One camera, One Lens, One location, One day…
Exploring Mølen
When it comes to photography, the allure of simplicity is undeniable. Sometimes, all you need is one camera, one lens, and one location to create a diverse collection of stunning images. This philosophy inspired me to embark on a one-day photographic adventure to Mølen, Norway’s largest pebble beach, equipped with my Sony A7RIII and a Tamron 150-500mm lens.
Why Mølen?
Mølen is a treasure trove for photographers. Known for its dramatic coastline, rich geological history, and breathtaking natural beauty, this UNESCO Global Geopark offers endless opportunities to capture waves crashing against the shore, intricate patterns in the pebbles, and the play of light on the water. It’s a place where landscapes and details coexist harmoniously, making it perfect for a one-lens challenge.
The Gear
The Sony A7RIII, with its 42.4-megapixel sensor, delivers incredible detail and dynamic range. Paired with the Tamron 150-500mm lens, this setup is versatile enough to shoot everything from sweeping seascapes to intricate close-ups. The lens’ range allowed me to switch seamlessly between capturing the grandeur of the coastline and zooming in on the finer details of the rullesteins (rolling stones).
The Challenge: One Lens, Infinite Possibilities
The idea behind this challenge was to see how much diversity I could achieve with just one lens. The Tamron 150-500mm is traditionally considered a telephoto lens ideal for wildlife or sports photography, but it proved to be surprisingly adept at capturing landscapes and abstract details.
Photographic Opportunities at Mølen
The Power of Waves The waves at Mølen are mesmerizing, constantly shifting and creating unique patterns. Using a fast shutter speed, I captured the raw energy of the water as it collided with the shore. For a more serene effect, a slower shutter speed created dreamy, blurred waves.
Pebble Textures and Patterns Mølen’s rullesteins are an artwork of nature. Zooming in, I focused on the textures, colors, and shapes of the pebbles, highlighting their individuality. These close-up shots added an abstract element to the collection.
Coastal Details From seaweed-covered rocks to weathered driftwood, the beach offered countless small-scale subjects. The telephoto lens allowed me to isolate these details, turning ordinary objects into compelling compositions.
Wildlife Encounters With the reach of the 500mm focal length, I could photograph birds and other wildlife without disturbing them. The lens’ stabilization feature ensured sharp images, even at maximum zoom.
Dramatic Landscapes The wide stretches of Mølen’s coastline, combined with the dramatic Norwegian skies, provided a perfect backdrop for landscape photography. By compressing the perspective, the telephoto lens added depth and layers to the scenery.
Tips for a Successful One-Lens Challenge
Embrace the Limitations Limiting yourself to one lens forces you to think creatively. Look for angles, patterns, and compositions you might otherwise overlook.
Experiment with Settings Play with aperture, shutter speed, and focal length to explore the full potential of your gear.
Plan Ahead Research your location to identify key photographic opportunities. Knowing the best times for light and tide conditions can make a big difference.
Be Patient Great shots often require waiting for the right moment—whether it’s the perfect wave or a break in the clouds.
Final Thoughts
One camera, one lens, one location, and one day—this simple approach transformed my visit to Mølen into a creative exploration of nature’s beauty. The Tamron 150-500mm lens proved to be a versatile companion, and Mølen’s diverse landscapes offered endless inspiration.
If you’re looking to challenge your photography skills, I highly recommend trying a one-lens shoot at a location that excites you. You might be surprised by how much you can achieve with a minimalist setup.
Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to share your own one-lens adventures in the comments below!
Here are some of the photos.
