20.April 2019

I don’t usually go for those “ärtistic” blurry shots especialy the zooming in or out shots.

I prefer sharpness. I didn’t spend all that money on expensive lenses to get unsharp shots. And I don’t have any soft focus filters in my kit as well.

But sometimes blur can be used to express motion or time as you can see in my present photos.

Those eagle eyed photo equipment people may have noticed I’m using a new camera now and a different sensor system. The smaller sensor size (micro 4/3rds) is now my default camera system which I take with me everywhere. Previous to that it was the 1 inch sensor (Canon G5X) which I have used in previous blogs (2 May 2016).

The  Panasonic G9 is a very competent camera  considering the sensor limitations compared to a full frame camera.

 At times I consider the G9 my  mini Nikon D3 for its high speed capabilities and construction.

It also has dual stabilisers, one in the lens and one in the body. This enables me to hand hold the camera  for a time considered impossible without a tripod. I can produce a sharp shot at only a half second exposure ! Previously my handholding shots were around 1/60sec as I suffer camera shake (don’t tell my patients!). So in a busy Mong Kok street with no time to set up a tripod (I didn’t have one anyway) I managed to capture motion but keep the main subject sharp-using technology to increase artistic expression.

1.    Kyoto  It was in a very dark suburban street. Note aperture and shutter speed.

1 Jan 2019   G9    iso1600    15mm    f1.7    1/6sec    Leica DG 15mm f1.7

2. Mong Kok

6 Jan 2019    G9    iso200    12mm    f11  0.6 sec

3.    14 Jan 2019    G9    iso200    12mm    f22    0.6sec

4.    Shanghai St

16 Jan 2019    G9    iso200    19mm    f7.1    1/5sec

5. Cross Harbour Tunnel Hong Kong

16 Jan 2019    iso200    60mm    f22    1.3sec  

20 November 2018

The first photo in my view has little photographic merit compared to others chosen for the website. I could be criticized for having the pole going through the man’s head. And the lighting itself is pleasant late afternoon sun but nothing dramatic- photography is all about light….

So why is it here and at the number one slot.

Well,  because its my website and  I can do anything I like! But actually I like the shot. There is something symbolic to me that represents my feeling about the country and the people.

Myanmar is a beautiful country. The people are amongst the friendliness I have met and also very genuine. Right now it is still not very commercialised compared to other asian countries but it is changing rapidly. That is why I am planning to return in 2019. Yes there is a problem with the present Government, lack of democracy  and the treatment of the Rohingya people. But the people we met were just trying to make a living with no say on the  countrys future, let alone their own future. What I did observe in the areas I visited was the enormous respect people have for one another. There is this politeness and kindness to strangers. This is partly because the Burmese strongly believe in karma. Treat others well and good will come to you.

This is why the first photo appeals to me. It has a symbolic meaning to what I want for the people. Standing tall, all in the same boat and hope is shining through.

I’m finishing off my Burmese Blog with lots of smiles as that is my final impression of the lovely people we have met. Jay zu and thwa`me naw  (thankyou and goodbye).

1.    19 April 2018    Nikon D3s    iso200    52mm    f13    1/180sec    Nikon 24-70mm f2.8

2.    19 April    Nikon D750    iso5000    140mm    f8    1/125sec

3.    19 April    Nikon D3s    iso800    26mm    f4.0    1/125sec

4.    19 April    Nikon D3s    iso6400    24mm    f4.0    1/60sec    Nikon 24-70mmf2.8

5.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    35mm    f4.0    1/60sec

6.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    70mm    f4.0    1/60sec    Nikon 24-70mmf2.8

7.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    62mm    f4.0    1/90sec

8.    Nikon D3s    iso6400    32mm    f4.0    1/60sec

9.   19 April    Nikon D750    iso1250    190mm    f4.0    1/125sec

10.    23 April    Nikon D750    iso2200    160mm    f8.0    1/200sec

11.    23 April    Nikon D750    iso2500    116mm    f8.0    1/200sec

12.    21 April    Nikon D750    iso800    160mm    f5.6    1/125sec

13.    26 April    Nikon D750    iso6400    200mm    f5.6    1/200sec

14.    27 April    Nikon D750    iso3200    175mm    f7.1    1/160sec

15.

16.    21 April    Nikon D750    iso 1000    92mm    f8.0    1/250

17.    17 April    Nikon D3s    iso1600    70mm    f8.0    1/180sec    Nikon 70-200mm f4

18.    Nikon D3s    iso800    62mm    f5.6    1/125sec  

27 November 2018

In the Hawkes Bay every two years the Russell family open their garden to the public for a sculpture exhibition among their abundant wild flowers. The proceeds go to Cranford hospice.

The advertisement in the local Wellington paper caught my eye so I decided plan a long weekend in Havelock North with Sally.

The timing was appropriate as I had just finished watching the DVDs on “Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse”and “Vincent van Gogh-a new way of seeing”. I also watched “Michelangelo-Love and death” but I wasn’t on the lookout for any “Davids” at the exhibition.

Seeing the pictures of the wild flowers was the main impetus  for me attending -sorry all you wonderful artists.

I really enjoy impressionist paintings and its just not the flowers but their observation of light. And photography is all about light.

Hence the irreverent title. I wonder if the painters of yesteryear would have enjoyed the expanse of the wild flowers and the expanse of the human mind with the creativity shown in the artwork.

It was such a wonderful day with the music , variety of food and especially the ice cream -lick on that Pissaro. But it was the people there that made it. Everyone was so relaxed and enjoying the day. It was so peaceful as well  and that was unusual considering the amount of visitors. It helps to have the space though. A  tune was humming in my head all morning-” If you’re going to San Francisco don’t forget to wear flowers in your hair”.

Subtitute San Fran for Hawkes Bay  but somehow that doesnt work- maybe  Round Pond Garden?

Didn’t remember seeing any selfie sticks as well but this isn’t the Lourve.

So what would have Monet done if he were there? Would he have painted something like on the Home page, and I’m not talking about the Bumble Bee shots. He  wasn’t into Action Impressionalism. Or would he have said “Piss off everyone  I’m trying to paint… but hand me a sauage”.

The observant may notice that a new camera system was used . Well artists have different brushes, photographers have different cameras……

More on the GAS in another blog.

ps  I regard myself  as  an old fart but GAS refers to Gear Acquisition Syndrome. My sphincters are loosening but we won’t go there……

1.    10 November 2018    Panasonic G9    iso200    70mm    f11    1/100sec    Leica DG 50-200 f2.8

2.    iso200    92mm    f16    1/30sec    Leica 50-200 f2.8

3.    iso 200    50mm    f9.0    1/250sec    Leica 50-200 f2.8

4.    iso 200    12mm    f5.6    1/250sec    Leica DG 12-60mm f2.8

5.    iso 200    22mm    f4.0    1/200sec

6.    iso200    200mm    f4.0    1/640sec

7.    iso640    200mm    f5.6    1/1000sec

8.  iso 640    138mm    f5.6    1/1000sec   

9.    iso 640    162mm    f5.6    1/1000sec

10.    iso 640    175mm    f5.6    1/1000sec