Update


Sydney

So a quick little update for you all.

I have decided to take a leap of faith and move over to Sydney!!!

No guaranteed job is waiting for me just my hopes and dreams so in the lead up to my move (which will be in roughly 6 weeks time) there will be limited posts as I have quite a bit on my plate at the moment with weddings, work and preparing to move.

Don’t worry WA people I will be coming back to say hello to you all as my wedding photography will still continue for the next year or two.

I’m sure there will be some exciting developments to share with you all so if you haven’t already liked my Facebook page be sure to here – that way you will be informed of my happenings.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

Australia Day Fireworks 2013


My abstract take on the Australia Day fireworks held at Bathers Beach near the Port of Fremantle, Western Australia.

As always you can download these photographs for free. Enjoy.

abstract photography of fireworks

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

abstract photography of fireworks

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

 

 

Perth Arena Abstract


I photographed this abstract of the Perth Arena a few months ago when I was walking through the City Of Perth. Since its completion the building has hosted some major events like Elton John’s opening concert and the Hyundai Hopman Cup tennis tournament.

building in Perth

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

Circular Pool


I could smell the freshness of the forest. A raging river forged its path through the divided valley. Moss covered rocks crammed against each other fighting for elevation above the banks of the flowing river. Downstream the chuckle of laughing kookaburras broke the faint roar of the fading rapid.

I was surrounded by my element, the ever-changing outdoors.

Flowing and moving in a circular motion a collection of colours lingered at rapid’s end. I cast my view down to see my rippled reflection. A traversing mirror stared back. I could see a well-travelled landscape photographer in his element.

The last light was due for a show, patiently I watched and waited as a stream of gold broke from the scattered mass above me. My tripod was set. The image was ready. The shutter pressed.

Reflections on the water

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Pemberton – Big Brook Dam


I’m having a quick break from editing wedding photos and I thought I would upload a photo for the fans!

Thank you so much to the regulars who stop by the blog every day. I am still blown away that you call this little corner of the internet part of your online home.

As always I have made this photograph free for anyone to download. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Enjoy.

trees by a lake

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Pacific Black Duck


By simply choosing a different angle to photograph a common bird art can be created. I hope you like this one!

Duck Drinking

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE –CLICK HERE

Flower Pop Art


Something to brighten your day!

Kings Park 004

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE –CLICK HERE

 

I created this artwork using layers blending modes in Photoshop. The effect is kind of cool and funky! I’m interested where do you see a picture like this belonging? In a child’s room; in a museum; at your house or should it go straight to the scrap heap? Thoughts?

I might even do a small tutorial for F Stop Lounge on how to do this – if I get the time! I have a few weddings to edit.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Awaiting The Wave


 

Iridescent clouds passed the reflective ocean tide. The lone paddle border waited with patience for the wave seemed a scarce occurrence. His gaze was fixed on the lonely horizon. The still ocean didn’t seem to want to break the glassy norm.

I could see his shoulders shrug with a sigh. Maybe it was a moment of relaxation or frustration, I’m not quite sure as he seemed to be somewhat transfixed in the moment.

Paddle ready the border balanced afloat the watery mass. From no where the glistening watery surface gained in height to form an elusive wave. A powerful strong standing stroke aligned the nose of the board to the beach. The paddler elevated gracefully with the energetic wave.

Awaiting the wave – the moment had arrived. The short thrill of a ride, a journey of freedom and escape.

A paddle boarder at Cottesloe Beach

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE

CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

 

 

Cottesloe Beach – The Best Sunset in the World


Have you ever sat in an amazement of a sunset in awe of its grandeur and beauty?

Yesterday I was fortunate to witness one of the world best sunsets at Cottesloe Beach located in Western Australia. I feel privileged to share this photograph with you and hope the best sunset in the world will bring some colour into your life. May you be inspired to create and share.

