Happy New Year !!

2011 is over - great year - really no complaints about it at all.

Did not get to do a pic New Years Eve, oh well next year - haha

Finished off the year with some pic sessions.

First was a promotion I got involved in at the Shiseido counter at The Bay , Masonville, London,ON.
This started form a conversation this past summer, while picking up some product to bring to China.
Started off with "I am flying out tomorrow and need this...", where I was going, what i was doing , the subject of pics came up (of course) and then a promise to return to show what I saw in China and share camera talk. 

My original idea was to offer my services at The Bay for any woman who had a complete makeup session done, to take a few head shots, for no charge, email them. add some something to what they were already getting and to push myself outside my comfort zone once again.

It all finally happened in December, when I got contacted by the Shiseido Manager back in October , asking if I would work exclusively with them on this idea. 
Can't say no can you !!
Clientele is primarily Asian, the product is well known Japanese company.

This  would be exclusive to that counter, special invitation only to the customers.
 So took a small room in the store used for facials, and transformed it into mini-studio !!
White paper on the wall, barely squeezed in and then i was pushing my back into the drywall to get some distance between me and the subjects.

 One thing i realized after is I was getting a lot of yellow cast from the wall on the right, bouncing back into the pics . Next time will bring a piece of left over paper or white sheet to put on that wall.

First up was a lady from Hong Kong, amazing smile, after a few minutes she really warmed up to the camera and started to have fun.

Followed by sisters, Jie and Lila, originally from Shanghai.

We know who the poser is !! Lila had previous experience with having her photo taken back in China and used it to her advantage. Lucky me !

The experience forced me to talk to them , find something to take them away from the camera pointed at their head, get them comfortable, find that smile or look that speaks about who they are.
Not easy, 
Remember that next time you have pics taken at some large chain store photo studio and then compare them against pics done by a professional studio.  The difference is the person behind that camera, what they bring to the table, what they see, how they feel.  Big Box stores can pump them out at high volume, camera, lights all locked down, every pic the same. Like a cookie cutter or photo copier.



I will be doing this again ! learned alot and will be smoother and more confident the next time around.

To close off the year, I actually ended with thet Gents that helped me really get out there at the start of the year back in May 2011. Hurtin Merv and The Boys were tearing it up at The Wortley Roadhouse, London,ON.

Calm before the storm as they say. 

The Wortley Roadhouse has been in business since 1990, caters to a real broad range of customers, though seems the average person is past 40 and has a few dollars to spend.

The Wortley was its usual Cougar and Sausage fest - haha.

That's Merv down on the dance floor, doing what he does best, keep the customers happy. That's at least 8 women standing there taking it all in.

Place was packed, boys were playing their usual, so took advantage to get some shots,  like above , behind the band.
Few extra of Mr Greg on skins, he usually seems to be in the shadow of front men Ryan (bass) and Terry (guitar) holding it all together. So his turn to be in the spot light.

Would say am starting to see a difference in some of the pics I am taking of music groups now versus at the start of the year. Pushing past my fears to get those shots.

Next up Bender at the Eastside this coming Friday and then Sabbath Only Sabbath, with opener Nail  on Jan 28th.  Should be good shows.

All the best to everyone in 2012. 
I encourage everyone to get outside, take a camera, take pics, push yourself.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” Helen Keller

2011 Closing out fast !!!!

Wow !!
Another year has blown by at high speed.
Is it my imagination or are they getting faster.

Another year of experiences, another year of learning, another year !!!
Even with the parts not so great still no complaints from me.

China, Spain, Hong Kong, South Carolina.
Working outside my comfort zone taking pics, meeting people.

This year i pushed myself to get out of that comfort zone when its comes to taking pics.
Meeting new people, making contacts.

Thanks to everyone that endured my lens pointed in their direction and the pop of the flash !

Taking that step last May and hooking up with Hurtin Merv and the Boys


Bender , opening for Moxy Dec 16th at APK Live, London,ON


another wacky stage layout ! Guest guitarist Guy Miskelly filled in, super amazing chops ! would like to see him again.

