Nikon D800 Macro with Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR
Today I got my Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR lens back from a friend who borrowed it. Since I haven't used it for a while I decided to bring it with me on my beach walk at Acadia Beach in Vancouver. It was a cold morning and I was hoping to get some interesting macro shots of frost but I didn't find any. I did take a few photos but I'll have to try another day to get some frost.
All shots hand-held, ISO800, processed in Lightroom.
Vancouver's CRAB Park at Portside
We had a small break in the rain tonight so I decided to head out to catch the last bit of daylight. I visited CRAB Park at Portside (Create A Real Available Beach), which is close to Canada Place and the Vanterm TSI Container Terminal. I didn't have much time but did get a few shots before heading home. It is certainly a place I will visit again soon.
One of my first shots when I arrived. Unfortunately in my haste I didn't check my settings and shot this image at ISO 3200. I had to apply a lot of noise reduction so it's softer than I would want. Still, the sky was very dramatic and I'm happy I got the shot.
The Vanterm TSI Container Terminal. An active port in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet with the North Shore mountains in the background.
Tug boats at the port.
I found a small pond which created some great reflections.
And finally a long exposure on my way out. Needs a return visit to try and get something better.
Vancouver False Creek At Night
Last night, I went out for a few sunset and night time shots with my friend Scott. Sunset was a bust, but we did get a few shots of Science World and the Vancouver skyline. Overall, a fun night out and made better as we finished up with a pint at the new tap house.
Fall Colours in Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Park
Just as I did last year, I took a short walk through Queen Elizabeth Park to view and photograph the fall colours. The weather forecast said rain, and lots of it, for the next week so I knew it was my last chance before things got really wet. I hope to go back in a week or so, weather permitting. The conditions were not ideal, it was a bit foggy and I could not get a good shot of the whole garden without losing a lot of contrast in the background. I used a polarizing filter to cut some of the glare but some shots just didn't turn out that well. It was still nice to get out, the colours are really great right now.
This was one of the first images I shot. As you can see, the trees in the background are starting to get lost because of the foggy and humid conditions.
The sky was very bright which made some exposures more difficult but the fog and overcast conditions made for a nice diffuse light.
On my way out of the park, I stopped by the duck pond to watch the action and take a few shots. There were at least eight species of birds in and around the pond when I was there.
This guy was taking a bath in the pond just a few feet away from me.
King of the pond.
His little minion.
Nikon D800 vs iPhone 4S : Round 2
Coming back from hiking the Chief near Squamish, I decided to stop at Shannon Falls for one more quick photo opportunity. Shannon Falls is a beautiful waterfall outside of Squamish (between Vancouver and Whistler). It is the third highest waterfall in BC, and well worth a stop if you are in the area.
I had my Nikon D800 with me and was using the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 lens with a polarizing filter. I also decided to shoot the same scene with my iPhone 4S. Yes, not a fair test but just presented for fun. The iPhone fared much better this time compared to my previous attempt.
Here is the iPhone shot, edited on the device with Nik Software's (now Google's) awesome Snapseed.
Now the Nikon D800 shot, edited in Adobe Lightroom.
Both files downsampled to the same resolution. The iPhone did ok, though couldn't get the longer exposure time needed to get the softer water effect on the D800.
Hiking Stawamus Chief South Peak - Squamish, BC
Last week, I decided to head up to Squamish to hike the south peak of the Stawamus Chief. As with the Lions hike, I'm not going to go into how to get to the trail, etc. There are plenty of sites that can give you good info about the trail: Vancouver Trails, Club Tread, Trail Peak, Live Trails.
I wish I had got a better shot of the rock face, I'll have to do that next time.
This is a very popular hike in the area, expect to see at least a few people on the trail and on all of the peaks. The south peak is the most popular and the shortest hike as well. Middle and north peaks are less popular but still see their fair share of hikers. The Chief is not only popular with hikers, but is also a huge draw for climbers who come to challenge themselves on the granite face. I found this interesting video while writing this post: Patagonia climbing ambassador Sonnie Trotter climbed the first free ascent of Cobra Crack (5.14). Props, that is something that I'll never do.
You start your hike in the campground, nice and easy.
A map and some info before you start the hike.
Also a warning. The trail isn't long (about 6Km round trip) but it is steep and if you are unprepared you can get into trouble. I saw some yahoo going up in flip flops!
The trail is very well maintained. Kudos to the crew that come out to maintain this for the rest of us, very much appreciated.
Sure beats the stair climber at the gym.
Another sign along the route, very easy to follow as long as you pay attention. There are several of these along the way which will guide you to any of the peaks along with some of the other trails available in the area.
The trail is quite steep for most of the route.
