Thanksgiving + Fuji X100F

This past Thanksgiving I made sure to bring one of my cameras, just in case we managed to get out for a walk or just to take photos in general. I knew there would be one if not too dogs there so, it was pretty much a no brainer. Who could resist taking photos of dogs, or any kind of animals for that matter. The animals in question my wife’s cousin’s dogs, Frank, pictured above and Yoshi who you will see below. The camera I decided to carry with me on this day was the Fuji X100F. It’s portable, discreet and super fun to use. Oh, and it produces great photos. Although, I’d like to think I have something to do with that. Then again, I guess that is all subjective.

I actually managed to get outside twice in one evening, so I was in my glory. The first was with everyone, and we walked to the park around the block. We had some fun around the playground and got some fresh air in the process. As always, I just captured whatever caught my eye. Usually it’s just still life that I find interesting, but I also got some good shots of the dogs and my family too.

The second outing was just me and Frank. I took him for a walk across the street around the train tracks. He was so good off the leash, waiting patiently here and there while I stopped to take photos. However, we did have a close call. I took my eye off him for a few seconds down a back alley. Next thing I know, he was in a backyard pinned down by another dog. Frank just went into the fetal position and gave me a look saying ‘I’m just going to play dead and wait this one out’. Luckily it worked. With a little cohering, the protective dog, released his grip and just barked at us as we walked away in shame.

After all that excitement, we headed back for some well earned turkey. Even Frank and Yoshi managed to get some as well.

Last Minute Camping at Trow Bridge

It's been a busy week so I am just now getting to photos from the previous weekend. What a great weekend it was too! Anne and I decided to go for breakfast at the Hoito for some pancakes and were trying to figure out what to do for the weekend. Well, just like that we decided to go camping at Trow Bridge. It would be only our second time camping this year, the first being at our usual place, Happyland. 

So we quickly got some supplies from the grocery store, headed home, packed up and before we knew it, we were at Trow Bridge. Our usual campsite wasn't available so we 'settled' for a nice spot right next to the river. For the trip I brought my X100s and X-TI with the 16mm. Most of the photos below used the classic chrome setting with a few tweaks. They were then processed in Lightroom like I always do. But, they didn't need much work at all. The colours from the Fuji cameras never cease to amaze me. 

Just like most of my posts, these are all random photos. If something catches my eye, I photograph it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The photos below are my favourites. Of course, it helps to have some wonderful models. Both dogs and girls. 

I did have big plans to get some long exposure of the rapids, I even brought a tripod (gasp). I haven't used one in a long time. As I got ready to head down to the rapids around sunset I realized I forgot the plate for the tripod. So instead, I just propped the camera up on rocks and such. It wasn't ideal, but I managed to get a couple keepers. 

Until the next camping trip... 

It's almost spring!

I had the chance to get for a little bit this past weekend and enjoy the brisk spring weather. It was mid afternoon which meant bright sunny conditions. Instead of looking for low contrast and subtle photos I focused on finding nice shadows and strong bold images. 

My combo of choice this time around was my D610 and 85mm 1.8. The 85mm might be my new favourite lens. I love how light it is and the colours it produces are just amazing. Plus, for me, it's a great focal length, at least when walking around. 

The ultimate destination for this walk was to meet up with my Fiance Anne at our friend Raven's house. It was to be our first bon fire of the year. It was still a pretty chilly day but sitting on the deck in the backyard with the fire blazing and the sun beating down was really nice. It reminded us how much we are looking forward to camping this year.

It was a pretty relaxing afternoon and evening but that didn't mean I put the camera way. While hanging out on the deck I decided to practice and explore the continuous focusing abilities on the D610. I have always known how to use them but I really wanted hone my skills. What better way to do so then to follow and track to hyper dogs, Daisy and Jack. The camera locked on very well and almost always held focus. I was often using a very large aperture as well. Suffice it to say I was very impressed. 

In the end I had to leave the fire around 10:00pm. I'm just not as tough as the girls, I was freezing by then. With that being said, I can't wait for warmer evenings around the fire. I will of course have my camera by my side the entire summer capturing every moment.