Framed by the Light

Welcome to my blog! Reflections on photography by landscape and street photographer, Johnathan Hall.

Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO Lens Review

Here is my little review of a lens I like photographing with a lot. It has unique characteristics that make it a pleasure to shoot with. Exhibit A: it is sharp across the frame wide open at f2. This is the most important aspect of this lens for me. Previously, I have used lenses which sharpened up gradually until they were at their sharpest mid aperture so say f4-f5.6. This lens is liberating in that it is sharp at any aperture at any point in the frame (provided the subject is in the plane of focus). In practical terms this…

by Johnathan Hall January 6, 2024

Contrast in My Black and White Street Photography

I appreciate the contrast between light and shadow, which is inherent in a photograph. Where there is light there is shadow, and it is the interplay between them that enables a photographer to draw with light in images. I think black and white photography focuses the viewer’s eye on this interplay, with less distraction from the extra element of colour and more time to observe subtle (or extreme) differences in tonality that creates contrast.

by Johnathan Hall October 16, 2023

Follow the Light

I think it is important to set out with an idea of what I intend to achieve while out on the street with a camera. Most of the time, my intention is to follow the light – that is to put the quality of light first and let the subject come second.

by Johnathan Hall October 12, 2023

Framed by Geometry

One aspect of street photography I have struggled with in the past is making the most of overcast light. Some photographers stick with ‘good light’ only – conditions like early morning where the light is low and directional, and often golden. Others swear that there is no such thing as ‘bad light’ and continue to make compelling photos even when it’s overcast or raining. Here, I will share some ideas and techniques that have made me lean to the latter opinion that there is potential in any weather condition, even dull light.

by Johnathan Hall December 17, 2022

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