Chasing Tech or integration with analogue?

Good Friday from Prospect.

I want to start this post by saying one thing. I am and always will be a student of photography.

With that said I choose what I post as a statement that is always IMHO but built of the facts and experiences I compile.

Set-up for the shoot. I'm shooting Ilford PanF50. Gotta get it quick with those rain clouds looming.
Canon 580IIx through 36 inch umbrella as main light

So, todays piece. Allot has been said about the death of film and the wonders of digital photography. Without the maturity of digital photography I would not be where I am today in my craft. The cost associated with photography has always been high but until recently you needed a ton of money to move forward. You still need cash just some of it is far more affordable. Good glass and cameras come at a cost and if you aren't wealthy or a busy full time photographer it seems, at times, unjustifiable to invest that much money.

But with the growth of digital photography and the price reductions, due to that popularity, practically everyone can have decent gear. Especially with the resurgence of the range finder design of cameras (mirror-less they call it) . That's what a range finder always was, it has no mirror. ( A mirror is used in a SLR to reflect the image in the lens through a viewfinder. A range finder has  it's viewfinder separate from the lens plane so you don't see exactly what the camera will capture.)

What I want to point out is with all the available gear, we've found ourselves chasing the latest and greatest.  Which IMHO has pushed photographers into tech geeks and pixel pushers.

Mind you I love chasing tech. I am a geek when it comes to electronic toys and I can't get enough info about them. Doesn't mean I want what I see, I just appreciate the technologies themselves. 

Using a digital camera as the polaroid
to test exposure and comp (Canon G1x set to 6x6 format)
Manually set with hand held meter
(BW conversion with Silver FX 2 as Ilford PanF50)

(Side note: did you know that medicine is exploring the use of our new sensor technologies to correct many effects of macular degeneration. Yup, they are experimenting with transplant surgery to replace/enhance the human retina with the sensor technologies we use to capture images with our cameras…cool!)

Today, everyone needs that next new toy to be a great artist. Yes, great gear makes life easier and in many ways allows us to explore more creative avenues. But, and here it is, I believe it has watered down the true expression that is photography. Images express stories not pixels and sensors. I do believe the megapixel race is over. The sensor itself, how it processes the images we capture, has a bit more to go. But that's all about fine tuning. A 35mm DSLR at 12MP is more than enough for the average photographer. 21+MP is plenty for a professional full frame DSLR. Now don't get me wrong, higher MPs are great for HUGE reproductions, but as a whole we don't need them to resolve DMax and fidelity (larger sensors do that). Available B&W sensors don't need to deal with moire along with the new crop of Fuji sensors with the new pixel arrangements that eliminate pattern caused moiré. Funny, just like the ability of film. BTW, offset printing resolved the same patterning/moiré issues with line screens many years ago with the use of stochastic screening (random patterning of variable sized dots to generate a printed image) similar to Fuji's solution.

The photography industry has found a way to get us in this chase. Prior to digital photography you found a great camera that shot film. You saved for that great glass and used it until you wore it out. When you wanted the advantage of a new sensor, you switched out one film for another. And although the resolution was the same through the lens you picked a different ISO film for both sensitivity, grain size as well as colour balance (manipulated with on lens filters and tweaked in the darkroom). In case you don't see it, that drove the manufactures crazy. How could they sell you more stuff if that stuff just lasted? The only money making part was the consumable end…chemistry and film.

I am going to take a step forward and offer an opinion here. Film is not dead but in fact is the next great MEGA PIXEL sensor. Oh wait, it always was. I guess that's a step backward? I'm confused.

Here it is. All forms of photographic media can express the story telling I mentioned. If you've read any of my recent posts you'll already know that I've gone back to film. Not tossed out digital, but reintroduced film into my work flow. I feel that the love of photography for me has always been about the taking of images and telling my story with those pics.

