Canadian Camera Conference 2013

Over the weekend of June 28-30, 2013 I had the opportunity to attend the biennial (I learned a new word today!) CAPA Canadian Camera Conference here in Fredericton, NB. I attended as a volunteer and a paid conference goer. This event was organized in conjunction with Photo Fredericton, the local photography club. I have been an active member of the club's executive since moving here 6 or so years ago.

This was my first photography conference, it was well worth the money, and it was very well run. The speakers were amazing, captivating, experienced, friendly and passionate about photography. The 'big' names giving keynote addresses were Freeman Patterson and David duChemin. I became familiar with Freeman only after moving to New Brunswick. I know now he is a Canadian photographic icon - my bad. David duChemin was also unknown to me, maybe I had a glimmer of recognition from reading articles in magazines like Photo Life, or Outdoor Photography Canada. This just serves to illustrate that I need to look at more photos by the guys (and girls) who are doing it right. BTW- I do know who Ansel Adams is. :P

The three photographers who I will remember most are David duChemin, Kurt Budliger and Freeman Patterson - each for a different reason. Freeman, not for his photography, but for what I am coming to realize is a deep understanding of photography and how it speaks about the photographer. Freeman is also very aware of every part of the photograph he is making and why it is there - and his connection to it. His presentation helped me realize that my photographs are about me as much as anything and are unique because of that. David DuChemin is an amazing speaker, funny, sarcastic, and very passionate about life and photography. He illustrated to me that photos are about feeling and story, also that they take work - and that work is part of the process of creating a great photo, and you may learn something along the way. I could listen to David speak for hours! Kurt Budliger is a very friendly and knowledgeable landscape photographer - his images are gorgeous! He fulfilled my need for technical learning by introducing me to some tools and techniques in Lightroom 5 which will speed up my workflow and help me tweak my best images. While his post processing technical knowledge was great - he was always reiterating that the goal was to get it right in the field and spend as little time as is required on the computer.

There were more speakers who also imparted much useful information, but I wanted to point these individuals out as they had the most impact on me.

What did I learn?

• Stop taking safe photos.
• Shoot more, and bring your camera with you to more places.
• Experiment, try things, make photo sketches (all those shots that lead you to the great one)
• Connect with your subjects, create mood and feeling - these are most important.
• New Gear is not the answer - it is just a box for gathering light. Learn the equipment you have.
• Photography is work, photography is art.
• Get excited and live life, it is short!

The next conference is in 2015 in Vancouver - beautiful place, consider going.

Mix and Match

OK – its official, just tested it, it works. I was wondering if a Nikon SB-20 (or 28 for that matter would work on a Canon G15)
Why you may ask? Have you seen the Canon 580ex mounted on a Canon G15?

OK, here is the Canon G11 with the 580EX II, the G15 is slightly smaller than the G11! I would guess that the Canon 580EX II is at least 3x larger than the G15. That is why I wanted to try a Nikon SB-20 – much smaller flash. Couple of things here – I wanted a hot shoe flash that was smaller, and that I could bounce and swivel – well at least bounce. Most flashes that do this are certainly bigger than the G15. The second part to this is that I didn’t want to fry my brand new G15! I have used my SB-20 and SB-24 and SB-28 on my Canon 40D and 50Ds, and the research I found showed that the Nikon flashes seemed to work on previous G models…so I went for it.
Works like a charm. Just set the camera on M, and dial in 1/125 and F/4 @ ISO100, then set the Nikon SB-20 at f/4 and ISO100 and shoot away. The shots were properly exposed, as I expected.
Keep in mind that the Nikon SB-20 is about 1/2 the height of a Canon 580EX flash. Here are some dimensions…
Canon G15: 1.6 x 4.2 x 3 inches
Canon 580ex II: 3 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches (directed forward as per Canon’s specs)
Canon 580ex II: 3 x 7.5 x 2 inches (directed up for a ceiling bounce)
Nikon SB-20: 2.8 x 4.3 x 2.7 inches

