Oil leak :dltphogr.am

http://instagram.com/p/ZmEKcyK34O/

Favourite Shot, April 2013: dltphoto

Nikon 1 V1 with 70-200 2.8VR

I had to perch awkwardly, whilst looking up, on some slimey rocks right next to a murky river to to get this shot. Textures and the Confusion make it an image I wanted to share as my favourite shot for April.

Photowalk May 2013: dltphoto

A few photographer friends decided it time for a little get together and have a wonder with our cameras. We picked a very uninspiring place that we have all been to a million times, at least it's not that inspiring to us as we live here. But that is some of the fun. Find something that you haven't found before. I have shot a ton of weddings at the City Hall area but never any with just me and my camera's and a little imagination. Thanks to those who showed up. I had a great time!

Here are a few of my favourites, in no particular order.

Textures: dltphoto

Recently I have had a little thing for textures. Inspiration came from shooting "letters" for the APAC Blog header.
Some shot with my Nikon 1 V1 and an assortment of Nikkor Lenses, others from my Android Phone

APAC Submissions, May 2013

I wasn't expecting much for this months entries. It was kind of a last minute rush to get them entered. They are images I wanted to submit but may have fared up better with a non-Capa adjudicator. (this just in, here's the Judges Website.) All images were shot the Nikon 1 V1.

Assigned "Trees", 'Bench', score 19

No surprises that I didn't do well with this. I like the feel of it though.

Favourite Shot, March 2013: dltphoto

Amongst the many I shot since I picked up my new Nikon 1, I think for March this is my favourite shot. The light is very interesting and the metal works well against the concrete of the bridge support. Its a super narrow field of view shot with the nikkor af-s 70-200 2.8G.

Hard to tell without a great reference point of how close the lens was able to get me but here's a "scene" type shot from the short end of that zoom lens (70mm) all be it a little further down the road

1 plus 60= 162: dltphoto

Nikon 1 plus 60mm Macro lens equals 162mm focal length. resulting in closeup!
Here is a simple shot with no effects just simple macro handheld and mildly edited in Lightroom. Really the Nikon 1 Camera is fantastic. No complaints so far.

Favourite Shot, February 2013: dltphoto

Not every shot I take is a visual masterpiece. Sometimes images aren't necessarily about an award winning composition or the rule of thirds etc.... Quite often they are a memory, hopefully a fond one. This months favourite image was one I can't forget as it was a birthday present for my wife from her sister. She giggled at it for quite sometime. A happy moment.

Step Down Ring :dltphoto

Since coming to Canada I was very fortunate to have found the position in the Camera shop where I have worked very happily for 12 or so years. I have progressed within the store and finally for the last couple of years I have been the manager.  I joke and suggest I am the "Survivor" since I am the only one who remains from the original store opening team. Probably just means I am the saddest. Due to some business issues, which are far out of my control, I have had a change of mind, career wise.  I am starting at a trade which should be more secure and something that I can rely on to support my family and my camera habit. This post is meant to inform my "3" blog readers that this is the end of my tenure as Manager. (step down, haaa.)

The 20 years I have invested in the art of photography aren't going to go to waste. I still have the need/want to shoot and create images that I enjoy with varying types of camera's and also to teach people how to use their camera's and learning the importance of light with flash. I just don't have the want to be in the failing camera sales industry where people can buy equipment from Best Buy or alike and not learn anything about that product from the person whom is selling it, they just buy it there because its $3 cheaper or even the same price. That same issue applies to people who find the need to buy it online. You are hurting your local economy no matter your justification. There is a HUGE need stores like this and our team of camera experts. Sadly, a lot people can't see the value in our experience hence the reason why Jessops in the U.K. closed, that and the manufacturer's creating such low profit margins . This bothers me immensely.

Nikon Flash Class, May 15th 2013: dltphoto

On May 15th I will be teaching  a beginners class about Nikon's impressive CLS ( Creative Lighting System) Flash System. We will be walking through the setup basics, manual vs TTL, multiple flash's and some good hands on time with a few simple flash arrangements.
Why should you learn how to utilize flash? and why would you want it to be wireless? and how much flash is enough flash?

 Can I use flash outside?

Any more questions?

Sign up for the class now. Limited spaces left.

