I've been reflecting on why I especially like Paul Wienerroither's photographs. First, there's never a dud. He must be very self-critical and restrained to ensure that what we see is simply excellent. Unless of course he simply never takes a bad photograph - you could not rule that out. Secondly, he seems to know insti… Read more

I've been reflecting on why I especially like Paul Wienerroither's photographs. First, there's never a dud. He must be very self-critical and restrained to ensure that what we see is simply excellent. Unless of course he simply never takes a bad photograph - you could not rule that out. Secondly, he seems to know instinctively where to point his camera. His choice of subjects and ability to compose well are great strengths. Finally, he almost always shoots using a 50mm prime lens. I've counted three of these of varying maximum apertures, but it doesn't make any difference to the quality whichever one he uses. And I think he has taught me something here. He is the master of one particular focal length. With self-discipline and knowledge, he has followed what we all know but often ignore - standard prime lenses are the best optics you can use. The combination of Paul Wienerroither and the 50mm lens is a force majeure.

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