Bretagne

For sure one of the top 5 pictures taken this year. Maybe even the best of them. Practically off-camera, (almost) without any global corrections and only local dust removal. White balance, contrast, unchanged. Very proud of this one.

We took a car for the weekend to visit few nice places around Nantes. The weather was better than the last time, even though it rained quite a bit during Sunday. Anyway, the sun was there when it mattered - towards the sunset. This shot was taken 1.5 hour before. But we also had a pleasure to watch the actual sunset on the beach of La Baule - no pictures there, eyes were enough. Really, an enchanting evening...

Nikon D7100, 270mm, 1/1000s @ f/5.6, iso 100

Parc de La Gaudinière

The day was definitely less sunny than on the picture below, but I decided to add the needed warmth nevertheless.

Nikon D7100, 105mm, 1/60s @ f/11, iso 400

Lantern people

One autumn evening it was finally time to see the Chinese garden light show hosted in Montreal's botanical garden. The display was pretty nice, with some of the most prominent paper figures reflecting in the water. Lots of crowds and they did not allow tripods though.

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/2.2, iso 800

Autumn reflected

Another picture from the enchanted place on the Shawinigan River.

This time I felt like bumping up the reflection to be almost on par with the real trees and also added a bit of a white vignette. Enjoy!

Nikon 7100, 50mm, 1/50s @ f/6.3, iso 400

Life and death

Sometimes you just take a camera and go around your neighbourhood, not sure what it will be that you will be photographing. In the rain, plants and flowers are a good bet though.

In this case, I took a few pictures with my Nikon and also a shot directly on the phone, for Instagram. I am pretty much satisfied with both of them.

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/3.2, iso 400

iPhone 5s, VSCOCam, Instagram filter

Enchanted place

While in Quebec City during the long Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, we visited Montmorency Falls. What a disappointment! Not only the falls are not that pretty (though large they are!), but also the crowd was almost unbearable. So we just turned around and left without taking a single picture.

On our way to Montreal we decided to visit the town of Shawinigan. Another disappointment. Someone decided to build as many supermarkets in the middle of what could be one of the nicest places to live.

Then, on our way out, we encountered the enchanted place. In the afternoon light, the fall colours looked almost unreal. Add few little waterfalls here and there, play of shadows between areas still lit by the sun and those already dark. You get the picture :)

Speaking of which - I am extremely grateful for the Lightroom panorama feature - it was not intended to be one, but of the few shots I've taken, none was framed right. Only combining two shots gave the effect you see below.

Nikon 7100, 105mm, 1/6s @ f/22, iso 200

Color my world...

In a stark contrast to the previous picture, this one was taken on the same day, but not in the morning fog, but in the strong noon daylight.

As I said before, autumn is just starting here in Quebec. You have to observe the hills and mountains to see the colors, because on the road level they are still just a few specs of yellow here and there. But when you take your eyes a bit higher this is what you're going to see...

Nikon 7100, 105mm, 1/100s @ f/10, iso 100

Autumn accents

So the summer is gone, the days are shorter and shorter and the nights cold enough to scare Sunday campers :)

But this means there will be soon more and more shades of yellow and red around. Hunting for them, I went to the parc national de la Mauricie. Even this far north there are only few signs of coming autumn, mostly on higher hills. As this picture was taken on the river bank, only this one tree was not green. The scene looked so nice in the fog though that I decided to make it monochrome with just one color accent.

Nikon 7100, 105mm, 1/125s @ f/9, iso 200

Pine kindergarten

Another nature picture from the Frontenac National Park (see the previous one). It gives a certain pleasure to use the telephoto lens. However, it is still difficult for me to operate the depth of field, so I chose a small aperture for this one and added bokeh in the post.

Nikon 7100, 360mm, 1/50s @ f/20, iso 1600

In the wild

It has to be the best "wild animal" picture I have ever taken in terms of sharpness, at least. It usually takes an enormous amount of patience to compose the image, check for sharpness and make sure the subject hasn't moved too much. Thankfully, Nikon 7100 has a lot better autofocus than my previous 5100.

This particular rabbit I spotted walking down La Tourbière trail in the Frontenac National Park in Quebec. I am guessing the animals there don't really feel threatened by humans. If they were, it would be gone before I even decided to set up my tripod.

