Sweet Spot

At The Drysdale Tree Farm

2011-12-11T16:25:00.007-05:00

Photos have been piling up since my last post and that was September. I haven't posted anything as of late but I'm trying.

This was taken last Saturday at the Drysdale Tree Farm. Had the chance to see some of the guys with their families outside of work. Great Day!

Cape Breton II

2011-09-23T20:26:00.003-04:00

Learning to see in monochrome for print making was one of the plans of the trip. It's been quite an experience seeing a scene in color but looking beyond color and see the forms and shapes instead.

Main And Danforth Sunrise

2011-09-18T09:15:00.004-04:00

I have been moving further south for sunrise shots and I made it to the Go station at Main St. I find this spot very challenging as the foreground is lighted.

To Cape Breton I

2011-08-31T21:32:00.020-04:00

Had a peek of the Maritimes taking Via Rail at Toronto, out at Truro then Acadien Lines to Sydney, NS. Oh man I can live there and eat fish everyday and meat on the weekends. Talk about simplifying your lifestyle to the basics and just photograph the scenery to your heart's content, it'll take at least a lifetime to cover the whole of Cape Breton.

At the water's edge. I had to scramble down 30 ft from the parking area to get to this spot and free climbed my way back. Severe erosion and slippery rocks but it was worthwhile. Now on a good cloudy sunrise at the right time of the year when the sun is visible and in front of my leading line, it would be fantastic!

Part of the game plan of this trip was to get as much background shots for my portait composites and I managed to do that. The fortress was a trove of background scenes and I'm happy with it.

Louisbourg fortress maids in a row.

I think this is a good candidate for Lith printing. I don't know when I'll get to that but I have something to look forward to when I get my hands on "snatch and grab" printing.

All in for Sardines!

Mondrian much?

A McCowan and 401 Sunrise

2011-07-31T08:13:00.004-04:00

Took a gamble early today on where I should be at 5:00 in the morning. Lucked out at McCowan and it wasn't far of a travel compared to the west end. I love mornings like this when no one gives a hoot of what's in the horizon till they see a person shooting and then they notice. Had a few yells of good luck from passers by. Geez!

Karina

2011-07-30T09:46:00.006-04:00

I was lucky to be part of a group to shoot this gal Friday evening after work. She's great to work with.

My first attempt at compositing. Not the lighting set up I had in mind for the results I'm looking for but it was fun working the post processing. I seriously need a tablet for this.

Urban Sunrise

2011-07-10T23:08:00.004-04:00

This is what makes the waking up early, planning the position and lady luck on your side that makes it all worthwile. A beautiful sunrise and I was able to witness it early today. Looking forward to many more..

At Black Creek

2011-06-18T22:07:00.006-04:00

Spent the better part of the day at Black Creek Pioneer Village for a battle re-enactment. Was really fun talking to the guys in character and to meet some of them again from the Stoney Creek experience.

Stoney Creek

2011-06-05T19:18:00.009-04:00

Had a fantastic day at Stoney Creek as they re-enacted the Battle of 1812 with encampment at Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek. What a day as I mingled with the guys in character and in costumes of the period. I'll be at Black Creek this month to meet some of them again.

Under Concrete Skies

2011-05-13T17:33:00.008-04:00

I pass by this area everyday and I thought to myself this would be nice on an early morning shoot sans the traffic. Not my perfect moment with what I had in mind as I wanted the sun hitting the crown of the building but there will always be other chances to do it again. Albeit it be fleeting, I am hoping for another day to get it right.

At the Beaches

2011-05-10T15:09:00.006-04:00

Explored parts of the Beaches while looking for something I need. Not a bad day as it turned up some interesting pov's. Will definitely be back at specific times of the day.

The hunt starts again

2011-04-23T18:16:00.008-04:00

I've been busy with a new work schedule the new times is screwing up my daily routine. So sleep times are shot and waking up times have changed. Not complaining just takes a while to get my body used to it.

