Canon EOS R7 And Why I Returned Mine.

Well what can I say I gave in to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and bought a Canon EOS R7 as soon as I could. One problem - I don’t like it.

I've been wanting an R7 ever since it was first announced because I wanted a Canon APS-C RF camera that I could adapt all my EF glass to. I used the drop-in CPL EF to RF adapter which as you can see from the gallery worked really well. However I am quite disappointed, the image quality was ok apart from some softness which I will come on to in a minute.

The whole shooting experience was not what I expected. I have used many Canon cameras in the past with no problems, however I found myself fighting the R7 to get what I wanted. This was a shock because I've never had that problem with ANY Canon camera, this is the kind of thing I have encountered with Sony cameras but never ever a Canon. I suspect the shooting experience might have been better with native RF lenses but good ones are far outside my price range. So, I had to settle with adapting EF lenses which you would think would be ok, but alas no it took longer than I expected to focus (longer than when I adapted the same lens on a Fujifilm X-T4 with a Metabones adapter), it left me with no confidence in the accuracy of the autofocus. One thing I found quite curious was when using my adapted EF lens, I found some of my images to be a little soft when shooting below 300th of a second which shouldn't happen. I think the IS (Image Stabilisation) in the lens & the IBIS (In Body Image Stabilisation) in the camera were fighting each other at slower shutter speeds but at faster ones it was less apparent.

The only other thing to mention is the size of the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), I wear glasses and found it to be far too small as I kept missing the info that was displayed on the sides.

So as the title says I am returning it, I will be moving back to a Fujifilm X-T4 which with hindsight I should never have moved away from.

Some Street Photography

A few hours of street photography in Brighton using a cheap compact point-and-shoot camera and my mobile phone.

Shoot 5

Fifth Shoot: - 21st November 2020

Following on from the conclusions of the previous shoot I walked north along the river Adur outside the villages of Upper Beeding & Bramber. I had my repaired tripod and a cable release as well as my Nikon D7100.

As I had mentioned in the conclusions part of the previous shoot I chose to shoot at a fixed aperture & shutter speed letting the camera decide the ISO, it was a cloudy day so I did have a little concern that any shots I took would be very grainy and full of noise.

Unlike the previous shoot I will try to get back to using leading lines to take the “viewer” to the person(s) in the landscape.

Conclusions

At the start of this shoot I was concerned that my images would be full of noise and basically not look “good”.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the results, most of the shots were taken at ISO 1100 which the camera dealt with quite well. I didn’t have to do much in the way of adjustments – a little noise reduction was needed as there was a bit of noise but no where near as much as I thought there would be.

There was more colour in the scenery that I had expected (green grass) and because of the recent wet weather all the tracks were quite muddy giving a nice contrast to the grass. The only downside was the heavy cloud, it would have been nice to have some sunshine but I’ll take what I can considering the time of year it is.

So having tried a fixed aperture (F11) & shutter speed (500th of a second) I think I will stick to this method so that I freeze as much movement in the scene as possible with as much detail as possible.

The only other area to experiment with now is the time of day I shoot - early morning or early evening.

Shoot 4

Forth Shoot: - 13th November 2020

After getting some feedback on one particular photo I re-edited it. I cropped the top and bottom of the photo and changed it from black & white to colour. I posted it up on my 500PX site and it got a lot more views, likes and comments which I wasn’t expecting.

Later on in the week (as above title suggests) I went to my next location which was the South Downs above Woodingdean just outside Brighton.

My tripod was “in the shop” so to speak so I had to resort to using a monopod instead combined with a different lens (stabilised), my hope was that this combination would be good enough to get the same kind of sharpness as in my previous shoot (which was on a tripod). In some of the shots I experimented with dropping the aperture down from f.11 to f.8 to see if I could get a faster shutter speed and thus sharper images.

I also decided I would do both black & white and colour versions of the same images to see which works best. The intention being so I can then nail down weather I will stick to black & white or colour for the project to keep a consistent aesthetic.

Conclusions: -

I found it hard to find the right kind of compositions that had come so easily in the previous shoots. There were less people and the terrain posed a challenge. I found myself taking telephoto shots of the coastline with tiny specs of people in the landscape so no leading lines as in the other shoots.

I found that the monopod even with a stabilised lens wasn’t as good as a tripod and the different lens posed it’s own problems. The main problem was that the lens wasn’t anywhere near as sharp as the lens I had used on the two previous shoots.