Nikon 7100, 450mm, 1/250s @ f/5.6, iso 900

Fishing

Recently I experiment a bit with Affinity Photo software, which - at least for me and for now - is an "easier-to-grasp" version of Photoshop CC. Though not as powerful as PS, Affinity Photo has many interesting features and - being a new player on the market - it is easier to find tutorials that are actually relevant from beginner's and photographer's point of view.

Anyways, the picture was taken in the wonderful spot in Montreal - Parc des Rapides. Situated on the bank of St-Laurent River, it has multitude subject to photograph: from birds to far-away river landscapes to water cascades.

Usually, I don't take many bird pictures. This one, a heron I believe (?), was still pretty far, so this is the result of a small crop. And - as the contrast with the green grass wasn't particularly great, I decided to develop this picture in monochrome, using Lightroom for RAW development and then Affinity Photo for black-and-white conversion and this silver effect.

Nikon 7100, 450mm, 1/125s @ f/6.3, iso 200

Boats

One more from the Lake George, NY weekend in May...

Sony RX100M3, 29mm, 1/25s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Summer day

On the last day of our US trip (yes, I'm starting backwards) we encountered a weekend paradise for people from New Hampshire and neighbouring states - a river "beach" in the White Mountain Forest. Sun, water (cold, I admit), rocks, little waterfalls and fresh air - that is all one needs to relax and prepare for the coming week.

The image was taken "casually", with the iPhone 5s, upon departure.

iPhone 5s, auto

Sunday special - rain & flowers

It's been a while since I took my camera out with the very intention to take photos. Recently it is more like: "hmmm, I am going to this nice place, if I take a camera, maybe there'll be an opportunity to get few nice landscapes?"

So today, I was walking in the light rain down the street I live on and I noticed all these plants extending their leaves to catch the water. And by the way: the plants are the only ones happy with this kind of summer. People just hate it.

But to the point. Seeing the beauty is just around the corner I geared up and went for a short walk. And now I am publishing not one, not two, but ten pictures!

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/320s @ f/2.8, iso 400

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/5.6, iso 1250

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/2.8, iso 3200

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/5.6, iso 1000

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/5.6, iso 560

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/250s @ f/2.8, iso 400

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/11, iso 1250

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/80s @ f/11, iso 400

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/50s @ f/9, iso 1600

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/250s @ f/5.6, iso 400

A day on the river

Enough of those sad, monochrome pictures... Although the one published yesterday actually took me back to Thailand and then I found this one.

The river in Bangkok is a very interesting place. Where an inattentive tourist can spend a hundred bucks on a cool trip that otherwise would cost him maybe 100 baht if he paid for the tickets on the boat and at the temples. It is also a place when you get out of the heat, sort of. I mean, it is better to feel the water breeze on your face than sit in a park in the full sun...

One thing in Bangkok never changes though - the river is as busy as the roads.

Sony RX100M3, 35mm, 1/250s @ f/11, iso 125

Stairway to sky(train)

To complete the series of monochrome images I'd like to include this one, from Bangkok, that I always wanted to publish, but never was in a mood too. Thailand is a land of many colours and to make a black&white frame felt almost like a sacrilege...

I am not 100% sure, but I believe this is the view from the entrance to Terminal 21 on one of the exits from the sky train (BTS) at the Asok station. What I liked about this frame was how the stairs compose with the rest of surrounding architectural elements.

Of course, it being Thailand, I could not resist to add some warmth to the monochrome image. Though - give the recent Mad Max hype - maybe it would have looked better in chrome?

Sony RX100M3, 34mm, 1/13s @ f/11, iso 80

Classic postcard from Charleston

Another mansion from Charleston, SC. This time I shot at the gate to capture the "inviting" character of the alley.

The original RAW was a bit too green for me, so I switched to monochrome. And then I decided to give it that classic postcard look with white vignette and a bit of sepia, courtesy of Silver Efex.

