Winter Walk around Lakehead University - Sony a6300

It was my second day in a row being able to actually walk outside on my lunch break and take photos, without freezing to death. Sadly, the cold weather is back tomorrow so it’s unlikely I’ll make it out. Who knows though, it’s all about ‘layers’ they say right. I once again took my Sony a6300 with me, this time paired with the 16mm 1.4 lens. Yesterday it was the 35mm 1.8 (50mm equivalent) which is one of my favourite focal lengths, next to 35mm. The Sigma 16mm is an awesome lens, but being 24mm is definitely not my strongest focal length. With that being said, I always try to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Admittedly, some of my favourite photos have been shot at 24mm so I’m not sure why I don’t use it more often. I had a great time shooting with it today and I really tried to approach different angles, that you just can’t really do with long focal lengths like 50mm. The other benefit of the Sigma is that it focuses pretty close, which I very much enjoy doing.

The area I work in isn’t the most scenic, which I have mentioned in previous posts. The nicest place to go is by fare the University which is great, but when you walk through there a hundred times it can be hard to find new photo opportunities. Somehow I manage and I simply see it as a challenge. It helped that I had the Sigma today because it gave me a completely different perspective then my usual 35mm and 50mm lenses.

I have photographed the architecture at Lakehead University a few times before, but this time around I got in close and took advantage of the tilt screen of the a6300. It’s extremely fun to use. My Nikons have them but they are nowhere near as responsive. Combine that with the awesome focusing of the Sony and it’s a great mix. It also helps that the Sigma is extremely sharp, but I’m not actually that hung up on sharpness.

One of the things I had to do with the Sigma today, especially shooting wide open was to pop on a variable ND filter. One thing I have to remember to watch is accidentally switching the ISO from auto to 6400 with my big winter gloves. A few of the photos below ended up being noisy for no reason, but I loved they way they turned out. I have never been afraid of grain, and it actually benefited the few photos in this case. At least in my eyes. It gives them a more film type look. I even accidentally shot a photo while messing with my settings, which I kept in this post as well. It’s the blurry one but I actually liked how it turned out as well.

Winter can be hard for photographers, especially in colder climates. For anyone out there hesitant to go outside and take photos, my advise is to just dress warm and do it. Once I’m outside and walking around I’m so glad I did it. Plus, it’s great exercise walking in the snow. Of course I never pack enough Kleenex and my finger tips always feel like they are going to fall off but it’s a small price to pay.

Thanks for stopping by!

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.