County Fair

Over the past couple weeks, we made the trip to County Fair on two different occasions. Both times I had my ‘new’ Canon EOS R camera with me. The first time around it was paired with the 50mm f1.8 and the second time, I had the glorious 135mm f2. I didn’t get around to posting the first batch so I figured I would just combine the two shoots together as one.

The first time I went it was just before dawn and very overcast. The second time was in the evening as well, but there was a little bit more sun out. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the area, County Fair is simply a shopping area. It’s not an actual fair. There is a Walmart, Liquor Store, Dollar Store and a No Frills. There is also a mall but it is a mere shadow of what it once was. I think there is only the Library left inside a few other small stores.

I focused my attention on both occasions on the outside and around the back. It’s essentially an empty parking lot and a large abandoned (unused) building that once housed a Canadian Tire. I spent a many days a child biking across town to go that Canadian Tire to buy tennis balls and other sport equipment. It has been closed for quite a while. Regardless, I love wandering around empty parking lots and photographing the details. Plus it gives me a chance to talk to the birds. No joking.

While it’s said to see a once thriving mall now an empty building, that’s not to say there isn’t an opportunity for unique photos. At least, that’s how I see it. The Canon EOS R is the most fun I have had using a camera. The flip out screen, the touch screen, colours and over all feel of the camera make want to continue to pick it up and use it. It also doesn’t help that I recently purchased the 135mm f2 and 50mm 1.2mm. I can’t say enough about the rendering and capabilities of those two lenses. They are simply a pleasure to use.

I’m not saying you have to spend a ton of money on lenses to take good photographs by any means. I have thousands upon thousands of photos taken with my nifty fifty and other cheap primes that have served me well for over 100 weddings and portrait sessions. But, good glass, if you can afford it, can elevate your photography. I’m also always shooting wide open when I can so having those kind of apertures are the perfect fit for me.

For those curious, the photos up to the one where I’m looking up to the lights was shot with the 50mm 1.8 and the rest with the 135mm. Thanks for stopping by!

Quick Visit to Westfort

My last photo walk of the day in the fog took place in Westfort. I knew I had to at least go to one more location before I called it a day so I headed on over to the Westfort overpass. The bridge itself is just an awesome location but it also overlooks the entire train yard which I knew might look pretty cool in the fog. I actually spent a good 30 minutes photographing on the overpass, but I decided to only show a select few, my favourites if you will.

Since the day was dwindling down, and I knew I had to pick up Anne from work shortly, I walked a couple blocks to see what I could find. I actually came away with a few interesting compositions. All in all, it was a really fun day of taking photos. If I could do this everyday I would be in heaven. 

For those interested, I used my Fuji X-T1 paired with the 90mm 2.0. Thanks for viewing. 

Golf Links Road

After I got my car washed in the morning yesterday I figured I would finally visit the large empty field off Golf Links Road. I pass by it almost everyday and each time I keep saying to my myself that I should take some photos there. Well, yesterday was the day. It was quite gloomy and pretty overcast which I really didn't mind. It actually suited the overall mood of the photos. 

The main things that catch my eye with this area are the trees in the background as well as a gnarly old tree with a for sale sign on it. I would have loved to have gone all the way in to where the trees in the background are buy I wasn't sure if there was some old guy in the centre of the field sitting on a lawn chair waiting for trespassers with his shotgun. So I decided to stay by the trail on the road. 

With that being said, I think I came away with some interesting photos. I simply used my X-T1 with the fixed lens 35mm. So I couldn't really zoom or anything but it goes to show you, as long as you have feet to move with, you can frame any shot. I also took a few minutes to walk to the stream just of Central Avenue, which are where the last few photos came from. The last photo was of a toy bulldozer which caught my eye in someones yard. I ran up, quickly grabbed a photo and then I was on my way.