Lens: Storytelling with a 35mm

[@project7studiosllc]

Still re-watching in 2024. Thanks Clinton for your insights.

[@GeonQuuin]

I'm glad you didn't delete your videos. I often watch them whenever I need the motivation to shoot. Thank you again for the videos you made for us.

[@ambiorix6604]

Those kind of videos are greatly needed on KZbin. Thank you.

[@effieskitsa]

I own a 35mm lens and a 50mm lens. When I was at the school of photography I loved the 35mm lens at once. I believe that the "story telling" description you gave about the lens is absolutely accurate.

[@dphog]

Thanks Effie, the 35 is an easy one to fall in love with #35crush

[@theuktoday4233]

What a perfect way to describe a lens

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

still relevant. thank you for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@TomKaszuba]

Thank you very much for this.

[@nikkolaspaulfragrances]

what a wonderful perspective. thanks for sharing

[@kutaykosem]

This channel deserves much more attention than it is getting right now, good work man, thanks for the information, O would really like to try more 35mm ii guess i'm gonna use my 24-70 at 35mm little bit more

[@dphog]

Thanks so much Kutay. It's a pleasure and thanks for your vote of confidence. Now go shoot some 35!

[@frontsideboy]

so this is what i started doing, a week later i swapped my 24/70 for a 35 1.4

[@aandm7772]

Great video

[@storiesforus1]

very nice story telling sir!

[@CheapCharlieChronicles]

I really enjoyed this video, thanks 👍

[@lensman5762]

The trick with any FL is to learn to see with it.

[@andyz_w3584]

stunning

[@dphog]

Thanks!

[@ShadowBoxer]

I started getting serious with image making back in the 1990s. I was trying to photograph bands in clubs mostly. Everyone was using big rigs with huge flashes, but I thought that those shots mostly destroyed the ambient lighting and mood of the experiences. Nothing I had was fast enough. I could not even see anything through the SLR prism. So I sort of started over with another system. I could only afford two lenses and one body. I got a very old (1950s) 85mm 1.5 then I got a new camera that was discounted for some reason (open-box or something) then I found a newer but still 20 year old (from the 1970s) 35mm 1.4. I could finally capture bands in dark or dramatic light without using flash or very little fill flash. In small places, like hotel rooms, they were both perfect for capturing the mood and details or pulling in a performer or showing the whole band on stage. I shot bands at small clubs and a few concerts and festivals. Shot friends and at relative's weddings. Nice to hear you spell out what I only guessed was right from a feeling and results but I had no comparative professional experience as a foundation like you do to really understand why those two lenses worked so well together and why although I wanted others I did not really need more. It also made for a very portable kit. Everything fit on a belt within a few pouches: Maneuverable, fast and tough. I got a second body and a few other lenses I thought I needed here and there eventually. Sold some things, but I still have that original three part set (actually I sold the first body but kept the second). I fell out of doing my own thing in the last ten years or so. However I've recently decided to start making pictures again. I guess I need to find a good film lab nearby and/or get a digital body for the lenses now. Maybe I should make a video about my lenses. Thanks for the chat and a little inspiration. Cheers.

[@ahmeterol9026]

Nice thanks for video ....

[@dphog]

Thanks Ahmet.

[@peterracz-works9139]

Absolutely great. This channel is no. 1 for me and I am eagerly looking forward for every next video. Ahmet - love your style which is very personal and friendly. Best wishes in 2017, have an excellent light and shadows as well :-) Peter

[@dphog]

Thanks so much Peter

[@jamesarnold22]

Your videos are excellent. I hope you start posting again soon!

[@asamakarn]

Thanks for sharing

[@abiddyer1]

Great Info.

[@Traveljournalist]

I fully agree and what's why I'm waiting for the release of the Leica 35mm Noctilux

[@charlesparker6167]

That's great! Thank you so much!

[@Brooilyv]

just felled in love with this channel, great everything!!!

[@dphog]

Thanks Brooily

[@mevalemadre6223]

"Proximity", "Psychology of Lenses", "Objective - psychology of impartiality" Longer lens - observe from a distance and let viewer decide what they are seeing / thinking in the shot. Shorter lens - the photographer tells their story. Great summation. Lots to think about. I've been looking for a lens / style that would allow me to show the viewer what I experienced at a place and time... to actually put them there. We all live events and meet people at a place, at time, a view, with an arm's length immediacy. I think the wide lens comes closest to actually being there. I saw another video where the presenters describe the 24mm lens as the "lens of honesty", and that sort of gets at the same idea. Thanks for the lesson and the thoughts.

[@petergotz5589]

Thanks for thinking out loud and really hashing out this concept. I found myself also a little confused as to when to use my 35mm. I'm going to push myself to use it more often now with the concept in my mind that it is meant for storytelling. Thanks dphog!

[@dphog]

You won't be disappointed Peter, soon as you break through and figure it out you'll love it.