Lonesome Glove: dltphoto

This years Glove Season came to a close on the first day of spring. Last years collection was epic but I topped my previous record this year. Why must people lose them? Is it just for my enjoyment? Any instagramers can locate them under the #gloveseason tag. As well as many other glove finders I may or may not have inspired....

I think I have them all here. Its hard to keep track. So many!

Window Light :dltphogr.am

It's been a busy week but it's going to get busier... http://instagram.com/p/YSjOE1q35H/

Flash Class May 15th, 2013- Using Nikon CLS: dltphoto

I have recently been added to the fantastic Omnilargess Team of Photography instructors. We are a very experienced team of photographers covering all aspects of photography. Workshops on basic camera operation, Flash (indoor, outdoor and studio), Editing programs etc... Check out the website for upcoming classes. I will be teaching a NIKON CLS class on the 15th May, 2013. All those of you Nikon users who want to play with wireless flash and as yet haven't figured it out should sign up on the WEBSITE. Book Now, Limited Spaces.

APAC Submissions, April 2013: dltphoto

This months selections are from my fabulous little Nikon 1 V1. Really enjoying this little camera. Even though this shot looked great in the original shooting format I decided it's time to try some edited shots at the exhibitions. Not a big fan of that but since I am a Level 2'er now I need to pull my socks up and put the puck in the net. So here is my wildly "action-ed" image of which I had no idea of how it would score. Fortunately I did OK!

Architecture, "the tension builds", score 8

One other shot for tonight from the same trip, but this time a shot nice and neat out of the camera, with minor Lightroom editing of course. I working again with the V1 with the "highlander" lens. Since this is now a whopping 540mm film equivalent focal length, I am playing with the wonderfully narrow field of view. Others would utilise this with sports or birds, but I am enjoying it for more artsy purposes. I enjoy the lines in this shot. The re-bar falls perfectly with the tension lines from the Port Mann Bridge. More abstract but I chose to put it in the Urban/ Rural category, which I thought would be a mistake, but it did really well.  I was one of the top in Level 2 and  had give a quick spiel about it.

Urban/ Rural, "avoiding the line up", score 9

Once again I fail dramatically at titling my images. I care not for titles. It means nothing to me. It changes nothing about how I view an image. However it didnt seem to effect my scores too much. The adjudicator tonight was pretty good, from the Lions Gate Camera Club. He did enjoy this image and wasn't aware of what the background was from. Always nice to surprise people.
No assigned image again this week. The shot I wanted to use which I thought would be good at the time ended up being to camera shaky ( cell phone) and would not have scored well. The concept was nice but the phone wasn't able to produce.

Macro, Micro...ummm Darn Close: dltphoto

Recently acquired my super cool adapter for my super cool Nikon 1 V1. This is all way too much fun.

I am enjoying using my Nikkor AF-s 60mm 2.8G on this little camera. It's increases  this lens to a working focal length of 162mm (film equivalent) due to the 2.7x crop factor of the V1.
Spring has arrived and so has the colour.

Boneyard by Howarth Photography: dltphoto

I had the pleasure of visiting a local gallery to check out a local photographer and close friend. A great showing of vibrant work shot exclusively with film. Love those film shooters.
I can recommend a visit but please don't judge my images on this as they aren't nearly as accurate and fun to see as her images on the wall. Who knows maybe you will end up buying one or two! The gallery runs until April 14th I believe.

Nikon Vs Canon. Battle of the Giants :dltphoto

I have decided to do a  Nikon Vs Canon Face Off, since no one else has anything definitive on the internet about these two global photographic giants. Corporate advertising from both sides have given me the nod to proceed at no expense spared and have provided for me the two models I will be using in this challenge. The Nikon D7000 with 18-105VR and the Canon Powershot 520HS

Vastly unfair I hear you all yelling, "this guy shoots Nikon so he's going to bias them, this review is a crock of $#!@.". You would think this to be true but really I am not paid by either of these international companies. I just want, you the people, to be informed about my findings from my point of view.

A very quick run down of these two companies for those who aren't familiar:

Nikon ( Nick-On or Nye-Kon), Generally make black cameras and label them with a white "Nikon" logo.
Canon ( Ka-Non), Mix black with some dirty "off white" components with a strip of Red for the bulk of its products.
Now that you are all up to speed lets get on with the testing.

