Eyelives

Discovering the Canon 500D

C. McNab — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:31:45 +0000

Most of the shots on this blog are with a Canon 500D (T1i in North America). It’s a fantastic camera I’ve owned for about four months, and I’m learning as I go. No doubt there are tens of thousands of people out there with the same camera – all of us trying to understand the features and take better images. I thought it could be good to share what we’re learning – not just from the manual or from online information – but figuring out ourselves through trial and error. So here’s a little blog with some photos to illustrate what I’ve learnt so far…stressing that there is still LOTS to learn. I would love to hear from more Canon 500D and other photographers – to understand the discoveries, mistakes and miracle shots out there in the world.

Of course, there are lots of blogs and corporate sites with great information – giving the how-to’s and tips we all need. (I was impressed by the Canon “World of EOS” which included some really good information from pro photographers.) This particular blog is not meant to be exhaustive. It’s just an opportunity to reflect a bit on four months with the ol’ Canon.

Some of the early photos here were taken with less expensive lenses. I’m now using a Tamron 17-55 2.8, and a Canon 70-200 USM f4. Really happy with both and I do think they make a difference. Of course, the pros will say “just get out and shoot”, and even if they have $15,000 of equipment, they’re right.

Sydney dust storm

C. McNab — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:35:39 +0000

On 23 September, people in Sydney awoke to find their world had turned red. A giant dust storm had blown over the city and cast an eerie glow for hours.

Jane Becker – Uncovering the critters of Oxford Street

C. McNab — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:10:36 +0000

“Oxford Street is known for its restaurants, shops and nightlife,” says Sydney artist Jane Becker. “For this mural, I wanted to give a different perspective of the street, to invite people to think about the animals who live on, above and under it.”

This photo essay explores how Jane turned a blank white hoarding into an unforgettable ménagerie of critters. The slug’s so cute, you may even want to reach out and touch it.

Jane’s mural is part of “Uncovering Oxford Street”, a show in the City of Sydney’s festival “Art & About” which runs through October 25.

Click on the first photo below and then follow onto the “next image” to see how Jane brought this painting from the studio to the street.