The Scene:
This was one of those days where the light wasn’t on my side, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. With a classic Norfolk country church sitting at the end of a winding road, I had two choices: my 20mm wide-angle or the 85mm prime. The 85mm won out, and I’m glad it did.
Why the 85mm?
The compression effect of the longer focal length worked perfectly here, making the church feel more prominent while still allowing the road to lead the eye naturally into the scene. Shooting low to the ground also gave it a bit more presence, emphasizing the textures in the road and drawing out the gentle curve toward the building.
Challenges & Thoughts:
🔹 The flat light meant I had to rely on contrast and composition rather than dramatic shadows or golden hues.
🔹 A long exposure or different light could change the mood entirely—worth revisiting on a misty morning or at sunset.
🔹 The 85mm’s depth compression made it feel more intimate, giving the scene a compact, slightly cinematic effect.
It’s always satisfying when a technical choice enhances the feel of the image rather than just being a lens test. I’ll be keeping this one in mind for future low-angle compositions and experimenting with different conditions.
