OCOLOY 2025: February
22 March 2025
February was a short month. Not only in the obvious way but also regarding how much time and opportunities I had to engage in photography. I don't know why, but it felt that the month was over before it even started. Therefore, choosing my ten favourite images for it was easier than it should have been. When I prepared my blog post for January I culled through all the photos I made and chose the ones that spoke to me the most. In the end, I had about 20 images and had quite a hard time narrowing it down to just 10. For February, I already had only 10 photos after the culling process.
This is even more sad since I enjoyed the side quest I've chosen for the month. In case you don't know, as part of my OCOLOY (One Camera, One Lens, One Year) I decided to enrich the experience by adding an additional constraint starting in February. To begin with, I decided to only shoot square images.
Why? Two reasons! First: Choosing a specific aspect ratio sounded like fun and (sadly) the Ricoh GR IIIx only provides two options: 3:2 (the default) and square. Second: Since last Summer I've owned a Rolleiflex 6x6 film camera whose aspect ratio is also square. I hoped that I could train my composition skills for that camera.
The square format is very special. And not just since Instagram, but for a long time (looking at medium format film cameras). It is naturally the only aspect ratio which is neither of landscape nor of portrait orientation. Therefore, classical ways of composing don't necessarily work as in other aspect ratios. In my experience, you need to think and look a bit different to find a framing that works. That means, that shooting square is about learning something new. And that in turn makes it even more fun for me.
OK, enough text. Now for the photos!
If I remember correctly I was just on my way back from the grocery store when I saw this person with their bright jacket walking in front of me in the middle of the way. Combined with the fog it really stands out from the background.
During a stroll in the late afternoon/early I enjoyed looking at the colours of the sunset. It can best be viewed while looking across a soccer training field. I searched for some good compositions and also found a few. This one I like the most due to the various elements working together.
A few metres further the bench attracted my attention. Well, not because I was tired. But because the bright wood was very well lit by sunset creating a strong contrast to the trees behind it.
Back when I announced my OCOLOY project I already said that I would use my other gear for certain occasions where I knew that I wouldn't get the results I wanted using the Ricoh GR IIIx. That morning it was one of the few times that I only took the GR as a second camera with me. I took a few shots using it more or less as a diversion from using the larger camera. And I have to say that I'm quite satisfied with this one. I love the different colours of the sunrise and the high grass being silhouetted in the foreground. Additionally in the centre, the rising sun can be seen.
The same day on the way back (with a short detour) I saw this shed and loved how it was placed in the landscape and lit by the rising sun. Certainly, a location I need to visit again.
I missed one tram and had to wait for the next one. So I sat there and was suddenly intrigued by the lines on the glass on the side of the waiting shelter. The person on the other platform made for a great subject for this.
When I saw this long construction which looks like a tunnel (though I think that it's technically just many bridges) I knew I needed to take a shot of it. Sadly I didn't have much time but was still satisfied with the outcome. The structure with its lights works for itself and the car at the opposite end adds the missing element to the scene.
I often walked by that basketball hoop and also took some photos a while back. But that afternoon, I had the lucky opportunity that a few things aligned quite well. The warm sunset light, the bit of snow, and the square aspect ratio all worked together for this one.
As unbelievable as it sounds this was actually the first time I explored the "Friedrichsau" park in Ulm (photographically) and I found some great opportunities for that visit and also the following ones. In this one, I like the crowded scenes in which everything somehow leads to the subject.
Same day, same park. But a few minutes and metres later. Lately, I'm more and more drawn to calm objects of any kind. Buildings, things, whatever. That kiosk, lovely framed by two trees and (given the overcast conditions) good lighting on the roof piqued this interested.
That was it for February! Now that I caught up with January and February it's almost time to look back at March. Only one week to go, but hopefully there will be time for some outings and great photography opportunities.