XF30mmF2.8 Macro: Maja Lindberg

When searching for the right location I always look for two things. Neutral earthy tones to create a dreamy, smooth look and so the subject really stands out. Equally important is light, where will the sun be at what time. Morning light has always been my favorite time to shoot, it’s much cleaner than a sunset and gives me more space to create the feel that I am looking for.

When working with natural light I need a lens that can handle the sharpness of the direct sunlight and help make it soft and flattering to the subject. I also need a focal length that capture more than the subject. Environment really helps to tell a story or express a certain feeling.

The new XF30mm macro lens checks all the boxes for me and really help take my photography to the next level. I am used to 35mm or 45mm prime lenses and I have always struggled to get those close-up shots. When getting up close with those lenses the subject will be distorted. Although, that can be a cool effect that is most often not what I’m striving for. Now there is no limit to how close I can get. I have a whole new world of ideas that I want to try out now.

I am not a collector in that sense that I want a lot of lenses or cameras, I just want what I need to work on all my adventures and projects. I want to travel light and not have to change lenses when suddenly getting a new idea.

The benefits of macro shooting in a standard focal length are for me many. I can get a variety of shoots without changing my gear. I can be more spontaneous and really capture emotions and moments while shooting a wedding or a family session. I can back up and get a good shoot of the environment as well as a portrait.

The auto focus is extremely fast and precise. I always want my subject to move, dance, run or do whatever makes them comfortable so I can capture their true personality. It is also quiet, and changes focus smoothly. This is perfect for video. When taking video and creating small movie projects I sometimes want to keep the sound and this lens allow me to do that.

The image quality is great, the lens weights practically nothing, no restriction on how close I can get to my subject, auto focus is excellent, silent, and super quick.

This is now for me a must have lens!

The inspiration from this shoot came from a phrase that I thought about for some time.  

“Have you ever enjoyed the road so much you forget about the destination”  

For the most it seems that we live opposite to that, we live for the destination not the journey. I wanted to explore the feeling of just enjoying where you are, being thankful for what you got and living in the present. We often chase something that will make us “happy”. The risk of living your life always chasing something better and not stopping every once in a while to enjoy it is that it will pass you by.

When I knew the feeling of the photoshoot, I looked for a model that could deliver that feeling and understand the meaning of it. Then the inspiration for the clothes and look just came naturally.

The process for a project doesn’t always happen in this order. Sometimes I see a dress or a place and get a clear vision of what I want to do. That is why I love to create, there is no right or wrong.