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 1/50s @ f/5.6, iso 320

Picture-in-picture

One of the charming qualities of Charleston, SC - beautifully preserved old mansions along the main roads. Sometimes you can get a full view but just going around, but most of the time you are limited to just peeking through a gate. However, even those gates can be a marvel. Look at these crafted patterns, the gas lamp at the top. I am still not sure if the bird just happened to be there or was part of the metal artwork.
From the pictures I took, I chose to publish this one, where I caught my friend's hand taking a picture too! Hence the title...

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 1/200s @ f/5.6, iso 1600

Ice cream and fudge

When I saw this store I knew it will end up on the Flickr's Adirondack Chairs Group. But there is also the general cuteness of the scene - remember, it is still the day before the opening of the season. No people, shop closed.

Sony RX100M3, 39mm, 1/30s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Sony RX100M3, 39mm, 1/30s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Soothing sight

Few steps from the shore, where the previous picture was taken and there is another sight. The lake is still there, so are the Adirondacks hills, but now we find ourselves in the green...

I really liked the park just on the other side of the Beach Road. And the bush on the first plan looked like it just bloomed to greet the visitors coming for the Memorial Day weekend.

Sony RX100M3, 44mm, 1/100s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Boat ride

Another little trip and again not that many pictures taken. And not much time to explore golden or twilight hours. But having the little Sony RX100M3 on most of the walks I was able to catch some nice sights.

This one is from the first afternoon on the Lake George, little town on the southern shore of the lake with the same name, upstate New York. We have arrived there on Thursday, just before the start of the season, which is inaugurated on the Memorial Day weekend. Almost empty on Thursday and Friday, suddenly it filled with people on Saturday and Sunday. The picture below accurately reflects the Thursday emptiness :)

This is not HDR even though - after the post-processing in Color Efex it looks a bit like that. I bumped details quite a bit, because I wanted to show how clear the lake waters are.

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 1/160s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Spring panorama

It was a nice weekend hike to Mt. Sourire (~450 m), where we were greeted with this view. Notice the snow still lying on the hills where ski trails are supported by snow guns.

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 1/160s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Crémerie Holy Donut

A sunny spring day. Noon. A car. An ice cream shop. A small town on a lake. A funny name. All you need for a perfect "opening season" picture.

I could have gone with a retro post-processing, but decided to keep the original colours, just warmed up a little. A very cheerful result!

And for the record - Saint-Donat is the name of a saint. But who knows, maybe he liked donuts?

Sony RX100M3, 31mm, 1/160s @ f/5.6, iso 80

Spot the difference

When visiting Lake Placid on Easter weekend, I barely could recognize the lake I saw 2 years ago in the summer. However, even in its frozen state, you can still take a trip around the Mirror Lake!

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/3200s @ f/5.6, iso 100 (April 2015)

Samsung S2, auto (July 2013)

Pattern of pines

I went to Adirondacks for Easter, but this time not so much photographing.

However, just passing on the road, I managed to spot a nice, contrasting pattern of pine trees on the hill. Wintery landscape, hopefully one of the last opportunities this year!

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/640s @ f/5.6, iso 100

March 27th :|

The same morning, different place. Unlike the picture from the previous post, this one really captures the feelings of every person in Montreal right now. Which are: will it ever stop?? And - believe it or not - this photo looks even sadder in colour...

No matter. This weekend showed signs of spring. And yes, I've already went to buy coffee wearing only a t-shirt. Because I can! :D

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/200s @ f/10, iso 3200

Let it snow?

This is probably the most frustrating thing about Montreal in March: after a few days of sunshine and (relative) warmth there comes a morning like this... BAM!

The world is suddenly dark, the sky is cloudy, and the dreaded frozen flakes are falling from up there... It is nice in November, exciting in December, normal in January, already depressing in February, but March??

However, a beauty can be found in this, too. What I like about the picture below is how great the bokeh looks in ISO 3200. Usually I would shoot this kind of picture with ISO 100-200, but I may experiment with that high ISO grain a bit more.

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/1600s @ f/5.6, iso 3200

Through the Looking-Glass

This picture reminds of Fringe, the science-fiction TV show (mostly) about parallel worlds. Granted, there are no zeppelins anywhere in sight. Another easy to find parallel (sic!) would be that with Alice in Wonderland (Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There).

