Bob meets the taco guy

Bob was wandering through the lively streets of Kensington Market, his camera slung around his neck, searching for the perfect shot to capture the neighbourhood's vibrant culture. He’d seen it all before – the eclectic mix of food vendors, street musicians, and colourful murals – but today, something new caught his eye. There, in front of a taco stand, was a man wearing a flamboyant sombrero, oversized sunglasses, and an infectious smile that seemed to light up the entire block.

The man noticed Bob and gave a slight nod, as if to say, “Go ahead, take the shot.” Bob grinned, positioning himself just right to catch the mix of humour and style that radiated from this taco guy. In the background, the stand’s banner matched the man's colourful vibe, displaying an illustration that looked almost like a caricature of him – sombrero, glasses, and all.

Bob couldn’t help but chuckle as he clicked the shutter, capturing the character who seemed to embody the playful spirit of Kensington Market. The man, noticing the moment captured, raised his hand in a salute, embracing his role as a street icon.

As Bob reviewed the shot on his camera, he thought, “This one’s going to tell a story.”

 

Apathy when doing street photography.

“In street photography, using apathy helps in documenting a more neutral, often reflective view of city life, where moments of stillness, boredom, or disinterest are given equal value as more dramatic events.”

In street photography, apathy can be a powerful tool to capture raw, authentic moments. Here are a few ways to use apathy as an approach:

1. Observing without Intervening: Embrace a detached mindset where you observe scenes and people without trying to influence or direct them. This allows you to capture the unfiltered reality of urban life. People going about their daily routines—seemingly indifferent to being photographed—can create compelling, honest images.

2. Unemotional Moments: Look for scenes where people appear indifferent or disconnected from their surroundings. Capturing moments of apathy in the expressions or body language of subjects can highlight the isolation or routine of urban life, offering a more introspective narrative about the environment.

3. Contrasts in Emotion: You can contrast the apathy of some people in a crowd with the energy or emotion of others. For example, capturing someone lost in thought amidst a bustling, lively scene can create a poignant image.

4. Minimal Interaction: By blending in and remaining unnoticed, you can capture spontaneous moments without breaking the apathy of your subjects. It helps create more candid photos that reflect the true, often unexpressed, emotions of city life.

5. Atmosphere of Apathy: Street photography is about storytelling. Apathy can be part of the mood or theme of a series, focusing on aspects of urban life like disconnection, routine, or the monotony of the city.

Since you’ve done work in Kensington Market, for example, you could explore photographing people walking by art installations or vibrant markets with indifferent expressions, showcasing the contrast between the liveliness of the environment and their detached demeanour.

Bob at the fire 397 The Westway

It was a lazy afternoon, and Bob was lounging on his deck, enjoying the cool breeze and the distant hum of the city. His camera sat nearby, ready as always, just in case an impromptu photo opportunity presented itself. He had no plans for the day, simply enjoying the rare tranquillity that seemed to settle over the neighbourhood.

Suddenly, the peaceful ambience was interrupted by the blaring sound of sirens. Bob sat up, immediately alert. The sirens grew louder and more persistent, signalling that something serious was happening nearby. He looked toward the main road, seeing fire trucks whizzing by in a blur of red and flashing lights.

Without hesitation, Bob grabbed his camera and headed out the door. The sirens led him just a few blocks away to 397 The Westway, where a crowd had already begun to gather. Fire trucks lined the street, and firefighters were already on the scene, setting up hoses and ladders.

Bob quickly positioned himself at a safe distance and began snapping photos, capturing the intensity of the scene. Through his lens, he focused on the firefighters as they worked with precision and urgency. The fire appeared to have started in one of the units on the third floor. Flames had charred the balcony, and smoke poured from the broken window above. The furniture was either burned or blown apart by the force of the fire.

Bob adjusted his zoom and focused on one firefighter who had climbed onto the balcony. The firefighter's bright red helmet and reflective gear stood out against the dark, smoky backdrop. Bob could see the firefighter moving debris aside, checking to make sure no one was inside the apartment. The scene was both chaotic and awe-inspiring as the team worked seamlessly to get the situation under control.

