Lakefield Qc Cemetery

A gloomy post but headstones make for great black and white photography. These were taken with my Minolta X570, a red filter, lens hood and Fuji Neopan SS 100 ISO film. The Church and cemetery are located in Lakefield Quebec in the County of Gore in the Laurentians.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry  :)

Best Photography tip I ever read.

When I started to get serious about my photography not too long ago, I went on a quest on the web to find some no nonsense tips. Ken Rockwell has a ton of great tips and advice on his site. One that stuck with me was the following: If you see something you like and you want to take a picture of it, fill the frame with it. Or something like that.

So fast forward to last Thursday when I was covering the student protest march here in Montreal looking for some interesting human activity to document when I came across this awesome looking gal.

She was on a step ladder all dressed up and waving at the crowd with one of those beautiful smiles that you don't see often. The outrageous outfit, the smile and the crazy scene confirmed on the spot that I had to take a shot. The first shot was taken right when I noticed her and I must admit that I was pretty pleased with what I saw in the viewfinder and here is what came out:

I was about to move on my merry way when I remembered those words about filling the frame. So I moved in closer, composed the frame while she posed for me and took another shot. You'll agree with me that the result is a lot better than the first one.

I mean the first shot wasn't bad mind you but the second one is getting printed and framed. That photography tip is always on my mind and has paid off a few times. I choose to shoot with a 50mm lens because I want to get close to the action and results like these are the reason why. Whoever you are nice Lady, thank you.

Both pictures where taken with a Minolta X570 on Ilford Delta Pro 100 film at f5.6 on Aperture priority mode.  Lens: Rokkor MD f1.7, 50mm.

Gerry :)

Shooting photographers!

When out for a little street photography session, I'm always on the look out for photographers. We are out there "shooting" people and it came to my mind that nobody seems to return the favor in kind.

So I decided to indulge myself whenever I spot one and shoot. After all, since most of them are busy paying attention to whatever they are shooting that makes them easy targets for candid shots. Here are some shots taken in the past weeks most of them from last Thursday's student protest and St-Patrick's day parade here in Montreal.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry :)

Montreal street shots

Last week end I went out in the cold and got some nice street shots in downtown Montreal.

I learned that dogs don't like to stay put.

She had a great smile but was clearly affected by me taking her picture even though she was OK with it.

Yes it was that cold.

She was flagging someone but I have no idea who.

Having a fun discussion.

Far from a perfect shot but I still like the fact that they were fiddling around with their camera.

Parking attendants are people too.

One thing I learned that day was to wait for the camera to thaw before rewinding 36 frames. I ripped the film in the camera and I had to unload it in the darkroom. Lost 6 frames in the process! Sad part is they were nice shots too. Oh well, live and learn.

All  shots were taken with a Minolta X570 on Ilford Delta 400 film.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry :)

Gerry :)

Montreal the beautiful.

If I didn't live here, I would want to live here! Went out today and took some shots off the streets in the cold. Apart from a camera malfunction that ate up 6 frames, it was a great day.

Lesson learned, let the camera warm up before trying to rewind a roll of 36 black and white frames.

All shots were taken with a Minolta X-570 using Ilford Delta 400 black and white film.

Thanks for watching.

Gerry :)

ps  Trooper will return shortly.