I'm on the hunt again for background scenes for my portrait composites. Was a bit succesful yesterday and I'm happy wth the result after editing my work on a new workflow.

Looking forward to using the large format for the downtown shots. Keystoning is really an issue for buildings. The light is beautiful in the late afternoon gotta have a piece of that while the weather is good.

Hiking the Hilton Trail

2011-03-27T14:18:00.011-04:00

Excellent snow hiking day! Didn't have enough time to enjoy the views as the hike pace was a bit hectic for composing and working the shots. Next time, I'll bring my cleats and much lighter shoes so I can double time and catch up faster.

The light hitting the snow was absolutely beautiful. Trying to capture that feeling, the calm and peace of being in the middle of it. No tracks on the blue blaze except from the resident fauna.

From the Junkyard

2011-03-21T11:22:00.004-04:00

Didn't post this last year when I went with Glen. Planning to bring a few guys with me when the ground is dry.

Flower Series

2011-02-14T11:42:00.010-05:00

Here's to good friends. There ain't much, just a few scattered across the globe. May you be blessed with good health and prosperity for the kindness and generosity you have given me and the wisdom and advise that humbles me.

I'm starting a flower series for 2011. Hopefully a few keepers that's good enough to analog print by the end of the year. Keeping my hopes high and fingers crossed.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Window Ice

2011-01-23T18:16:00.005-05:00

Too cold outside to do the planned hike so I was stuck indoors today. Played around the ice on the window. Opening a single pane melted the ice. Interesting formations when it had a chance to freeze again.

New Directions

2011-01-11T12:25:00.002-05:00

Looking back the past year, there were lots of bungled opportunities and several insights on what to do next time. I tend to leave the area when I'm done with my shots not until I've exhausted all possibilities and that includes looking back before packing up.

It may be different now on as I focus more on the output, the print and how it should look like. More of working back from a perceived end result and that is how I think it should be. I may increase keeper rate but this phrase is pointless when your printing will yield its own unique personality. Repeatable yes but alternative process prints have a distinct feel and each one is unique and different, the subtleties and brush strokes as you lay down the sensitizer.

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At the Allan Gardens on a Cold Night

2010-12-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

This has been in my head ever since I passed by the gardens one time and it was all lighted up. It doesn't happen very often but I had my chance on this cold Sunday evening.

Mills Tour and Lang Pioneer Village

2010-12-04T23:06:00.007-05:00

A cold but great day to be shooting the different Mills and ending at Lang Pioneer Village at Peterborough.

Finally had a little bit of down time to edit some images.

Halton Streetcar Museum

2010-10-23T22:30:00.009-04:00

Spent half the day at the Halton Streetcar Museum with the gang. Not feeling well past 1 pm but I pushed myself to do some shots. I got excited when we arrived and I saw the old buses at the front yard.

Composite Backgrounds

2010-10-20T11:06:00.004-04:00

So I've finally started looking and shooting scenes for my background composites. I've always been interested at the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion and I finally had the chance to shoot it yesterday by walking the harbourfront all the way to Keele. Interestingly, this landmark was built in 1922.

A Toronto skyline in the fall.

Thanksgiving 2010 at Temagami

2010-10-12T08:16:00.015-04:00

Was fantastic to be out of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of Northern Ontario. Photography, Hiking and Canoeing, and with Sarah what great company she is!!. The weather was absolutely beautiful and almost had the place to ourselves. What a blast it was!!!

Uxbridge September 2010

2010-09-19T13:21:00.006-04:00

Got invited to join an outing with the Beach Photo Club led by Sarah. Started with a viewing of art installations on the property of the Tinkl's. Lunch was at a renovated old Baptist church converted into something that was a pleasant surprise,a treat and totally unexpected.

The day was capped at the Thomas Foster Mausoleum. The music played was in my alley, guitar finger picking style. What a surreal way to end the day.

Yeah!!!!