He overheard snippets of conversation from the onlookers around him. "I heard the alarms go off just in time," said one resident. "Everyone managed to get out safely, thank God." Another neighbour added, "It started in the kitchen, something caught fire."

As Bob captured the unfolding scene, the fire crews began to gain control of the situation. The smoke started to thin, and the sense of urgency began to fade as the flames were subdued. With every click of his camera, Bob documented the bravery and efficiency of the emergency responders.

After about an hour, the fire was completely extinguished. The firefighters continued their inspections, ensuring the building was safe before allowing residents back inside. Bob took a few final shots of the aftermath: the scorched balcony, the weary but relieved faces of the neighbours, and the firefighters packing up their equipment.

Later that evening, as Bob sat back on his deck, reviewing the photos he had taken, he reflected on how quickly an ordinary day could change. The blaring sirens had pulled him into the heart of a dramatic moment, and his camera had captured the story of a community’s close call with disaster. His favourite shot, of the firefighter on the balcony framed by smoke and debris, would be the centrepiece of his latest story—a story about resilience, quick action, and the everyday heroes that keep the city safe. 

Bob at round house park

It was a bright October afternoon when Bob decided to stroll through Toronto's Roundhouse Park, a perfect spot for some street photography. The park, nestled between towering modern buildings and the remnants of an industrial past, offered a blend of the old and the new, with its retired locomotives serving as silent monuments to another era.

As Bob wandered around the old trains, taking in the rich textures of rusted iron and weathered paint, he spotted something that immediately caught his attention. Standing on the platform of a deep burgundy train car was a woman, her appearance both haunting and captivating.

She was dressed in an intricate gothic ensemble—a black gown with shimmering accents that resembled the bones of a skeleton. The crown on her head was made of dark, twisted flowers, almost resembling thorny vines that added to her commanding, eerie aura. Her pale face stood out against the deep colours of her outfit, and the long black hair that framed her face gave her a mysterious presence.

Bob couldn't resist. He quickly raised his Sony RX100 and framed her within the rusted iron rails of the train car. She stood still, her hand resting delicately on the rail, as though she were guarding some dark secret within the train behind her.

The light was perfect—the way the sunlight played off the metal of the train and cast soft shadows on her face. Bob adjusted his aperture, focusing on her expression, which seemed both distant and aware, as though she had been expecting him to capture this very moment.

Click.

Bob took the shot. He knew instantly that this photo would tell a story. The juxtaposition of the industrial setting and her gothic appearance gave the scene an almost cinematic quality. She didn’t move, holding her pose for just a few moments longer, allowing Bob to capture another angle. Her faint smile seemed to say, "You’ve got the shot."

As Bob lowered his camera, he nodded in appreciation. The woman gave him a small, knowing smile and turned back toward the train, disappearing into the shadows of the open door. He had his picture, but now, he was left with a lingering question: Was she part of the park's event, or had she, like the train itself, travelled through time to be here?

Bob chuckled to himself and moved on, eager to see what other stories Roundhouse Park had in store. But that image, of the gothic girl standing on the platform of a forgotten train, would remain etched in his mind—and his portfolio—for a long time. 

Classic Digital Camera

This would be one mirrorless camera that will be considered a classic digital camera.

The Sony α6000 (a6000) has already made a significant impact on the digital camera market since its release in early 2014, and as of 2024, there are strong indications that it may indeed be regarded as a classic digital camera. Here are several reasons supporting this perspective:

1. Innovative Mirrorless Design

When the a6000 was launched, it represented a leap forward in Sony's mirrorless camera lineup. At a time when DSLR cameras dominated the market, the a6000 offered a compact alternative without sacrificing performance. Its success helped solidify the mirrorless format as a serious contender in both enthusiast and professional photography circles.

2. Outstanding Autofocus System

One of the standout features of the a6000 is its hybrid autofocus system, which combines 179 phase-detection points with 25 contrast-detection points. This system enables rapid and accurate focusing, making the a6000 particularly effective for capturing fast-moving subjects and achieving sharp images consistently.