Mirrors are very special. Everything looks almost the same, but is not. And - even if it's only a moment of distraction - one can sometimes see something that can be only seen in the parallel world. Or at least I'd like to think so... :D

iPhone 5s, VSCOCam

Lights of McGill

And again, having the heavier camera in my backpack paid off (too bad I did not pack a tripod too)! I've been just returning home from a meet-up when this sight caught my attention. It was almost dark, only the sky was a bit lighter with one of those cloud formations that make pictures interesting.

Not having a tripod I improvised by resting my tele lens against the fence. With high ISO and VR mode active I managed to get a pretty decent shot at 70mm (105mm in 35mm terms) and f/10. I tried 85mm too (the second photo), but I like the framing in the first one better. On afterthought, I could have tried to step up the aperture a bit.

Nikon 7100, 105mm, 1/6s @ f/10, iso 3200

Nikon 7100, 127mm, 1/6s @ f/10, iso 3200

Dark Hedges of Mont-Royal

North Ireland has got its Dark Hedges, in Montreal - at least for me - that would be the park alley, an extension of Rue Rachel, that leads to the Monument of Sir George-Étienne Cartier. I pass this place almost every morning on my way to work. Today was a very sunny day, so I took my tele lens to make the most of it.

I tried two different versions - the original picture was the darker one. Then I tried the overexposed settings of the Silver Efex software. And I have to admit, the lighter variant looks better, more along the spirit of the season, which in Montreal - unfortunately - is still winter.

Nikon 7100, 255mm, 1/200s @ f/9, iso 100 (overexposed)

Nikon 7100, 255mm, 1/200s @ f/9, iso 100 (dark variant)

Stop winter!

A snowy Montreal Sunday morning - from a week ago. Not that this weekend was any different.

This time I tried a tele-zoom. Has a nice way of bringing the object on the picture closer.

Nikon 7100, 105mm, 1/100s @ f/9, iso 1000

When the lights go out...

The evening view form one of the restaurants - even though I've already covered the sunset experience, it is something you can go back over and over again. The sky is different every day and you can experiment with angles and lenses.

Now that I'm back to Montreal, I not only remember this beautiful sight, but also lying on a mat, sipping a fresh watermelon smoothie and enjoying the cooling breeze from the water.

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 8s @ f/11, iso 80

Low-hanging fruit

Another very typical view from Vang Vieng: mountain ridges in the background, hint of a river in the foreground, afternoon golden time and some kind of activity the visitors love to try there. This time it is a hot-air balloon allowing to admire all the beauty from above.

I did not try it personally - was too busy kayaking and hiking, but I've heard the view was indeed breathtaking. 

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/80s @ f/16, iso 400

In passing...

Almost leaving the Rosemont subway station, rushing to see a prospective apartment to rent, I was faced with this scene. Lucky for me it was a day when I took my camera to take some nice winter pictures. Unlucky that the settings were still in the "landscape mode".

But, considering it all, it is a pretty nice "still life" kind of picture.

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 1/8s @ f/16, iso 3200

Morning rush

Back to Laos...

I exhausted the pictures from the Kong Lor Cave area already, but there is so many more from the other places. Vang Vieng was already mentioned once, so I will not repeat myself telling why this place was so awesome.

But it only takes one look at the picture below to see why it was an ideal spot for a photographer: water, mountains and amazing colours. It is hard to take a "peaceful river" kind of shot in this area though - the people are getting busy quite early. Most of them rushing to do "sunrise cruises", but also setting up their nets or just going up river with some supplies.

Sony RX100M3, 24mm, 1.3s @ f/11, iso 80

The perfect moment

This is the last photo of the series. I mean, I still have a few that would be a good material, but it is time to move on to another location. Mind you, all the pictures posted this week are from the same day in Adirondacks Park: a morning spent on the lakes and the afternoon/evening at hiking.

The capture below is actually the first of that day - when the sun was still below the horizon, just preparing to set. It was taken just 50 minutes before that one. 

I do not remember whether I used any ND filters to achieve 10s exposure - probably did not have to. The result is a very smooth, silky surface. However, what I like the most are the colours, similar to this and this, but somehow even more deeper and astounding.

Nikon 7100, 75mm, 10s @ f/16, iso 100