Lightroom 4 woes
Want to open a E-P5 raw file with Lightroom 4? Adobe doesn't want you to, they want you to buy Lightroom 5 instead... But do you really need to?
Holi in India – Medical Post Mortem
Having visited many countries in the past seeking photographic opportunities, it was just a matter of time before I would end up in India during Holi – the Festival of Colours. I prepared as best I could by gathering as much information about the country and customs beforehand while accepting the fact that there was a high probability I would have health issues while there. Countless stories were shared with me about stomach problems (aka: Delhi Belly), but after having experienced Holi, I can honestly say now that stomach issues are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health, Holi and India.
Why I stopped using Nikon View NX and Transfer
Beware of a bug in Nikon's ViewNX2/Transfer software that will corrupt files from newer cameras if the software is not up to date. Click for more information on the issue and how to fix the corrupted files.
The hidden cost behind safaris
There are many costs associated with a safari. Some are obvious, like your airfare or tour operator costs. Others are implied, like bug spray or sunscreen. As you begin to budget for your trip to Africa, you should however be aware of a very important hidden cost...
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The likelihood of seeing certain animals depends on the time of year you decide to visit Tanzania. In February, you can go to Ndutu to see wildebeest calving. In June/July, Seronera is a wonderful place to see big cats. In September, the northern part of the Serengeti including Tarangire is the place to see an incredible amount of animals including elephants, lions as well as the Mara river crossing. If you want to see animals, visiting Tanzania during these months is a no brainer. Does that mean that going any other time of the year is a mistake? The short answer is no, and here's why...
From Holgas to Instagram: an homage to lo-fi photography
After ditching Blackberry and picking up an Android phone, I started using Instagram and I can honestly say that I'm really enjoying the entire experience. Instagram is intuitive, entertaining and engaging and because of that, I'm actually using my camera phone a lot more now. I suppose that's why Facebook paid a billion dollars for the app! In honor of Instagram and the Holga look it can create digitally, I scanned some old pictures taken with my trusty Holga 120N. Enjoy the original lo-fi experience!
Bhavna Sambi and Kyle Taplay get married
Congrats to the newlyweds. What a wonderful ceremony and after party, what a photogenic wedding.
Escapade Music Festival 2012
What else is there to say?
If looks could kill: A portrait session with Michael Mando
Michael Mando and I set out to do some really creative work this past summer with the goal of illustrating the breadth and depth of characters he could interpret. The output was fantastic, here's a sample of our collaboration!
Ruth and Tarun's special day
Because of my travel schedule, I don't shoot many weddings. When I do, I'm usually assisting a wedding photographers who needs a bit of help covering the day. Once again, I was lucky to work alongside Aaron Rodericks to help cover Ruth and Tarun's special day. Aaron and myself had weeks earlier collaborated to do a "mad men" styled engagement shoot so I was of course seriously looking forward to working with Aaron again. Have a look!
When will the carry-on madness end!
Air travel continues to be a painful love affair. How else can I get from Ottawa to Arusha in a reasonable amount of time if not by flight? Weight and baggage size restrictions, additional laptop check, shoe check, endless amount of security agents all seemingly scanning my boarding pass every 5 minutes... the list goes on and on, and it keeps growing.
Now Virgin Atlantic has upped the ante and is implementing even more draconian and restrictive policies. What's next I dare ask, what will they do next!?
Moire be gone!
When CS6 and Lightroom 4 were announced, the one feature that I was really looking forward to was the moire brush. It was top of mind since a few weeks ago, I had to process a picture that contained moire and it was very difficult to remove it. Trying to find the moire brush though was quite the adventure and if you're reading this, perhaps you're also trying to solve this mystery. Well good news, the mystery is solved my friend. The answer is just a click away...
Engagement shoot - "Mad Men" style
There is nothing better than an original photo-shoot for a photographer. It gets our creative juices flowing and it usually means that you'll have a wonderful time creating something very unique with some very cool people. Instead of opting for the "usual" engagement shoot, Véronique and Mathieu decided to change things up bit and gave Aaron Rodericks and myself a theme to play with. Specifically, they wanted a 1960s "Mad Men" themed photo-shoot. Both Aaron and I were more than happy to oblige.
Rethinking Professional Portraits - by Robert Hawara
I find that a lot of people, when in need of a professional portrait, often opt for the same safe, stale and stuffy look for some reason. The "look" is usually characterized by boring backdrops, flat light, perfect hair and awkward smiles. But what message do these photographs convey about the pictured? Certainly not what they'd perhaps like it to. Instead, wouldn't it be more appropriate if the picture depicted a person's core characteristics and beliefs?