3. High Image Quality

Equipped with a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, the a6000 delivers impressive image quality with good dynamic range and low-light performance for its class. Its balance of resolution and sensor size has made it a favourite among both amateur photographers and seasoned enthusiasts.

4. Compact and Lightweight

The a6000's compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, appealing to travellers, vloggers, and everyday photographers who prefer a less bulky setup without compromising on image quality.

5. Versatile Lens Ecosystem

Sony's E-mount lens system offers a wide range of lenses compatible with the a6000, providing photographers with the flexibility to adapt to various shooting scenarios. This versatility has contributed to the camera's enduring popularity.

6. Affordability and Value

Offering high-end features at a relatively affordable price point has made the a6000 accessible to a broad audience. Its excellent value proposition has sustained its popularity even as newer models have been introduced.

7. Community and Support

Over the years, a robust community has formed around the a6000, with extensive online resources, tutorials, and user-generated content. This community support enhances the user experience and contributes to the camera's lasting legacy.

8. Longevity and Updates

Sony has continued to support the a6000 with firmware updates and accessories, ensuring that it remains relevant and functional even as technology advances. This commitment to longevity is a hallmark of classic cameras.

Conclusion

Given its combination of innovative features, exceptional performance, affordability, and enduring popularity, the Sony α6000 has all the attributes that typically define a classic digital camera. Its influence on the mirrorless camera market and the continued appreciation from photographers around the world suggest that the a6000 will likely be remembered as a significant and classic model in the history of digital photography.

What lens should you use to get 50mm

When choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm lens for an APS-C (Advanced Photo System type-C) camera sensor, it's essential to consider the crop factor associated with APS-C sensors. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Understanding Crop Factor

• Crop Factor: APS-C sensors are smaller than full-frame sensors, typically having a crop factor of 1.5x (Nikon, Sony) or 1.6x (Canon).

• Effective Focal Length: To find the equivalent focal length on a full-frame camera, multiply the lens's focal length by the crop factor.

• 35mm Lens on APS-C:

• Effective Focal Length: 35mm × 1.5 = 52.5mm (Nikon/Sony) or 35mm × 1.6 = 56mm (Canon)

• Use Case: This range closely resembles the classic "standard" 50mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it versatile for everyday photography, portraits, and general use.

• 50mm Lens on APS-C:

• Effective Focal Length: 50mm × 1.5 = 75mm (Nikon/Sony) or 50mm × 1.6 = 80mm (Canon)

• Use Case: This range is more suitable for portrait photography, offering a tighter field of view and greater background compression.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a 35mm lens. It provides a similar perspective to the 50mm lens on a full-frame camera, making it ideal for general-purpose photography, street photography, and situations where a natural field of view is desired.

Choose a 50mm lens. It's better suited for portraits and scenarios where you want to isolate your subject from the background with a more compressed perspective.

Additional Considerations

• Aperture: Wider apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4) allow for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, which is beneficial for portraiture and creating a pleasing bokeh effect.

• Lens Quality: Prime lenses (fixed focal length) like the 35mm and 50mm often offer superior image quality compared to zoom lenses, including sharper images and better low-light performance.

• Personal Shooting Style: Consider what you primarily shoot. If you favor versatility and a natural look, the 35mm might be more suitable. If you lean towards portraits and need a tighter frame, the 50mm could be the better choice.

Conclusion

For an APS-C camera sensor, a 35mm lens is generally recommended if you're aiming for a field of view similar to a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera. It offers versatility and a natural perspective suitable for a wide range of photography styles. However, if your focus is on portrait photography and you desire a more compressed background, a 50mm lens might be the better option.

Ultimately, both lenses are valuable additions to your kit, and the best choice depends on your specific photographic needs and preferences.

