Backyard + Canon EOS R + 50mm 1.2
I decided to challenge myself this evening to see how many interesting photos I could come away with in my brother-in-laws backyard. I created a short video/slideshow with some behind the scenes which was filmed with my GoPro. I’m kind of excited to hopefully do more of these, so at the very least, it my inspire people to just get out and shoot!
I decided to challenge myself this evening to see how many interesting photos I could come away with in my brother-in-laws backyard. I created a short video/slideshow with some behind the scenes which was filmed with my GoPro. I’m kind of excited to hopefully do more of these, so at the very least, it my inspire people to just get out and shoot!
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.
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!
Where I Used To Play Ball
I played a lot of baseball growing up, and in my early years, those games took place at George Bourke Park. So there are a lot of memories attached it. I have been back there many times over the past 5 years or so, but it was always to watch baseball. Today I decided to explore the area a little with my camera in hand. I thought it would be fitting to use an older camera of mine as well, the Canon 5D Classic.
I played a lot of baseball growing up, and in my early years, those games took place at George Bourke Park. So there are a lot of memories attached it. I have been back there many times over the past 5 years or so, but it was always to watch baseball. Today I decided to explore the area a little with my camera in hand. I thought it would be fitting to use an older camera of mine as well, the Canon 5D Classic.
I put my newly bought, and favourite lens, the 50mm 1.2. Paired with the 5D it’s definitely not the lightest combo, but I’m used to carrying cameras around all day so it didn’t bother me.
I didn’t really have any particular route planned, I just wandered around. On my photo walks, I don’t really spend too much time on one spot. I usually photograph what captures my eye, and move on. This walk was no different. All in all, I walked fir about 40 minutes.
Not only did I walk around the diamonds, I also navigated the trails in behind, which I hadn’t been to in a long long time. It was great to revisit my old stomping grounds, especially now that I’m much more into photography. If only I took photos when I was 12.
Chippewa Park with the Canon EOS R
I woke up this morning, looked out the window, and saw fog. Lots and lots of fog. I then proceeded to get dressed and washed up as fast as I could and catch it before it went away. I really wish I got up earlier but what can you do. As a photographer, I don’t think I’m alone in saying that foggy weather is among the best types of days to get out and explore. So I grabbed my somewhat new Canon EOS R and 85mm 1.8 along with a little Manfrotto tripod and nifty 50 lens and set off for the day.
I woke up this morning, looked out the window, and saw fog. Lots and lots of fog. I then proceeded to get dressed and washed up as fast as I could and catch it before it went away. I really wish I got up earlier but what can you do. As a photographer, I don’t think I’m alone in saying that foggy weather is among the best types of days to get out and explore. So I grabbed my somewhat new Canon EOS R and 85mm 1.8 along with a little Manfrotto tripod and nifty 50 lens and set off for the day.
I have actually been meaning to do a review of the Canon R but I just haven’t had time to do so. I already have at least 5 or 6 blog posts in queue prior to today, so hopefully I can catch up on those soon. Regardless, I’ll just say that it is such an extremely fun camera to use. Not just for personal photography like you see here, but also professional work which I will be sharing in the coming weeks.
The challenge with foggy days is actually deciding where to go, and rather quickly. Fog can go away at any moment so I didn’t know how much time I had. My first destination was obviously Starbucks to get some nourishment and coffee. Then it was off to Kam Park, which will follow this post. The second stop was Chippewa Park. I was just going there to see how the lake looked and maybe walk out to the boardwalk and some of the trails. I was so happy to see that all the rides were set up, although not functioning yet. That included the merry go round which is still looking for community support to keep going.
I spent about 20 minutes just walking around the very small amusement park capturing some of the details . The Canon R and it’s lovely flipout screen are just so perfect to use. I was able to get angles that I just simply couldn’t get before. My Nikon D750 has one, but it’s a bit slow and only goes up and down. Luckily, it was still extremely foggy there so the lighting was absolutely perfect.
For the entire day I actually used the 85mm lens which is one of my all time favourites. It’s relatively compact and beautifully separates the background. Unless doing landscapes, I’m always between 1.8 and 2.2 aperture. Once I was done in the amusement park, I headed down towards the lake and along the trail that goes out to the lookout point. At the end of the path there are a bunch of rocks which I have walked out onto many times. Well, today, I slipped and fell through two rocks and banged up my shin. It all happened an instant and what amazed me was that I held my camera high up above me and only managed to slightly bang it on the rock. I was embarrassed that I fell but proud that I managed to save the camera!
As I stumbled back down the path in quite a bit of pain I continued to take photos as the pain slightly went away. If anyone was listening to me they would have laughed. In between swear words and audible grunts, I was still commenting on compositions as I photographed.
As I saw the fog dissipating, I made my way towards the cabins and managed to capture a few more photos. It was such a fun and spontaneous day and I’m glad I was able to take some photos in my favourite type of weather. Thanks for stopping by!
