Images and Words by Jerred Zegelis

Going out of town can be an exciting adventure full of photographic opportunities. But sometimes these trips can be a little overwhelming! The new sights are unique to our sensibilities and suddenly it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

X-Pro2 23mm 1.4 ISO 250 F/9 1/250

This is where knowing your camera and lenses as best as you can comes into play.

First of all, you should know what your camera can do in different lighting situations. What are the best settings for bright sun? For night-time neon lights? Does it need a tripod to get great shots, or are you comfortable with boosting the ISO and hand-holding the camera?

X-Pro2 80mm Macro. ISO 200 F/4 1/1000

Secondly, you should know your lenses. How much can you fit into a frame? Do you have to get close or farther away to get the shot you want? Does your lens focus quickly, or are there situations where you might want to switch to manual focusing?

X-Pro2 23mm 1.4. F/7.1 1/1000

In these photographs, for instance, I brought only two lenses to San Francisco for a trip a few years ago. I brought a 23mm lens and an 80mm only, but for each scene I knew exactly what I’d get with the lens I was using.

X-Pro2 80mm Macro. ISO 200 F/3.2 1/8000

So how do you get there? Practice in YOUR city! Try to walk around your town with “new” eyes, focusing on seeing scenes through the lens and capabilities of your camera, making the most out of what is in front of you. That way, when you’re out of town, you can get right to business and take some fantastic photographs.

X-Pro2 80mm Macro. ISO 400 F/2.8 1/500

X-Pro2 23mm 1.4. ISO 250 F/9 1/250

X-Pro2 23mm 1.4 ISO 250 F/9 1/250

For more information about local photographer, Jerred Zegelis and to see his work, visit his website - https://jerredz.com/about/

Take a class with us at Rockbrook Camera EDU, check out our class calendar!