Cottesloe Beach 010

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Sunset at Mosman Beach


People were out and about as the afternoon light fell upon the earth. I passed an energetic exerciser running on the beach as she was frantically being chased by a pack of wet dogs. The soggy reward of a tennis ball seemed to be enough to keep the dogs running up and down the beach. With dogs of all sizes running around me in every direction I had to be carefully carrying my camera as it might have been mistaken for a play thing. The dog owners seemed to sense my panic and the call of names filled the air. “Rex, Peach, Sacha, Lady – come here!”- “Lady come here!” With a delayed scurry, flicked sand filled the air and the disobedient dogs bolted in the direction of the newly found tennis ball.  The though of a being jumped on by a wet slobbery retriever was too much to bear so I set off from the pack to capture the sunset.

Crashing waves broke on me as I walked the shallow shores of Mosman Beach. I headed for the rocks toward the end of the beach and was met by a young family fishing the shores. Trying not to interfere with their recreational activity I dodged the lines and found myself at this scene. Clouds on the horizon hung full of colour. I found some jagged rocks to fill the foreground and flicked the camera on.  With the 18mm set on my Fujifilm X-Pro 1 I composed the image into three photographs as later I was going to stitch them together.

When I arrived home I got a little distracted from an immediate upload due to a tooth ache. After another journey to the chemist for some strong pain relief I find myself sitting here typing this story for you all and uploading the latest free photograph.

I hope you enjoy this image. I certainly enjoyed taking it.

Mosman Beach located near Fremantle

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

 

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 (3 image stitch)

 

The Last Swim


Rejoicing in the clear waters;

Flowing from every direction the moment filled the air.

The last swim.

The last swim at Port Beach, Fremantle

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

South Beach, Fremantle


Australia is experiencing one of the biggest heat waves at the moment with temperatures in some parts of the country exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Farenheit).

The car parks at my local beach, South Beach are filling up very quickly in the afternoon as workers and their families seek relief from heat of the day. As I only live less than a minute away from this beach its great to go down every now and then to cool off, get my feet wet and soak up the surroundings.

It’s not often I upload a photo straight to my blog without much post processing so consider this photo a rarity. I captured this photo with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 which is probably why I didn’t need to do much to it. Clean and sharp. What more could you need?

South Beach, Fremantle, Western Australia

THIS PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Canon N – The Instagramers camera – a Powershot.


CES has certainly started with a bang with the announcement of the Canon Powershot N.

Powershot N by Canon

Who would have thought Canon would introduce something out of the square (pun intended) and call it the Powershot N. Personally I think this camera is designed for the photo sharing communities like Instagram, Tumblr and the New Myspace. In my opinion the camera has been modelled on the successful size of the Go Pro camera. The 8x optical zoom is identical to the previous Powershot A4000 IS which has been a liked feature from many Canon users.

WiFi on the Powershot N

The camera boasts minimal buttons and a really cool design which I’m sure will turn a lot of heads.

Built in Wi-Fi is also a welcome feature for the tech-savvy generation enabling uploads straight to the preferred social media platform via the Canon CameraWindow App which is available for the top iOS devices.

Probably the best feature I like about the N is the flip screen. It’s unlike Canon to develop a screen that rotates up and down as their previous models turned on a horizontal axis. This 2.8 LCD screen is able to rotate 90 degrees which is perfect for the avid skater or general teenager.

Also all the features on the camera can be activated via the stylish touch screen which also acts as a built-in tripod when filming those selfies shots.

To the serious side now and Canon have stood by their quality guns with this barrel. The lens is identical to the Powershot A4000IS which boasts a 8x optical zoom and a minimum aperture of f3.0. I actually played with the Powershot A4000IS yesterday and was amazed at the quality. This camera should be no different.

Canon Lens on the Powershot N

I think this camera is a welcome release from Canon. Previously we have not seen any change within their entry level Powershot line up. I really do think this camera will do very well with some online marketing behind it. I can see the YouTubers and the younger photo sharers embrace this little beauty. I would certainly own one for my YouTube travels.

What camera remote should I use?


Camera Remotes

Have you ever seen images of  lightning, star trails and even light painting and wondered how the photographer captured it?

