Afternoon Stroll with the X-Pro2

I recently traded in my Fuji X-T1 and a couple lenses I don't use any more for a Fuji X-Pro2. Even though it's been out for quite a awhile now, I was simply looking for it to come down in a price a bit possibly get a bit of deal. Luckily for me, Greg at the local camera store, is always willing to barter and I was able to pry his X-Pro2 from him. I have been using it non stop for about a week since I got it. Below are some of my thoughts on how it has performed so far. 

This particular post it all about my usual random photos during my walks. Even though I will be using the X-Pro2 for the upcoming wedding season and all my other paid photography, I will most definitely be using it as my walk around camera as well. Check out my main blog for my first engagement session shot with the X-Pro2 later today. I'll quickly go over how it performed and initial thoughts.

Ok, so for this photo walk I used it simply as my walk around camera. I brought Willow along with me and we headed to one of the local elementary schools. That way, Willow can roam free, even though she stays by my side anyways, and I'm then allowed to just focusing on taking photos. 

For these walks, and all the ones before it, I don't really have a goal in mind beforehand, I just typically shoot whatever captures my eye. Whether it's colours, symmetry or shadows, I try to find interesting compositions. 

The X-Pro2 performed flawlessly, although, I was essentially taking static shots of still objects, so I wasn't necessarily challenging it very much. With that being said, the colours, metering and especially autofocus really good. Because the sun was out I mainly used the OVF, since it was easier to and focus. As I mentioned above, I think I will write a more detailed 'review' in the coming week or so. For now, enjoy the images below.

A Visit With The Horses

The snow decided to come down most of the day today so I figured it was as good a time as any to get Willow some fresh air. So I packed up my Nikon D750 and the 85mm 1.8 and me and Willow headed out to Centennial Park. Since it had been snowing for a while, I had a feeling Centennial Park would have a fair amount of accumulation of snow. 

As soon as we started getting closer to the parking lot at Centennial, Willow immediately sat up in the backseat. To this day, I still don't understand how she knows when we are arriving at the chosen destination. Instinct I guess. I couldn't open the car door fast enough. She always takes forever to enter the car, but low and behold, she gets out pretty quick for an old girl.

For some reason I thought Centennial Park was off leash, but it obviously isn't. I brought the leash in any case, so I hooked her up and down the trail we went. I decided to walk to the over pass and then back through where the stables are, just in case the horses were out and the gate was open. 

Before we got to the stable area, Willow had plenty of random trees to smell and I let her for the most part. I did have to start pulling on her leash after a while, or else we would have been there all day. I did try and get her to pose for a shot against the wall at the overpass, but it didn't go well. As soon as I stepped back to take the shot she would start walking towards me. 

As I mentioned above, the ultimate destination was the horses and luckily, 3 of them were out and I was allowed to go in. Willow wasn't too happy about being tied up to a tree but the horses were off limits for dogs. 

The horses really didn't move at all, so I worked with what I had. Also, only having the 85mm lens, meant I couldn't get in too close, but I still came away with some decent shots. 

In the end, Willow had a good time and so did I. Aside from my hands partially freezing (dollar store gloves aren't that warm), I'm happy with some of the photos I got. And of course, Willow got to hang her head out the window the whole way back. Everyone got what the wanted.

Hammarskjold High School with Willow

I've been meaning to post these photos from a walk I did last week but it's just been super busy. As much as I'd love to spend time on my personal photography, they don't really pay the bills now do they. :) With that being said, I decided to take Willow for yet another walk last weekend seeing as how it was fairly warm out. When I walk Willow I always try and think of a location where I can just let her run (walk) free and I decided on Hammarskjold. They have the super big field there and plenty of snow for her to roll around in. That is exactly what she did.

For this walk I brought along my Nikon D750 and the 35mm 1.8. The thing I love about the 35mm is that I can still focus nice and close with it. On the opposite end, it's still good for the 'wide angle' type shots as well. 

Once we got to the school, I let Willow off her leash and we both just walked around. I was able to focus on taking my time looking for photos and she had plenty of time to find 10 different spots to pee and mark her territory. The snow one the field was actually quite deep still so I didn't venture too far in, but Willow had no problem running through it when called. 

Because there was still a lot of snow, it made for some unique photos. For instance, the tennis court had a completely different atmosphere as they were almost covered. The rinks beside the court were bare but freshly watered so I got some good reflection shots. Overall it was a gloomy, overcast day, which, for those who don't know me, is my favourite time to shoot. I just love the even lighting. 

I made my way to the empty playground, but before I did, a slightly angry rink attendant asked me if I saw any kids running around. Supposedly, a couple kids got into the building and turned on the lights. I don't think they will be going to prison, but he didn't look too happy.

Once I finished at the playground it was time to head home. By then I was sweating and I managed to almost wipe out on one of the puddles covering a huge patch of ice. Luckily my supreme athleticism took over and pretended like nothing happened. Although, Willow kind of game a sideways glance. 

Enjoying the Warm Weather ... while it lasted

We finally got some warm weather this past week so I here are some photos from those days. It's a random mix of Kakabeka Falls, hanging outside around the house, my Mother's Birthday and of course, enjoying a fire in the backyard. 

I used a few different cameras this time around. Most of them were shot with the D610, but a bunch were also taken with the Fuji x100s and my trusty D700. The lenses of choice were the 50mm 1.8 and the 85mm 1.8. Just when I think the 85mm is my new favourite lens, the 50mm still blows me away with the quality it produces for such a inexpensive lens. 

All the photos were edited in Lightroom using my adjustments, combined with various VSCO presets. Basically I like to build form the VSCO presets and make my own unique combinations. Sometimes I will take the BW images into Silver Effex Pro 2, but this time around I just used Lightroom which does a great job on its own. Thanks for viewing!