I’m finishing the coverage of Opéra Garnier with the Grand Staircase. It’s a very different composition from the post from two weeks ago. I like this one better. The symmetry is architecturally pure and the people are less distracting.

I shot this from the second-floor balcony, looking down into the atrium. As I’ve complained (or made excuses), my 24mm equivalent widest focal length has restricted my composition. However, if I had a super-wide lens, I would’ve shot it the same way. The wide angle would just capture more of the surrounding detail and exaggerate the proportions, creating more drama.

Situations like this make me rethink my equipment selection for future trips. Should I bring a super-wide? Is moving from a one to a two-lens travel solution worth the extra weight, costs, and headache?

Blog readers, you’ll love my free monthly photography magazine. Signup for the free magazine to get articles and topics not discussed on the blog.