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.

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. 

Last Day of the Weekend

This is going to be a short post, but I did want to take a moment to share some more photos from this past weekend. Just like in my previous post, I took our dog Willow for a walk, just as the sun was setting. So there was some really good soft lighting coming into play. As with my last session, I used my Fuji XT-1 with the 16-55mm. It proved to be the perfect lens choice for the walk. Sure, I wasn't able to get my usual shallow depth of field, but it did force me to focus a bit more on composition. With that being said, it is a fantastic lens, and when zoomed all the way to 55mm, you can really get some great seperation.

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.

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.