Robert Michael Productions

 So, what happens when you compare a modern zoom lens to a Cold-War-Era prime lens.  Yeah, I was curious, too.  So I did it.  Below are frame grabs from 4 different scenarios shot during the same test.  No post production was done to keep the results as clinical as possible. The Test In this test, we put a Sigma 24-27 f/2.8 against a Helios 44-2 on an FX9 camera.  Not something that you'd ever think to use together.  But a great comparison to realize just how far apart these lenses are.  Check out the results below.  Be sure to comment your thoughts on the test and the analysis! Shot #1 This is the basic set-up for the test.  We used all tungsten lighting throughout to keep the color temperature consistent. Additionally, the exposure was changed through camera settings, not light dimming.  This allowed for more consistency throughout the project.   Helios Zoom Shot #2 For this shot we put a light directly behind the model.  Here we were looking for the halation through her hair.  T

 New technology is always fun to play with.  As an artist, the possibility of greater flexibility with new options for creative self-expression is tantalizing to say the least.  So when my new Sony A7RIV came in, I was anxious to see how it would change my art. The Idea Since I first discovered the genre, black and white fine art photography has been a curiousity.  My entire career has been commercial in nature, ie everyone was dressed.  So stying and lighting a human form was never a skill I needed to develop.  For my first shoot with the new camera, I decided to produce a short series of images in this genre. The Rules Art without limitation rarely works out well.  Constructs, such as time, equipment, talent, etc. all contribute to bringing the creativity of the artist to the forefront.  Following that wisdom, I set the following rules for this shoot. No color.  From the beginning I wanted to reduce the number of elements I needed to control to produce quality images.  Color seemed l