We are constantly looking for ways to make our images more authentic. While there are many factors that can contribute to or detract from the authenticity of an image, (models, location, styling…) one main killer of an otherwise great, natural shot is bad light.
Quality of light is one of the big differentiators between a “staged” shot versus a “real” one. To keep our quality of light feeling real, we try to capture ambient, natural light as often as possible. When we shoot outdoors it is easy to capture images without adding lighting, but indoors is a different story. We have to keep our ISO on the low end to maximize image quality, so it is essential for us to have wider apertures in order to get more light into our cameras. Enter the fast lenses.
We love fast lenses. Our Canon 24-70 f2.8 II lenses are deadly sharp and fast to focus, plus hit a great sweet-spot for focal range. But sometimes we just need a bit more light. Clocking in at a speedy f1.4, the new Sigma Art 24mm and 35mm lenses have been our new favourites for the past year and for good reason. They have amazingly large apertures (meaning they can open up real big to let more light in), are razor sharp, and have great focal length for lots of indoor work where we might not be able to back up enough with say, a 50mm prime.
These fast, wide primes are the perfect tools for capturing an image with a sharp image with smooth bokeh and beautiful natural light falling to rich shadow. Finally, their focal lengths compress subjects and environments in a way that looks natural to the eye. Perfectly authentic. It makes me happy just thinking about it.