My preference for primes over zooms.....

 Lenses. I think that over the past 100 months or so of my camera journey, I have owned just about every consumer grade Canon consumer lens. You may recall me writing that for a period of about 2 years, I was an active trader of pre-owned equipment. Given the realities of the market-place, I often found myself having to take possession of lenses in addition to the  bodies (mostly 60D and 7D models) that I was really wanting to purchase. Unbelievably, some sellers actually threw almost free lenses into the deal in order to make their sale.  Anyway, it was an effective way for me to try the different lens types and determine how they would fit into the style of photography that I enjoy the most ---- shooting on the street. Like most newbies to this genre, I found it in the early days easiest, and least threatening/conspicuous, to stand back from the action and click away. Less chance of being challenged and possibly being confronted. Somehow the resultant long-range shots I snagged seemed to lack a sense of intimacy---a lack of appearing that the photog was really in the thick of the action.
                       Shooting with a telephoto on the street means that you are committing yourself to carrying a heavy weight around for a couple of hours & possibly upto 5-6 hours in a full day shoot session which can be especially onerous if the day is hot and humid. In many countries, carrying long lenses on the streets can create envy, identifies one as a rich tourist, setting up a scenario to be the victim of a snatch and grab attack. Bear in mind, a widely used cheapo long lens can be the equivalent of several months income in a struggling third world country. No need to red-flag yourself for a nasty situation.
                    During this photographic journey, I have become increasingly disillusioned with zoom telephoto lenses to the point where I have sold mine (except for a Nikon 70-300mm retained for special occasions). I was impressed by one highly experienced ex pro who reminded us that using a zoom was in fact a lazy alternative for failing to use one's own legs to get closer to the  action. On this advice, I purchased a 35mm f2.0 prime Yongnuo. Perhaps at $US 100, one of the best investments I have ever made even if it may have somewhat of a 'made in China' feel. Super light to carry, the 35mm lens on a full frame camera, most nearly replicates the view magnification that the human eye has when aimed at a situation. It would be absolutely stupid of me to infer that my cheap prime is 'better' than high-end and expensive glass. It just means that the Yongnuo 35mm fully suits my recreational shooting purposes on the street. I am aware that the Yongnuo lens has slight glass inaccuracies that mildly distort being somewhat soft in focus at the extremes. Any lens deficiencies I experience with this lens, can be mostly rectified using Lightroom.  Prime lenses are bright and even with the  modest f2.0 on my Yongnuo 35mm, I can shoot in relatively light subdued areas at shutter speeds that capture the action sharply. Bonus of course is that the wide aperture also makes it easier to achieve those satisfyingly blurred backgrounds when need be.

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DSLR versus 4/3---Part 3.

The DSLR that I use and greatly enjoy, is my Nikon D610. I have had this camera since early 2017, purchased used off Kijiji. It came in mint condition, apparently gently treated, complete with box, with 12M shutter actuations on the clock, for about 40% of original retail. I had never really considered purchasing Nikon and my prior DSLR ownership and trading activity had been exclusively with Canon. I was strongly influenced to purchase the Nikon by the Ken Rockwell https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/reviews.htm -- internet site which I consider to be one of the best sources for unbiased equipment recommendations. I was able to study meaningful model comparisons, placing the Nikon D610 objectively up against full frame direct competitor, Canon 6D.

Background: The D610 evolved out of the Nikon D600---a marketing nightmare that likely Nikon may wish to forget. There had been widespread reports of D600 oil splatter on the sensor that may have come from shutter action. Anyway just months later, after large-scale recalls, the D610 was born from the ashes and to my best knowledge did not inherit its sibling's defects. These problems likely drove down the market price for the later D610 model, to my advantage.

The Nikon D610 is not a small, light camera---it is full frame equipment and weighs accordingly. It feels balanced and solid in my mid-sized male hands. Not a camera that I particularly enjoy having around my neck for long hours on the city streets during the hot season. This was particularly true in the early days of my ownership of the camera, when it was paired with the chunky 24-120mm Nikon lens. I remedied the weight issue of the zoom lens by replacing it with a 35mm f2.0 prime. More on this later.

Why full frame? The sensor size is 100% (ie: not cropped) the frame size of old film cameras. Not being more than superficially technical, I was persuaded by the fact that the large sensor would, at a given pixel count, contain larger pots of electronic paint than a small size sensor, enabling superior photograph quality (in theory), especially in low light situations. Smoother, creamier bokeh blur is also touted as a full frame advantage.

