Looove Gerbera's ... click on the image!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Kuno - London Police Service
Kuno is a K9 Police Officer for the London Police Service, here in London, Ontario, Canada.Kuno is a four year old German Shepherd. His co-officer Paul had brought him to some city owned property near the Thames River to give him some exercise. I had been on my way home after checking out a car wash where I may end up doing a shoot.
I like people who help. Following this K9 Cruiser on my way home, the thought occured to me, how unique it is that there are animals that also help in many areas of our society. Probably the most well known animals that help, are the seeing eye dogs. Most of us have seen these dogs helping improve the daily life of people who live and work without their own eye-sight.
I would like to thank the London Police Service and these two officers, human and canine, for the good work they do.
A sincere thank you to both of you.
I know that police work under the most difficult situations in our world. All too often, these dedicated ladies and gentlemen, in the course of their duties, while helping people like me and my children, end up being injured or assaulted. Or being murdered, or injured to the point of death.
Police work can be very dangerous and unpredictable. These people do a job that, honestly, I am not willing, or capable of doing.
It is not a perfect world. There are problems.
Yes, there are situations where things go wrong. Situations where somebody, police or not, where a person ends up dead.
It is too easy to criticise, or point fault, at the police.
As a citizen of this wonderful country, I have a number of obligations and responsibilities.
At the top of that list is my obligation to recognise that respect is requiredto those who have earned.
I know that it is not a perfect world. I know that Robert Dziekanski died. I understand that.
Just because things sometimes go awry. Just because there may be a few bad apples in the basket, we still owe our respect to the police that serve to protect us. To help us.
I really enjoyed my impromtu photoshoot with these two fine London Police officers.
One final comment, both of these officers will be working Christmas Day.
Thank you.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009
Have a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
Click on the image to go to the Flickr page.
Click on the image to go to the Flickr page.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Night Time Phototrain
Taking some self-portraits using a speedlight or three. This one has only one speedlight.
Click on the image to check out some more.
Click on the image to check out some more.
Monday, December 14, 2009
In Memory Of Dave Pecaut
I never met Dave Pecaut. I learned of Mr. Pecaut after discovering the Luminato Arts Festival. Once I discovered that he was the driving force to build a team to start that festival, I discovered that he had been involved in a number of positive initiatives in Toronto.His philosophy was the starting point for many of the concepts that he brought to practical fruition.
Many years ago, more than I care to admit to, I went to see a looong (8 hours long) movie called War & Peace. In the opening preamble the subject of the movie poses this question, during a time of horrific political turmoil; "If bad men can group together to commit evil deeds, then why can't good men group together to perform good deeds?".
From the little I know of Mr. Pecaud, his philosophy was somewhat similiar to the preceding one. Mr. Pecaud had a talent for bringing honest, positive, forward thinking people together to accomplish incredibibly good goals.
Even though I didn't know him personally, I know that I like him and his accomplishments. He has helped so many in such a large way.
My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the people that he helped to help others.
In spite of the loss of this trailblazer, his good work, and the people he brought together live on.
I know that in the future, maybe 50 or a 100 years from now, a little girl or a little boy, will wonder who made such good things possible. That little dreamer will go on to accomplish the unaccomplishable, because they discovered the story of Mr. Dave Pecaud.
Dave Pecaud has left us, but the mark he left, will live on forever.
Thank you, Dave. Rest peacefully.
Nature's Art
Super close-up. The Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D is an excellent value, used for $279.00
Click on the image to see more.
Click on the image to see more.
Sophie Millman - Brushing The Breeze Away
Sunfest 2007. This festival is an excellent annual celebration every summer in London, Ontario.
This is one of only 3 shots I got of this very talented young lady.
Click on the image.
This is one of only 3 shots I got of this very talented young lady.
Click on the image.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Colours Of The Yard
Just a memory, albeit, a warm one.
Click on the photo, hopefully you'll like where you end up.
Click on the photo, hopefully you'll like where you end up.
Sunfest Parrot
Love those bright colours! This is from the summer of 2007 at London, Sunfest.
Click on the image to see the photo at Phototrain's Flickr account.
Do you take photo's too? Check out www.flickr.com
Click on the image to see the photo at Phototrain's Flickr account.