I still have to decided on how many “finished” images I want in total and from each location, I’m thinking somewhere in the range of 10 to 25 final images. The final number will depend on how many locations I can shoot at and the whole COVID situation, if possible I’d like to present them in a book. There are still a few locations I’d like to try but the COVID situation may prevent me from going too far from home base.

I have three more experiments to try before I make my decision on the final setup & aesthetic for this project: -

  1. Set a single shutter speed that is fast enough to freeze movement in the image as well as a high aperture value for sharpness and let the camera decided the ISO – this would mean there would be variations on the ISO value but shutter & aperture would be the same so images would be consistent

  2. Try some manual lenses I have to see if they are sharper and a feasible option. They are almost all prime lenses so I could in theory end up producing all the work using one single focal length thus adding another consistent element to the images produced

  3. I have another digital camera with a higher pixel count and colour bit depth. Though it is a cropped sensor camera unlike what I have used for shoots 2 to 4 (first shoot was shot on a similarly cropped camera though not THE camera I am referring to in this instance)

Shoot 3

Third Shoot: - 8th November 2020

 The third shoot was at Cissbury Ring on the South Downs outside Findon. This location is one I have been to before and has been on my list of locations for this project. The first problem I encountered with this location is its popularity. In fact there were so many people there on the day I first went (the 7th of November) that it was impossible to find a safe place to park so I abandoned that attempt opting to return the next day at an earlier time (the 8th of November). This was a pity as the weather was very nice, sunny, and bright.

 I returned the next day (the 8th of November) with very different conditions. There was a layer of cloud producing soft but diminished lighting conditions as well as some light drizzle though the drizzle did dissipate not long after I arrived.

 There were plenty of hikers, runners, and dog walkers so as before I had no trouble finding subjects to photograph, to be fair there was actually at times to many people around. This was also the first shoot where I shot everything on a tripod using a shutter release at the lowest ISO value my camera would go down to (100), I still stuck to the aperture setting of f11.

Conclusions: -

Having the tripod did make a difference, it slowed me down which made me think much more about what I was shooting. A lot more thought went into framing and composition, rather than shooting off shot after shot. It was heavy though which I noticed more the next day when moving my arms around.

I think I may have to make a compromise and use a stabilised lens with a slightly longer focal length of 28mm using a monopod or the same lens at a higher ISO setting (400) again on a monopod. This would reduce the weight I would be carrying around and allow me to cover more ground. This is something I will try on my next shoot.

Shoot 2

Second Shoot: - 2nd November 2020

 My second location was the Adur valley running along the river Adur from Upper Beeding & Bramber to the footbridge short of the old Shoreham Cement Works. I chose this area as I had noticed during the lockdown in the spring that many people flocked to the area for their “exercise”. Most rode or walked the South Downs Way, which runs down from the direction of Devil’s Dyke crossing the river Adur at the footbridge before going off towards the old church and on the Steyning. It is also a popular route for local dog walkers, hikers, and cyclists.

 I made three changes from the first shoot: -

1.       Camera – I used a full-frame Canon 5D Mark II (I used a Nikon D5600 for the first shoot)

2.       A non-stabilised wide-angle lens – 20-35mm

3.       I stuck to a single aperture setting (f11) for all images

Conditions were not as bright as the previous shoot; the cloud cover was variable which made things challenging. When the sun was uncovered there was considerable glare on the river which even with a CPL filter on the lens.

 

Just as I did in the first shoot there plenty of shooting opportunities with the steady flow of hikers and dog walkers. I used the river and footpaths as my leading lines.

Conclusions: -

 The wide-angle lens worked well expanding the field of view though it did require more careful consideration of foreground elements such as vegetation and barriers.

Shoot 1

First Shoot: - 16th October 2020

 I travelled a few miles from my home up onto the South Downs to an area I know from previous visits and driveby’s. The purpose of this adventure was to try to visualise my initial concepts for this project and see what potential problems might arise.

 I chose not to use a tripod, instead shooting handheld relying on a combination of bright good weather conditions, using an ISO of 400 and the lenses image stabilisation. To a good degree this combination was successful, only through very close inspection of the images could you see any sign of camera shake.

 I found I had plenty of opportunities to shoot people in the landscape as there was a regular flow of walkers, cyclists, hikers, and the occasional horse rider. I tried to line up my “subjects” in the landscape with leading lines so to draw the viewer to them in the distance with differing levels of success.

Conclusions: -

 It became very apparent that stage three of my initial plan for this project was going to be problematic. The location(s) were not accessible by public transport so getting someone to a location would mean they would have to have their own transport. I have dismissed this idea as part of this project though I could use it in later separate project. The colour scheme of the landscape itself was a challenge as some situations were better in black & white than others which were better in colour.