Nice shot of Mr Jim McCormick's fabulous Sonor kit, to bad lighting was to rough to show the great color this kit has (yellow) though this B/W image did not hurt it in the slightest. Thinking a planned pic with Jim and his kit would be kinda cool and something new to try.

Though have to say that Moxy was a let down after seeing Goddo. No question about the talent or abilities, but music wise just didn't feel it. And from a personality point of view Goddo was way ahead. Still nice getting out to see some people play

Guitarist - Earl Johnson (Moxy) and Bassist - Jim Sanson (Zon)

Russ Graham (Killer Dwarfs)

Drums - Kim Hunt (Zon) and Bassist - Jim Sanson (Zon)

Had opportunities to take pics of  Longway , Nail, Scott Brunelle, Moe Chile.

U-Turn playing Rib Fest this past summer.

Finally found out who these guys were playing at Gathering on The Green in Wortley Village, earlier in the summer.  They were laying down SRV in a big way, solid !!!
Tim Woodcock and the Thunder Kings

Tim Woodcock - guitar , Jim Corbett - Bass and Ed Pranskus - Drums

Thank you , Rick and Chuck from Twisted Rock Starz , giving me a chance and granting me access to Goddo and Moxy for pics and more to come.

Girls who let me take their pics, Princess Vicky, Miss Katie, Tracey, Eden

Miss Tracey was in for some pics, part of her making changes to herself and recording it all as she proceeds. Thinking once she has achieved her goal , I can put together a series of pics showing her progress.

Of course managed the obligatory "Girl With Bass" photo to post online with others. The Cort Curbow always looks good when held gentle embrace of a woman.

Also had Miss Katie back in the "Studio" with her friend Kathryn, taking pics for a Xmas Gift Calendar for Kathryn's soon to be husband.

I managed to get a pic of Kathryn, using the Canon 5D. That camera seems to have something special when it comes to taking portraits. If you have done your homework with settings etc. 

Patrick ! ha The Peavey 5 String will never be the same after being 'manhandled'

The Bay and Sheseido gave me a chance to be part of what they offer their customers. As part of a promotion, select customers received a package consisting of a makeup session with Isaac and then photo's.  Once everything has been approved by Sheseido I will post some here to see. Chances are if everyone is happy this could be an ongoing opportunity for me. More on that one in the new year.

Lotus Thai Restaurant in St Thomas, I had spoken about this place and ladies that run it all. Finally had the chance to go out and take some pics of the great food they create onsite.




My last pics of the year will be with Hurtin Merv and The Boys playing the Wortley Roadhouse this coming Friday.
Its a cougar fest there and being a Friday and a New Years weekend should be quite the fun. Am sure some candid photo's be taken.

Cannot resist showing the great Green Xmas we had down here in London, and maybe not much different for a lot of you out there. Went for my annual Xmas day walk, covered 12km and took a few pics along the way, this one from Springbank Park,London,ON

And of course how could we pass a week or even a day with out a Starbucks coffee pic !!

Am now waiting for my GOLD membership card after keeping myself well caffeined for the last few months - took 25 coffee's to get there. All that so i can get a free one on my birthday , oh ya and refills !

Will  break into the New Year and 2012 gently. No muss , no fuss.
I have an idea for a final pic for the year, but will see what the weather is doing on the 31st to see if we can make it happen.

My Canons Back and there's gonna be pictures ! (sung to the tune "My Boyfriends Back - The Angels"

She is back from repair, cleaning and firmware upgrade !
looking shiny and new with the wonderfully gooey Canon 50mm f/1.4 mounted on front.

Definitely a difference between that and the T1i !

That Canon 50mm f1/1.4 can be fun lens to play with on the right occasion, this is great example of Bokeh , Japanese for blur or asthetic quality of the blur.  Only really possible with this type of lens at this close to the subject.
Rain drops on the car window with some stop lights in the background.

Last few weeks has been kinda quiet. Though did get out to see and listen to Moe Chile  play at Coffee Culture, Richmond St,London ON.

Truly great guitar player and singer, and part of a duo called "The Gate".   Did a handful of original material as well as some Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.  He was a connection through other musicians and Facebook.

