Kian Charles Gray Photography

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Tilt

Tilt-shift, miniature world, and architecture, not to mention edge sharp or creative focus portraiture and product shots. Tilt-shift lenses are so much fun.

A tilt lens, also known as a tilt-shift lens, is a specialized lens that allows the user to control the angle of the lens relative to the camera's image sensor. This capability allows for the selective focus of an image and the correction of perspective distortion, creating unique and creative photos.

The effect of a tilt lens is achieved by tilting the lens in relation to the camera body, which causes the plane of focus to change from the traditional parallel to the camera's image sensor. The lens can also be shifted, which corrects perspective distortion and allows the photographer to control the subject's position in the frame.

Using a tilt lens requires a bit of practice, but there are several techniques that photographers use to create unique images:
1: Selective focus: By tilting the lens, the photographer can choose which part of the image is in focus, creating a narrow depth of field. This technique can isolate a subject and create a dreamy, soft-focus effect.

2: Miniature effect: By tilting the lens and using a small aperture, the photographer can create a miniature effect, where the subject appears as if it's part of a toy model.

3: Perspective correction: By shifting the lens, the photographer can correct for perspective distortion, such as converging verticals in architectural photography.

4: Panorama stitching: By shifting the lens horizontally, the photographer can capture multiple images of a scene and then stitch them together in post-processing to create a panoramic photo.

5: Creative compositions: Tilt and shift can be used together to create unique and innovative compositions, such as creating a tilt-shift effect on a landscape or using a selective focus on a portrait.

When using a tilt lens, it's essential to be precise with your focus and tilt angles to ensure that the subject is in focus and that the tilt effect is balanced. It's also important to note that tilt lenses are typically manual focus, so it can take some time to get used to focusing manually.

Using a tilt lens is a specialized technique that requires practice, but can lead to unique and creative images that stand out from traditional photography. By using techniques such as selective focus, miniature effects, perspective correction, panorama stitching, and creative compositions, photographers can create visually stunning images that tell a story.

In this gallery will be a collection of my work featuring the tilt-shift lenses I have. Some of this work will be serious, and some will be for silly fun.
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  • Snow day train set

    Snow day train set

    Miniature trains or lego blocks call it what you want, but the perspective and focus of a tilt lens are so much fun to play with. Using a tilt lens for landscape photography can be a game-changer, as it can create a unique look to your images that is difficult to achieve with a traditional lens. In addition, a tilt lens allows you to control the plane of focus, which can be particularly useful when shooting landscapes, where you want as much of the scene in sharp focus as possible. One of the main advantages of using a tilt lens for landscape photography is the ability to increase the depth of field, allowing more of the scene to be in focus. In addition, by tilting the lens, you can keep the focus sharp throughout the image, even when using a wider aperture, which would typically result in a shallower depth of field. Another benefit of using a tilt lens is the ability to adjust the focus plane to match the contours of the landscape. With a traditional lens, achieving sharp focus throughout the scene can be challenging when the landscape has uneven terrain. But with a tilt lens, you can adjust the angle of the focus plane to match the terrain, resulting in a sharper image. One technique that can be particularly effective when using a tilt lens for landscape photography is the Scheimpflug principle. This principle allows you to align the plane of focus with the plane of the subject, resulting in a sharp image across the entire scene. This is particularly useful when shooting landscapes with a lot of depth, such as mountain ranges or forests. When using a tilt lens for landscape photography, paying attention to your aperture is essential. A smaller aperture will result in a greater depth of field, but it will also reduce the amount of light that reaches the sensor. This can be compensated for by increasing the ISO or using a longer exposure time, but it's essential to balance these settings to ensure a properly exposed image. In conclusion, using a tilt lens for landscape photography can be a powerful tool for creating unique and compelling images. By controlling the plane of focus and adjusting the angle of the focus plane, you can achieve sharper images with greater depth of field. When used correctly, a tilt lens can help you capture stunning landscape images that stand out from the crowd.

  • Sometimes you work for a real dick

    Sometimes you work for a real dick

    A photo taken with my tilt lens that shows a couple of rail works clearing snow off the rails from the recent dump. Dan and Sarah were a couple of hard-working rail workers who had worked together for years. So they were used to working long hours and braving various weather conditions. But when their boss called them to work on Christmas Day to clear the owner's personal railway track, they couldn't help but feel frustrated. As they made their way to the track, Dan and Sarah grumbled about their boss under their breath. "The guy we work for is a real dick," they repeated to each other over and over again. "Who makes their employees work on Christmas Day?" Despite their frustration, Dan and Sarah were determined to do a good job. They worked tirelessly, shovelling snow, clearing ice, and ensuring the track was safe for the owner. As they worked, they talked about their families and their plans for the day. Yet, they couldn't help but feel resentful that they were missing out on a special holiday with their loved ones. But they also knew that their job was important. They had a responsibility to ensure that the track was safe and secure. So, as they worked, they took pride in their work and their ability to get the job done quickly and efficiently. As they finished their work and returned to their cars, Dan and Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. They had done the job right but were exhausted and ready to get home to their families. As they drove home, Dan and Sarah discussed the day's events. They realized that, even though they didn't like their boss, they were proud of their work and ability to handle difficult situations. They knew they were hard-working rail workers who deserved respect and appreciation from their boss. And so, as they sat down to a late Christmas dinner with their families, Dan and Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had done what was asked of them, and they had done it well. Of course, they may have missed some of the holiday festivities. Still, they knew they were doing important work and making a difference.