Here's a guide on how to use the TTArtisan 35mm manual lens on your camera. This lens offers a great balance of affordability and optical performance, but it requires manual focusing and exposure adjustments. Let’s break down the process:

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1. Mounting the Lens

Ensure your camera and lens are compatible in terms of mount type (e.g., Sony E-mount, Canon EF-M). Follow these steps to properly mount the TTArtisan 35mm lens:

• Align the lens’s alignment mark with the corresponding mark on your camera mount.
• Gently twist the lens clockwise (or per your camera's system) until it clicks into place.

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2. Set Your Camera to Manual Mode

Since the TTArtisan 35mm lens is fully manual, you’ll need to switch your camera to Manual (M) mode to control exposure manually. Here's how:

• On your camera's mode dial, turn it to M (Manual mode).
• Alternatively, if you want semi-automatic exposure, you can use Aperture Priority (A/Av) mode where you control the aperture, and the camera handles the shutter speed.

For Sony mirrorless cameras, enabling "Release without lens" in the settings is necessary since the camera won’t detect a manual lens electronically.

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3. Focusing

Since the TTArtisan 35mm is a manual focus lens, here’s how to achieve sharp images:

• Use Focus Peaking (if available): Many modern mirrorless cameras like Sony models feature focus peaking. Enable this function in the camera’s settings. It highlights areas that are in focus with a coloured overlay.
• Zoom in for Precision: Use the magnification option in your camera’s viewfinder or LCD screen to zoom in on your subject. This allows you to fine-tune your focus.
• Focus Ring: Rotate the focus ring on the lens barrel to bring your subject into focus. Turn it slowly and carefully for precise focusing.

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4. Aperture Control

The TTArtisan 35mm lens features a manual aperture ring on the lens itself:

• Aperture Ring: Rotate the aperture ring on the lens to adjust the aperture size. The f-stop numbers (e.g., f/1.4, f/2.0, f/2.8) on the ring correspond to the size of the aperture opening.
  • Lower f-stop (e.g., f/1.4) = Larger aperture, shallow depth of field, more background blur (bokeh).
  • Higher f-stop (e.g., f/8, f/16) = Smaller aperture, more of the scene in focus.

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5. Exposure Settings

In Manual mode, you’ll have full control over the camera’s exposure settings:

• Shutter Speed: Adjust the shutter speed on your camera according to the lighting conditions. The faster the shutter speed, the less light enters (useful in bright conditions). A slower shutter speed lets in more light (better for low light but risks motion blur).
• ISO: Manually set the ISO sensitivity. Lower ISO values (e.g., ISO 100) give cleaner images but are best for bright conditions. Higher ISO (e.g., ISO 800 or above) allows shooting in lower light but can introduce noise.
• Metering: Use your camera’s light meter to judge if the exposure is correct. The camera’s meter might suggest underexposure or overexposure as you manually adjust aperture and shutter speed.

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6. Composition

The 35mm focal length on an APS-C sensor gives you an effective focal length of around 52-56mm, which is close to a "normal" or standard field of view. Here are some composition tips:

• Street Photography: The 35mm lens is great for street photography because it offers a natural perspective. Try capturing candid moments while blending into the environment.
• Portraits: At f/1.4, you can create beautiful bokeh, isolating your subject with a soft, blurred background.
• Environmental Shots: The wider field of view is ideal for capturing a subject within its surroundings, great for storytelling shots.

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7. Practical Tips

• Check Focus Regularly: Since it’s a manual lens, always double-check your focus, especially at wider apertures like f/1.4, where focus can be very shallow.
• Use a Tripod (for Low Light): In low-light scenarios where slower shutter speeds are necessary, a tripod can help prevent motion blur.
• Practice Manual Focusing: Using a manual lens requires practice. Start with stationary subjects and gradually move to dynamic ones as you get used to the focusing process.
• Sunny Conditions: Use a lens hood (if available) or adjust your angle to avoid flaring or harsh light spots.

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8. Post-Processing

Because the lens is manual, your camera may not record lens metadata (EXIF data like aperture used). Keep track of your settings manually, especially if you’re experimenting with different aperture and shutter combinations.