Here is a Nikon SB-20, it has an odd head on it, but through the cylindrical mechanism it can bounce at a six different angles (-7, 0, 45,60,75, and 90 degrees) and has 3 diffusions/focus designs in the plastic to change the light dispersion pattern from wide to normal to narrow (28mm, to 35mm, to 85mm). If you lay the flash on its back, it is about the same footprint as the Canon G15, but twice as thick. Much better size match!
A little info about the SB-20, it has a guide number of 100 at ISO100 (in feet). This flash can be found for $50-$60 on EBay. Suggested Canon compatible options for the G15 include the Canon 90ex and the 270ex. The 90ex has a guide number of 30, and retails for about $125. It cannot bounce. The Canon 270ex has a guide number of 89 and retails for about $160.00, the 270ex does bounce. If you don’t mind a little less than full auto / ETTL (may require some thinking) then you can get a small powerful flash for 2-3 times less.
So far, very happy with the new Canon G15 – what fun!

Finally photos, after all the Gear posts!

I have noticed something in myself. I start looking at purchaing more gear, when all I really need is to get out and shoot.
If you have noticed my recent posts, they have been about gear. I really probably have most of the gear I need (did I just say that out loud?!). I just figure I am not shooting because I don't have the right gear...then I go cruising on the internet, looking at reviews, checking out B&H, etc. I may even end up buying something.

Well, I did get out shooting on Father's Day with a friend, just a little walkabout around downtown Fredericton. Some shots are here, and a few more can be found here in the Around Fredericton Gallery.

 

Yay for a sunny Father's Day!

New gear! … again…

OK – so for a while now I have been kinda thinking about getting a compact camera, that had a good set of features, that I could tote around instead of the DSLR on those outings where I just don’t wanna take the big camera. I eyed the Canon S95/100/110 series (which a few friends have and love), and the Canon G series (the 11/12/15/x) and even the EOS-M.

I got reminded of this the other day when I walked by Blacks Camera Store and saw the EOs-M kit for $300 off! Tempting! In the end – it is not so compact when you attach a lens.

I started looking at used Canon G11s and G12s, and the new G15. While I would love the Canon G1X  - there is no way I can justify the price tag for a point and shoot.

I ended up finding a G15 online at an Ontario retailer for a good price – and Future Shop happily beat the price. $396.99 + tax. Not bad for a 12MP point and shoot with a 5x zoom (28-140mm) Image stabilization, RAW capability and a hot shoe! (even HD video!)

Details here: http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=18831

I tried to make it appealing to my wife by suggesting that the aging 4mp cameras we had were not cutting it any more and she could use it to take great shots of her henna artwork with it (when I didn’t have it of course). She seemed to buy this argument, or maybe she was just humoring me and didn’t put up any discussion.

None of our bags fit properly and so a little search revealed that many people were using the LowePro Apex 60 AW for the Canon G Series. I found one online at staples for $6! I could not believe it.

Well padded, perfect fit, with a sliplock attachment to fit on other Lowepro products.

I can’t wait to spend a little more time with this camera, I think it will be a great alternative to toting the big guns. I am also excited that it is so capable that I can jump into RAW, Manual, external flash etc.!

Equipment (mistake) Update and New Camera Adventure…..

Part 1 – Camera bag

OK – well on the way to fixing my previously posted mistake! Nothing a little $ couldn’t take care of. I thought to myself – I don’t make too many silly mistakes – at least ones that cost me money, I ordered a Lowepro TLZ 55 AW. It came today! This is one size up from the 50 AW and easily accommodates my aforementioned lenses, with camera strap settled on top. A couple of added bonuses too – there are slip lock attachments on BOTH sides and a 580EX flash can fit in the front pocket!

All for only $49 at Adorama. I just need to list my TLZ 50 AW and the TLZ1 to recoupe a few $.