The camera, for me, is my inspiration. The process of picking it up, studying my surroundings, observing the light, thinking of the subject matter and expressing the story with my camera in hand. It seems to make me a part of the moment. The act of taking the picture is just as important as processing and viewing the image I was after. Having that result appear before me only completes the experience. Hell, lets be honest, I just dig the sound of mirror slap and shutter action.

I guess my point is this. Stop chasing gear and bashing other mediums you don't use, I drive myself crazy when I chase new stuff. Just find what inspires you. That thing that drove you to a camera in the first place. Get your hands on that and go capture those stories.

Remember whats new is old and whats old is new. It's all good.

Thanks and enjoy, Derek

Road Trip!

Good Wednesday from Prospect.

Three Amigos on the Road

So, Monday found me sitting inside watching the rain on another natal day. Kinda appreciated the cooler air from the weather. The two days before were hot and humid as most of the summer has turned into this year. Not complaining mind you, just it's tough sweating while standing still.

No the beach isn't full of rocks, just this one's interesting

Any way, as the day went on things started to clear, just enough for me to get ants in my pants and off the three of us went (my wife, my youngest daughter and me). Thought a drive on the south shore of Nova Scotia would work. By chance, seems to be the by chance thing I do when I get ants in my pants, Ha, ha. 

We ended up in Bayswater. It's a provincial park, so there are life guards and facilities on hand. A great out of the way, grey sand, open ocean, beach past the hectic, crowded and popular, Queensland beach, heading west off Highway 333 towards Blandford and Chester.

The water was just right to cool off and soak our feet. Well, what else do you do at a beach anyway? Besides, us three amigos enjoyed ourselves. Pics attached. Only hints of the beach though, you've got to explore it yourself, it's worth it.

Enjoy, Derek.

What else do you do at the beach
(Think I should go barefoot a bit more often to tan them suckers)

Amigos chillin at the beach

MultiFest in Halifax

Good Saturday from Prospect. 

MultiFest Concert Tent

Last night we attended the RBC Multicultural Festival at the  Halifax Seaport, put on by the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia. This is an outdoor event mostly under tents.

It costs 7 dollars a head with family and student discounts (the fee covers the entire weekend) running from June 22nd to June 24th.

Check it out here: ( http://www.multifest.ca )

Unfortunately, being an outdoor event, it is at the mercy of Nova Scotian weather. I know, wait 5 minutes and you'll get different weather.

Well that's no consolation when you're sitting outdoors and it's only 14C and hoping the rain will stay away. The report for Saturday is 15-20mm of rain with a possibility of Thunder showers for both Saturday and Sunday (the last day of the event). Too bad, the turnout was small. 101.3 the Bounce advertised a "popular" headline entertainer, Raghav (dance/pop). Not very popular when the kids don't show up to watch, and they don't care about the weather when it's a band/entertainer they like. Maybe he'll be big when the weather clears.

So, as I was saying, we attended the Friday night concert to watch my daughters boy friend, David, and his band the "Outsiders".

They played an eclectic selection which was very well done. Totally enjoyed it. 

Brite-VU on stage

The group consists of 5 former classmates from Halifax West High School (ages ranging from 19 and under) that are continuing their careers in Music. David McLean (guitar) attended Dalhousie and heading to Berklee, Dunnery Bond (keyboard and vocals) attending Berklee, Bethany Ingraham (vocals) attending Dalhousie, Daria  Zuychenko (drums) and Stephen Weston (bass).

The concert was MC'd and hosted by C100 and 101.3 the Bounce. Local radio stations I can't say I listen to but hey. They basically play dance and pop. 

We watched a band by the name of "Brite-Vu" that came on before the "Outsiders". Comprised of lead vocal and guitar Robb Medwid, bassist Greg Erkvaara ,drummer Steve DeWolfe and Stephen Elliott lead guitar and vocals. Check them out here: ( http://www.brite-vu.com )

David and his group donate anything they make to MYST (maritime youth standing together), an organization dedicated to building schools in Africa. Check Them out here:  http://mystmali.webs.com 

Well if the weather improves we may drop down on Sunday for a little most cultural diversity, always a good thing.