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Conclusion

Using the TTArtisan 35mm manual lens requires patience and practice but offers creative control over your images. Its fast f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur, making it a favourite for street photography, portraits, and artistic work. By mastering manual focus and exposure settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of this affordable yet high-quality lens.

Another brick in the wall

 

Bob was out again, strolling down the same street where he'd found his last story. His eyes darted around, always searching for the next tale hidden in the ordinary. He had his camera slung around his neck, and his mind was on autopilot, tuned into the rhythm of the city. As he rounded the corner, he spotted something that made him stop in his tracks.

There was a man on a ladder, the same man Bob had seen before, working on the same graffiti-covered wall. This time, though, he wasn’t just prying out one brick—he was repairing it. One brick, right in the middle of a mural, seemed to have been displaced, as if it had grown tired of holding its place for years and decided to step out of line. The worker was gently tapping it back into position, making sure it fit snugly among its comrades.

Bob raised his camera and framed the shot. The wall, covered in spray-painted art and old layers of time, seemed to lean in, as if acknowledging that every piece, every brick mattered. But there was something poetic about this particular brick—something symbolic. It wasn’t just part of the mural; it was part of the city itself, holding up the stories of countless passersby, absorbing their footsteps, and standing witness to their lives.

He snapped the picture, the sound of the shutter echoing softly in the alley. The man on the ladder barely noticed Bob, too focused on his work. Bob smiled, thinking to himself about how many stories this wall had seen, and how this one brick had come to represent something bigger.

When Bob got home and reviewed the shots on his computer, he stared at the photo of the brick for a long time. He decided to write a post for his blog titled “Another Brick in the Wall: A Silent Witness to Change.”

In his post, he mused about how the brick was just one of thousands in the city, but for some reason, it stood out. Maybe it was the fact that it had been removed and then carefully returned to its place, a symbol of how cities change and evolve but never truly forget their past. Or maybe it was because Bob knew that the beauty of street photography wasn’t just in capturing what was happening—but in seeing what was left behind.

As he finished his blog post, Bob leaned back, satisfied. He had found another story in the small, hidden corners of the city, another tiny piece of the urban puzzle. One brick, in a wall of many, but one that had been noticed, captured, and remembered.

Photo Gatekeepers

This photo of Liz has over 10,00 views on my Flickr account.

I have some friends joining camera clubs now.

I was in a camera club and had a very negative experience. I found it during the judging in the judging it seemed to be always the same people winning.

I had a photo entered in the club and the judges ripped my photo apart during their evaluation.

 I stopped going but still wanted to do photography. I am so glad I found Toronto Photo Walks and Flickr to post my photos.

I am just a guy walking around and taking photos and over 3 million views on Flickr.

Here is my blog post on those people who think they are the gate keepers of perfect photography.

Gate Keepers

Why You Should Avoid Cloning Things Out of a Photograph

Why You Should Avoid Cloning Things Out of a Photograph

In the age of digital photography, it's easier than ever to manipulate images. The "clone stamp" tool has become one of the most commonly used features in photo editing software. With just a few clicks, unwanted objects, blemishes, or distractions can be erased, leaving behind a seemingly perfect image. However, cloning things out of a photograph isn't always the best approach. Here are several reasons why photographers should think twice before using this tool excessively.

1. Authenticity Matters

Photography, at its core, is about capturing moments as they happen. Whether you’re shooting a street scene or a breathtaking landscape, there is beauty in the natural imperfections. Cloning out objects can strip an image of its authenticity. It alters the reality of the moment, which can lead to a sense of dishonesty, especially if the photograph is meant to document something as it truly was. Viewers appreciate the rawness and truthfulness of a scene, and too much editing can detract from that.

2. Documentary Integrity

For photographers engaged in genres like street photography or photojournalism, cloning out elements of a scene can blur the line between documentation and fiction. In journalism, the goal is to capture and present reality. Editing out elements, even small ones, can change the narrative of the image, leading to ethical concerns. For instance, removing a person or object can distort the story or misrepresent a situation.