Also in the package were a couple of memory cards – 2 x 8GB Lexar Professional 400x (60 MB/s) CF. After shopping around for either Lexar or Sandisk branded cards in this size and speed range – Adorama had the best price… $20.95 ea.!

I got these to go with……

Part 2 – New (used) camera!

A while few weeks ago I was browsing Kijiji online classifieds and saw a deal on a used Canon 50D. Remember that I own a Canon 40D and a Canon 50D. I have thought off and on about upgrading my 40D to another camera, maybe a Canon 7D, maybe another 50D. The problem with anything other than a 50D is that the accessories and batteries change – and forget full frame (now at least) as that would mean changing some lenses too. All too much $$. SO… I contacted the buyer to arrange for the purchase (he was in another city). I asked, due to the distance and cost, if he would agree to an inspection period, and he did. I found the shutter count too high for my liking (not a fault of the seller) and he agreed to take it back. While we were waiting for the prescribed meeting date, 2 things happened. 1. I found a Canon 50D on e-bay from a Canadian seller with a low shutter count (~14,000) in great condition, and 2. A friend was interested in buying the one I was returning – he didn’t mind the high shutter count.

So in the end we are all happy campers, the seller sold his camera, and now both my friend and I have dual 50Ds in our arsenal (he was also shooting with a 50D plus another model).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to sell the 40D… Kijiji here I come!

Equipment Comments

A bit of a mistake….

So what I did was took a look at my older Lowepro Top Load Zoom 1 bag (seen here):

And I was getting tired of skiing with a backpack, but wanted to haul a camera along…so I bought the chest harness strap kit (seen here):

That allowed me to carry my bag like this (seen here), and skiing with it was great:

But I was only loading a DSLR with a short zoom – 18-55mm kit lens. I wanted something (a TLZ bag) a little bigger that would handle my 55-250mm or my 17-55mm f/2.8, maybe my 11-16mm f/2.8 or even, dare I think, my 100mm f/2.8 macro. I started online shopping…and found the LowePro TLZ 50 AW – which was also compatible with the chest harness. It advertised that it would fit the DSLR with the 17-55mm f/2.8 attached. I lined up my lenses and they would all work…maybe even the macro – it was less than 1/2” taller than the 17-55mm… Click, Click – and I bought one from e-bay! It arrived a few days later, and much to my surprise it was about the same size as the one I already had! I never even thought to try the bag I already owned – I just assumed it would be too small….here is the new one:

There are a couple of differences with this bag – it has the Sliplock attachments on the side to add a lens case, etc. and it has an all weather cover tucked in the bottom. It is about 1/2” deeper as well,  so I am still happy, mostly….

And I did try it skiing, I strapped a #1 Lowepro lens case to one side and slid in the Canon Vixia HF R200 Camcorder – it fit easily.

-André

Street Photography

Our last Photo Club competition theme was ‘Street Photography’ - which was by design since a major festival just ended. The festival was ‘Harvest Jazz & Blues’ – lots of music and street performers, and of course people to enjoy the event.
I went downtown on a few occasions to enjoy what I could, and was fortunate to see some talented skateboarders, and of course get some photos.
This photo got me first place in the ‘Street Photography’ competition at the last club meeting!

Details: Canon 50D, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, f/4.5 @ 1/1000sec. @ 195mm, ISO800

Its Harvest time!

Harvest Jazz and Blues that is! An awesome festival that lasts almost a week here in Fredericton, and runs in early September. We have a few days left. It has been going on for years and is probably THE event of the year here. It is growing all the time and attracts many people from far and wide, and many talented performers.

Every year there is a fundraising breakfast to raise money for the High School band programs. The kids perform and so do a few major artists. All it requires is that you have a few dollars for breakfast and can get up early.

I don’t know the exact details but Matt Andersen (photo right) has been a long time supporter, and plays often. He played this morning, and so did Andy Brown (photo left).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had to get to work and could not stay for it all, but I liked what I heard! Great job!

