Exploring McKenzie Street
I'm just getting to this post as it's been a busy week with photography I actually get paid for. Last week I managed to get out for a bit and walk around, in the rain. But hey, the weather isn't always going to cooperate so you just have to go with the flow. This time around I ended up around the McKenzie Street area. As I always do, I just walked around aimlessly with no direction looking for photo opportunities.
I'm just getting to this post as it's been a busy week with photography I actually get paid for. Last week I managed to get out for a bit and walk around, in the rain. But hey, the weather isn't always going to cooperate so you just have to go with the flow. This time around I ended up around the McKenzie Street area. As I always do, I just walked around aimlessly with no direction looking for photo opportunities.
If something catches my eye, whether it is colour, composition or even something that just looks out of place, I take a photo. It may not always be a keeper but you'd be surprised how often a photo you didn't really think would turn out, ends up being one of your favourites. Of course, sometimes you take a photos and you just know right away that it's going to be definite keeper.
During this walk, my favourite by far, was the one of the 3 suit jackets hanging on the outside window. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to take a photo. The fact that they were perfectly aligned and contrasting in colour and style made for the perfect photo op.
The camera of choice this time around as my trusted X-T1 paired with the 35mm. The X-T1 is waterproof but the 35mm isn't. So, even though it was just a slight drizzle, I was still careful to always shield it from the rain as much as I could. After using my full frame Nikons a lot lately, it was a nice break to pull out the X-T1.
Thanks for viewing!
Walking the East End with the Fuji XE-1 + 16mm 1.4
It was starting to get late last night when I got the urge to just get out and walk around and take some photos. Although it may not be generally known as the nicest part of town, I'm usually drawn to the East Side when taking photos. I guess I just love the atmosphere. The rain was slowly creeping in but luckily it held off long enough for me to really put the Fuji 16mm lens to the test. My camera of choice was a simple one, since it is currently the only once I can mount the lens to, the Fuji XE-1. For a while I was trying to sell it but I figured I would give pull it out of hibernation and start using it again. It may not be the fastest camera but over the past week of using it, it has taken some of my favourite photos of the year.
It was starting to get late last night when I got the urge to just get out and walk around and take some photos. Although it may not be generally known as the nicest part of town, I'm usually drawn to the East Side when taking photos. I guess I just love the atmosphere. The rain was slowly creeping in but luckily it held off long enough for me to really put the Fuji 16mm lens to the test. My camera of choice was a simple one, since it is currently the only once I can mount the lens to, the Fuji XE-1. For a while I was trying to sell it but I figured I would give pull it out of hibernation and start using it again. It may not be the fastest camera but over the past week of using it, it has taken some of my favourite photos of the year.
So I set off into the East End with that combo and wandered around aimlessly, like I usually do. The first stop was the East End bridge to get a few expansive shots of the neighbourhood. The 16mm is probably becoming one of my favourite lenses, not only for landscapes, but just for general use. It is sharp all the way through, focuses extremely fast (even on the XE-1) and produces great tones. With a lens this wide, it's hard not to play with the angles a bit as you can see from the first image.
After walking in and out of some of the streets I decided to drive on over to the long path that overlooks the Sleeping Giant. With the clouds rolling in and a hint of the sunset it made for some nice dramatic photos. All in all it was a fun walk around. It goes to show you that even if it is raining out, there are always opportunities to just get out there and create some good photos. Of course, make sure your camera is waterproof.
(The last image is of our dog Willow. I couldn't help but take a photo of her all curled up outside in the rain when I got home... such a hard life.)
All images shot with the XE-1 and 16mm 1.4. Enjoy!
It's a Port Arthur Thing
Friday finally arrived and I was all done work so I figured I would take advantage of the longer days and sunlight and go take some photos. I was to meet my Fiance Anne, and her friend Raven at The Madhouse, so I bundled up, grabbed my D610 and 85mm 1.8, and headed out into the cold
Friday finally arrived and I was all done work so I figured I would take advantage of the longer days and sunlight and go take some photos. I was to meet my Fiance Anne, and her friend Raven at The Madhouse, so I bundled up, grabbed my D610 and 85mm 1.8, and headed out into the cold.
Whenever I walk around with the camera I always try and take routes that I wouldn't normally follow. This usually involves a lot of back alleys and side roads. I'll even cut through parking lots or in behind businesses. Without really knowing what I'm looking for I just keep my eyes open and basically look for anything catches my eye. There are always the usual 'landmarks' or buildings which I just love photographing. But, as with the first image above, I waited patiently for about 30 seconds for the seagull to take off and caught that exact moment.
Other times, I will just snap a quick photo and be on my way. I have gotten a lot of great shots that way too. Things that catch my eye are bold colours, contrast or even patterns. When seeing something I want to photograph I almost always ask myself if there is a better angle to explore or perhaps the option to shoot through something and incorporate some framing.
If a different photographer walked the exact same route I did, I can guarantee you that he wouldn't come away any of the same photos. That's not saying that I am better, it's just that everyone sees things differently. That is what I love about photography.