3. The Danger of Over Editing

Over-reliance on the clone tool can lead to images that look overly processed or unnatural. While it might be tempting to smooth over every imperfection, this can result in a loss of texture, depth, and dimension. For example, when working on street or travel photography, keeping small distractions like a stray wire or a passerby in the background can actually add to the context of the scene and enhance the story you're telling. Over-editing can strip away the essence of that moment, leaving an image that feels sterile.

4. It Can Make You Lazy as a Photographer

Relying too much on post-processing can make you complacent in your shooting techniques. Part of the craft of photography is mastering the composition and framing at the moment of capture. If you always assume you can "fix it in post," you might stop paying attention to key elements like framing, background distractions, or the placement of subjects. Striving to get the shot right in-camera can lead to stronger, more thoughtful compositions.

5. Imperfections Can Enhance Your Story

Imperfections tell stories. A street photograph with people walking through the frame, a travel shot with a distant car in the background, or a landscape with power lines crisscrossing the sky—these elements all contribute to the overall context. Removing them might make the image technically cleaner, but it could lose a sense of place and time. Sometimes, those imperfections are what make the image interesting or relatable.

6. Viewer Trust

When viewers look at a photograph, especially in the context of journalism, documentary work, or even street photography, they expect a certain level of trustworthiness. If viewers know that a photographer frequently manipulates images by removing or altering key elements, it can erode trust in the photographer’s work. Even subtle changes can leave people questioning the integrity of the image and the artist.

7. Natural Alternatives to Cloning

If you feel that an object or distraction in the background of your shot detracts from the composition, consider alternatives before reaching for the clone tool. For instance:

• Recompose: Adjust your angle or framing at the time of capture to eliminate distracting elements.

• Use Depth of Field: A wide aperture can blur out distracting background elements, making them less noticeable without needing to remove them.

• Creative Cropping: Sometimes simply cropping out the unwanted object is enough, without altering the image entirely.

Conclusion

While there is a time and place for using the clone stamp tool in photography, particularly in portrait retouching or artistic compositions, it’s important to exercise caution. The more you clone out, the further you stray from the integrity of the original image. Rather than focusing on removing every flaw, embrace the imperfections—they often hold the key to the true emotion and story behind your photograph. As photographers, we should aim to present images that are as authentic as the moments we capture.

“Bread, Sky, and a Smile.”

 

Bob was out on a sunny afternoon, his camera slung over his shoulder, ready to capture the vibrancy of life along the waterfront. He wasn’t expecting anything spectacular, just the usual: people walking their dogs, couples strolling by the lake, kids playing. But then, he spotted something that caught his street photographer’s eye—a man standing at the edge of the water, arm outstretched, a slice of bread in his hand.

The man had a calm smile, his eyes covered by dark sunglasses, his bald head glinting in the sunlight. Above him, a seagull circled, wings outstretched, its eyes fixed on the morsel of bread. Bob quickly adjusted his camera settings, aiming to catch the perfect shot of this interaction between man and nature.

As he moved around, trying to get the right angle, the seagull swooped in gracefully, its wings a blur against the bright blue sky. It hovered for just a second before snatching the bread from the man’s hand. The man chuckled, completely absorbed in the moment, unaware that Bob was capturing it all.

Click. Bob got the shot. The perfect one, where the seagull’s wings were mid-flap, the man’s arm reaching up like he was offering something sacred to the bird. The background of the lake glistened under the sun, adding a peaceful serenity to the scene.

Bob grinned behind his camera. This was exactly why he loved street photography—the spontaneous beauty of real life, the small, fleeting moments that tell stories of connection.

Later, as Bob reviewed the shot, he couldn’t help but laugh a little. The image felt almost symbolic, like some modern-day version of feeding the birds in a park, but with more flair. He decided to call the photo “Bread, Sky, and a Smile.”

Photo Editing

 

This photo was important to expose for the smoke coming from the BBQ.

My blog post on what I think about over editing your photographs.

You should try and get the best photograph in your camera.

Photo Editing