  • Clearing railway switches of snow

    Clearing railway switches of snow

    Clearing railway switches in the snow can be challenging, but it's essential to ensure the safety of trains and passengers. Here are the general steps involved in clearing railway switches in the snow: Identify the switches that need to be cleared: Rail workers will first identify the switches that need to be cleared of snow. This is typically done by inspecting the tracks and switches for blockages or obstructions. Use a switch heater: A switch heater is a device to melt the snow and ice on the switch points. The heater is typically placed directly on the switch and uses a combination of heat and electricity to melt the snow and ice. Clear snow and ice from the switch points: Rail workers will use shovels and other tools to remove any remaining snow or ice from the switch points once the switch heater has melted the snow and ice. This is a delicate process, as rail workers must be careful not to damage the switch or its components. Test the switch: After it has been cleared of snow and ice, rail workers will test it to ensure it is functioning correctly. This typically involves manually operating the switch and verifying that it moves smoothly and without obstructions. Apply lubricant: To prevent future snow and ice build-up, rail workers may apply a special lubricant to the switch points. This helps to reduce friction and prevent the snow and ice from sticking to the switch in the future. Clearing railway switches in the snow is a time-consuming and challenging process, but it is critical to ensure trains' safe and efficient operation in snowy conditions.

  • Working for giants

    Working for giants

    The tilt and plain of focus for this image give the workers a complete miniaturization effect. Extreme compared to the containers. In a far-off corner of the universe was a planet inhabited by giant lizard-like creatures. These aliens were known for their advanced technology and their love of trains. They had built an enormous miniature train set that wound through their underground cities, with tiny buildings, trees, and people. The youngest lizard alien, a curious and adventurous child, loved playing with the train set. However, he was never satisfied with using the toy plastic people that came with it. He wanted the train set to be as realistic as possible, with real people to run it. So, the young lizard went to his father, the ruler of their planet, and asked him to find some real people to work on the miniature train set. The father was initially hesitant, knowing taking people from their homes and families was wrong. However, he loved his son and didn't want to disappoint him. So, he set out on a mission to find some people who would be willing to help. After a long search, the father finally found a group of humans willing to work on the train set. They were all train enthusiasts who loved the idea of working on a miniature train set for aliens. They eagerly accepted the job, not realizing the true nature of their employers. When they arrived on the planet, they were shocked to find giant lizards surrounding them. However, they soon realized that the lizards were friendly and posed no harm. Furthermore, they were amazed by the miniature train set. It was miniature compared to the giant lizards, but for the humans, it was larger than any trains they had ever seen. The humans worked tirelessly on the train set, repairing tracks, painting buildings, and operating the trains. The lizard child watched in amazement as the train set came to life before his eyes. He was thrilled with the realism of the collection, and he couldn't have been happier with the work the humans had done. Ultimately, the humans finished their work and bid farewell to the giant lizard family. The lizard child was sad to see them go, but he was overjoyed with his new miniature train set. From that day on, he spent hours playing with the trains and the miniature village, and he never forgot the kindness of the humans who made his dream come true. And the humans, well, they returned home with a story they would never forget.

  • Railway workers clearing snow from switches

    Railway workers clearing snow from switches

    There was a dump of snow in Vancouver last night. This provided me with a great opportunity to use my tilt lens and get these photos of railworks clearing the railway switches of snow. Clearing railway switches in the snow can be challenging, but it's essential to ensure the safety of trains and passengers. Here are the general steps involved in clearing railway switches in the snow: Identify the switches that need to be cleared: Rail workers will first identify the switches that need to be cleared of snow. This is typically done by inspecting the tracks and switches for blockages or obstructions. Use a switch heater: A switch heater is a device to melt the snow and ice on the switch points. The heater is typically placed directly on the switch and uses a combination of heat and electricity to melt the snow and ice. Clear snow and ice from the switch points: Rail workers will use shovels and other tools to remove any remaining snow or ice from the switch points once the switch heater has melted the snow and ice. This is a delicate process, as rail workers must be careful not to damage the switch or its components. Test the switch: After it has been cleared of snow and ice, rail workers will test it to ensure it is functioning correctly. This typically involves manually operating the switch and verifying that it moves smoothly and without obstructions. Apply lubricant: To prevent future snow and ice build-up, rail workers may apply a special lubricant to the switch points. This helps to reduce friction and prevent the snow and ice from sticking to the switch in the future. Clearing railway switches in the snow is a time-consuming and challenging process, but it is critical to ensure trains' safe and efficient operation in snowy conditions.

  • Railway workers clearing snow from switches

    Railway workers clearing snow from switches

    There was a dump of snow in Vancouver last night. This provided me with a great opportunity to use my tilt lens and get these photos of railworks clearing the railway switches of snow. Clearing railway switches in the snow can be challenging, but it's essential to ensure the safety of trains and passengers. Here are the general steps involved in clearing railway switches in the snow: Identify the switches that need to be cleared: Rail workers will first identify the switches that need to be cleared of snow. This is typically done by inspecting the tracks and switches for blockages or obstructions. Use a switch heater: A switch heater is a device to melt the snow and ice on the switch points. The heater is typically placed directly on the switch and uses a combination of heat and electricity to melt the snow and ice. Clear snow and ice from the switch points: Rail workers will use shovels and other tools to remove any remaining snow or ice from the switch points once the switch heater has melted the snow and ice. This is a delicate process, as rail workers must be careful not to damage the switch or its components. Test the switch: After it has been cleared of snow and ice, rail workers will test it to ensure it is functioning correctly. This typically involves manually operating the switch and verifying that it moves smoothly and without obstructions. Apply lubricant: To prevent future snow and ice build-up, rail workers may apply a special lubricant to the switch points. This helps to reduce friction and prevent the snow and ice from sticking to the switch in the future. Clearing railway switches in the snow is a time-consuming and challenging process, but it is critical to ensure trains' safe and efficient operation in snowy conditions.

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