Hi Paul,
Thanks for the compliment.
As Steve pointed out, the 17.0mm refers to the focal length of the lens. In this case, the widest the lens zooms out is 17.0mm on the 17-40mm f4/L USM.
I always initially line up images like this through the viewfinder. At that time of morning, the sunlight is so soft, it's not going to hurt you if you quickly judge where you want the scene to fall. This is going to sound crazy, but, I often see the scene in my head before I even set the camera up. It's called previsualisation, and, it is a very important thing to learn to give your photographic endeavours some purpose or a goal. Anyone can pick up a camera and can shoot something, but, not everyone can previsualise. Again, some people can previsualise naturally, others learn to.
Once I've got the scene falling how I want, I'll then fire up LiveView and finesse it.
So, yeah, there's nothing stopping you from attempting similar! Just make sure the sun's low so you don't burn your retinas.
Nothing wrong with the 400D. Please don't fall into the trap of thinking that buying a better camera will make you a better photographer. It's not the way it works. Some people buy high end gear and by the next day, think they're professionals. The measure of a photographer is how he uses his tools -- not what tools he has. And, a poor tradesman always blames his tools. Some of the best photography I have seen in recent times has been taken with 4x5 field cameras that are 60-80 years old.
Having said that, if you feel you're ready to deal with a shallower depth-of-field that a full frame camera provides coupled with top quality glass, by all means, go for it.
H
Quote:
Originally Posted by PCH
Hi H,
great shot as the others havesaid. But in the camera settings that you've provided for this shot,what does the '17.0mm' refer to. You know I'm a beginner in this field,so I hope this is not too stoopid a question 
Also, is there a safe way for those of us who don't have live-viewcameras to try shots like this? Obviously we don't want to be liningshots like this up through the viewfinder. Maybe the experts can pointout a safe way.
I have the 400D - I'm thinking maybe I should upgrade. Well, it iscoming up to Christmas time after all, and I know she won't want todissapoint me  |