About two weeks ago I splurged on a tool used for a job I did this past weekend: A Fujifilm 56mm F1.2 prime lens. This is primarily a portrait lens, and it fits right into my goal for the year, to take better portraits of people. Last year when I test drove this lens for ten days I was sad to see it go home, and I vowed to one day find it one sale. I found this copy used without the box and lens hood...but for 30% off retail it was a good deal.

I will be the first one to tell you, it is not the equipment which makes a photo. The photographer makes the photo using the equipment at hand. I know people who can shoot circles around me using manual film cameras and while developing film in the darkroom. I will also tell you it does not hurt to have a special piece of equipment or two to use from time to time.

So here is one of my first four shots from my short telephoto (ok purists a 56mm on an APS-C sensor is an 85mm on a 35mm camera so yes it is a short telephoto). A really nice shot of happy boy, who is growing before my eyes this summer.

I look forward to sharing more from this lens in the years to come. With a little permission from my last customer maybe I can show you the work I did this weekend for some wonderful women. Fuji made a classic lens, and I am very lucky to have one to learn more of my craft.

-ehw