Though well maintained, no cake walk and Mr. FlipFlop likely had a fun time in some sections.
The lower part of the hike is in the forest and the shade makes it easier on a hot day. As you get near the summit, you start to see the sun trickle though.
There are a few ladders on the route, don't see that on most hiking trails.
A large overhang looms over the trail.
Warning on the trail. As I said before, the area is popular with climbers so do not throw anything over the edge.
You know you are reaching the summit when the forest gets thin and the rocky soil yields to solid granite.
A chain and ladder help you navigate the grade.
Soon after, you start to get rewarded with some great views.
Don't get distracted though, one wrong step and you are going over the edge.
Now just a scramble to the top.
Tough life for trees that live on the summit.
Once at the summit, you get a beautiful view of Howe Sound and Squamish.
Just like on the Lions hike, this raven took the easy route to the top.
You can also see the middle peak with a few hikers enjoying the view.
Some hikers coming down from the middle peak.
I ventured to the cliff edge, though didn't spend much time there.
Along with my trusty Nikon I brought up my tripod and f-stop Guru backpack. It's a great pack for a day hike with photo gear.
Soon after I arrived, I was joined by a chipmunk.
We became good buddies after I gave him a couple pumpkin seeds from my trail mix.
Got any more???
A few more views from the top. Can anyone tell me the name of the mountain in the background? Please post in the comments. UPDATE: It is Mount Garibaldi (thanks Jesse).
Me wrecking a perfectly good shot.
A good spot for lunch.
Here is a map of my route to the summit tracked using Runkeeper on the iPhone.
While at the top, I also shot a complete panorama which resulted in a 100 megapixel image. If you want to see the full size image check my previous post.
On my way down, I stopped along the creek to take a few photos. I tried some shots with a polarizing filter and a neutral density filter to get longer exposures.
Finally, on my way home I topped in at Shannon Falls which is only a few minutes from the Chief. First, an HDR image of the falls, I was hoping it would turn out a little different.
And just a regular shot, but taken with a polarizing filter to get a longer exposure.
CFL Football: BC Lions vs Montreal Alouettes Sept 8 2012
Yesterday I went to my first CFL football game of the season thanks to a friend who couldn't use one of his season tickets. I like to go to a few games each year and the BC Lions are sitting at the top of the league standings and playing well. This was also my first visit to the new and improved BC Place Stadium and since it was a nice day the roof was open.
One of the first shots I took once inside. Seats were great.
I had my Nikon D800 with me and two lenses: Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8 wide angle and Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 telephoto. Despite a decent reach of 200mm I still had to crop the images of the play. Also, while bright I had to shoot at ISO 400 otherwise shutter speeds were just not fast enough to freeze the action. Here is Tim Brown (35) ready to do his thing.
Anthony Calvillo (13) set for the snap and for the toss.
Paul McCallum (4) field goal.
There are always some interesting characters around.
Certainly one of the best parts of the game is when the Felions squad takes to the field.
This image is just to show the great ability to crop images from the D800. A 100% crop from the full size image.
This guy has a tough job.
Thanks ladies.
Always some crazy games for the fans. If it were me I would have ran into the field in that thing, they can keep the t-shirt or whatever you win.
Back to football, Sean Whyte (6) punting away the ball as the Alouettes couldn't get it done.
Travis Lulay (14) chased by the pack and making the pass.
Travis Lulay (14) scramble.
Lining up on the 10.
Crushing hit, one of the best in the game.
The Lions get the TD.
Here are a few views of the stadium from the upper deck.
Back to the game, Tim Brown (35) takes another kick.
Travis Lulay (14) in action.
Another Paul McCallum (4) field goal, I think he missed this one.
Souvenir?
Attendance at the game was 29,734 and the 50/50 jackpot went up to $34,500. The lucky guy who won it was in my section, high fives all around.
As always, some guys decide to start the wave. I'm all for it, but you are supposed to do it when the opposition has the ball. Just an FYI.
After some perseverance they did get it going.
Tracking it, patience.
Pretty happy with themselves.
Looking over the images, I noticed a zombie in the crowd. Glad I'm not in that section.
Is Khalif Mitchell (96) doing the robot?
Lions on the one yard line, not looking good for Montreal.
TD, no surprise.
And the free throw is good too.
A few more shots of the Felions, can't go wrong.
Dude, you're doing it wrong.
Despite the wide angle lens, I still couldn't get the whole stadium. Here is a panorama stitched from several images shot with the 14-24 lens.
Since there are some BC place photos in the mix, some previous shots I took of the stadium.