Diesel meets Water: dltphogr.am

http://instagram.com/p/XIINucq36a/

Watch out for falling Ice:dltphoto

Since the completion of the new Portmann Bridge it's had a bit a hard time, Falling Ice, Slower than expected commutes, even some nasty accidents. On the other hand they created a wonderfully photogenic architectural masterpiece. On the right day with the right light and some good lenses, all the incidents could be forgotten!

Ruby Tuesday..wait, it's Saturday!: dltphoto

Sometime ago I acquired an extremely vintage camera called a Ruby, made in England sometime between 1925-1934. It is in fantastic shape, even in the original box. Since it is using a discontinued film format I had to use the only format that is commonly available today, medium format (120). This camera shoots an impressive 6x12 format. Wonderfully large negatives. Optically though not equally as impressive. My Yashica-D  is using the same film but in the square format 6x6 with a far superior optical lens.

My chum Colin, from our Photoclub, took the camera home and cleaned the optics of the Ruby since the lens was not really usable due to years of air and moisture, it was almost impossible to see-through it. He also rigged a spool to accept the smaller 120 film. Since it doesn't have the frame counter marking available, I loaded it and guessed the winding necessary to get it to the next frame without any overlapping. I fluked out with that as I got no overlapping at all.

Shutter speeds and Apertures.

It has very limited shutter speed capabilities, 1/100th, 1/50th, 1/25th, 1/10th Second Also with Bulb and T which is a different type of bulb mode, somehow.. Since I only had a 400 ISO 120 in my fridge I had to wing it. (winging it refers to utilizing my educated guesswork for all my years with film). I think I shot it at about 100th sec and F8 or F11... seemed to be close. Films delightful exposure latitude makes winging it a little easier.

Level 2. Drat! :dltphoto

It finally happened.
Here is an email I received.

"Dear Mr. Turner:  
 It gives me great pleasure to advise you that THE FREE RIDE IS OVER;

 you have completed the requirements for Level One by acquiring 200+ 

points by March 2013's Exhibition night and that you have now graduated

 to the Level Two category AND WILL HAVE TO STOP PHIDDLE-PHARTING AROUND

 AND GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!

NATURALLY, WITH THIS ADVANCEMENT COMES THE PRIVILEGE OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE
APAC EXEC. AND UNDERTAKING SUCH POSITIONS AS MAY BE ASSIGNED TO YOU.

(Please remember to precede your image titles with L2 rather than L1 

starting in April)

Congratulations!"

Then a follow up email from the APAC president....

"Eventually, even 6's add up to 200..."

Hahahahahh. Oh well.

 I guess I am going to have to pull my socks up and work harder with my 

random assortment of camera choices for exhibition images.

Level 2: Intermediate
One image in each category must be scored at 
8 or higher. All other images must be 6 or 
higher. Must compete in 6 categories with total 
of 50 points in each category

APAC Submissions, March 2013: dltphoto

Rumour had it that my good friend Jason Brown of Revival Arts Studio, was going to be the adjudicator for March's submissions. I have to admit it did sway my choices slightly. Although still I chose images that had already been slated to be "exhibited". I assumed I had chosen images that would be liked by him, having seen much of his work and knowing him for so many years. Alas no, he's helped keep me in Level one for a little while longer I hope.

I only chose to submit into the normal categories, I did not do the assigned. I haven't had too much chance recently to get out and work on them.

Urban/ Rural. "stepping on shadows", score 7

This image was a quick capture on my phone on our way to an Abbotsford Heat game. Its one of the sets of exit stairs leaving the building. The light was hitting it nicely from the side. I enjoyed the lines and the confusion with the shadows. It actually projected really well. I was very happy with it.

Experimental, "black frost". Score 6

This is another frost shot with my Nikon D200 and the 60mm macro. Again, shot into my very tinted truck windows with the morning sun reflected in the background. The frost was not black, somehow dues to the reflection and exposure the frost turned black (silhouetted I guess) and I just enriched that later through lightroom. Overall I thought it quite interesting... In keeping with my usual scores but sadly I will get promoted soon into level 1 due to overall scores.