Very happy with the D610 experience, my biggest gripe overall being the lack of any type of articulating rear LCD display panel.
Recently heard on the rumours web sites that the Nikon D610 entry level full frame, introduced in 2013 has been discontinued. RIP. Too bad--great camera at an affordable price. Nikon D610 is all I am probably ever going to need for my NON street photography projects.

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DSLR versus 4/3---Part 2.

            A little more on the Lumix GX 85. Excellent for street photography. Small enough so as to enable me appear to be a simple tourist --I do so like to fade into the scenery as I maneuver around targets to snag my juicy candid shot.             In terms of preparation, I prefer the technique commonly known as zone shooting. My camera setting will be on manual mode, camera pre-focused on a point 9 feet away (ie auto focus switched off), aperture set to 7.1, shutter speed to a 500th---- (1000th if it is a very bright day). The key to successful zone shooting is to ensure that the exposure pyramid functions perfectly with the ISO locked in automatic mode. The  GX 85  handles higher ISO up to 2000+ settings well, with out noise being a distraction. Not really a problem for me anyway, as my street shots are invariably captured in old fashioned black & white. The absence of colour works well for me and seems to match the gritty feel of raw street action, and I judge that colour seems to be mostly distracting. This 'zone' pre-adjustment system assures that I can be ready on the shutter button the very second that fleeting street drama before me unfolds.
                 This micro 4/3 is small and light enough, that I carry my Lumix on the streets attached to  a wrist strap as opposed to a regular neck strap. I find that this enables me to rapidly adjust my shooting angle from ground, to hip, to 8ft high, to eye level, very rapidly. Street theatre is enacted in the blink of an eye, repeat performances rarely offered.
                Battery charge duration with the GX85 is poor. I always carry two fully charged back-up batteries with me. The batteries are small and light, so it is not a major problem getting me through a six hour session on the streets. I believe that this is an issue common to many micro 4/3 format models. It is a short-coming that is exacerbated in street photography as the camera is 'always powered up' for that unpredictable & fleeting scene.
               The GX85 incorporates both an electronic viewfinder and an LED back screen that can be angled on a single plane --- I rarely use this feature, as I tend to point and shoot, as opposed to raising the camera to my eye while on the street. I have become quite proficient these past few years at nailing my target.
                 Note on the picture. I was in Usk, South Wales, UK at the time of the 100th year anniversary of the ending of the First World War on 11th. November 1918. There was a parade through the town and one of the participants was the local police sergeant. A young lad standing just in front of me was obviously having problems setting his new camera to capture the action. Our gallant officer hopped out of the parade and into the crowd to offer his expertise, giving meaning to the phrase "helpful bobby".


-------To be continued.

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DSLR versus 4/3---Part 1.

This is a posting that may be of interest to any devoted 'gear head' readers. I offer a few words on the cameras with which I shoot. I will not attempt to offer wisdom as to the comparative superiority of the Nikon D610  full frame DSLR versus the micro 4/3 format. For me, they are totally different photo experiences. I like dogs and I like cats.---each having its pros and cons. Bottom line: I feel lucky to be the owner of an example of each category. Certainly the Lumix GX85 is the every-day camera that I carry with me whenever I leave the house, where-ever I go out in the car. They bill this 16MP camera as being pocket-able, but have to say that it is a little too chunky for my pockets. Weight-wise it feels solid as opposed to plasticky in my mid-sized hands. I purchased the GX85 in Sept. 2019 and can say, hand on heart, that this was the first camera that I have ever bought new in my entire life. I was persuaded to close the deal by the fact that the bundle was offered at a knock- down price by Adorama, NYC, with two very small, ultra light telephoto lenses--12-32 mm and 40-140 mm thrown in gratis. Probably means that it is a model soon to be discontinued--originally introduced in 2016 and now at about 4 years into it's cycle, it maybe getting a little long in the tooth. There are function (fn) button settings galore on the camera body--the only problem for this senior (age) shooter is that he can never remember which function he has allocated to which fn button! Suspect this may also be a problem for younger folk. The individual positioning of 10 settings always seems a little like over-kill to me. However, I understand that features are what drives camera sales. I should mention that unlike some other manufacturers, Lumix has a reputation for offering on-going after-sale camera improvements (as opposed to rectifications to operating errors) in the form of meaningful firmware updates. The GX85 benefited from 'Post Focus' being added---a feature, not a gimmick, that I have found to be really useful.

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What is my photographic style....