Both photos were taken with: Canon 50D, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, ISO 1250, around f/2.8, and about 1/250 sec.

Cheers!

-André

Horses at the Exhibition

A couple of weeks ago, my friend John suggested we go to the track to shoot some horses before heading to see the new Batman movie. You see, after much waiting and anticipation, he finally got his Canon 1DX. He also previously picked up a used 400mm 2.8 and was itching to try out the combination on some action. I happily agreed and got my meager Canon 50D + 70-200 2.8 ready to go.

The skies opened up before we left – my wife indicated that she thought our outing was obviously cancelled. I explained that a little rain would not stop John and his weather sealed pro kit. I grabbed a camera rain cover, hand towel and a rain coat for my self and we headed out.

I am glad we did – I made mistakes – but you know what? You really DO learn from your mistakes! I learned that 1/60 sec was too slow for panning – until I improve my technique. I learned that f/4 would probably have been better than f/2.8 to get sharper photos of the horses thundering towards me. I got to try out my new shorty-forty – which worked well for some of the wider angle panning. I also learned that the 1DX has a really bright viewfinder and is built like a tank!

Here are some of my favourites:

70mm

f/4

ISO 250

1/50 sec.

 

 

330mm

f/5.6

ISO 1600

1/500 sec.

 

140mm

f/5.6

ISO 1600

1/500 sec.

 

140mm

f/5.6

ISO 1600

1/250 sec.

 

40mm

f/2.8

ISO 250

1/125 sec.

 

Gear:

Camera: Canon 50D + Grip

Lenses: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, Canon 40mm f/2.8, Canon 2x TC II

Manfrotto Monopod

Adobe Lightroom 3.6

1st Shot

I put the little lens on my 40D and swung the dial to the little green box. (it never goes there!)

Just fixed the minimal red-eye in Lightroom 3 and exported it with no sharpening, or anything else. I selected 1024 pixels as the max size. There were no other changes performed in the s/w.

EXIF:

Model - Canon EOS 40D
ExposureTime - 1/60 seconds
ExposureProgram - Normal program
ISOSpeedRatings - 400
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/60 seconds
ApertureValue - F 4.00
SubjectDistance - 1.78 m
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Flash fired, Compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 40 mm
ExposureMode - Auto
White Balance - Auto

At those settings and distance, I have a depth of field of about 1 foot. About 6 inches in front and 6 inches behind.

It is a little tight for standard but more useful than the 50mm.

Happy so far!

The pancake has arrived!

Here are some quick shots from my phone of the new lens on my cameras and in comparison to some other lenses. It barely protrudes past the grip and built in flash.

		The pancake has arrived! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

It is a cute lens – so small! Well built and the auto focus is neither slow and loud or quick and silent – somewhere in the middle – very acceptable for the price. Nice metal lens mount, and similar finish to the Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS macro – pebbled solid black plastic. (not like the 50mm f/1.8 – cheap smooth black plastic)

I cannot wait to take it for a proper test drive!

Hooray! It’s on its way!

Can you say ‘pancake’? I took the (small) plunge an ordered a Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens – I should have it tomorrow!

The reviews are great – and it is relatively cheap ($229 CAD), I think it may replace my 50mm f/1.8. I have been looking for something a little more close to standard (about 31mm on an APS-C sensor) but either didn’t want to shell out the money, or questioned the quality and usefulness.

According the reviews, this gives me quality for a great price. Also it is a full frame lens, and is very small (1” thick) and closer to standard view for my camera (still a little long at ~ 64mm).

I think it will make a great addition to my Canon 40D (without the grip), it will be small(er) and light(er). Not really point and shoot, but smaller than the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS + a gripped body….  

Birds are at the feeders!

Cheating  -  I admit it.

This is shot from the comfort of the kitchen…

Canon 50D, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS + 12mm Kenko extension tube.

Settings: ISO 1250, 135mm, 1/250th sec., f/2.8, some RAW adjustments in post, in Lightroom.