More from the Manitoulin Trip

2010-09-14T11:00:00.010-04:00

Sunset at Providence Bay. Looking behind us and the moon was up faster than usual. The scene Reminded me of an AA photo "Moonrise over Hernandez". Yeah sure whatever lol.

We normally look towards the sun on a sunrise shot. This one was looking behind us more of 90 degrees to our right. Breathtaking and sweet. You gotta be there.

The unwilling model but she obliged me anyway. Thanks Sue.

Live From Daryl's House - Episode 24 w/ Diane Birch

2010-09-01T12:24:00.003-04:00

Diane Birch. This beauty floored me with her talent, combine that with Daryl Hall now you have something really special going. Looking forward to see her perform in Toronto.

Live From Daryl's House - Episode 24 w/ Diane Birch

Manitoulin Island

2010-07-28T11:19:00.008-04:00

Went to Manitoulin Island for the weekend with TPMG. Another blast to add to the books and what a joy to be with cool and good people. Was nice to meet a few peeps for the first time. Sarah and her mom Marilyn, Radup and his wife, Jenn and sisters Alice and Linh you guys rock.

Past their prime? I highly doubt it.

Sarah Smile (Hall and Oates)

Was good to be back at this spot. Loved this area since last year.

Candy Red

2010-07-11T20:39:00.009-04:00

This was taken courtesy of Cindy and her dad who owns the car. A red old Ford and lovingly maintained over the years. This one is a charmer and brings a smile when you see it.

Tall Ships Toronto 2010

2010-07-02T10:52:00.004-04:00

It was a great day to be outside shooting the tall ships on call at Toronto. They leave on Sunday a race towards Cleveland , Ohio.

Revisiting Tobermory

2010-04-15T02:55:00.014-04:00

I can't recall the name of this cove. The sun was shy on this sunrise or maybe the clouds was just blocking but it eventually showed up.

One of my favorite shots of Tobermory. I would have missed the opportunity had it not been for Susan's insistence to come over to their side and check out the leading lines in this early morning shoot.

I'm still undecided on this one. I think I pushed it too much...

Lion's Head Lighthouse. Searched the horizon for a lion's head but no luck lol.

A sofa should be inviting don't you agree? Cold and hard I'll pass on this one.

Going for vintage look.

2010-03-22T10:29:00.004-04:00

I'm undecided on which one looks better.Probably going for a third one and we'll see.

At the Zoo

2010-02-08T00:55:00.012-05:00

This beaver just ignored me as he was grooming. Playing with ACR Adjustment brushes and liking it. The downside, it eats up a lot of RAM.

Me and Pebbz were having a conversation about macro tubes in front of one of the lizard displays, when this little guy decided to put on a show. Was really hilarious.

King Edward Bridal Photoshoot

2010-02-04T09:28:00.004-05:00

Model: Ashley Sharman

Location: King Edward Hotel

Model: Jenna Fawcett
Location: King Edward Hotel

Spadina House

2009-12-01T12:47:00.003-05:00

Spadina House

2009-12-01T11:56:00.002-05:00

The sunroom

Spadina House

2009-12-01T11:08:00.002-05:00

This room had three light sources. Overcast daylight coming from the big window, the ceiling and wall. Was expecting a huge dining considering the size of the house but still fascinating.

Spadina House

2009-11-30T01:40:00.003-05:00

I'll call this one the red parlor.

Spadina House

2009-11-29T23:39:00.004-05:00

So we had the chance to shoot the Spadina House early today. Had a great time doing it with a few TPMG'ers and oh boy it was fun. A scene a few meters in from the main entrance of the house.

Old Baldy Lookout

2009-10-18T13:14:00.003-04:00

A good distance from the parking lot but a comfortable hike. Too bad the sun was against us when went there. An impressive lookout, will consider coming back for better light.

Hogg's Falls

2009-10-18T13:08:00.002-04:00

This was a disaster looking for the falls. Totally missed the sign and we were about 15 min past Eugenia and had to double back to make it with the group.

Had to go down the drop and walk on slippery rocks, wood and mud.