Here are a few pics from Friday night.

Have a great weekend and Enjoy, Derek.

David and Deanne. Two hands, two Cokes

C100 and 101.3 Girls MCing

Brite-VU

The Outsiders

David McLean

Bethany Ingrahm 

David, Daria and Dunnery

David wailing (probably the God Father)

A York Redoubt stroll

Good Wednesday from Prospect. 

Took a quick trip to York Redoubt today. It's a historical Park which used to be a fortification just south of Halifax. It's a beautiful spot to walk and the view of Halifax approaches and MacNabs Island is stunning.

I went with a dear friend, Ann. She wanted to take her dog Sima for the afternoon walk and asked if I'd tag along. I hadn't been there in a while and since I was armed with a camera, and some free time, I said yes. Always like to find some time to take pics.

Not a breath of air on top of that hill, which wasn't going to be good for the RNSYS wednesday night racing. Which by the way is easily viewed from York Redoubt if you're ever inclined to take that in. They usually start around 5:30 in the summer months and 6:00pm in the fall every Wednesday night.That will be a story for another day.

Anyway, I find those sort of Parks/Fortifications fascinating. They make me feel as if I was there at the time of their use. So when I photograph them I tend to show how they make me feel instead of shooting shiny touristy shots, if you catch my drift.

I've attached a good selection of the days shoot for you to enjoy. If you get a chance to visit, do so. It's a wonderful spot to take in a good stroll. Dog friendly as well, as you can see.

If you want to know more go here: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/york/index.aspx

Enjoy, Derek.

I'm Back with the Clippers

Good Monday from Prospect.

So here's the scoop. I've been on a hiatus for a bit. Those of you who got my Facebook post a while back will know my Mom passed away May 26 which means I've lost both parents in 10 months. If it wasn't for the fact that I have lots of caring family around me I'd officially be an orphan.

Well to move to a lighter note, the boats in the water and ready to go…finally. First sail this week.

Thursday's Child at the RNSYS

For an interest note the Clippers are in Halifax until the 15th at RNSYS. These are 10 68 foot open racers racing 8 Legs around the world (40,000 miles). They started in the UK in August 2011 and has now finished it's second to last leg in Halifax, NS.

Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron

The boats are tied up at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (the oldest Yacht Club in North America) and will be here until the 15th.

I had an opportunity to fire off a few pics just as they arrived. Looks like they are going to have a great time here in Halifax.

Clippers at the tender dock at RNSYS

You can check them out here (http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com). Want to participate, check it out on their site. The idea is to share the experience.

Evenly matched 68 foot racers

At RNSYS

Gold Coast on the inside finished well ahaed of the pack today

Well, have a good one and see you tomorrow with more of the festivities here in Nova Scotia. Should prove to be a busy summer.

Enjoy, Derek

The Direction of the Camera?

f2.8, 1/5 sec ISO 100 hand held   B&W converted in Photoshop (that's Clapton on the tube. "Crossroads 2010"

Good Tuesday from Prospect. Today I'd like to talk about where we're going with the technology of Photography.

As some of you know, I've just done the switch over/ upgrade to Canon. Specifically a 5D Mark II a bunch of the good glass needed to use one of these "pro" set-ups.

To be brief, for those of you out of the know, I studied using Pentax gear like everyone else in the 70's. It was the camera of choice to learn with. All manual with no gimmicks to get in the way of great pics. Well many years later, when I finally decided to go digital, Pentax seemed to be the logical choice. Especially since everything was C-size sensor, I had some good Pentax Glass and I didn't need big fast sports gear (didn't have those 10s of thousands of bucks to invest anyway).

Since then the technology has advanced so far we've pretty well reached what I think is the pinnacle of the DSLR. With Canon driving it's hardware to productive heights in still and video photography (I mean 14fps in full frame (1DX) and 4K video (1DC) and Nikon pushing at Medium format with the D800 at 36mp.