Do you take photo's too? Check out www.flickr.com
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Sailing
A morning seagull, rising through the sky.
My heart and soul soaring to greet the day. Another day of happiness, another day of people and things, cherish this day, cherish this life.
Click on the image.
My heart and soul soaring to greet the day. Another day of happiness, another day of people and things, cherish this day, cherish this life.
Click on the image.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Praying For Goodness
Wow! Check it out by clicking on the image.
Manikin says he has a heart, says he wants to live a good life on the fireplace mantle.
Click on the image to see the entire post.
:-)
Manikin says he has a heart, says he wants to live a good life on the fireplace mantle.
Click on the image to see the entire post.
:-)
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Broken Heart
Poor Manikin; but he's going to be okay ...
So click on the image go to Phototrains flickr account and find out how dramatic this really ... isn't, lol!
:-)
So click on the image go to Phototrains flickr account and find out how dramatic this really ... isn't, lol!
:-)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Balloon Landing In Our Hood
This was a nice, but frantic surprise.
Click on the image to see the post at Flickr.
Click on the image to see the post at Flickr.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Skylight
Here comes the night. It is dusk, around 6:30pm. The cool blue sky, the warmth of the interior lights, and the black and white appearance of the exterior lights, combine to give a triple treat of light.
This is the Loblaws grocery store, at the Masonville commercial area in north London, Ontario. I was leaving Chapters bookstore, where I go to check out photography magazines and books.
This is the Loblaws grocery store, at the Masonville commercial area in north London, Ontario. I was leaving Chapters bookstore, where I go to check out photography magazines and books.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
#32 100 Strangers
Here is Simone. Simone is a wonderful stranger. This lady was very interesting to speak with. She also suggested my 33rd Stranger, Kent, who was busking on the street. Her help was appreciated.
From a Flickr perspective, Simone gets 'views', and she gets 'comments'.
So thank you, Simone for taking the time to be my #32 Stranger.
Simone is living proof, that there are some very nice 'strangers'.
From a Flickr perspective, Simone gets 'views', and she gets 'comments'.
So thank you, Simone for taking the time to be my #32 Stranger.
Simone is living proof, that there are some very nice 'strangers'.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cassy
Cassy works at a downtown hair salon. I noticed the cool colour of her beautiful mane. Cassy is the #31 Stranger at the Flickr 100 Strangers Group.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tulips Perspective
I don't recall where this was taken. This is one of my 'forgotten images' that appear from the past, when someone at flickr is surfing my photostream.
I am not intentionally patting myself on the back, but I like this image. I think it is the simplicity, the lack of'busyness.
I am not intentionally patting myself on the back, but I like this image. I think it is the simplicity, the lack of'busyness.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Scarlet Ibis
This was taken at the Vancouver Aquarium in March '06. This is a fascinatingly, fun place! If you ever get the chance to go there, you should go!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
#28 100 Strangers
This is Tammy. The Honda Shadow with the blue lights is her bike. Tammy, her husband Ron and friend Bubba are all subjects in my 100 Strangers Group. Tammy is the second to be posted. Clicking on her photo will take you to Flickr where there is a photo of her bike.
Still going to post Ron, her h.usband
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
#27 100 Strangers
Meet Bubba. His bike wasn't with him, but his friends have some nice bikes as well. I've often seen this group with their beautiful machines. It was nice to finally talk to these guys and see their bikes close up.
These dudes are a little younger than myself. Even though we grew up in the same area and went to the same schools, we did it at different times.
These dudes are a little younger than myself. Even though we grew up in the same area and went to the same schools, we did it at different times.
1949 Harley-Davidson
What a peice of bike history. It's nice to see that there are still some around in pretty good shape.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Floating
This flower lives in the pond behind Museum London. This pond also has some framed photo's on stands in the pond. I enjoy the whole effect.
I had been down at the Forks of the Thames, attempting to use the SB-800, but the brightness of the noontime sun, I'm guessing, seemed to cause it not to work.
This was the first time ever that it had not worked as intended. It always works at night, first time, every time.
So the pond is a really great little, biosphere to get some photos at. It's a little out of the way and quiet. It is a very relaxig place.
I had been down at the Forks of the Thames, attempting to use the SB-800, but the brightness of the noontime sun, I'm guessing, seemed to cause it not to work.