Hiking the Binkert Trail To The Lions
The Lions are two very familiar peaks that can be seen from Vancouver. I have hiked most of the mountains in the immediate Vancouver area but the Lions always looked down on me with a smug look. Every time I looked to the North Shore I could see the twin peaks and I knew I had to get up there one day. On August 18th, five of us decided to make the trek and I was the only Lions virgin in the group.
The trail starts in Lions Bay and is a 16km round trip journey. The elevation gain is 1280m (4200') with some very steep sections you will feel in your legs. This is a strenuous hike and of the hikes I have completed may be second only to Black Tusk in terms of effort. I would not bring your dog on this trail, there are sections that would not be easy for your four-legged friend and there are some very steep cliffs. The hike took us about 3.5 hours in each direction, with a one hour break at the top to enjoy the view, eat lunch, and take photos. For more detail on the trail feel free to check out these links (some include updates on conditions): Vancouver Trails, Club Tread, Trail Peak, Live Trails.
Some photos from the hike. First, the motley crew ventures out at the start of the day. The trail is fairly flat and everyone is feeling good.
Things begin to get steeper, everyone is still having a good time and chatting.
One of the only waterfalls along the route. Not much rain in the area lately and the snow pack is almost gone so it's really just a trickle at this point. Harvey Creek is much bigger with pools large enough for a dip. There is a well built bridge over this creek so you will certainly know when you are there.
The trail takes a sharp turn up and chatting turns into cursing.
Coming out of the trees, you are finally rewarded with stunning views of Howe Sound.
The Lions are still looming, a long way to go.
The group taking a breather after a few hours of hard climbing.
Back on the trail, hiking turns into scrambling.
And now with snow :)
Near the top of the rock scramble, views are still great and a good motivator.
After a few more tricky sections, you finally reach the ridge and see a full view of the Lions before you.
It was a bit hazy, but the view from the top was truly spectacular. Hard to beat and makes the 3.5 hour climb completely worth it.
You need to be careful with your footing on the ridge, there are very steep cliffs on both sides. One misstep and you won't be around to tell anyone about it.
Up close and personal with the West Lion.
The West Lion towering over Scott and Jason.
It is possible to climb to the top of the West Lion, but only for those with some experience with this type of activity should even attempt it. It is a high consequence climb with no room for error. If you decide to do it, you need to descend down a small cliff (a rope is provided). People here are waiting to climb down.
Once on the West Lion, find the best route up. You can see how steep it is in the photos below.
The hike is popular in the late summer, especially on a nice day. We didn't see many people on the trail, but there were a few at the top.
Of course, some things didn't have to climb to the top. Cheater :)
I can imagine life at the top is not easy for any plants or animals that choose to live here.
Vancouver feels very far away when you are up here.
On the way down, your knees will take a serious beating. The trail through the forest and the gravel road seem to stretch on forever. At the end of the day though, it's an amazing climb and worth the effort for anyone who wants to make the journey.
Siwash Rock at Sunset
I was waiting for a nice sunny day in Vancouver as I wanted to get out to photograph Siwash Rock. This basalt stack is the only one of it's kind in the Vancouver area, and I wanted to catch it when high tide was at or near sunset. This is an HDR image created from several exposures.
And a shot I took with my iPhone 4S as my D800 was taking the 7 bracketed shots for my HDR above.
And a few more shots from that evening including some fun with a neutral density filter for longer exposures.
Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival 2012
Some shots from the 2012 Vancouver RioTinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. Saturday, June 16th was an absolutely miserable day with solid rain all day. I didn't even go down to the event as sitting in the rain watching is not much fun. Sunday was much nicer, and I did get out to watch the racing and take a few photos.
Heading out to race
Racing
One of the racers, a dragon boat team, and me.
Concord Pacific Flying Dragons One and Too (processed in the style of "300")
The Gong Show that is the Guts and Glory race. 16 teams race 4 legs of 500m, which means they need to make a three turns. These boats, with 22 people, don't turn on a dime and the turns are where the action is. A lot of fun to watch.
Looks like the geese are enjoying the racing too.
The Hastings Street Band providing entertainment for the fans.
I also found a very cool video, shot by the steersman for team "Kai Ikaika" of Portland, Oregon, winners of the 2012 Guts and Glory race. Looks like an exciting race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxyRqJ8Xmhk
The Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine
My friend Eli and I attended the Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine held at the Whip Restaurant. It is a fundraiser that features live bands, a barbecue, local vendors, and vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Proceeds support the Canadian Cancer Society. We have attended the event for the last few years and it's always fun. There were a few new cars this year, including a late 60's Charger and a late 60's Camaro which are both near the top of my favorites list.
On our way out of the house, Eli noticed a rainbow around the sun. More info about this in my previous post, but it was very cool and not a common sight.
And shots of the cars.
