Striving for “Perfection” is the Attitude for Photography

By Jason Xu

The SIGMA “Four Sisters” cover four focal lengths: 16mm, 23mm, 30mm, and 56mm, all with an aperture of F1.4, making them ideal for Canon APS-C format camera users. They allow ample light even in low-light conditions and create stunning shallow depth of field effects, which help emphasize the subject. The optical performance is excellent, offering sharpness from the center to the edges, accurate color reproduction, and minimal distortion. The autofocus is quick and stable, making these lenses suitable for capturing dynamic scenes.

For this shoot, I selected two locations: the Shanghai Film Park and Harbin’s European-style architecture. My aim was to let the “Four Sisters” lenses take me on a journey through time, from the nostalgic charm of old Shanghai to the striking European buildings in Harbin, showcasing the contrast between the historical and modern aspects of these cities. Both locations offer rich cultural backgrounds and unique visual impact, allowing me to seamlessly switch between landscape and cultural photography, all while fully exploring the capabilities of these lenses.

The 16mm wide-angle lens allowed me to capture more environmental details—perfect for the streets of old Shanghai or the open squares of Harbin. The 23mm and 30mm focal lengths were ideal for capturing human subjects and telling stories through my images. The 56mm medium telephoto lens highlighted the finer details of both people and architecture. Each lens played an irreplaceable role in this shoot.

Photography, for me, started as a means of self-expression in everyday life and eventually developed into my career. As a travel photographer who seeks perfection, I firmly believe that every photo should represent the perfect fusion of technique and art. The two pillars of my photography are “perfection” and “expression,” which complement each other. Perfection refers to technical excellence, while expression is the emotional storytelling aspect. I enjoy discovering and capturing fleeting emotions in the interplay of light and shadow. Every shutter press is my personal interpretation of the world.

Photography gives me the opportunity to capture eternity in a fleeting moment. Through my lens, I tell my own understanding of the world. Whether it’s the pursuit of efficiency during work or the meticulous attention to light and composition in every shot, photography serves as my way of communicating with the world.

My inspiration comes from the subtle experiences of travel and daily life. Every city and landscape tells its own unique story, and it’s my job to bring those stories to life through my lens. From sunlight streaming into a train to the way a sunset illuminates a church, every moment inspires me to press the shutter.

Beyond my camera and lenses, patience and a keen sense of observation are key. I need time to feel the changing light in my surroundings and to wait for that perfect moment. I believe that only with patience can you capture those fleeting instances of beauty.

For those eager to experiment with the “SIGMA Four Sisters”, I suggest trying different subjects to fully utilize the strengths of each focal length. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, architecture, or portraits, this lens set will surprise you in various scenarios. Most importantly, don’t just rely on the gear. Keep learning and practicing to improve both your technical skills and your ability to express your vision.

Behind the Scenes

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About

Jason Xu

Jason Xu has traveled to over 50 countries with his camera, capturing the world’s beauty from a unique perspective. He firmly believes that only by experiencing the world firsthand can you truly capture its most authentic moments. His works are known for their pleasing colors and rich emotions, telling stories beyond the surface of light and shadow. Many of his photographs have been featured in major magazines and photo libraries.

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