Heart and Crown: 20th year anniversary
The Heart and Crown celebrated its 20 year anniversary yesterday in style: red carpet? Check. Champagne? Check. Giant cake from the Cake boss? Check. Politicians? Check. Case in point, our Mayor, Jim Watson, came out and supported this great Ottawa institution. Click to see some pictures from the event
Behind the scenes of a music video
Ever wonder what it's like to be behind the scenes of a film/music video? So did I until this past weekend where I had to opportunity to participate in the making of Aiman Beretta's new music video, directed by Michael Mando.
Out of Focus and Creative - by Robert Hawara
While there is certainly a time and place for sharp images, you can certainly go against the grain and unlock your creative mind. Be adventurous and try something different whenever you can!
Event photography tips
I have covered a lot of events in the last few years. If I could impart 3 easy tips, they would be...
Behind the scenes of an African safari
Ever wonder what it's like to be on a game drive? Look no further as I break it down for you. The blog post covers everything from getting there, the itinerary, safari conditions and of course, everything camera equipment related.
Safaris can be boring... so do something about it!
Serendipitous moments are few and far between while on safari. And if you've been to Africa on numerous occasions, you become even pickier from a photography perspective. So what's a photographer to do if he/she's in a jeep for 14 hours a day without a terrible amount of exciting moments? Read on for my thoughts...
Can you go too often on safaris?
Vetting and filtering the thousands of photographs from my most recent trip to Tanzania is an extremely tedious task and I can't wait to select 15 or so of most memorable photographs. The main challenge as I've discussed with many friends is what to photograph after so many trips to Africa since I've already photographed the obvious and not so obvious
The discipline of culling (a.k.a. I can't stand to look at massive photo albums)
Organizing and culling the thousands of photographs taken on a trip so that only the cream of the crop remains is an extremely tedious task. For statistic junkies out there, on big trips, I'm usually left with 2% to 4% of total pictures. That represents a significant amount of culling, but I do it for a couple of obvious reasons.
First, there are a lot of redundant pictures so picking the best out of a series is easy and necessary. Second, if I don't have the patience to sit and wade through someone else's extensive picture gallery, what makes me think that someone will have that type of patience for my galleries? Click to read my workflow that leaves me with the cream of the crop...
Speaking of connectivity...
Polaroid announced at CES 2012 their new SC1630 "smart camera" powered by Android. I think the camera deserves the "smart" moniker because it does what other cameras have yet to do properly: click to find out what...
D4: is it worth it?
Nikon's next generation flagship camera, the D4, was introduced on January 6 2012. The blogosphere and forums everywhere have since lit up with praise and criticism. Click to read my thoughts on the contentious issues...
Protest against Kabila's recent election "win"
Click to view pictures of the protest in front of the Congo's (DRC) Canadian embassy following the controversial elections. Kabila is thought to have rigged the outcome in order to win another term. The protest was non-violent, though tensions ran high several times.
Dayglow
"DAYGLOW, “The World’s Largest Paint Party,” began in 2006 on college campuses in Florida" and visited Ottawa this past summer. Below are a few pictures of this very colourful event.
Safari camera equipment post-mortem
Take a look at my equipment breakdown post-Kenya and see what worked, what didn't work, and alternate solutions for those looking to go on a safari.
Soundgarden
Soundgarden at the Ottawa Bluefest festival. I managed to bring a small camera to capture what I heard was a fantastic light show. Truth be told, they did not disappoint.
The best camera (for you)
Family, friends, and acquaintances alike often ask me to recommend them a camera. The answer to that question often surprises them, it may surprise you as well.
The S Man: Roger Sanchez
The legendary Roger Sanchez stopped by in April at Studio nightclub and delivered the goods, like he always does. Below are a few pictures from the memorable evening.
Afrojack
What an intense night of music! DJ and crowd pics after the break.
DJ Heroes
DJs are some of the few people that are able to captivate an audience for hours at a time, any day of the week, regardless of country, culture, religion, language or race.
This collection documents the energy these dedicated individuals bring the lives of millions each and every night, and shows the effect on the throngs of dedicated fans who release and surrender themselves to the music and to the night.
Classic chrome for the X100s
Want to use the classic chrome film emulation on your x100s files? No problem, read on...
September 2015 Read more