This week Anne’s challenge is Zooming. She describes Zooming as part of the Intentional Camera Movement family, but instead of moving the camera, you are just moving the lens back and forth. Here’s a link to her challenge post.
I only have one example for this challenge. It’s zoomed Christmas lights on the annual Christmas Tree at the rear of the Capitol Building in Washington DC, USA. I hadn’t gone there to do this. I’d taken my tripod along to the Capitol Building to shoot it from the front, at night. However, having set myself up and taken a couple of pics, a policeman moved me on, telling me he wasn’t happy with me taking photographs there.
So we wandered around to the rear of the building where I took this. It’s an old pic from 2009. I think I just centred on the middle of the tree and pulled the zoom back but I can’t really remember. The image data says it was taken at f22 and 30secs. That seems a long exposure. I’m guessing I took it for Flickr and had probably seen the technique used on there. I’ve never tried zooming since but, looking at some of the challenge posts, I think I should.
I’ve achieved a similar effect using a lensbaby lens to distort the image. It’s better for me as it leaves the subject sharp meaning it’s more stock friendly. Here’s an example taken with that lens.
Finally, not zoomed, but to make up for my lack of zoom technique examples, the original image I’d taken of the Capitol Building before being asked to leave.
All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved
Steve Hyde 
I’m amazed that you were asked to move on, Steve. For five years, I made an annual trip to Washington to meet with congressmen on behalf of a volunteer organization I am involved with. I’ve seen hundreds of people taking photos of the Capitol.
I was surprised. As you say people take pictures at the front of the building all day long. Here in the UK you can take a picture of anything, or anybody as long as you’re in a public place. I’m not sure if it’s the same in the States but stopping people taking images there would be near on impossible.
It is pretty much the same in the U.S. from a legal standpoint. On the other hand, some people won’t be tolerant of photographers, legality notwithstanding.
Excellent photos, Steve. The Xmas tree is hypnotic. I also like the LensBaby image. Those lenses create such interesting photos.
Thank you Egidio 🙂
Steve, the Christmas tree lights are amazing. The cinnamon rolls made me want one!
Thank you. You’d enjoy it if you had one. there sold in a local supermarket and sell out every day 🙂
Totally awesome Steve. I loved the zoom of the Christmas tree. The cinnamon rolls leave me wanting one, and your Capitol shot was great. Thanks for participating.
Thank you Anne. They’re my favourite pastry 🙂
😊
Your lights image is brilliant Steve! I must admit I’ve seen many lens-baby images but almost all of them have been of flowers. Yours is so different and interesting. The capitol image is perfect. Terrific responses.
Thank you Tina 🙂
First one is just perfection and very “flashy”, your second one is more subdued but for me it works just as well.
Thank you Sofia 🙂
Just wow on the first image. I am really impressed with it Steve.
Thank you Ritva. I had to use my Samyang Fish Eye lens as the lectern was pushed back close to a wall. It didn’t seem right for me to start moving things around. I love that little lens. Its brilliant in tight spaces 🙂