[Zig]

...which I find so fascinatingly different and challenging, and much more rewarding than hiding behind a telephoto.
These are all at 21mm(yes, with that lens again):
The choice is, at these focal lengths and with this sort of shooting: either to get too close and introduce distortion(which might or might not be meaningful), or to frame the shot, get the depth of field and wait for the moment: this latter way ensures a definite relationship between the subject and the surroundings.
Either way, for me it necessitated a personal approach of some kind rather than the easy voyeurism of >90mm: consequently I find the process in some way more "edgy" and alive. I've also thought, if the lens can do it well, why not try that bit harder and go for the best that one can do really.

The banjo player was at f2.8, the rest were f5.6-f11.

[enviroguy]

The banjo player is a portrait in the classical manner. Nice work!

Regards.....Dennis

[NT73]

1st and last for me. I like the subtle tones in 1, apart from having a penchant for bluegrass.

I feel the barrel distortion in 2 mars the shot a little, and missing the tops of the church does the same in 3. IMO.

[Toad]

All are delightful with #3 getting the wink from me. I see what you mean about the in-your-face voyeurism of the 21. Brilliant!

[Zig]

There's no barrel distortion but the vertical divergence of having the focusing plane well out of the perdendicular. Know what you're saying though.
That thing is a sizeable steel sphere which has water continually pouring from it. The woman sitting is staring at a nutter who seems to be pointing a camera at a bug he's found in the water from about a yard away. Or a metre if you're French.
Thanks all.

[Don Schaeffer]

Nice work on these. I love your use of the wide angle lens to give context.

[Toad]

The woman sitting is staring at a nutter who seems to be pointing a camera at a bug he's found in the water from about a yard away...

[matthew]

Using the 21 for street portraits is an unusual choice, but it worked out. I predict that you'll eventually feel constrained by the ultra-wide angle of view, and have no choice but to also buy the 100mm f/2 macro.

I prefer the tones and treatment of #1, although the idea of celtic banjo is a little perplexing. #3 is also quite compelling - I like the proximity.