An Eye for a Gallery

[John 2]

A fisheye that is. I love art galleries. They (usually) are full of interesting exhibits but in addition provide photo opportunities. This is the Art Gallery of Toronto and I found myself resorting to the fisheye for much of the time I was there.

Fuji X plus Samyang 8mm Fisheye
1.


2.

[Mike Buckley]

Both of these are quite distinctive and just wonderful. Great color and composition. The white balance is very appealing, though I can imagine that it might have been difficult to get it so in these circumstances.

[Shadowman]

Nicely exposed.

[Wavelength]

These are something special; liked them

[John 2]

Thanks Mike, John and Nandakumar. Mike, I would have to admit that the Fuji X-T1 just nailed the white balance. All I had to do for both images was a bit of levelling because with the fisheye distortion, I don't always get the "horizon" level particularly if I'm not square on.

[Mike Buckley]

I give up. I didn't want to have to ask but I can't figure out what is on the floor in front of the two women. For the record, my wife also can't figure it out.

[madcrow]

I give up. I didn't want to have to ask but I can't figure out what is on the floor in front of the two women. For the record, my wife also can't figure it out.

Mike, my guess, it's a seat.
Maurice.

[madcrow]

Nice shots. never used a fisheye but like it's use here.

[John 2]

Thanks Maurice. Mike, if you are referring to the object in the FG, then it is a seat as Maurice suggests however, I suspect that you are wondering about the splash of red at the feet of the two in the corner. See below. Judging by the clip board, they must be employed by the Gallery and the object at their feet looks to be a sign of some kind. Don't know what for but whatever it is, it's due to start at 11.30.

[FootLoose]

I really like what you have achieved with the fish-eye John. At first I wondered if the ceiling in the first shot was in fact curved. You know - modern architecture in an art gallery.

Regarding the object in front of the women - never assume anything in an art gallery. It could well be an installation.

[John 2]

..................................Regarding the object in front of the women - never assume anything in an art gallery. It could well be an installation.

[IzzieK]

OK...I was about to say that the object near the women's feet is a rubbish bin cover. Never mind!

Anyway, I have always been interested in a fish-eye lens and I bought one for my DX camera before and I haven't been able to sort out how to use it properly but you have shown in some past posts how wonderful it is when used the right way -- square on. It will perhaps take me a lifetime to learn it so I will leave it alone and just look at your creativity. it is more refreshing coming from you than perhaps mind boggling than mine. The colour is so good and very neat...Good job!

[Craigie]

A nice pair of images, particularly like #2.

[John 2]

Thanks for the continued comment Izzie and Gary. Izzie, there is only one way. Strap the lens on and make some images. I don't know of any rules. You just have to learn as you go along.

[Bobobird]

Wonderful images John.

I use a fisheye now and then but more to get really really close to a subject and get a wide background. Will give indoor widescapes like yours more of a run. Thanks for the inspiration.

[John 2]

Thanks Bobo. I tend to use it if the mood dictates if I'm honest. It can be useful for architecture though, particularly if you use one of the inexpensive software programmes that allow you to control the amount of distortion.