[@EricRaeber]

These are really outstanding videos you produce here Clinton: Less on gear and more on the soft skills of photography. And I could not agree more with the storytelling power of 35mm. After years of 24-105ing around. I switched, two years ago, to a Fuji X100s with its 35mm equivalent for travels and to the 35 / 85 duo of primes for all of my full frame work. I have always found the 50mm focal lens to be the odd-one!

[@dphog]

Hahaha I hope you don't mind if I use that ' 24-105ing around' . Yes, the 50 is the quiet sibling who sits in the corner and doesn't make too much noise - it doesn't have a big personality like the 35.

[@EricRaeber]

At times that silent introvert will give you a the best perspective; it is just the matter of not forgetting to take it out of its corner (although I do catch myself more often that I care to admit cropping the images from my 35 down to that nifty 50)!

[@goal7779]

Thanx👍

[@lemon58421]

All true! Thanks!

[@DiogoCDSousa]

Really good explanation and examples of how good a 35mm can be...and i came here because i bought a 35mm for my medium format film camera and wanted a little bit of insight on how to use it properly. Thanks a lot for this video.

[@wojciechsiewior3868]

Jumping in to say thank you (again) for these videos! I love the mix of gear/story/real work that you present. It's very very revealing to a novice like me. On the 35mm front, I just got me an Olympus XA. A tiny little rangefinder so I'm starting to get acquainted with its 35mm/2.8 lens. We'll see where that takes me :)

[@dphog]

Thanks Wojciech, I think you gonna love your set up

[@AurelGergey]

Best video about 35mm lenses all over KZbin. Thanks! "35mm: The storyteller's prime":-)

[@MasterPpv]

Loving the videos on this channel! I do a fair amount of concert and behind-the-scenes work with musicians, and I used to only have a 50, which was my main lens, and a kit 18-55 that I couldn't really use much in the super low light scenarios of tiny, local punk shows. Then I got a 35 and an 11-16, and ever since, the 35 and 50 have been almost interchangeable for me, with my 35 having the slight edge. I think you really nailed down why. It really does allow you to tell a bit more of the story while still retaining that less distorted look. And the storytelling aspect of it really appealed to me since I learned a lot of my tendencies from a local newspaper photographer who took me under his wing in high school. I do tend to look for more storytelling ability in my shots, and the 35 really does help with that. You're totally right about it being a reporter's lens - the age old remark still rings true. "If the picture's not good enough... you're not close enough." The 35 is wide enough to let you get closer without being so wide that you need to start massively invading personal space.

[@dphog]

Yup, you get it, glad you find the worth in that 35 - it is just an awesome focal length. I'm about to take the 11-16 for a trip to Sweden - first time out!

[@MasterPpv]

dphog That's awesome! You're definitely going to enjoy it. I love using the 11-16 in concert work, especially with more energetic bands that get up in your face or jump out into the crowd a lot. The distortion doesn't matter when you're trying to make things look larger than life anyway. It's a different mindset and you kind of have to let go of some of your other preconceptions like wanting to "flatter" your human subjects with it, but if you can figure out its purpose, it becomes incredibly useful and fun. Have fun!

[@HI2LIFE]

Thank you so much! I'ma amateur photographer having mainly Nikon and Fuji equipment with various lenses and never had a 35mm...Now I have one arriving this week (Nikon 35mm f/2D) to use on my Nikon D850. Living in Western Australia Pilbara region I'm sure I'll have many story telling moments! Thank your your video about this subject!

[@sreenikanth8456]

Ur fashion photography with 35mm is very elegant

[@hugobertiepickles3372]

One word: emotional. Omg your captures were stunning, both the fashion & architecture. Wetted myself triple replay of the shoots. Crumbs! You are good. Hooked to your channel. P.s: model is stunning as are locations. Where in oz were those sand dunes/salt lakes? Keep clicking keep inspiring and a big thank you x

[@Dan____]

love my 35 1.4, Works great as a reportage lens at weddings. I do what you have there, 2 bodies, 35 and 85.

[@dphog]

Hey Daniel hope you are well. Haha great to have confirmation from someone else on that setup, the 35 is great isn't it. I must apologise for not getting around to meeting up, plans changed on the fly and we ran out of time in Sydney. You have a damn fine country there - hope to be back soon.

[@paulocontente9993]

Thanks for another great video. I love the effect the 35 gives,for me the 85 is the "what"and the 35 is the "what "and "where"lens. I only own a very cheap 35 mm model, the sharpness isn't that great. Guess I will have to buy one when I improve my skills,getting better thanks to your videos.

[@dphog]

Thanks Paulo, great to have your support as always

[@JamesNobleMusic]

Bro this is a GENIUS video. THANK YOU for this. Love it man. Great insight

[@DUST35]

Great video!

[@RICHARDROLLINSONDESIGNPHOTOGRA]

Very detailed and informative, thank you 😊

[@daisydd1709]

beautiful photos :) travel heavy yeah :)

[@bobwearn982]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO FROM DP

[@juanquispe3494]

4:50 "I found myself loving the 35 for story telling power" ... and we see a cut to a girl's bottom. ^^

[@dphog]

Cheeky!