 

Some of my questions about this project have now been answered.

  • Practicalities – What is and what is not reasonably achievable in applying my ideas for this project in the real world

  • Visualising my ideas – Taking in my head what I thought it would look like and seeing it in reality

I still have some questions to be answered: -

  • Landscape or portrait orientation images or a combination of both?

  • Black & white, colour or a mixture of both?

  • Digital, film or a mixture of both?

  • How much editing should I do to the images?

  • Wide angle or standard lens?

  • Should I stick to a single aperture setting for all images?

2020 Update

So 2020 has so far not quite gone to plan, I have gotten into Brighton University to study for my Masters degree but apart from that things have been rather stale.

I switched to the Panasonic G9 only to switch back to the Fujifilm X-T3 a few months later, I am now waiting for the X-T4 to be shipped before I upgrade to that though I will wait a few months so I can get one cheaper on the second hand market.

The two week trip I had been planning to Wales in the last two weeks of May has had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 health emergency, I was planning to make several hikes up Snowdonia as well as the Brecon Beacons. I will hopefully be able to make some kind of trip there either at the end of September this year or sometime in 2021. The whole of spring as well as most likely the summer has been wiped out, I can only hope that I will be able to get out there sometime in the autumn before winter comes.

With regards to my Masters degree I am hopeful that the start won’t be delayed, I am due to begin the course at the end of September this year. After graduating I plan to go onto a PhD hopefully at the same university but you never know there might be somewhere better I’ll just have to wait and see.

Walk from Titch Hill to Cissbury Ring.

As part of my preparations for my trip to Snowdonia next year I decided to visit Cissbury Ring. This is somewhere I haven’t been to before even though it’s almost on my doorstep so to speak. I could have driven all the way there as there is a car park on site but instead, I chose to hike from Titch Hill right outside Sompting. Although the distance was only 2 miles each way it still took me 40 minutes each way to hike there from where I parked On Titch Hill and back. Contrary to what some might think the South Downs isn’t flat on top and it’s not just chalk based there’s plenty of clay there too.

This was my second outing with my new Canon EOS R and this time I chose to field test the 24-105mm RF F/4 IS lens. I did get some shots that I am happy with though the IS didn’t perform as well as I expected so I had quite a few blurred shots which was disappointing, I think next time I will use a monopod to help with the stabilisation.

I think I may have to consider Tamron’s EF 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD as a possible alternative to the RF 24-105.

Dyslexia Project

I’ve got a new(ish) project on the go though only in the initial stages at the moment, here’s’ the premise:-

I am a former pupil of Northease Manor (boarder from 1988-1992).

It is no exaggeration to say that the school saved me, without it I dare not think what would have become of me.

The skills I learned while attending the school prepared me for the outside world in more ways than I could have possibly imagined, not just academically speaking but in every day life. I sometimes wonder what it would be like if I didn’t have to pre-plan so much of my daily life, even the simple things like making a pack lunch & laying out cloths for work the night before.

The skills I learned at Northease came in very useful while I studied at university, a degree in something I love doing (Photography) has always been a dream of mine which finally came true when I graduated in July 2012 (BA Hons.)

So now I come to the task at hand.

Although I have not yet become a professional photographer (really pushing myself this year) I still do consider myself to be a Photographer/Artist. I have several ongoing projects at the moment.

Following on from my degree dissertation “The Dyslexic Photographer” & final year project, for some time through both photography & the moving image I have wanted to continue my exploration of Dyslexia & what it means to be Dyslexic. My intention is to produce a short film/video, photo book, exhibition possibly even some form of installation using still & moving imagery, soundscapes and interviews from real Dyslexic people.

This is very much a multiform project with the objective being to express what it is like to be Dyslexic to the greater population which quite frankly has no idea other than the stereotypes that perpetuate popular media.

A Little Bit Of Personal History And Look Ahead

A bit of personal history

So what kind of photographer am I? Documentary? Portrait? Landscape? Lifestyle? Fashion? Architectural? Motorsport? All and none.

Born in the mid 1970’s it wasn’t until I was given the family camera for a school trip 1986 that I discovered photography. For me school life before that trip had been a struggle as unknown to me at that time, I was Dyslexic in a time when it was only beginning to be recognised. Ever since then photography has been a part of my life, though sometimes it had been floating in the background.

By my mid 30’s photography had become more than a mere personal interest. In 2009 I began studying for a fine arts degree in Photography, graduating with a degree in 2012.