This little article is all about revealing some of the magic….using one of the low light photographers favourite tool – the camera remote.

The original screw in shutter button remote your grandparents had for their trusty camera certainly doesn’t stand a chance against the modern remote of today.

Screw in Remote Cable

Wireless, timer, WiFi and even Bluetooth are common terms associated with this great device that will change the way you tackle your newly found photographic subject. Remotes are most useful when the camera’s shutter speed exceeds 30 seconds in a mode called bulb mode. When the bulb mode is used you can extend the camera’s shutter speed to what ever time limit you want (although you are limited to your camera’s battery). Shooting in bulb mode means whatever happens in the scene will be captured while the shutter is open.

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Fujifilm X100s and Fujifilm X20 Specs


The following is the press release about the two new cameras the Fujifilm X100s and Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm X100s

Fujifilm X100s

Two years ago, FUJIFILM launched the prestigious X100 with a FUJINON 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens and superb image quality, in a beautifully designed compact camera body. Its unique style and international acclaim has carved out a niche for a new genre of Premium Compact Camera, designed in pursuit of optimum operability. Today, FUJIFILM is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X100S, the successor to the FUJIFILM X100, inheriting its elegant design and high-performance lens, whilst evolving further to meet customers’ demands with the introduction of a higher-definition Hybrid Viewfinder and a new sensor and processor.

The X100S has the ability to capture high resolution images, comparable to those taken on full-frame sensors. This is down to a combination of its newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II, which together increase resolution by approx. 25% (*2) and reduce noise by more than 30% (*3). Clear images with minimal graininess, even at high ISO settings, can also be produced, thanks to the removal of the optical low pass filter and the introduction of a more powerful processor.

The newly-developed X-Trans CMOS II sensor has built-in Phase Detection pixels which provide the X100S with the world’s fastest AF in as little as 0.08 seconds (*1). Additionally, the EXR Processor II offers very speedy response times with a start-up time of approx. 0.5 seconds (*4), and a shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. Plus with its shutter time lag of only 0.01 seconds, it allows you to react quickly and capture each precise moment you want to with no missed photo opportunities.
Also new to the FUJIFILM X100S is the world’s first (*5) “Digital Split Image” feature, which displays dual images on the left and right to be lined up for manual focusing. This enables accurate focusing especially when working with an open aperture or macro shooting. What’s more there is a handy Focus Peak Highlight function, which shows you precisely which area of your composition is in focus.

Depending on the subject and scene, users can switch between two viewfinder options: optical or electronic. The Optical Viewfinder (OVF) is useful when users want to see their subject in the same bright clarity that they see with the naked eye, or when time lag is an issue. The high resolution 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) is useful when you want to be able to visually check focus, exposure, white balance and depth of field whilst composing the shot.

Main Features

(1) Sensor performance comparable to full-frame output
The X100S features FUJIFILM’s newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor with a unique, highly randomised, colour filter arrangement. The benefit of the new array is the elimination of the need for an optical low-pass filter; these are used in conventional sensors to reduce false colour and moiré effects but they also reduce image resolution. The removal of the optical low-pass filter allows the X-Trans CMOS II sensor to maximise the light it receives directly, enabling users to capture much finer detail and optimise resolution levels.

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Behind the Scenes – How Film is Developed and Printed



A bag of 35mm film

Have you ever wondered how your film is developed?

So what’s first? Let me take you through the process…

To start get your favourite old camera out. You know that camera you found at an op shop or garage sale. The one that says Lomo on the side or Leica on the top? Either way its still around and you might as well put it to some use.  Load your favourite film and continue by spending the morning or afternoon out photographing your favourite subject.

Once you have finished your shoot the satisfying sound of the rewinding film should be music to your ears. With a smile head into your local film lab to get your marvellous shots processed. At this point you should be smiling as you have captured images on the original camera sensor – film! ….and nothing beats the original right?

