ASSIGNMENT 70

Limitations

ASSIGNMENT

Do you have a film camera with a prime lens lying around? If so, use it! And if not, no problem: You can use your digital camera and limit yourself to one focal length, 24 frames, JPEGs only, and no post-processing.

TECHNIQUE

Limitations have always been a source of great accomplishments. The digital age has empowered us to shoot more frames without the additional cost of film processing, which has been a great tool for learning the craft, but let’s face it: It is also a disservice, as we put much less intention into every shutter click. I strongly believe that photographers were better in the film days because they were more careful in their composition and exposure decisions before they pressed the shutter. You can get a little taste of those days if you set some simple limitations.

Choose one focal length—it’s up to you. If you do not own a prime lens, then just set your zoom on the desired focal length and keep it there.

Only 24 frames: Remember those days? The end of a film roll also meant about $20 for the photo lab. Limiting yourself will make you realize how many frames you normally shoot.

Choose JPEG only, make the choice of color or black and white before you leave the house, and no post-processing is allowed. Whoever said, “Real photographers shoot RAW,” had it all wrong. Shooting JPEG and learning to get it right in camera requires a lot more skill!

The Smile in the Crowd / St. Paul, Minnesota, 2017

No post-processing? No problem!

Fujifilm X-Pro2, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/125 sec., ISO 3200