So where will this all go for the average joe? Just this weekend past I think I've seen it.

I was looking for a camera that would allow me a little more stealth in my photographic endeavours. If you've ever experienced the way people look at you when you are shooting in public with that honking DSLR you'll know what I mean. They either want in the shot, try to avoid you thinking you are on a shoot and don't want to ruin it for you or want something from you if you shoot them. Some actually are offended that they are being photographed at all.

The solution has always been go small and stealthy, so to speak. But, unless you could cough up a lung to pay for a digital Leica you were stuck with small point and shoots with their tiny sensors, awful lenses and awful controls. These won't do for anyone but the snap happy pic taker. You know the one. All pics are out of focus, heads are chopped off and scenes of mountains in ways I've never seen them in real life.(My mother in law has a million of these pics.) Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to offend anyone with one of these. In most cases it's the family camera that can be afforded and it does capture that birthday/christmas/graduation event even though a dozen years later no one can make out who's in it. It's the equivalent of the compact camera we had when I was young. Any way that's a whole story in itself.

I want to address what the serious photographer needs in a stealth camera and those just won't do, not for me anyway. 

A serious photographer is usually a little bit of a control freak. He/she wants to control how that shot is being captured and conscious of how to create the image in mind. He/she only wants it to make choices when we say so. And the quality has got to be there to print BIG.

 Off camera flash (Canon 580EXII) f2.8 1/15sec ISO 400

Well after reading all the hype over the Fuji X100 and the Canon G1X I had to check them out. All I can say is WOW. Full manual control of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, off camera flash with 1/250 sec sync 10 and 14 mps and JPEG and RAW formats. What more can I ask for.

These are just like putting that Pentax K1000 in my hands. When I walked around town with that camera nobody bothered with me and I shot just about anything. Along with that the picture quality is fabulous rivalling just about any entry level DSLR and coming close to a few Pro-consumer versions. And it fits in my pocket.

Lately, we've been hearing about "street" photography. This is supposed to be the next great genre of photography. Well sorry to disappoint, we've been doing it for years. It's just recent that photographers are understanding what they need in hand to get it done, inconspicuously.

f13, 1/60 sec, ISO 125 built in 1 stop ND filter

Well these new C-size point and shoots are making it happen.

Besides these two there is a raft of what are being called "mirror-less" DSLRs at price points that reach the pro-sumer DSLRs. These will do a great job as well but, sorry, regardless of how cool I would think it would be to have one, I can't bring myself to spend that much bread for another system with all the specialty glass needed to use one. STEALTH not more to carry around is the game here. The X100 and G1X have fixed lenses that can't be changed (G1X is a zoom (15.1 - 60mm) and will accommodate a 58mm filter set including polarizer with the adapter from Canon and X100 is 23mm I believe, 49mm filters with a few tricks to get it installed).

But to say that these new advances in point and shoots and mirror-less systems will replace the Pro DSLR is a bit of a stretch for me right now.

Sensor size, physical size to accommodate the buttons that easily control the camera are two factors that will hold them back for a bit. It's like using a "Motorola Krazer" in a hand of my size. Looks like a toy and don't even think I could use those tiny buttons. Thank goodness for voice recognition. I had one for a while and hated it. To my chagrin, It ended up wet I believe, ha,ha.

f2.8 1/125 sec, ISO 100 built in 1 stop ND filter

But mark my words they will slide in someday. In the meantime I'm going to shoot my 5D for everything serious and grab that G1X on my way out the door to have a camera in hand at all times. Who knows what awaits the "stealthy photographer" If he keeps his eyes open.

As I've always said, the best photographer is the one that was there.

The shots I've posted are from the G1X I picked up on Saturday. The black and white was the 8th frame.

If you want to find out more about these the guys I've linked to on the right, all have lengthy reviews. Rockwell reviews both.

Have a good one and…

Until then, Enjoy, Derek.