Craigdarroch Castle - Fuji X-Pro1 in low light

Craigdarroch Castle

Coming back from the other side of the Vancouver Island, we decided for a short trip to Victoria.  Unfortunately with highway construction that trip was long, and gave us a limited time in this beautiful city.  So we decided to forgo most of it, and concentrate on the Craigdarroch Castle.  As my wife described in her post, it's a beautiful house built in the 19th century.  Since Canada is a fairly young country, compared to the world standards, I would call this house a landmark of our history, yet it is not being looked after by any of the government agencies.  It's all done through volunteers.  The passion of these people to preserve this place is amazing.  We talked to one of the guides for more than 30 min about how the house was built, the attention to detail that went into design and construction of the house.  It was quite an eye opener.  You could feel the pride in the craft.  I will echo my wife's words... if you are ever in Victoria, you have to visit this gem.

Fuji X-Pro1 and low light

Photographing the Craigdarroch Castle on the inside proved to be a bit challenging.  The Fuji X-Pro1 does not have an on board flash, so I had to bump up the ISO on most of the inside images because of the dark interior.  Most of the following images were done an ISO 1000 and higher, and I think the camera performed very well.  Also the contrasts of very bright windows combined with darker interiors, created very high contrasts.  I could have used HDR, but I did not have a tripod handy, and the shutter speeds were already dangerously low for hand held photography.  Plus there were a lot of humans milling around.  So I opted for single image, and no bracketing.  I was very impressed how the X-Pro1 performed in such challenging situation.  So enough of the ramblings from me... here are the photos of the inside of the beautiful Craigdarroch Castle. Enjoy!

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Craigdarroch Castle,victoria,bc,architechture photography 01

Elk Island Sunset - Landscape Photography

I have a confession to make... I love Elk Island National Park.  I love going there and getting lost in the silence of nature.  It's a perfect place for landscape photography, lifestyle, family photography, and of course wildlife photography.  It's not far from where I live, and makes a great trip if you want to just get away for a few hours. Of course sunsets at the Astotin Lake are always quite a sight.  Each is different, and each offers unique opportunities for really great images.  I have a lot of these in my library, and I never get bored looking at them.  Since our cold and white Canadian winter is in full swing, I thought adding a little color might brighten up the day.  So here is yet another sunset, at Elk Island.  Enjoy!

A Little Story of Violence

This was a concept session, that I fit into a lifestyle photo session.  I wanted to tell a story.... did it work?  I think so, but you might have a different opinion.  It was a cold day, windy and cloudy.  Perfect setup for the grisly story of love, betrayal, and violence.  I'm not going to explain it.... I'll you, the viewer, fill in the words.  Enjoy!

Artur Cegielski and his pals - Portraits of a Photographer

This is Artur.  Artur is a vet by occupation, and photographer at heart.  I've known Artur for quite some time, and we've became very good friends. When we have time we always go out on photo shoots together.  One day he asked if I could do some portraits of him and his two pals, Gucio and Lala.  I think he wanted to see how the images will turn out with my new Fuji X-Pro1.  I was very happy to oblige. I think the Fuji did the job very well, but the main thing was that Artur liked the images.  That's the main thing... a satisfied client.  Personally I don't think, I would shoot these any differently with any other camera.  Here are some of the images I like the most out of the session.  Enjoy!

Portraits of a Photographer - Danielle Lucier

I had a chance to meet Danielle quite a while ago.  We did some portraits for her website.  Also I was honored to do a family photo session with her beautiful family.  This time we met at Edmonton's Whyte Ave, to try out some lenses.  Here are some test shots from that meeting, done with then almost brand new Fuji X-Pro1.  Enjoy!

Sensual Portrait of a Girl in the Rain

This idea came from another photographer, and it didn't exactly go as planned :)  I don't mind.  I was there shooting just for the fun of it.  Location wasn't what the other photographer envisioned either.  The whole set up was going to be "sad girl in the rain".... it didn't rain that morning.  Since we needed water, and at the original location access to water was difficult, we changed it to my back yard.  We simulated the rain with a hose.... needless to say, my wife got almost as wet as the Girl in the Rain.  It was a cold morning as well, so this took a few tries, as the poor, brave Brittany faced the cold weather and cold water. I was shooting with both the Fuji X-Pro1 and the Sony NEX-7.  Today I only shoot with these two cameras.  They are both great for weddings, engagements, portraits , landscape .... you name it.  They are small, light, and portable, and don't attract too much attention.  I highly, highly recommend both of these cameras.  Here are some images from the session in the "rain", where sad, turned to sensual.  Enjoy!