Very cool old Volvo.
The most popular attraction as not the cars, girls, band, or food. It was a pug in a side car :)
Everyone was stopping to take photos.
There were some cool bikes down there too.
Guard dog on duty.
Mr. Grumpy Pants.
Vancouver Sun Halo
Yesterday, on my way to the East Van Show and Shine, my friend Eli pointed out a circular rainbow around the sun. Not something you see every day, and since we both had our cameras we took some photos. Someone suggested that this phenomenon is called a sun dog or sundog (Wikipedia), but I think it is actually a sun halo. A sun dog is a 'mock sun', or a bright point of light similar to the sun. I this case, it's a complete circular halo around the sun and looks like a rainbow. There are some references to these things here and here.
Update (May 29): After posting on a forum, it turns out this phenomenon is called a sun halo. It is seen when thin cirrus clouds are present high in the atmosphere on a sunny day. Light refracts off ice crystals and creates the effect. More info here: 22° halo at Wikipedia, NASA.
Another visit to the Vancouver Aquarium
I have had a membership at the Vancouver Aquarium for the last few years and I like to visit often. It's a great place to just walk around and relax. I almost always see something new and different. I like to bring my camera, you never know what you will see.
Don't bug me, I'm crabby
Best buds, Gus and Ollie, hyacinth macaws
Dragon Boat Spring Sprint in Vancouver
What a great day for some dragon boat racing. Since my wife is on a team, I went down to take some photos and enjoy the nice weather. Spring Sprint is a warm up to the big Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, which is in mid June. The boats are smaller, only 10 paddlers instead of the usual 20 and the distance is substantially shorter as well. Still fun to watch, especially when you can soak up the sun after the miserable April showers.
The races are held in False Creek with downtown Vancouver as the backdrop. Hard to find a nicer venue than this.
The staging area is right beside Science World.
Some shots of the action.
Organized chaos.
A Trip to the Vancouver Aquarium
I visit the Vancouver Aquarium several times a year and always enjoy it. They recently expanded and also have bioluminescence displays which were great to see. A friend of mine stole (ok, borrowed) my favorite lens for my visits to the aquarium, the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 Micro VR, so these are all shot with the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8. Since everything is hand held, the VR is actually quite useful.
One of my favorite tanks showing the Pacific Sea Nettle. I feel very relaxed after watching it for a while.
A shrimp in the west coast exhibit.
It was divers weekend (discount if you bring your cert card). Lots of interesting info for divers. Here, coast guard divers prepare to dive in the big tank next to the entrance.
I caught the dolphin show from the underwater viewing gallery. These animals are amazing, incredibly fast and agile. Here, one of them makes an entrance after some acrobatics.
Part of the bioluminescence display. Preserved deep sea fish that use lights on their body to attract prey. Wouldn't want to run into this guy while swimming in the ocean.
This little guy seemed quite interested in me.
Leopard frog taking in the rays.
The colours on some of these frogs is just amazing.
Not my wife's favorite.
Hangin' out, looks nice and relaxed.
You see a lot more than fish at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Rays, another favorite.
The Arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Looks like this guy just finished molting or is about to. Great looking snake.
And the rest of the images from the day.
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Vancouver's Olympic Village At Night
A friend of mine just purchased a new Gitzo tripod and was eager to try it out. We decided to head down to the Olympic Village in Vancouver to get some shots at night. Below are some of the shots that turned out ok, all shot with a Nikon D90, 3 exposure HDR at +/- 2 EV. Processed with Lightroom, Photomatix, and Photoshop.
This is the first time I have attempted an HDR panorama. This is a panorama stitched from four HDR images. I don't think it turned out that well, but I learned a few things and will try something different next time. I think some of the other images from the nights shoot turned out better. Shot with a Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8.
This shot is taken with the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle lens from the Aqua Bus platform near Science World. Really enjoying this lens and can't wait to use it on an FX body. I like the how the reflections turned out in this shot.
The new and 'improved' BC Place along with the Plaza of Nations.
Great design on this bridge, lit up at night and looks great.
Some funky stairs and cool blue lights. They did a great job with the design and architecture at the new village. I'll be back to take more photos for sure.
Science World always looks good at night.
Fall in Vancouver
It was a beautiful fall day in Vancouver today. I decided to visit Queen Elizabeth Park to try and catch some fall colours.
BC Place and Science World HDR Photos
A couple of HDR photos shot in the false creek area of Vancouver, BC. The new BC Place stadium and Science world. I processed with a demo version of PhotoEngine which I like a lot.
Vancouver Before & After
Just a fun post in response to a Reddit comment. Idea and images originally uploaded by JesusIsARasin.
The original before/after before new images were uploaded.
