Thinking of a new lens?

Recently, I've been thinking about getting a new camera lens. I own and love a Canon T2i, and for the past year I've been shooting with the kit lens. Not that I see any problem with that- I've had no problems with this lens, and find it very flexible and easy to use. Lately, though, I've been looking to branch out.

There are so many options I barely knew where to start. Although I didn't like to admit it to myself, budget was definetly a factor. In my dreams I could definetly afford to spend 1000$ on a lens and it would be totally worth it! In reality, I could only afford to spend a few hundred at most. So, though I drooled over the wide angle Canon Ef-S 10-22mm, it just wouldn't fit into my budget.

There is a massive variety of lenses available, and though it seemed like a lot, I knew right away that a macro or telephoto lens just weren't in my top 3. Atleast at the moment- so I crossed those types out. I had a couple more options though, including the a lens baby. I totally covet the Composer Pro.

In the end I decided to go with simplicity and a good deal. Canon's little "thifty fifty" won out. Not only is it a price I can afford, but I like the photos I've seen taken with it, it's a good starting point for someone like me, and it's a good basic portrait lens! What more could I ask for? Besides maybe a 1000 dollars for the wide angle. Or a winning lotto ticket! (I'd take either- if you're feeling generous. Wink wink, nudge nudge.)

Take a look at some shot's taken with the Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 and fall a in love!

What lens are you saving up for?

Instant gratification with Fuji's Instax cameras

 

My beloved and well-used Polaroid 600 camera is slowly gathering dust in the depths of my closet. Although there are many sources for getting Polaroid film these days through eBay or www.theimpossibleproject.com , film can be expensive and not always reliable. Much to my surprise, Fuji released an instant camera last year and it was a pretty popular item around Christmas time. My deep loyalty to my Polaroid 600 and skepticism about a new product deterred me from embracing this camera with open arms but eventually my curiosity got the best of me. I resolved to give it a shot.

There are two different cameras available: the Instax Mini 50S and the Instax 210. I decided to try out the Mini 50S. At a glance they look like toy cameras, big, awkward and lightweight but don't let that fool you. Inside is what really matters here and it holds all the instant chemical magic of polaroids in its plastic shell. The operation is simple: an 'on' switch, a light/dark adjustment, near/distant button and the shutter. Portraits and landscapes pop out on little credit card-sized prints. I took a shot and waited with anticipation as the image slowly appeared on the surface. The colours were great and the exposures overall were really good. I've missed the immediate gratification of an print right from the camera. Might have to give the Instax 210 a whirl...

When the camera illuminates stories: the work of Adnan Šačiragić

In preparing his portfolio for Dalhousie University's Environmental Design Studies program, Adnan Šačiragić (pronounced Sha-chi-ra-gich) realized that the majority of his work was photographic. That moment taught him that visual arts, design, and architecture are sibling diciplines—and in a surprise shift in focus, he applied instead to the Photography and Digital Imaging program at Holland College.

Since then, Adnan has blended his environmental and visual arts background in a documentary project that's proven a milestone—The Descendants of Lukomir, about the inhabitants of a remote village located in the Bjelašnica Mountains, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Kate Inglis, friend of APS, interviews Adnan to hear more about how this tiny, remote village has not only changed his perspective, but affirmed his career path as an editorial and documentary photographer.

What compelled you about the village of Lukomir and its people?

Following the war, the majority of the villagers had left their homes and moved to the suburbs of Sarajevo, only to return in the summer months with their livestock, hoping that someday, socio-economic conditions would improve enough to allow them to return permanently. But as I explored the area for the first time in the summer of 2011, the villagers told me that no one planned on staying during the winter—marking the first time that no one has lived there year-round. With the hope of prosperity coming from larger cities, the existence of Lukomir is in question.

Are you Bosnian? If so, how did you end up in Canada, and do you go back often?

In the summer of 2008, I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan Ferrier and Lana Šačiragić on “An Ethnobotanical Trail Guide to the Medicinal Plants of Lukomir, Bosnia and Herzegovina”. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded the research project. Our field study took place in the highland community of Lukomir, in the Olympic Mountains of Bjelašnica. The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the immense botanical diversity of the area, to preserve the local knowledge and customs, and to share that knowledge with others. As research assistant, my duties included collecting and categorizing plant samples, communicating with village elders and photographing the diverse landscapes, botanicals, and people of Lukomir.

The inspiring landscapes and village sparked my interest in environmental and sustainable living issues. Most notably, this experience inspired me to pursue photography beyond a hobby. This was my first trip to Lukomir. Since then, it has held a special place in my heart.

I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1987. In 1992, at the start of the war, my family and I fled Sarajevo. In 1993, with the assistance of the Spring Park United Church, we were fortunate to be able to move to Charlottetown, PE. Since 1996, my family and I have returned regularly to visit family and friends.

Will you ever return to Lukomir to document its fate and the fate of its people?

Lukomir will be a long-term project. I hope to return this September and continue my environmental portrait series.

Tell us a little anecdote from your experiences among the people of Lukomir—what was the most memorable moment?

Every day, the villagers are faced with adversity. When setting out into the surrounding environment with their livestock, they face the difficult mountain terrain and climate. As well, the current socio-economic challenges (such as a lack of social assistance and representation in local government) are a huge deterrent to the prosperity of Lukomir and its villagers. However, their resolve and determination despite these challenges has taught me that anything can be overcome with the right attitude. Progress is slow, but it does take place.

Can the right photography help people, or change outcomes?

I truly believe that (documentary) photography, if done with respect towards the subject matter and the ideals of the project are undistorted, has the ability to change outcomes for the better. Photography may not be able to directly influence policy makers; however, it can become an important tool in raising awareness and informing the public.

Find more of Adnan's inspired work here.

Adnan's portrait credit: Ryan Wilson

Where The Heart Is

Ah, home.

Is there any place like it?

I went back home for a visit the other day to my native province, Newfoundland and Labrador. Catching up with family, seeing what's new in the community, going for drives to my childhood haunts. For me, there is no better way to recharge the soul than a visit to the place you grew up.

I like to try and catch the feel of home in my photos. Sometimes I succeed, and I can remember the mood, the smells, everything. Other times my love for my home is too big to fit in the frame. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail, but I never get tired trying to catch its beauty.

How to you like to remember the place you grew up? Who are some of your favorite photographers from your hometown?

Animal Appreciation

Anybody that knows me, knows I am a big  lover of animals.  Land, sea, wildlife- you name it. So when I come across stories that have to do with people going out of their way to help an animal out, it touches my heart. I want to share this video with you, about a humpback whale being freed from a net. How such a huge animal can show appreciation.

Watch, enjoy, and leave you favorite animal stories in the comments.