Mac

A Man that Plays with Fire and the Fuji X-Pro1

Since I got the Fuji X-Pro1, I wanted to try it out at night.  Something more interesting than the normal night street photography.  The opportunity presented itself when we were asked to photograph a local artist, who wanted to show off his skills.  We quickly agreed, and setup a date at Elk Island National Park, which seemed appropriate for these activities.  I brought two cameras, my Sony NEX-7, and the Fuji X-Pro1.  My wife brought her Canons 5D, and 40D.  All tripod up, and ready for action.  I have to say, Bryton Keomanivong is pretty damn amazing.  The way he was, almost with out any effort, playing with fire hula hoop, and other fire accessories (for which the name escapes me), was simply astonishing.  One of the best performances I have witnessed, and was allowed to photograph.  Since I had only one tripod, the Sony went to the bag and Fuji came out.  I was hoping to freeze some of the action using an off camera flash.  I was using my old Canon speed light.  The setup worked just as I intended.  Fuji X-Pro1 again exceeded my expectations, as did Bryton.  You have to check out his Facebook page here: BrytLyght.  Here are my shots from that spectacular evening....  Enjoy! Mac

Cheryl and Dan - Wedding with Fuji X-Pro1.... and Canon

So the big day has arrived for Cheryl and Dan.  I was shooting along with Randy Pond Photography.  It is so much easier to cover a wedding, knowing that you can completely rely on your friend and partner.  This wedding was wonderful.  It was held at the Devonian Gardens, west of Edmonton.  It's a very popular place for weddings.  I used the Fuji X-Pro1 as the main camera and my Canon 5D as a backup.... yes a bit silly maybe, but it worked out great.  Fuji can definitely deliver the quality.  Here are some images from that beautiful day. Enjoy! Mac

Getting lost... The Bowden SunMaze - part 2

Like I mentioned in previous post, we did not want to leave the Bowden SunMaze, untill we caught the sunset.  We had few hours to go, so we spent that time just playing around and watching the surrounding landscape, as it changed colors.  It was a beautiful sunset, and it was a wonderful experience to be there.  We will definitely come back to Bowden SunMaze, and I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to visit.  It's a great place with great Alberta landscapes. Enjoy! Mac

Getting lost... The Bowden SunMaze - part 1

During one of those late August weekends, when the weather is gorgeous, and the Alberta prairies are getting ready to be harvested, we went on a trip.  There are a few corn mazes close to home, but there is only one sunflower maze.  It's a bit of a drive from Edmonton, but it's very much worth it.  My wife already posted her images from that trip to the Bowden SunMaze, so I figured I'll be next :).  It's a wonderful place, with very friendly owners, and lots of activities for the whole family.  We actually managed to get completely lost in the maze, as my wife and I were concentrating on taking photos, and not really were we were going.  As a result, our kids got a little scared at one point, but I think it was more to do with me mumbling about sun flower monsters and people who never returned from the maze.... which did not win me any points with the rest of the family.  Yes, I'm a wonderful father :) Since it was a bit far from home, we decided to stay a little longer and catch the sunset, but that will be another post.  If you want to visit the Bowden SunMaze here is the link: Bowden SunMaze.  All my images are with Fuji X-Pro1 and Sony NEX-7, as these are the only cameras I use now.  Perfect little cameras for a perfect day! Enjoy! Mac

Cheryl and Dan with Fuji X-Pro1

Another engagement photo session shot entirely with Fuji X-Pro1.  This time I even attempted using old manual Pentax lenses.  The view finder in the camera is really great for manual focusing, even though it does not have focus peaking that Sony NEX cameras do, it's still quite easy to see if the image is sharp.  Now with the new firmware update, it should be even better.  This is another session shot with Randy Pond Photography, as we prepared for this lovely couple's wedding.  Enjoy!

Lori and Rob Engagment with Fuji X-Pro1

For wedding photography, I have partnered with a friend of mine, Randy Pond, from Randy Pond Photography.  We have been shooting weddings for about 2 years now.  For this lovely couple engagement session, I thought it would be great to try out off camera flash with my Fuji X-Pro1.  I wasn't disappointed.  Using Radio Poppers JrX system as the main source for triggering my Canon flash, I had full control of the flash power remotely.  The only bad design on the Radio Poppers JrX system is the fact that camera unit has the antenna protruding from the bottom of the unit, making it impossible to attach to the hot shoe of the X-Pro1.  Luckily the Fuji camera has a PC sync port on the side, and I could connect the transmitter part to it.  It does not look very nice, as the transmitter hangs down from the camera by a wire, but it works.  You just have to pay special attention no to loose it.  Otherwise everything worked flawlessly.  I could easily change the power of the Canon flash right from the camera (actually the trasmitter).  But, let's forget the technical mumbo jumbo, and concentrate on Lori and Rob.  They are a great couple and the engagement session went wonderfully.  I really can't wait for their wedding day!  Enjoy! Mac

Jasper in June with Fuji X-Pro1

I think the most exciting thing about the Fuji X-Pro1 camera is the simple ability to mix and match lenses.  Yes Fuji was kind enough to release the camera with three very good lenses, but when switching from my main Canon cameras I started to miss some of the glass I had for my Canon.  Since I already had an old Pentax Me Super 35mm SLR, and a few good Pentax lenses, I decided to try it on the Fuji.  I got the Kippon adapter and went to town.... actually the mountains :)  What better place to test out the longer reaching telephoto lenses, than the beautiful landscapes of Jasper National Park.  I have to say, that I wasn't disappointed.  The electronic view finder is very bright and quite easy to see if the object is in focus.  During that whole trip I think I used the Fuji lens once or twice, as I do not own anything wider than 28mm in the Pentax line.  Here are some examples. Enjoy!