Eugenia

2009-10-18T12:41:00.003-04:00

Eugenia Falls was a disappointment. The outhouse was poorly managed, the water as mentioned before the trip might be low depending on the rainfall. Flurries on the way so that was funny to have it this early.

Hockley Valley

2009-10-18T12:35:00.004-04:00

Spent a cold but nice day with TPMG for the fall colors. Started at Hockley Valley Lookout a gradual hike from the road. CP + 3 stop ND Grad.

More from the Train

2009-10-06T13:59:00.007-04:00

Backpack Envy

2009-10-06T10:56:00.004-04:00

This was taken on my way back to Sault Ste. Marie. If your into photography you'll recognize the backpack. A must if your canoeing with 1d series gear. sigh .....

I need to get me one of that!!! lol

Folks from the Soo

2009-10-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

Folks from the Sault Ste. Marie visiting their camp. The locals call their cottages "camps". I guess the word comes from a bygone era when the main industry was logging.

The passenger rail route is an essential service. Serving the residents, campers, business along the rail, as well as hunters, anglers and sports enthusiasts that can fit their gear and equipment in the cargo car.

The Train Views

2009-10-06T00:02:00.009-04:00

Here and there you get a glimpse of a scene. A lake or a mountain bursting with colors of reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Oops took you too long to shoot the train just passed it or a tree blocked the view.

After an hour of soaking all these I was giddy with the vistas only seen from the rail.

The Algoma Railway

2009-10-05T23:08:00.010-04:00

The Algoma Rail passenger service leaves Sault Ste. Marie for Hearst every Mon, Wed and Friday one way. Return service from Hearst back to the Soo is every Tue, Thur and Saturday.

Declared an essential service, it is government funded to ensure access for residents and business along the rail.

Note how close you can bring your vehicle to the baggage car for easier loading.

The View from the Train

2009-10-05T22:31:00.006-04:00

Shooting from a moving train was tough. Add overcast skies and the rain just made it more difficult. I'm not whining just saying I should have used better judgement by increasing ISO speed and just wiped the glass a few more times than I did would have increased my keepers.

I admit I was too excited with this trip and got completely overwhelmed by the views. This is absolutely beautiful country and maybe, just maybe my photos will convince you to hop aboard the train and visit the region at least once in your life. If you live in Ontario, this is a must see.

French River

2009-10-02T13:34:00.005-04:00

Vincent was kind enough to stop along the way and bring me down to the water level.

Along highway 69 close to Sudbury.

Cleo

2009-08-23T15:38:00.004-04:00

This is Cleo in a 4 series photograph. Shot on the flattest light of the day, terrible shadows and contrast but Im happy with the outcome.

Canon 17-40mm, Canon 1D MkII using Tungsten preset WB. Woof!!!!!!!!

Flowerpot Island Lighthouse

2009-08-17T09:44:00.004-04:00

This was taken from the ferry on our way to Fathom Five National Marine Park.

This is the beacon for the deepest part of Georgian Bay recorded at 93 meters.

Pam nailing the shot

2009-08-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

The skies finally lighting up. That's Pam hunting with her viewfinder.

Waiting for Sunrise

2009-08-16T13:59:00.001-04:00

Waiting for the sunrise at forgotten inlet. (the name escapes me for the moment)

Shot on a Sunday dawn, the start to a humid day and soaring temps in August.

Sunset at Cape Hurd

2009-08-16T03:46:00.001-04:00

Sunset at Cape Hurd. There was a house with a deck just behind me where I took this shot. A backyard with this view surely takes away the stress and worries. Keep on dreaming...

Point Clark Lighthouse

2009-08-13T11:51:00.000-04:00

A child's perspective on Point Clark Lighthouse. Orton imagery applied.

Cute

2009-08-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

First paps ambush of the Tobermory Lighthouse Tour with TPMG. We chanced upon this cuddly malamute at the parking lot on our second stop at Tim Horton's.. I can't remember what town it was. This dog is absolutely pretty.