Moe plays a Carperelli Spirit of 69 in Zebra wood - beautiful piece of wood !!

Only other fun was honorable mention for a photo contest run by Black Rapid Straps (i have one). Nice product that you sling over your shoulder or neck and lets you carry a DSLR and big lens with ease and little fatigue. If you have a big camera and are using the supplied strap, you know how after a day of wanking that around your neck, your ready to drop the whole thing in the nearest dumpster and get  Point and Shoot (small camera). 
It was received for the sunset pic taken at Goderich,ON

You have seen a few pics of me wearing mine.

Here with the Canon T1i and Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8



An alternative to the Black Rapid is a new product I found at Vistek, called the Matin Fast Access Strap. Basically a Chinese clone of the Black Rapid but with neoprene shoulder pad. Little less money and i like the neoprene pad.

Next on the photo agenda is The Lotus Thai Restaurant in St. Thomas,ON.  Had met them at one of the festivals in London this summer, a food purchased turned into would you take pics someday.

V.K. and Pom run the show there.

Try to take some good pics of their food so they can use on their website.  Will be working for food. That's next week , so looking forward to that , something to put on the portfolio.  And maybe credit for free meals haha.

Just a short update, more to come next week after food pics.  And Xmas is around the corner.

Till then....

My Baby ! My Baby !

Ah the weekend !
Friday was one of those days ya just didn't feel , was a blah day and add some tired to the mix.
Though I had pics planned with Hurtin Merv at Sunny's Bar in St Thomas,ON

So go through the usual routine.
Charge batteries, erase memory cards, pack up my bag for some what ifs, pack the right lens.
Was planning to use the Canon 5D as primary and then Canon T1i as backup.
The T1i does better at higher ISO.

So did a few test shots, kind getting camera's setup...........

Then the funny sound !
Not so funny actually.
Viewfinder went black on the Canon 5D and there was the sound of loose change in the body.
quick pulled the lens off to find the mirror inside , floating around loose.

The silver thing (the mirror) should be sitting happily attached to the inside of the camera.

And you will say "Well Doug that's what you get for buying 6yr old used camera on Kijiji"
Your right.

Quick check of the web and 'Bingo', Canon released a Warranty Recall for this exact problem, and will ship and repair the problem at no charge !!  Can you say "Wheeewwwwww" (wiping sweat from brow)

That left me using the T1i last night and will say that there is noticeable difference, besides the size and weight.  Picture quality of the T1i is not what i seem to get from the 5D, cant explain it
A fellow photographer (and Nikon D40 user) wants to switch to Canon, in their words "Canon is softer" and maybe thats what i am seeing on the 5D. Who knows.

So few pics of Merv and we were out of there, boys were in fine form and having a good time.
Truly enjoy going out to see them.

Merv of course was doing what Merv does best, keeping the crowd happy !

This morning was attempt at food pic using flash instead of the window light. And after a little reading managed something that I am happy with (for the moment).

This is all in prep for pics at Lotus Thai Restaurant in St Thomas,ON, I had met Pom and V.K. through mutal friend and enjoyed there food at the restaurant and at local events. Nice people !!
And their food deserve some pics that will showcase what they have going on there.
Watch for update on that.

Just a piece of simple cake.

Trick is getting that flash over to the side, low and bouncing some light back in with a white card or piece of paper.

Manged to get some texture and nice look. Will keep on this, could be another nice little niche market for pic taking. 
I kinda like the idea trade pics for food !!
Now if only I could trade pics for personal training time ??

November Gone !!

Hard to imagine but another year has passed us by !

December is around the corner, as of right now 34 days, give or take depending on what country you are in.

Life has been kinda normal, working, sleeping, taking pics.

This past week had the opportunity to see and hear Goddo, Canadian  rock legends from the 70's and 80's. They played at Downtown Kathy Browns, in London,ON.
Nice location downtown Dundas St but not really setup for bands, less than desirable lighting, wacky stage layout, but dont matter with the right act playing.

Opening act was Scott Brunelle , local guy from Aylmer,ON. Truly amazing guitar player , song writer.

Next up was NAIL local Progressive Rock group. Really talented players and great set of original material.
The lead singer Cindy is a real powerhouse and energy to spare, she knows how to work it !!

