I am trying out a new portrait lens for 30 days, if I like it, I will trade in some of my existing lens and keep it. I’ve become a veteran of B&H photo trade-ins when I visit New York City. It’s a sensible way to buy new lenses without putting up a lot of money. It keeps me learning.

It’s a departure for me, my first Sigma Lens, an 85 mm portrait art lens. Portraits and scenes are increasingly my speciality as a photographer, and this is an art lens. This lens cost half as much as the Canon 85 mm, and if there is any difference (I traded in my 85 mm a few years ago) I can’t see it. It is sharp and picks up color and detail beautifully.

The woodpecker co-operated with me, he ate his suet and then posed for me.

I was in Maria’s studio and she hushed me and pointed to the woodpecker eating suet at the feeder just outside of the window with a strong sun behind it. I have no lens that could pick up an image like that in that light, and the new Sigma set on aperture caught it right away, although heavily backlit, and in front of sun-reflected glass.

I took the lens to the Mansion and asked Sylvie if she would be my first portrait (after Maria.) She happily agreed. The Mansion residents love to have their pictures taken, many follow the blog to see if they are there.

Being photographed is an affirming thing for them, a sign of mattering, a sign of recognition. It is a wonderful use of my photography, and I love the faces of the residents, etched in character..