Since graduating I have been continuing to develop my photographic skills with personal projects & portfolio shoots. I have had work in exhibitions and in 2017 I travelled to both Iceland & Australia to produce my own brand of travel & landscape photography.

For me photography is not just about producing something beautiful but something more than that. An emotional response, introspective, thought provoking, meaningful, these are just some of results I like to see from my work. I do of course like to produce work that people will enjoy looking at as well.

I have been quite lucky in where I have lived. I boarded at a school in the Sussex countryside up against the South Downs & when at home I was also surrounded by the South Downs. Being so close to Brighton and with London just over an hour away means there is a great deal of talent within a reasonable distance.

My main photographical interests are: - The natural world (the South Downs & Sussex coastline has so much to offer), Portrait Photography, Macro Photography & High Detail Photography.

I love taking portraits especially headshots, using different lenses & lighting setups to produce very diverse portraits is something I continue to explore. Fluorescent makeup & beauty photography (using a macro lens) are the current areas of portrait photography I am exploring.

For me photography is more than just a job or lifestyle, it is something to enjoy doing & to be enjoyed. If I didn’t enjoy doing it then I wouldn’t be doing it, it’s as simple as that.

Australia 2019

Ok so I’ve been having a little think since I did my end of year review/vlog yesterday.

I have always wanted to go back to Australia again, it’s such a big country you just can’t do it all in one go or even two or three go’s.

The first time I went was for four weeks (December 2006- January 2007) for the Ashes so I didn’t really do much else apart from when I was in Melbourne & Sydney.

The second time was in May 2017 for three weeks, in this case I had decided to do a 500 mile photographic road trip most of which was the Great Ocean Road (from Torquay to Port Fairy Victoria). I kept a photographic blog of my trip which can be seen here.

So now to my prospective 2019 trip. I’m thinking of three weeks in June/early July, I don’t want to cut into the English summer holidays otherwise I might not get the time off I want for this trip. I would be hoping to land in Adelaide, spend no more than five days there some of which would be to reset my body clock which takes two to three days. Then move on to Alice Springs for four or five days before finishing in Perth & the surrounding area Western Australia and then fly back from Perth.

I don’t want to spend too long in Adelaide as I’ve been there before, from what I remember I spent about a week there last time. I’m really interested in Alice Springs as I’ve never been there before & it’s quite different from the metropolitan Australian experience. I have been to Perth before but saw nothing of it as I spent to whole time resetting my body clock & then flew out to Adelaide, there is quite a lot to explore in Western Australia which would be my main area this time round.

Well I’ll put up more post’s when I have more news.

TFP Studio Portrait Shoot

Ok so although this is my blog I think I should post up some information for my studio portfolio shoot that’s happening next Thursday (6th of December).

Info: -

Models: - Please bring 2 outfits, now this can be 2 complete outfits or half (e.g 2 different tops). For the guys if you want to bring something smart & casual that would be cool.

Any accessories you might want to bring like hats, jewellery, glasses/shades, umbrella, anything with a hood would be cool too.

I’m looking to do 4 types of shots: - Full length, half length (from waist up), headshot (full face/head) and eyes (will use my macro lens for that).

I will bring some different coloured LED fairy lights for something a little different.

Models/MUA’s: - Once I have finished editing the photos you can choose which ones you would like for your portfolio, I will then send them to you at the right resolution for the internet (full res images are quite large).

Please check out the link below (Poses), I’m interested in the poses not the looks if you know what I mean. Poses

Sunrise & The Seashore

Ok so last Saturday (the 13th) I got up before dawn and went up to the South Downs above Woodingdean (on the road Brighton & Hove Albion’s stadium is on) as a friend had told me that it’s a great place to take photos from.

As I was driving along the A27 I could see the wonderful golden colours of the dawn coming as the light bounced off the clouds over Brighton so I was really excited about what I would see when I got to the spot I had picked out.

As you can see from the video below it didn’t quite work out as I had planned, all the wonderful colours were on the wrong side of the hill which mean I had to shoot into the coming sunrise.

To mitigate this, I used a Cokin P Series Gradual ND 8 square filter. Now this was the first time I had ever used a square filter before so I was learning on the fly but I did get a few good results. I found a mobile phone tower right where I was shooting which was great as it gave a sense of scale as well as a subject to photograph with the sunrise light.

After I had finished shooting the sunrise (around 8am) I decided to go to Shoreham-By-Sea Harbour & see what I could get there as I knew the tide had turned & was coming back in but would still be quite low.

There were some interesting shapes in the sea defences as well as the seaweed which was cool.

Anyway, enjoy the video below, you can check out my Youtube channel for more videos.