Blog

Sep

2023

Binbrook, Ontario RAM Rodeo – 2023

Binbrook, Ontario Rodeo 2023

I’ve photographed numerous small and medium sized rodeos in Southern Alberta. Nice access at these for a photographer. And I can roam around and take some nice shots of the cowboys and their horses. Usually three or four photographers maximum. Lots more at this rodeo.

Binbrook rodeo is part of a series called the RAM Rodeo Tour.

These cowboys are tough dudes. It's fun watching them do their 'yoga' stretches to get warmed up. The bull riding: the goal is to last 8 seconds. Not many do. Those bulls are a whole lotta muscle and meanness. I'm truly amazed that anyone can stay up on one of them for even eight seconds.

Was a pretty harsh sun for decent photos but occasionally the odd cloud covered to help out.

Odd layout as well. Very narrow arena for the events. Not sure how the girls pulled off the barrel racing in such a tight space.

I’ll have to try and get to a few more of these next season.

Sep

2023

Portraits From The Last Few Months

Here are portraits that I’ve done over the last few months. Some with studio lighting, some natural or window light. Some posed, some casual or candid.

I love this part of photography - People.

All about light and shadow. Getting the right and most flattering balance. Oft times, one is trying to duplicate in the studio the simple lighting of a cloudy day. That nice soft light.

Some think that a bright sunny day is the best for portraits, or any photo for that matter. Not necessarily true. That strong, harsh sunlight doesn’t allow for any subtleties. No gradients of light.

If you can get the perfect light then much less work in processing.

Sep

2023

Put Your Camera’s ISO Setting on Auto

Auto ISO*: Make your job easier with this simple setting.

I learned this recently. I used to think that if I shot a portrait a bit dark because of a lower ISO* setting that I could crank the exposure in Lightroom as there is so much data captured with digital cameras these days.

One is essentially playing with three things to get a proper exposure: Speed, Aperture and ISO (sensitivity setting).

With your ISO setting set to auto, your photos will be sharper even at a high setting like 1200 or even 2000. I assure you that you will get more detail in your photos doing it this way. Try it and see. Or test it both ways in some low light scenarios.

The only time I’ve had an issue with it is when a dark skinned person was wearing a white shirt. The camera couldn’t figure out the proper sensitivity and the photos were a bit dark. Which is what I would have had to work with anyway if I had been setting ISO manually.

I’m shooting currently, with a Nikon Z6 Mirrorless camera. This function is available. I’m assuming it is the same situation with most if not all mirrorless cameras. I have no idea if one can use this setting on DSLR (pre mirrorless) cameras. If you own one, it would be pretty quick to figure that out.

The biggest issue with advancement in technology, not only with cameras, is keeping up with all the features. It can be a full time job.

I’ve been using the camera this way for a couple of weeks and has been really effective. The portrait here was shot impromptu recently of a friend. I didn’t have to mess with ISO for an inside shot in his living/dining room.

Below I’ve added some images of the menu steps for my Nikon Z6 to switch the Auto ISO on or off.

*ISO: (International Standard for Standardization) - refers to the sensitivity of a camera’s sensor or film to light. This can be adjusted in cameras to make an image lighter or darker. A higher number will allow more light

Aug

2023

Peter Hurley – More about the ‘Squinch’

What the hell is a 'squinch'?

I posted a video of Peter Hurley talking about the 'squinch' some time back. You can see it here: https://photo-photo.com/peter-hurley-and-the-squinch/

I recently came across some updated information by him on this. He shows some comparison photos of people with relaxed eyes and slightly 'squinched' eyes. Using this, whether it be for actors headshots, or family photos, this techniques will make your subject look much more natural.

It is a really excellent video; watch it below:

Jul

2023

ComiCon Niagara Falls, Canada 2023

ComiCon FanExpo Niagara Falls, Ontario

Was able to get to Comicon Niagara Falls for a few hours this year. Was touch and go as we were on an extended road trip and returned the day before, the Saturday. I was able to attend for a few hours on the Sunday. As the light is so much better outside and I there is more space to work with, I didn’t bother going inside. I may have missed a few but still, I got some good shots. I love that the players are so willing to pose for me.

Most don’t contact me. I do give out my card to all so if I’m at one of these things and you find your photo at this site, I’m happy to send you a copy.

I will be at Fan Expo Canada in Toronto August 2023. Taking photos. Likely on Saturday.

With Photoshop AI it is so much easier to cut out the backgrounds and install my own. Saves me hours of work. And way more fun.

My biggest issue is that I don’t always know the characters and their references or world or history. I occasionally have to do a bit of research to get at least close to the correct background. The phone box for the ‘Dr Who’ photo is a photo I took on the property here. It is a prop for one of the events. Check out the Haunt Manor photos for more.

Character: Spider Man, Junko Enoshima, Dr Who, The Mandalorian...

Also, I’m open to suggestions for more appropriate backgrounds, etc.

Enjoy!