Omer R Cordell/ Seventh frame Photography: dltphoto

A real loss for the film photography clique, as it is becoming. My good mate, Omer R Cordell, is hanging up the Canon gear and by hanging up I mean selling off. This is tragic. Omer's ability to create unbelievable images with film has been, well... Unbelievable. Understanding light and working most often with very little with film is very challenging. We are now seeing amazing images with digital cameras which  have unbelievable low light capability but the users doesn't have to be particularly gifted .
 Omer didn't have those opportunities and he didn't need them or want them. When you know the film and you understand the light, all you need is the patience and timing.  Glad to have helped him shoot many, many bands throughout his career and have watched him grow into one of the premier live shooters. Why oh why didn't some quality music magazines hire him, fortunately he made some friends in the music biz and can been seen in many posts at Metal rules, plus he has pretty much been the personal photographer for bands such as Fear Factory and the Devin Townsend Band. I am sure if you want to google images "seventhframe photography" or "Omer R Cordell Photography" you'll find much of his work scattered around.
On the other hand we can enjoy Omer's new adventure, Trailight Music.
Good Luck chap and I can loan you a film camera if you ever need one!

 Shot By Me!!

Fantastic Plastic: dltphogr.am

http://instagram.com/p/bsJcDOq3zM/

Take a seat, relax! :dltphogr.am

http://instagram.com/p/bOoKBBq392/

One Sunny Morning:dltphoto

Here are just a few randoms from a recent early morning stroll in some industrial type areas.

Smelling the Roses: dltphogr.am

http://instagram.com/p/auUXNsK33_/

It's still an Epic: dltphoto

Well I was gifted an excellent camera from Mr Koopmans, an Olympus Stylus Epic, or known as the Mju in Europe). Many moons ago I owned one of these splendid little camera's that I bought from the Duty free shops in the Port of Ashdod, Israel whilst on my first Cruise Ship the "Sapphire". I ended up giving to my mother if I recall and moved on to other cameras but I still had a passion for it! Really so simple and so convenient, even today and yes, it shoots film. Don't be afraid people. Film isn't a disease. It doesn't really cost as much as people think and it gives unbelievable results. Try it, you might like it! For this first roll I used the marvelous Kodak Ektar 100 which has really fun saturation!

APAC Submissions, June 2013: dltphoto

This is the last month for photoclub before we take our summer break and hit our new year in September. This also sees the end of the current Presidents tenure. Gerry H has been excellent and I have very much enjoyed his direction and enthusiasm. I am sure that being the President of such a large photoclub has it's ups and downs and I hope he is able to come back and do it again sometime. Thanks Gerry. Also I would like to thank all the other excellent volunteers.

The adjudicator was Allen Bargen, sadly. He and I don't see photography the same way. You all have seen my work, feel free to look at his.
Clearly CAPA rules dominate his scoring. Personally, I think the capa rules are too restricting. If we all do what they want then we wouldn't be artists, we would be conformists.... Anyways, before I start to get too deep into this train of thought lets just look at the images.


First the assigned topic, "Fog".
I originally had an image I wanted to use and which I even printed, but I couldnt think of a great title and the image wasn't too inspiring to me. So at the last second I switched it for this image. Again my title sucks but I enjoy this image better, I don't have a printed version so it'll be a projection only for this one.

fog and wires, score (  21 out of 30 )

Next I choose to do two print images. Our projector at the club is kind of hit and miss so I felt I should print some this time as printing is the safest way for the adjudicator to view what you want them to see.

Portrait, "instrumental passion",  Score 8 out of 10

This is a nifty shot of my friend Omer Cordell, a talented musician and photographer. We had to shoot some images of him for his Bass endorsers. I found this to be one of my "winning" shots, alas not for the adjudicator. Its a barely edited image with some minor lightroom adjustments. My normal,

Lats up was another Macro attempt.

Macro, "shades of yellow", score 7 out of 10

Now I am sure that a real macro shooter would want better depth of focus in the shot but that's really not me or my style. This was with my Nikon 1 V1 and the 60mm Macro lens. I am more of an abstract type macroist! He didn't choose to talk about any of my images and actually I am fine with that. Personally I would choose to ignore his comments.

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.