Nikon 1 V1 pt 2: dltphoto

Just out and about experimenting with my new camera. Since I only have the 10mm 2.8 lens (27mm wide angle equivalent), I am kind of limited to my street shooting, but that is not an excuse. This lens is brilliant. When I can afford the adapter I will then be able to use my full Nikon lens lineup on it.

January 2013: Favourite Shot: dltphoto

I really enjoy the busy confusion of the branches and the loneliness of the single leaf.

"Survivor"

Olympus XA2 V2.0: dltphoto

Thanks to Mr Koopmans for the very nice gift of an Olympus XA2. I had acquired one recently for nothing and it was working fine until half way through it's second roll and then kaput. Seemed the shutter only wanted to stay open for a 2 second exposure only. Oh well. So this is the XA2 V2.0, which I think has a small underexposure issue but its something I can live with.

The XA2 is the perfect pocket camera. Small, quick and  sharp images as long as you remember to Zone Focus it. A touch of lovely vignetting finishes the image quite nicely.

APAC Submissions, February 2013: dltphoto

For this Month I went all out. Super excited about these three images. However the more excited I am is how proportional to how disappointed I will be when the adjudicator scores them. this theory I have proved tonight. The scores were very erratic. Not in my favour but I still enjoyed my choices.

After my last epic fail in the Macro category I though I would attempt something more obviously macro. Its bright fun and pretty much right out of the camera. Just how I like it. Its early morning frost on my black tinted truck window. Oddly the rich blue is coming from the reflected blue sky of the early morning. The Depth of Field is dramatically short but that's what is to be expected when I am too lazy to get my tripod and I quite like it this way. The adjudicator did not see it my way, she wanted more depth, sharpness and maybe rule of thirds on this, meaning not having the focused part dead centre.

Macro, "Cool Blue", score 8

Instagram'd Version

 I did a square crop in instagram ("The Hive") which was very well "liked" I should mention.

This next image is your textbook "instagram" shot and it's right out of my phone!
 I put it in the architecture category which was probably a mistake. It's a funky church in Abbotsford, hence the title. It should probably be in the "Duncan's lost his mind" category... Sadly, My title was VERY common so it seems. Someone else put an image in with the same title which happened to show three images before mine. That didn't help I am sure.

Architecture, "stairway to heaven", score 7

Finally, we wrap up the night with the assigned topic "Psychedelic, or just Psycho". This is another phone shot with an SLR Macro filter in front of the lens. To help with the close up, since my phone is lousy at macro. I saturated it a little to give it more of a  Psychedelic look... more drug inducing!

Assigned (Psychedelic, or just Psycho), "L.S.C.D", Score 20 (out of 30)

The adjudicators scoring was very low for the assigned, but still mine was one of the lowest.

The Next Generation: dltphoto

At a recent program night at APAC we had the very well known Nick Didlick attend to give a quick presentation about his Photographic achievements with the Olympic's and a rather brief session regarding the "next generation" of camera technology.
WOW, never has the Kool-Aid tasted so good. I am pretty sure that Nick affected several, if not dozens of the club members, yours truly included!
What tasty camera liquor was he talking about???

Nikon F5 and Nikon 1 V1 with matching Prime Lenses

The Nikon 1 V1, pictured with my Nikon F5. As I recall I talked briefly about the emergence of the new Mirrorless camera's. Size, ability and image performance. They have it all, and now do I. Initially you will see the "size" that I was referring too. Super tiny but not hard to hold. Ergonomically well laid out. Not as efficient as an SLR or DSLR for quick navigation, being more menu driven, but still has key elements in some nice places. So don't all throw out your huge Nikon lenses as there is some other good news! This little V1 with the FT-1 adapter, I am yet to obtain, will allow me to utilize all my fancy new Nikon AF-S lenses with some range benefits. As it stands all my current lenses will be "magnified" by 2.7x.... so for example, my Nikkor AF-S 70-200 2.8VR will effectively become a 189-540mm 2.8. Cool. This is going to be an interesting element but since I am not really a huge distance shooter or am more interested in the Macro equivalent with my 60mm Macro (will be 162mm . sweet.)
Anyways. Needless to say I am fairly excited and now I am able to do a little 1080HD video... Something I have never ventured into. The moving image, yikes.
Here are a few started Images with my current 27mm 2.8 1 series Lens. Loving it. Just need some nicer weather!