Street Photography With the Nikon Zf and Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/3.5
First Street Photography Session of the Year
After a few days of less-than-ideal weather at the end of 2023, we finally had a day when the sun came out to play. I didn’t hesitate, so I hopped on my bike, determined to do some street photography.
As a reviewer, I often do these street photography sessions with gear that is not my own. This can be fun, but it often takes time to figure out the settings, and you are not fully used to the gear.
It can be quite a treat when I finally get to use my camera and lens.
Richards Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/3.5
The One Camera, One Lens Approach
For this bike ride around downtown Vancouver, I took my Nikon Zf and Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2, Z-Mount.
If you have never done it, I highly recommend the one-camera, one-lens approach. I find it liberating not having to consider different focal lengths for your shots, and you can fully concentrate on your surroundings, light, compositions, and angles.
Long Shadows in January
As it played out, it was a good idea to get out on this January afternoon. The light was excellent, and the sun, low on the horizon, cast interesting shadows and reflections wherever I looked.
Most photographers, including myself, sometimes associate photography with summer and fair days, but in truth, the winter months often present as much, perhaps even more drama, and a variety of lighting scenarios.
Richards Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/2.8
Timing
Timing can make a difference in street photography. I lucked out as the sun was setting in the southwest, casting light directly into the street grid of downtown Vancouver. This resulted in the wonderful long shadows along Richards Street, as seen in the photos above and beneath this paragraph.
If you are out and about in your local city or town, I suggest paying attention to small details, points of interest, and when the light falls from the best angles. Every time of year has its charm, and knowing when to go out with your camera can make a big difference.
Richards Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/2.8
How Many Keepers?
I often do these street photography bike rides, and the results always vary. The weather may play a role, or other factors such as my mood, tenacity, or luck may also affect the outcome and number of keepers at the end of a session.
Occasionally, I go on these bike rides, and although the camera is with me, I may not take a single shot and end up just enjoying the fresh air and exercise. At other times, chasing the light and getting the best possible shot becomes the sole focus.
I was happy with today's session, and I think one of the main factors was my one-camera, one-lens approach. Add some interesting light, and you have a pretty good combination.
Cambie Bridge, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/10
Burrard and West Georgia St., Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/1.2
Georgia Viaduct, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/5
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/1.8
But Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z @ f/2
The images in this post, were captured using Auto ISO and a minimum shutter speed set to 1/250s. I shoot in aperture priority mode and use the exposure compensation dial for manual override.
Editing was done in Lightroom from RAW files, and I used the black-and-white camera monochrome profiles as a starting point. I have also reduced contrast and sharpness to varying degrees.
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