Shooting the A7II in Luckenbach

Kristi Grider Onstage in Luckenbach
Kristi Grider Onstage in Luckenbach
Zuiko 135mm 3.5 @ f3.5
On Independence Day I drove up to Luckenbach with the A7II to shoot some outdoor music performances. To be honest I didn’t have high expectations of being able to use a manual lens to get decent shots. As expected the results were mixed but the manual lens was less of an issue than the camera firmware.

As has been reported numerous times elsewhere the A series cameras insist on using 1/60 second shutter speed when set to aperture priority and auto ISO with manual lenses. That behavior makes shooting any sort of moving subject problematic at best. In most ways the Sony is an outstanding camera but it falls down badly in this situation because you can’t set a minimum shutter speed in aperture mode. It is really too bad and disappointing for such a competent tool to behave this way.

All cameras have quirks and there are ways around the slow shutter speed problem with this one. You just have to change how you work with the camera. There are three variables that can be manipulated on this particular camera to get proper exposure. These are aperture, shutter speed and light sensitivity (ISO). Using some combination of the three variables provides a solution.

Two simple workarounds use either shutter priority or full manual along with auto ISO to achieve a proper result. Both are very similar when using manual lenses. Set the aperture on the lens, select the appropriate shutter speed and allow the camera to work out proper exposure by varying the ISO within a user selected range. As long as the camera can adjust sensitivity to achieve proper exposure you are good to go.

This is not a point and shoot solution. It requires the photographer be able to judge lighting conditions well enough to be able to select a shutter speed that keeps exposure within the ISO range the camera will use. The camera provides all the information you need to get proper exposure right in the viewfinder but the photographer is in control.

The point is that the photographer has to make decisions to ensure that the camera performs correctly to get the desired result. If you are unwilling to control the camera to get proper exposure then don’t shoot with manual lenses.

Kristi Grider Onstage in Luckenbach No2
Kristi Grider Onstage in Luckenbach No2

Finding A Project

Abandoned Ranch House
Abandoned Ranch House
I’m interested in photographing in rural Texas and the southwest region of the US. This area has a colorful past that is disappearing very quickly. My goal is to save a few fragments as images supplemented with some written words. It is an entirely selfish pursuit given the fact that I have no credentials as a historian.

Non-professional photographers have many motivations for picking up a camera to make pictures. Reasons run from a fascination with technology to creative expression or even visual note taking. There are as many reasons to make photographs as there are people. The trick is to find what motivates you as an individual.

Personally I find it difficult to just drive or walk around looking for something to shoot. Having a project gives me context to help identify subjects that tell a story. I generally have several projects underway and switch between them to keep myself motivated. It is a strategy that is perfect for me.

It is important for me to shoot in places I know rather than going off to exotic locations to find images. I’m sure many people are completely bored by familiar surroundings. So shoot what interests you whatever that may be. Non-professional photographers have to be self motivated because there is no art director to guide your work.

I believe it is important to show your finished work rather than keeping it hidden from the world. Everyone has unique vision so share your images. Make prints or publish a book or create an online gallery. At the moment my work is mostly displayed online in web galleries and blog posts. My goal is to someday be able to sell a few prints but for now my audience is on the internet. There is an audience for just about any type of photography so find your audience.

Abandoned Ranch House B&W
Abandoned Ranch House B&W