone takes great photos, too! I’m so impressed with the power in that little camera! Take care. I hope all’s well and you’re enjoying this summer.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Anne. Thanks so much! We went far and wide–up to the Yukon, over to Vancouver Island, and a few places in between. It was so much fun. Yes, the lily pads would make a great puzzle. Um…I know there’s a company that can change photos into puzzles…great idea! I hope all’s well with you, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  1. Beautiful! And I, too, love the lily pad photo! 💙 I am considering getting a mirrorless camera, but I would hate to not be able to use my cannon lenses. I just take photos for fun but I’d like to expand my options. I love looking at other blogger’s photos!! Thanks for sharing your info too!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi, Lisa. I felt the same way, but I was won over by the Fuji lenses. You could try renting a Fuji (lensrentals.com or borrowlenses.com) and see what you think about the lenses? That’s what I did. B & H Photo also offers great trade-ins. I traded in all my Canon lenses. A thought for you! 😀😀

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I love the lily pads Patti.
    I recently bought a 70 – 300mm and it’s quite good but not what I need for my bird photography. I wished I could have afforded a bigger lens. The phone camera photo is quite good, I am hopeless with mine 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • We went to an air show this weekend and some of the lenses are absolutely huge! I’m looking forward to exploring the zoom capabilities. For birding, I’m sure the more powerful lens would open up more possibilities. Yes, the phone cameras are really improving! I’m already thinking of upgrading.😂😂😂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Hi, IJ. Thank you! I’m so glad the lily pad photo resonated with you. My son took another one, a close up. I’ll send it to you when I get it from him! It’s a soothing image. I hope all’s well with you.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A lovely variety of images. Flower photography is still my favourite genre and I like to use my prime lens too as it creates lovely soft backgrounds. I also bought a 75-300mm lens primarily for birdlife, but I find it too heavy to use and hard to keep steady at full zoom so really need to use it with a tripod. I wish now I had bought another prime lens.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Oh! Thanks for the feedback, Jude on the lens. Is it a Fuji 70 to 300mm? I am hoping it’s not too heavy. I’m already thinking of my next lens!! I hope all’s well. Thanks for your feedback, as always. 😀😀

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Thank you for sharing your journey regarding cameras, and the comparisons. I have been thinking of a mirrorless for quite some time. Always love your work, and words to mimic your photos. I too find peace and joy behind my lens. I loved your lily pads.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. So good to have you back, Patti! I always love your images, they are from other places than mine, and show me your view of the world. Great variety. You are a master of landscapes and architecture – it is what you love that defines you, isn’t it. I have to agree with so many of the others – the lily pond is a magnet to my eyes!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi, AC. It’s wonderful to hear from you! Thanks so much for your thoughts on this pics. The lily pond was interesting. My son and I took quite different photos of the same scene. I love that! I’ll be in touch via email. I have a question about one of the trips you took to Spain. 😀❤️😀

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