[@eladbari]

My exact thoughts, dude! :D And then my next thought was this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHrGlWiGnNajnLs

[@directormattoliveira]

Great video and insights on telling a story with a lens. I love the 35mm but then I found the 40mm and I’m in love with it. If you have used the 40mm, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@marcelplavec6453]

VERY NICE VIDEO ....thx .....i have the same..absolutely love the wide now......what do u think about 24mm?

[@biljad8320]

Loved this video and how you explain why you love your 35mm. Just loved your style in general, think I'll spend the rest of the afternoon snooping around your channel. =D I do have a question, though - what I still struggle with is switching between lenses during a single shoot, whether it's an outdoor portrait session or an event. I get nervous that I am going to miss a moment that would be best captured with a lens that is not at the body while the moment is happening, and I often find myself switching back and forth between lenses for a while and then just shooting the rest of the session with one lens. I currently use a 35mm and a 50mm, and am thinking of getting a 24-70mm to help with this issue, though I really like the quality that these primes offer and would love to know how to use them jointly in a single session without stress. You say you like to combine your 35mm and 85mm, so I hope you have advice on how to do that in terms of logistics. I used to shoot travel and landscape, which was quite easy in terms of lens choice - starting out now with portrait and events, and I'm clearly at a loss as to how to go about it. So anyone willing to share advice - thanksss! :)

[@Wuuser]

It's a valid point and good advice for 24-70 users for sure :)

[@dphog]

Only the most honest advice on dphog :)

[@misato321]

i watch this video 4 times，very great. I learn 35+85 is the standard lens in fashion and portrait photography, could u made a video for the method of these 2 lens work together and how to talk the story with these 2 lens. More , which is the best time to swift 35 to 85 or back 35 when shoot?

[@dphog]

Hi Natsulee. Good idea to follow up with a video like that. I will put the idea on our list. Thanks.

[@stinkystealthysloth]

W. Eugene Smith used 35mm extensively for his photo essays in the late 40's and early 50s. Really bizarre how the lens is such a surprise to you, its a classic.

[@Dstonephoto]

Interesting. I had the same impression of the 35mm and found it quite challenging to work with ; it felt too perfect and generic. So, what did I do? I forced myself to use it by taking it with me on a trip to Belgrade, Serbia. It’s all about forcing yourself outside of your comfort barriers isn’t it. Anyway, I still don’t love it , but I’m learning to appreciate this seemingly generic lens, which in turn has helped me grow as a photographer.

[@wadap0]

I couldn't agree more with you. I shot this entire fashion editorial using a 35mm lens.

[@terryallen9546]

I like your broad thoughtful approach. So, I have subscribed. Based on your use of the 35, I was wondering what you think would be your impression using a 35 Cine lens?

[@hayfield43]

The story is she isn't wearing any underwear. Great video.

[@murph6547]

what about 28 ? leica Q ? is it good for environmental portraits like 35 ?

[@antoninomacaluso2094]

Good 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 Antonino signed up.....

[@FKfilmphotography]

I totally agree. I purchased the 35mm sigma for my 5d3 and the images look cinematic yet photojournalistic at the same time. would love to know how you decide what to shoot with the 85 and what you like to shoot with the 35, or do you just shoot both scenes with both lenses?

[@dphog]

Hi Ferhan. I think it comes from getting to know the lenses and recognizing the opportunities. Sometimes there is rich story to be told in the surroundings / location so it is asking for the 35. Other times the story might be in an intimate moment which wants the 85. You are never always correct with your assumption but you get better all the time.

[@mushfiqurmasum2124]

Should I use 24mm or 35mm on my crop sensor body to achieve the same results?

[@jesseltonunited1956]

24mm

[@MarjanApostolovic]

Generally speaking, for me at least, 35mm and 85mm is all I need for any kind of photography (I don't do sports or wildlife).

[@dphog]

Second that

[@think2mucheh]

so.... 35mm for apsc too?

[@Blackmind0]

23mm apsc is 35mm ...

[@farisssz5195]

Hello! I shoot on a d90. I want to know is there really a huge different of using 35mm on full frame and crop sensor? Should i upgrade to full frame?

[@shailifalina]

Wan Faris Zain 35mm on crop sensor will be equal to 52mm focal length.52mm or 50mm is little bit tight compare to 35mm.If you need 35mm, you should try 24mm lens which gives focal length 36mm(Multiply with nikon factor 1.5)

[@RWAquariumPages]

thanks for this video, i'm trying to do better with the 35mm for story telling instead of zoomed in and bokeh everything. the last advice is great, super glue the 35mm lens and just shoot with it

[@rachelkarengreen99]

what is a dp hog?? Is that like a pig that loves shooting videos?

[@bluefilmsltd]

You can tell a better story with a 28mm.