Friends - Lifestyle with Fuji X-Pro1

There is not much that can be set about this set.  Just two friends being friends.  Another lifestyle or portrait photography session, all shot with the wonderful Fuji X-Pro1.  I know... it's hard to take bad pictures of beautiful women.  Enjoy!

Broken Truck on Alberta back roads

Sometimes telling a story with your images is not the easiest thing to accomplish.  As a photographer, one should try at least to tell a story.  It gives images meaning and context.  Like any other art, it may have different meaning to different people.  Here is a little story of two girls getting stranded on a side of a road, some where in Alberta.  All was shot with the Fuji X-Pro1. One could call this a lifestyle photo session.  Personally this could easily be a portrait photo session as well.  I have a hard time categorizing these images.   I'll let you, the viewer, fill in the blanks :)  Enjoy!

Alberta Sunset through the lens of Fuji X-Pro1

This series was taken a while ago, when I was still testing and playing around with the Fujinon lenses.  I remember that even though the 18mm (28mm full frame equivalent) is a lot narrower than what I'm used to shooting (a Canon 5D with a 17mm - full frame), I find more and more that the Fuji wide angle lens, is wide enough most of the times.  To tell the truth I'm excitedly waiting for Fuji to release their promised 14mm (21mm full frame equivalent), to go just that bit wider.  Alberta skies, tend to work very well with ultra wide lenses.  Since I decided to part with my Canon DSLRs, I guess 18mm (28mm full frame equivalent) will have to do for now.  I'm having too much fun with the Fuji X-Pro1, with family photography, weddings, and engagements to miss the extra few mm.  Also I would like to mention, that these images were shot really close to home, about 10 min drive.  I do live in the city, and this is a perfect example of "Backyard Photography" my co-host and I, were talking about, in Ep.36 of the Shutter Time with Sid and Mac podcast.  Go have a listen and enjoy the sunset! Mac

Nature walk with the Fuji X-Pro1

I'm going through my images taken with the Fuji X-Pro1 camera, and there are a few that I just didn't have time to post... and there are a few of those.  So today I'm taking a trip back in time, to one of the first test of that wonderful camera.  I met my good friend at Elk Island National Park, and we just went on shooting.  Just wanted to share the result from that long ago nature walk with a new camera.  Enjoy!

Chasing the Alberta Sunset

It's always a lot of fun to travel on unknown little dirt roads in Alberta.  You can discover so much.  In my travels I try to get myself lost in a sense.  I take turns where I think the area might present itself with something interesting.  This little trip was no different.  Completely by accident my wife and I found ourselves on the road and passed by this beautiful lake.  It's not big enough so it did not show up on maps that I have, but I had my GPS handy so I marked the spot for future reference.  It was late spring, and noise coming out of the surrounding reeds, was almost deafening.  Ducks, geese, and other flying species were making quite a racket.  It was quite amazing.  Unfortunately I wasn't prepared for fowl photography, as I was testing my Fuji X-Pro1, and did not bring any long lenses.  My main reason was landscape and HDR.  As always it was a great trip.  Enjoy!

Alberta Sunrise

It's been quite a while when I took these images.  I'm just going through my backlog of images that I haven't posted yet.  To my surprise there is quite a lot of them.  I've been too busy lately with weddings, and other client work.  I think it's time to start catching up.  I've been shooting exclusively with my Fuji X-Pro1, and I really really like using that camera.  Also I've been going around and pilfering old Pentax lenses, from around my town.  I have an adapter for the lenses for both my Fuji and my Sony NEX-7.  They are really great lenses.  All manual, but with a bit of practice, they are still very much usable. These images were taken quite a while ago, a few months to be exact.  It was an early morning rise, about 3:30am.  My wife and I, drove up to this little abandoned farm, which is a perfect setting for sunrises.  We spend good couple of hours walking around trying different angles.  It was a great time.  Here are some images from that morning.  Enjoy!

Alberta Landscape in infrared

I've been playing a little with infrared again with my Fuji X-Pro1.  This time I had the proper hoya R72 infrared filter on.  I'm still not sold on the processing, but following some tutorials on the net, I think I'm getting better at it.  I decided to concentrate on Alberta landscape to see how it fits into the infrared, and I'm very pleased with the results.  I hope you like them too.  Enjoy! Mac

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