A 50mm focal length lens is quite ordinary.
Compared with the exaggerated perspective effect of wide-angle lenses
and the space-compressing effect of telephoto lenses,
the perspective effect of a 50mm lens is rather plain,
and it is relatively weak in creating a unique visual impact.
But even though it's unremarkable,
I have owned 3 50mm lenses,
and still have 2 in my hand now, among which the 50F2 is still frequently used.
So why do I like to take it for street photography?
Without a wide angle, you can't "encompass everything".
Not being telephoto enough, you can't hide in a corner and "capture things from a distance".
Street photography with a 50mm focal length
is like wandering through the city with a pair of "sober eyes".
It's full of a sense of reality.
Without the "convenience of zooming in and out" of focal length,
you have to keep moving to adjust the composition,
think quickly in crowds and capture moments in time,
which instead can better exercise the photographer's control over the frame.
This shooting method of "zooming with your feet"
makes street photography full of the joy of exploration,
and also makes every photo carry a unique street warmth.
This architect really understands the needs of photographers.
In the corner of the coffee shop, some people are talking, some are playing with their phones,
each minding their own business, not interfering with each other.
A delivery man is resting under a tree,
maybe accepting orders,
maybe chatting with his family,
maybe surfing the Internet,
who knows.
In the early morning, people walking on the stone road,
each holding a mobile phone,
everyone looking at their phones.
People playing chess in the park,
spectators without helmets,
abiding by the rule of "watching chess without speaking".
A stool placed on the stairs,
I wonder what the scene would be like when it's full of people.
Every time I pass this intersection,
I have to take a photo of this balloon.
Today, just as someone brought his son to buy one,
and just as the sale was about to happen, the urban management came.
"I'll leave after selling this one."
"Make it cheaper for me."
"Please leave as soon as possible."
It's not easy for everyone.
Three people, three lines of dialogue,
all for a living!
When I'm happy, I can use any focal length.
50mm,
I took it to Tibet to shoot mountains and rivers,
I took it to urban villages to shoot the bustle of daily life.
Use whatever you have in hand.
It doesn't matter if it's good-looking or not.
As long as you like the photos you take, that's enough.