This was the first time ever that it had not worked as intended. It always works at night, first time, every time.
So the pond is a really great little, biosphere to get some photos at. It's a little out of the way and quiet. It is a very relaxig place.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Chairs At The Little Red Roaster
Actually, it's not just chairs, it's tables too. All battened down for a quiet night.Until I come along, pull out some gear, and start shooting!
It was a good shoot. A quarter to one in the morning, nobody around, a full ten minutes or so of off-camera flash stuff.
This Nikon flash system is superb. Even outside it performs beyond expectations. It works every time. I am glad that the advice to get the lens and delay the other purchase was taken to heart and followed.
Pro quality tools do make a big difference.
This image is one of last night's booty. One flash, lightstand and umbrella.
Click on the image to see the large version.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Julie - 100 Strangers #2
This pretty photographer is Julie, my #2 submission in the 100 Strangers project. Julie is also a working photographer. I was driving along Richmond St. on my way downtown, when I saw a bride and groom posing for photos.
By the time I got parked and made my way over to the well-dressed crowd, in my tie-dye t-shirt and sandals and jeans, the happy couple had moved back inside with the first photographer. However, Julie was second photog, outside getting shots of guests. When I happened along she was looking at some of her shots, standing by herself, when I happened along.
When I asked if I could get a couple of photos of her. Kindly, Julie obliged. Julie shoots Canon.
Here is another shot of the beautiful Julie working:
www.flickr.com/photos/mike_55/3822256746/in/photostream/
By the time I got parked and made my way over to the well-dressed crowd, in my tie-dye t-shirt and sandals and jeans, the happy couple had moved back inside with the first photographer. However, Julie was second photog, outside getting shots of guests. When I happened along she was looking at some of her shots, standing by herself, when I happened along.
When I asked if I could get a couple of photos of her. Kindly, Julie obliged. Julie shoots Canon.
Here is another shot of the beautiful Julie working:
www.flickr.com/photos/mike_55/3822256746/in/photostream/
Jeff - 100 Strangers #1
Here is Jeff at Gibbons Park in London, Ontario. Jeff was here with his two little girls, when he saw me with the camera, and he struck up a conversation.
So how lucky for me? What a fun way to get #1 for the !00 Strangers group. In addition to being the first person on my 100 Strangers project, Jeff was also the first photo I took with my new, just purchased, AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens!
Jeff has had a number of careers since he finished his Math degree @ University of Western Ontario & and his Computer Science degree from University of Waterloo.
At the present time, Jeff is a partner in an enviromentally gentle carpet cleaning system that he says is 500 times better than traditional steam cleaning.
Jeff has a nature photography history in his past, even though his family and business responsibilities, keep his travels to northern Ontario at a minimum.
Clearly his passion for photography is evident.
Jeff and his young daughters are currently involved in learning Karate
So how lucky for me? What a fun way to get #1 for the !00 Strangers group. In addition to being the first person on my 100 Strangers project, Jeff was also the first photo I took with my new, just purchased, AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens!
Jeff has had a number of careers since he finished his Math degree @ University of Western Ontario & and his Computer Science degree from University of Waterloo.
At the present time, Jeff is a partner in an enviromentally gentle carpet cleaning system that he says is 500 times better than traditional steam cleaning.
Jeff has a nature photography history in his past, even though his family and business responsibilities, keep his travels to northern Ontario at a minimum.
Clearly his passion for photography is evident.
Jeff and his young daughters are currently involved in learning Karate
Friday, August 14, 2009
Dave Genn of 54-40
Here is Dave Genn, prolific guitarman and song writer who used to help drive the Matthew Good Band.
Not only that! He's partnered up with the lovely Tamara Taggart from CTV Vancouver.
We got to enjoy the music, but y'all can dig the happy grin he's squeezing out of the music.
Not only that! He's partnered up with the lovely Tamara Taggart from CTV Vancouver.
We got to enjoy the music, but y'all can dig the happy grin he's squeezing out of the music.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Rachel's Red Necklace
Anytime I can get a shot of Rachel, is a good thing! Rachel with a red necklace is a really good thing. It is interesting to watch the confidence grow in subject's, as their time in front of the lens grows.
The other recent observation is that being a 'model' really is work! To make it less work of "necessity" and more a process of capturing the 'passion' from the subject, requires the technical tools to work properly all the time.
