I think something's clicked in the last month or two. I'm much more impressed with my close-ups (there are some fantastic ones from way back, but now I expect a much higher hit rate). The twin flash really helps so yes, in that case, kit has made an improvement.
My vvery recent portraits seem (to me) a cut above earlier efforts, and although they happen to be associated with the 85mm lens, I think I'd attribute the improvement to more thoughtful use of metering as much if not more than to the new lens. These indoor candids inherently have a low hit rate, it's an even more opportunistic endeavour than the bughunting, but I think I have a better understanding of what makes for good results now.
In general I expect equipment to open possibilities, but for the quality to come from endless practice.
no subject
I think something's clicked in the last month or two. I'm much more impressed with my close-ups (there are some fantastic ones from way back, but now I expect a much higher hit rate). The twin flash really helps so yes, in that case, kit has made an improvement.
My vvery recent portraits seem (to me) a cut above earlier efforts, and although they happen to be associated with the 85mm lens, I think I'd attribute the improvement to more thoughtful use of metering as much if not more than to the new lens. These indoor candids inherently have a low hit rate, it's an even more opportunistic endeavour than the bughunting, but I think I have a better understanding of what makes for good results now.
In general I expect equipment to open possibilities, but for the quality to come from endless practice.