Ossian's Tips: Shooting With a Wide Angle Lens, Wide Depth of Field and Patagonia

Intro by Skip Cohen

I shared an image last week and talked about that point where photography becomes art. My personal definition is often based on an image being so stunning it's something I'd like to frame and have in my home. For so many of Ossian Lindholm's photographs they're perfect for a 30x40 framed print!  

The image below is another favorite from Ossian. With every image, Ossian takes us to new places and gives us a feel for his favorite part of the world. What I love is that he doesn't just share an image, but gives us another educational gem to raise the bar on our own work.

He's a remarkable artist and outstanding teacher. I say this with every post, imagine how much you could learn and create if you were traveling with him for a few days on an upcoming trip. There's a great one coming up in November. From November 5 - 13 Ossian will be on another Vision and Vine tour in Argentina.

This trip is recognized as one of National Geographic Traveler's 50 Trips of a Lifetime. Just click the banner above to find out more.

by Ossian Lindholm

Many of you started out with a DSLR in a kit with a basic lens. Usually the quality of the lens in a kit is somewhat limited. It's also rare that it represents the manufacturer's highest quality. Regardless, as your experience and passion for imaging grows you have to consider buying additional lenses. 

One of my primary passions is landscape photography. If you find yourself falling in love with landscapes you won't be able to live without a wide angle lens. For example, you'll want a 10-20 mm lens with an APS-C sensor or a 14-24mm if you have a full frame camera.  A wide angle lens pushes your creativity and helps you capture more interesting images. Then, shooting with a wide depth of field, captures more interesting images and details from the foreground to the background. 

The image above was taken in Patagonia, Argentina, in Perito Moreno National Park where after a snow storm the west wind carved these amazing shapes.  It was shot at 12 mm f 16  1/400 and ISO 100.