      I have been engaged in this hobby for 8 years +, & have to admit that I have not yet developed any unique and discernible photographic style. Yes, it would gratify my ego to have an exclusive photo style that identifies my work as creatively belonging to me. Auto-didactically I continually try to adopt camera and artistic techniques to enlarge my repertoire and move myself to a new higher level of competence. Some of these techniques I digest and incorporate into my process, others I reject first time around as being overly complicated and not worth the investment of effort. Sometimes, I may revisit at a later date to find that I had under-appreciated the benefits. An example of this happened just recently with focus stacking. This process involves taking a number of shots of the same set-up with each photo having a slightly different focus point from the front to rear and then combining the photos on the computer, so that all the in focus points are combined into a single photo with the out of focus shots being deleted. Not too difficult to execute in Photoshop and can even be done in camera by my micro 4/3 --Lumix GX85. Previously nearly impossible tricks of technical wizardry are being increasingly achieved by us part-time warriors thanks to the wonders of software.

       Personally, I believe that my street photography, more than any other genre I have attempted so far matches my personality. The street is exciting, gritty, occasionally a little risky and is a never ending theatre. Miss a great shot and another offers itself just seconds later. I shoot on the street exclusively in black and white. I tone for dramatic effect the b&w's in Lightroom, so that the blacks are black and the whites are almost pure. I judge that colours distract from the essence of the instant that I am attempting to capture. Unfortunately in Canada, we have long, cold winters and it is during this period that I tend to hibernate and attempt maintain skills & capture photographically the 'wonders' that surround me in my home. Days are lengthening and soon it will be pleasant to wander the streets again with camera

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Beware of the new & improved trap.....

Find an interest in photography and one will be bombarded by merchants of gear. The whole digital photo world has something to offer. Hey, that is not all bad. Great opportunity to know about and learn what is useful, useless, expensive, great value, necessary/unnecessary. I have learned that this whole industry thrives on planned obsolescence---constant change churn--actual  or imaginary. Mark 5 completely replaces that ancient Mark 4. Watch out you Mk 4 users, you are laggards, unlikely to create your best  top-notch photo work unless you invest in this years cutting edge features. Of course, the reality is far from this and the new model is usually just a minute & superficial improvement, that in the practical world of shooting, hardly changes a thing. I am now well past the stage that that I feel the need to upgrade equipment. I have what I have in terms camera bodies and all things being equal, plan that they will suffice for the rest of my days. I know that with 8 years of amateur photographer & plodding progress under my belt, that my skills still greatly fall short of the potential of my cameras (2) lenses, and speed-lights etc.
                           During the early years of my involvement in photography and my fascination with the hobby, I knew that I wanted to settle on reliable and quality gear. Ever a value conscious buyer I quickly realized that the best deals were in the used market mostly through Kijiji and Craig's List. So many people seem to want to ditch their equipment just several months after purchase when the euphoria of the purchase has subsided & the credit card repayments become onerous. With a little bit of hard nosed, yet polite, negotiating to and fro and with full cash in hand, deals can be grabbed at prices massively discounted from retail plus taxes. I know--I bought and sold (as in-- traded) 42 Canon cameras several years ago---mainly 60D and 7D models. These  two particular models always seemed to have the largest market listings & therefore market liquidity. Profits financed a 3 month land jaunt through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos etc. (My blog of this journey is linked in the side bar to the right).
                        My criteria now before any equipment acquisition is strictly the question: How will this purchase actually improve my photography or my skills? Only if the answer is satisfyingly positive do I proceed, bearing in mind that the price paid should be no more than the selling price should I have to unload the next day.

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Education is the key....

                 As I have proceeded through the layers of the photographic hobby, I have accumulated quite a list of internet sites that review, advise & frequently promote, even indirectly, various equipment & camera brands. One has to be very careful in analyzing the messages frequently presented in the guise of being education, informational or as a tutorial. Most of the leading photographic/educational sites on the net--YouTube, are ethical and have been around for considerable periods. Usually the presenter states clearly upfront the nature of his relationship with the specific camera/equipment/services being discussed. Usually--but not always.
               YouTube learning has been a real boon for me. I can select the time of day that I am most receptive to photo education. Also, my computer video stop and rewind buttons are used a lot. I suppose that each of us has a learning style and my own tends towards, slow and steady with several repetitions of key points. I like to use accumulated newly learned techniques in the real world as soon as possible, finding that once I can do it myself and incorporate into my own repertoire of skills---I have it forever.
               Start entering into Google certain search phrases that appeal and results by the thousand will jump forward. Certain presenters tend to be skewed towards gear, others to all possible photographic genres---landscape, portrait, wildlife, sports, events etc., etc. As you enter into a specific area of interest, the net search algorithms constantly present new and interesting material.
                The internet is an amazing resource for creativity. Have an idea for a photo, however weird, abstract, out of the world and one can find thousands of others with samples of how they captured similar scenarios. No need to copy others, but learn the pitfalls and challenges others may have encountered and build on their experiences. A wise man once told me that the Wright brothers would have invented the Boeing 747 if they could have seen the future.
                 Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to and highly recommend free internet courses in photography. I have completed several tutorial courses and multiple answer type tests at no charge, with the free, 'diploma' courses offered by Alison training.