There is nothing more frustrating than having a very effective shoot with a model, stalled by some minor technical fault.
Practice the technical stuff with 'Manikin', and catch the passion & creativity with the live models.
This is an image from the 'Rachel's Red Necklace' shoot.
I really like this shot of Rachel ... I'm really glad she showed up with the red necklace. It is a welcome interest point.
The other recent observation is that being a 'model' really is work! To make it less work of "necessity" and more a process of capturing the 'passion' from the subject, requires the technical tools to work properly all the time.
There is nothing more frustrating than having a very effective shoot with a model, stalled by some minor technical fault.
Practice the technical stuff with 'Manikin', and catch the passion & creativity with the live models.
This is an image from the 'Rachel's Red Necklace' shoot.
I really like this shot of Rachel ... I'm really glad she showed up with the red necklace. It is a welcome interest point.
Golden Boy
Here is 'Manikin', recently purchased at Michael's Craft Store, for $8 & change with 40% off. He's very available, very quiet and very uninspiring.
However, for technical flash tests in advance of a live shoot, he is a very valuable member of the team.
To see the lighting info, click on the image ... that will take you to Mike's Flickr account.
However, for technical flash tests in advance of a live shoot, he is a very valuable member of the team.
To see the lighting info, click on the image ... that will take you to Mike's Flickr account.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
People Working, People Helping
This group of Hamilton's Finest were nice enough to pose and smile for a photo.
Thanks for the photo ladies and gentleman ... but more importantly, a sincere 'Thank You' for the good work that you do.
It is appreciated!
Rik Emmett
This is what I did after work yesterday! I caught the double bill, 54-40 & Rik Emmett at Hamilton' Ontario's Gage Park ... a freebie to boot ... put on by Y108.Rik Emmett and 2nd lead/lead Dave Dunlop sharpening the axes eloquent.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Rachel & Pablo
Here are Rachel and Pablo at Brescia College. We made it there in time to catch that sweet light that sunsets produce. The series of photos were acceptable to good.
The location is a good place for a shoot, even though there was one streetlight that worked it's way into a few shots. I will be able to crop it out, but for a purist, who wants the photo SOOC, (Staight Out Of Camera), that is a philosophical compromise. I can take comfort with the track record of very, very few compromises.
C'est la vie, (Is it 'la' or 'le'?).
The location is a good place for a shoot, even though there was one streetlight that worked it's way into a few shots. I will be able to crop it out, but for a purist, who wants the photo SOOC, (Staight Out Of Camera), that is a philosophical compromise. I can take comfort with the track record of very, very few compromises.
C'est la vie, (Is it 'la' or 'le'?).
47 Taxi
This is at the RibFest in Victoria Park in London, Canada.
I'm going to have to get a miners lamp to wear on my head, I think! Don't I look strange enough already ... holding a SB-800 in my left hand, the D200 with SU-800 and battery grip in my right hand... and the SB-600 on a lightstand to the right?
Yeah a cave spelunkers light strapped to my forehead would finish it off nice! Lol!
Anyway, after a little experimenting, this was what I got.
Strobist: SS 1/60, f/11, ISO 400. SB-800 @ 1/8 handheld CL, SB-600 @ 1/8 CR on stand. Fired via CLS.
Click on the image to go to Phototrain's Flickr post for this image.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Dave
Here I am with Dave in East Hamilton, near Gage Park. So is that "south" Hamilton or "east" Hamilton? I really don't know ... I live half way between Toronto & Detroit.
OK, it's settled. A Flickr contact, franky2step, filled me in. He grew up spending a lot of time in the H, and he let me know that noone ever says 'south' Hamilton. I guess it's the same as in the Journey song "Don't Stop Believing", where Steve Perry sings "... born and raised in south Detroit ...". Directly south of downtown Detroit is Windsor, Canada. Now there was a Southwest Detroit Hospital, not to far from Mexicantown, but that's there, not here.
Anyway, I had just come out of a Tim Horton's and saw Dave changing the fuel filter on his car. He is covered in tattoo's. I like the Canada flag on his neck. So to get to the point, I asked if I could get some shots of him and his tat's so I got 6 of 'em. Being a Canuck an all I liked the flag, eh?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)