Larissa would know what kind it is….

-André

A Hobby Again?

I got interested in photography around the time my daughter was born - about 11 years ago. I purchased my first digital camera, an Olympus D 490Z. It was a 2.1 MP point and shoot which carried a price tag of $679.99 (if I remember correctly, although my research showed that it listed for $499, that may have been USD at a much worse exchange than today)

Shortly after, I was given a couple of manual SLR cameras, and got into shooting film with a 'real' camera. That led to purchasing a Canon Elan 7N SLR, and then a Canon 20D DSLR. Fast forward a few years to where I am today, with much more equipment, and a long list of receipts in the hundreds of dollars - some more...ouch!

I decided along the way - maybe 7 years ago, to try my hand at making a little money from this hobby to try to pay for the gear - or at least subsidize it a bit.

The side business has continued to grow - which is great - but over the last few years I have struggled to find a balance between my day job, my hobby, spending time with my family, and taking care of myself. While I have never promoted myself or advertised, I have found I have been almost too busy over the last couple of years. I am starting to try to bring myself back on course and regain the balance in my life by limiting the work I accept.

I was extremely happy to go for numerous walks last weekend around Killarney Lake - and actually shoot some photos of the flora and fauna. It was great!

Technical: Canon 50D + 100mm f/2.8 L IS Macro. The woods can be quite dark, even in the middle of the day. I suggest a starting point of ISO 400, maybe higher. you will need this to get any sort of depth of field, or enough shutter speed to combat camera shake and wind. Another thing you can do is use some flash, for some of these I used the on camera flash with a flash exposure compensation (FEC) of -1.

New Tripod Head–Manfrotto 498RC2

My last tripod head, the 488RC2 was/is awesome – but after 5 years – 5 years! I was surprised how the time has flown by….

Anyway, after 5 years, the pano function has begun to show issues. The ‘ball’ part is going strong, and I would have continued to use it, but I need that feature for my Real Estate photography. So I went to buy another – but they have a new model now: The Manfrotto 498RC2.

It is a little taller than the 488RC2, and it has an extra knob – a friction adjustment. No comment on that yet, but it looks great – a little more stylish, not that that matters…

So far I am happy with the investment, I purchased it at B&H and decided to try their new shipping option for Canada. In the past it was advised to ship things air courier as the customs charges were included – that option typically started at about $32 and went up from there depending on what you bought. Then you paid GST after you got the item. This shipping method would save you from some unknown customs charge which could be $25 or could be $70!

The new method, is Purolator Ground plus an option to have B&H handle customs and taxes. For this order the Head was $103.68, and the shipping was $8.93 (for Purolator Ground – 2 to 6 days delivery.) Then the Duties and Taxes charge was $25.04. It works out a little cheaper as the GST and customs charges are included. The tax on $103.68 would be $13.47 which means the customs/duties are $11.57 (a reasonable and ‘known’ cost) – here is a better format break down:

Head      $103.68

Shipping  $  8.93

GST        $ 13.47

Customs  $ 11.57

TOTAL    $137.65

In the past I would have expected to pay $103.68 (head) + $32.75 (shipping/customs incl.) + 13.47 (GST) = $149.90

I am happy so far!

Cheers!

Awesome camera sim - try it out!

A digital SLR camera simulator that shows you visually how ISO speed, aperture, shutter speed, and distance... Camera Simulator-- Apex Publications (@PhotoLifeMag)

Photo club entry

Tied for second place during the last Photo Fredericton competition!

Trains, trains!

A few weeks ago we (the photo club) had the opportunity to match up with some model train enthusiasts, and photograph their setups. I was blown away by the complexity of the scene and the detail!  It was amazing to see the attention paid to creating to each building and tree. Also, it was interesting to
Learn about the differet materials and tricks used to create different elements. I learned that the joy in this hobby comes from the creating - these elaborate setups are constantly being torn down and rebuilt.