Rainer can play !! Great sound out of his Flying V , formerly of Helix and owner of Mole Studios here in London. Surprising the talent you find in a town sometimes.

Backed up by solid rhythm section of Darcy on bass and Dale on drums. I want to see them play at a better venue and will be looking for a copy of their CD.

Headline of course was Goddo !

I had never seen them , never owned an album or cd, so for me after hearing about them for the last 30 years and then seeing them play was awesome.  Greg Godovitz (bass)is now in his 60's,

wont even guess the age of Gino Scarpelli (guitar)

or Doug Inglis(drums),

what I saw and heard was effortless playing combined with great stage presence. And even though the crowd was small, Goddo played it up  like it was Massey Hall.

Best part was meeting Rick and Chuck of Twisted Rock Starz Productions , who brought Goddo to town and will have Toronto 70's hard rock act Moxy here December 16th. What its given me is access to shows for pics, new network of people and bands and more oppurtunity to hone my craft and get my skills up so it becomes effortless.  These are two really good guys, working hard to bring acts to London. Keep up the great work !!

This night I alternated between the Canon T1i and the Canon 5D. My worry on the 5D was not being comfortable with what I see on the back screen. though once downloaded to camera was pleasantly surprised by the results. Of course Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens dont hurt either. Though the Canon 24-105mm f/4 with IS did really well. Biggest problem was trying not to blind people onstage trying to pour some light in there to make up for the crappy stage lights. Trust me its tough taking pics in a black room with a few lights lighting up the stage.
Also spent a few moments with a lady named Marni on how to use her camera to take pics, she had great little Lumix camera. Got her in Manual mode, high ISO and she was rocking, always up for sharing what i know, am sure I will learn something back.


Other fun has been trying my hand at food photography. Using natural light from the kitchen window and a white bounce card (big piece of white paper).

 The big piece of white paper (foam core from Michaels) is used to bounce light from the window back into the bowl, so the left side is lit up a bit. Very simple way to add light for pennies.

Also did pics of Patrick who is training, so we did before pics and in a few months, after pics to follow. That update later. Also on the horizon is fashion event at The Bay and possibly a day of taking before/after pics at the cosmetic counter of The Bay.  More experience the better, and as I enjoy portrait taking great way again to practice. The challenge is making up a mini-studio in a large exclusive department store. great fun

Plans in the works now for trip to India in the new new year, to do the needful. Other than that its regular life, waiting for tomorrow.

later !

Say Hello to my Little Friend !! (Al Pacino - Scarface)

Well made that jump !
Into the world of the big guns, quality and precision manufacturing, along with a pound of magnesium frame combined with another 1.5lbs of Canon 4L gooey goodness.

Picked up a Canon 5D.

Originallyreleased in 2005, and then later followed up by the dream machine the Canon 5D Mark II. This 12.5mpix Full Frame piece of happiness has made it into my hands.

Have to love Kijiji !!
This 5D came with the Canon 24-105mm 4L IS USM lens, if anything this purchase was about that lens, just to bad it had a camera attached to it.

L series lenses are the lens of choice when it comes to Canon. This is their premiere lineup of lens, high quality glass and combined with IS (Image Stabilizer) and very fast focus, makes it a real addition to the lineup.

It is just over 3 pounds of camera happiness, without the grip installed ! Its hefty and feels ultra solid in the hands.

And noticeably bigger when compared side by side the Canon T1i.

I could have easily gone out and blown $4000 on this setup by picking up the new Mark II and the same lens, but why when there are so many good used camera's on the market for a fraction of the price.
This one is no exception, forget the pixel count or the lack of a good screen on the back, this camera is about taking pictures, not video, not live shooting like a point and shoot. Setup it up wrong and it will deceive you, do it right and the results will come.

Quick pic of The Bing before heading out the door , ISO 400, F/4 1/125  - just natural light from the balcony window , just around 4pm.

 

And of course it came with, wait for it.......another freaking camera bag !!

Holding it all is a Lowepro Classified 200 AW - just what i needed another big camera bag to haul stuff around in. yikes.