Fujifilm sign for film printing

So now your film has arrived, you can continue on your journey while the staff at the film lab go ahead and turn your art into memories. Your little favourite film’s journey is just about to begin.

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Fujifilm X20 and X100s


Fuji X20

The new Fujifilm X20 camera will be arriving shortly at CES.

The newly designed camera seems to be about the same size as the original Fujifilm X10 and now has a choice of black or silver.

In my opinion the silver model looks the better colour choice as I think it represents the retro look better than the black.

I have been shooting with the Fujifilm X-100, Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and occasionally with the Fujifilm X10 and found the image results from all three cameras have been very satisfying.

There was some debate in the earlier firmware versions of the Fujifilm X10 camera about the sensor producing orb like rings around bright lights. I’m sure this ‘problem’ will have been resolved in the new X20.

Aesthetically I don’t really see much difference between the X10 and X20 however internally the new camera is rumoured to have phase detection pixels and contrast detection to aid a superior focus system. Something Fujifilm fans have asked for in previous versions.

Fujifilm will also be releasing an updated version of the high successful X100 called the Fujifilm X100s. I imagine many of the menu features found on the X-Pro 1 will migrate to the new X20 and X100s.

You can read my full thoughts on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 here.

Reflections of the Sunset


Soft patterns of light danced on the lapping waves. A warm velvet glow caressed the ocean tide leaving brief mirrored pastels along the shoreline.

Clouds gathered and the instrumental orchestral sound of the ocean drew me ever closer to the water’s edge. My mind was resting and I didn’t want to leave.

The sky was forming a masterpiece a painter could only dream of. The intensity of coloured light grew as the sun fell off the horizon’s edge, disappearing to reveal its colourful trick.

Cold fresh crisp air filled my senses with the intense aroma of salt. I took a deep breath and began to relax from my busy day.

My gaze became fixed beyond the soothing waves lapping at my feet. Minuscule silhouettes seemed to float lost on the distant water’s edge. I wondered how long these tiny vessels would sail the ocean tide before they reached their final destination.

Their journey had only begun. For me the day was at an end, an end that seemed to form magically before me.

Reflections Of The Sunset

THIS PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREECLICK HERE

Image details:

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 200 – f/4 – 1/210 second – 9 images vertically stitched

GEAR FOR SALE


The time has come for me to make the move away from my Canon kit. I won’t say much more as its all in the video. All the prices and details can be seen below the video or on my YouTube channel.

If you have any questions on my gear simply visit the YouTube page and read the comments section under the video – you should find all the answers there. If you have any other questions comment below here on my blog.

A few ground rules first.
I will be VERY selective to replying to people on Youtube and other social platforms about general questions about the gear I am selling.

The condition of the gear is talked about in the video so all your questions should be answered there.

The purchaser will have to pay for any shipping and any landing fees (for example VAT) to their country.
All goods will be sent via AUSTRALIA POST. Items will be very well packed in bubble wrap and double boxed. To work out a rough guide for postage costs see the following links (All items will be sent from Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia 6160):

For international postage: http://auspost.com.au/apps/international-parcel.html
For parcels within Australia: http://auspost.com.au/apps/domestic-parcel.html

There will be no returns on purchased goods.

Payment can be made via Paypal. I will only release the goods once I recieve full payment. I am a man of my word. If you don’t believe me speak with anyone who knows me online (Google+ or simply google my name ‘Leigh Diprose’)

The list of gear I’m selling is:
1x Canon EOS 1D MK IV Body Only – AUD $4500.00
(AUSTRALIAN BUYERS ONLY FOR THIS ITEM due to the item containing batteries)

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for any lenses:
1x Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens – AUD $1600.00
1x Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2.8 APO DG Lens – AUD $1500.00
1x Canon MP-E65mm f/2.8 1-5x Lens – AUD $800.00
1x Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite – AUD $700.00
1x Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens – AUD $750.00
1x Sigma 2x Teleconverter (Canon Mount) – AUD $150.00

To get in contact with me you can see all my contact details on my site – http://www.leighdiprose.com