READERS: To make most sense of this blog, please commence reading entries with the earliest posting date.

Book work involved....

     Having made the decision to become knowledgeable in photography, I decided to begin to haunt the photo section of the local public libraries---yes, in the region of Toronto (GTA) we are blessed with a tremendous free system and through the miracle of the internet are able to peruse the library catalogue of the complete regional inventory and have any specific book(s) we might wish to read, delivered directly to the local branch ready for pick-up.  Many cities may have a similar--even a better set-up, I find this service top notch.  No excuse not to use fully this tax payer funded asset. Picture to right of my central lending library attached. During the initial three year period of my interest in photography, I read 45+ books on photography.(I know this as I keep an ongoing list of all books that I read). The early books tended to be heavy on the equipment and the paraphernalia.---learning what all the knobs, dials and sliders on the modern DSLR meant and how to use them. What I did learn early on in my journey was that in photography there are many ways to skin a cat! Expert A states categorically that the 'correct' way to achieve a result is method A. Expert B states that only method B will work. Who to believe?  Keep an open mind--try all the suggestions and make your own decision to determine what is best for you. Similar to the advice I received back in 1993 when I first touched a computer keyboard---- it is very difficult to actually damage the modern digital camera by trying different settings. Later, and continuing to the present date, I tend to read books more about the lives of famous photographers and peruse their body of work. Not only looking at their photographs, but trying to analyse the composition, style, the lighting, leading lines et al.

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Beginning my journey....

   Ever since childhood I have enjoyed taking photos. The fact that I could simply press a button and at some point in the future, the roll of film would yield a permanent event record, always seemed to the young me to be a minor miracle. I am lucky to have dozens of albums recording family events, the growth of the children plus travels to distant lands. Are we the last generation to have a paper (analogue) record of our time on Earth? Apparently 6 billion+ 'pics' are taken each and every day. A small proportion are stored digitally and a minute fraction of those are actually printed. Maybe it is reasonable to assume that future generations will leave behind almost zero hard copies of their time on the planet. Point to ponder--anyway.
              It was my younger daughter who initially goaded me in 2011 into camera action. She progressed to a Canon T3i/aka 600D, finding this tool of sufficient horsepower to produce striking images for high school media projects. Ever an interested observer of the youth tech savvy generation, I nudged myself into DSLR action with this very same model---much of the time thoroughly confused by the variables and intricacies of the exposure triangle. Spent half a summer trying to capture images of bees in flight and drops of water splashing into the water barrel. Important stuff that any aspiring & keen hobbyist must master. Of course, parallel to learning about my camera also came the decisions regarding the most appropriate computer processing software.

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Why photography.....

                       The operative word, as stated in the blog picture heading, is the word 'stroll'. Nothing fast or strenuous, but just a gentle meander through the issues, challenges, concerns, failures that I have experienced in my photographic journey. Approaching my 74th year, I eased into retirement about 12 years ago and was lucky enough to have had the good fortune to be able to complete four major world-wide travel challenges. Links to the blogs I completed for those journeys are attached in the right hand side bar for anyone interested.
                  As my retirement years loomed, I realized that I had to have a "next mountain" to climb. I researched and considered enrolling in university courses---Secondary school et moi parted at 17 and have always been envious of those, including both my daughters, who can display framed degrees in their homes. I had once read and was impacted by the wisdom that 10,000 hours of study plus hands-on, can make one a top expert in anything (even brain surgery) and while not sure that I have 10,000 hours left in me, determined that the biggest problem would be to select the field that would appeal to me in the LONG term. I figured that without the need of my younger years to earn hard cash, find new customers, please the boss etc., that it would be easy for my interest to too easily wane when confronted with intellectually demanding situations and progress failures. No interest in digging myself into a rabbit hole 'what has no exit'.