Travel & Street Photography with Melissa Bissell
When it comes to travel and street photography I always reach for my Trio 28. This compact and lightweight lens is my travel workhorse. The Trio 28 has a fixed aperture of f/3.5 and three different optics built in – the Sweet, Velvet and Twist. I primarily use the Sweet optic for street photography. The Trio’s sweet spot along with focus peaking in my mirrorless camera, makes creating unique images on the go almost effortless, and always fun.
Trio 28 ISO 160, f/3.5, SS 1/125
Earlier in the year I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to attend a photography conference. On my first morning there I ventured into midtown Atlanta with friends. Days of heavy rain were a frustration to the locals, but it was a gift to me. I placed my sweet spot of focus towards the widespread puddle of the parking lot, letting the remainder of the scene fall out of focus. In post processing I flipped the image to add intrigue to the scene.
Trio 28 (Sweet) ISO 160, f/3.5, SS 1/250
The rainbow sidewalks in midtown Atlanta were on my photography bucket list. The combination of my Trio 28 along with the early morning golden hour ended up being the perfect combination for me to create a one-of-a-kind image of this popular location. And how about that Trio 28/Sweet sun flare?! It never disappoints!
Trio 28 ISO 200, f/3.5, SS 1/1000
The Pont Vecchio in Florence, Italy has been photographed hundreds of thousands of times. Using my Trio 28 enabled me to create a dreamy river/cityscape that matched my vision and allowed me to make a unique image of an iconic location.
Trio 28 ISO 200, f/3.5, SS 1/125
"Nearly every photographer who travels to Italy returns home with at least one image of laundry hanging from a window ledge."
I was drawn to this dilapidated building on a hidden street in Florence, Italy. The juxtaposition of the vegetation pushing through the earth against the backdrop of the crumbling building immediately grabbed my attention. By using the hole in the fence to frame my subject, and my Trio 28 to add depth to the image, I was able to bring this scene to life.
Trio 28 ISO 200, f/3.5, SS 1/500
Nearly every photographer who travels to Italy returns home with at least one image of laundry hanging from a window ledge. I love how the Trio 28 helped me create an image with so much depth the viewer might think they can reach out and grab hold of one of those drying garments.
Trio 28 ISO 200, f/3.5, SS 1/200
While strolling the streets of Boston, MA on a quiet Sunday morning, I noticed a woman in red take a turn towards Kenmore Station. I was immediately drawn to her outfit, which contrasted perfectly with the green sign. My ability to quickly compose and focus using the Trio’s sweet spot meant that in a fraction of a second I was able to create the exact image I envisioned.
Trio 28 ISO 200, f/3/5, SS 1/2000
Cityscapes are easy and fun to photograph with the Trio 28. I love the miniature scene I was able to create of this iconic location in Boston, Massachusetts.
Trio 28 ISO 3200, f.3.5, SS 1/60
Night photography with the Trio 28 is a must. The combination of a sweet spot of focus and dreamy bokeh made this New York City night scene extra magical.
Most of us have been in a “Stay at Home” order due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under these unprecedented circumstances it may be challenging to think about a time when we will be planning a dream trip or heading out for an evening of street photography. I want to leave you with some images I’ve created in and around my home using the Trio 28.
Trio 28 ISO 160, f/3.5, SS 1/3200
I hope I’ve encouraged you to keep the dream of future photography projects alive, while also offering inspiration to create something magical, even while sheltering in place. Stay safe and be well!
Trio 28 ISO 160, f/3.5, SS 1/250
Trio 28 ISO 160, f/3.5, 1/2500
Melissa Bissell
Melissa Bissell is a self-taught, multi-genre photographer. She is happiest when traveling with her camera and Lensbaby lenses, or quietly photographing flowers at home. Melissa has been published in several magazines and blogs, and was a finalist in the 2018 Voice Collection. Her travel photography was selected for the 10-Spot photography gallery exhibit in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, February 2019. Melissa and her husband of 26 years make their home in Massachusetts. They have three grown children and a 6 year old labradoodle.
Instagram