Is this thing still on? Why, hello there, and Happy New Year! I have been told that I am a bad, bad person for having abandoned my blog in favour of status updates and pokes in the land of Facebook. I've been lured over by the convenience of quick-hit microblogging, and the promise of many more eyeballs directed at my photographs. To be honest, things have gone very well over there.

But as I looked back at all the writing I've done in other forums, I realized that there is no reason why I could not share all of that here as well. In fact, that is exactly what I did with my Canon-to-Nikon article last April. Most of my in-depth articles take anywhere from one to four hours to research and write. Some may represent days of work if a lot of hands-on testing is involved.

Rather than trying to make this blog just about wedding photography, I will broaden it to include other aspects of photography. I am terrible at writing clever, gushing prose for a wedding. Not that I don't love photographing them, but I would rather have the photos speak for themselves. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all. I will concentrate instead of the organizational details of each wedding, which will be useful information for any brides- and grooms-to-be in the audience.

I also have a desperate need to re-style my blog to match my main web site, and look into syndication of blog content to bring in more readers, most of whom I suspect were lost over the past year. I may keep it here on Livejournal, or I may move it to a hosted installation like WordPress. So let's do this: I'll mix things up between wedding and lifestyle features, and articles on technique and technology. This had always been lurking under the surface, but my vision has never been as clear as it is now. Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, or just like looking at pretty pictures, I should have something for you.

Welcome to 2010!

[reposted from the Digital Wedding Forum]

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

That's Mihkel Fortey trying to help me decide between the 5D Mark II and the D700. I've been a Canon shooter almost all of my professional life, but for the first time, I felt Nikon might have a product that better suits me. I currently shoot with a pair of 40D's, so the first question was whether I needed to upgrade at all. If "yes", the second question was whether I stuck with Canon or switched to Nikon.

I've meditated upon this decision for many months now, aware of the costs of switching, aware of the "grass is greener" syndrome, aware that I had to balance my personal lust for new toys with the responsibility of running a business, and always remembering that none of my past clients ever expressed any concern over the type of equipment I used.

This will turn out to be a very long post, but I'm not going to type it all out at once, since I will undoubtedly forget to cover a point or miss a detail somewhere. So I'll just start with why I felt a decision had to be made, and the major influences of that decision.

It used to be that digital cameras suffered from poor battery life, slow response times, insufficient pixel resolution, a small shot buffer, unnatural colour, etc. One by one, the technical limitations fell away. Now, only two major ones remain for me: AF performance and ISO noise. I can never have too much of the former, nor too little of the latter. Problems with battery life, pixel count, colour rendition, and so on have all been more than adequately solved for my needs.

For the most part, I have been happy with the AF performance of my 40D. I used the center point 90% of the time, and kept a 580EX II in the hotshoe to help out in low light situations. Paired with the right lenses (notably my 135 f/2L and 17-55 f/2.8 IS), I was able to get good, sharp photos. It wasn't 100%, but close enough that no important shots were ever missed.

ISO noise was also quite respectable. I would often shoot at 1600 and, properly exposed, would get some great images. I like the noise characteristics of the 40D, with no visible banding or pattern noise until I'm reaching up to ISO 3200 pushed 1 or 2 stops.

But as I said, I can always use better AF and less noise.

The obvious successors to my 40D were the 5D Mark II and the D700. The 5D2 was the comfortable choice. Buy two new bodies, and away I go. Same lenses (mostly), same speedlites, same controls, same ergonomics. Yet at the same time, the reasons why I went with Canon over Nikon 7 years ago no longer held true. Nikon had caught up (if not surpassed) Canon on several fronts. I had always recognized the strong points of the Nikon system, but I think the introduction of the D3 (and then D700) was a watershed moment that allowed Nikon to finally take the final crown: image quality.

I'll skip the details for now, but I studied everything from the cameras themselves, to the lens lineups of both companies, to their product roadmap and their marketing strategies. I had plenty of hands-on evaluation with both cameras (thanks to many DWF'ers who lent me their gear). In the end, I had to give the D700 the edge over the 5D2, but perhaps not for the reasons most people would expect.

Image quality and AF performance were remarkably even. The Canon was better in some areas, while the Nikon excelled in others. It would have been a very difficult decision had I only considered those points.

In the end, I decided that switching to Nikon would be the best long-term move for two entirely different reasons: confidence in one's equipment, and the company's product development philosophy. I won't rehash everything here, but read Brett's thread about what happens when you can't trust your gear:

[private DWF link omitted]

But what do I mean by "product development philosophy"? Both Canon and Nikon produce gear that is used daily by tens or hundreds of thousands of professionals. There is no arguing they know the business, and they know what it takes to succeed as an equipment manufacturer. But as an outsider, I suspect that these two companies go about things very differently.

I have long noticed that Nikon seems to introduce more useful features and functions that go unanswered by Canon, rather than the other way around. I'm not talking about video capability, Live View, AF microadjustment, high-res LCD screens, etc. Those are the headliner features, and both companies have developed them to stay competitive. No, I'm talking about the smaller, sometimes unnoticed things.

I'll expound more on this later, but the basic gist is this: there are more settings and configurable options on the D700 than on any Canon I've used, 1 series included. And for settings that are on both cameras, Nikon tends to allow more flexibility in the settings. I may not need all those settings, and I may not even understand the utility of some settings... but I appreciate that Nikon gives me more ways to customize the camera's operation than Canon.

The second part of the philosophy question has to do with their product lineup. Canon is very good at maintaining clear, distinct lines between their various camera models. They save the best features for the 1 series cameras, and remove features as you move down to the 5's, 10's and Rebel series. Canon does not believe in putting "pro" features in a "non-pro" camera... I mean, if they made the 50D too good, nobody would have a reason to go with a 1D Mark III, right?

Nikon seems to be less concerned about product differentiation. Are they crazy for putting the D3's sensor and AF module in the D700, then selling it for $2000 less? I know when I looked at both, I really couldn't see much justification to pony up for the D3. The D700 already has most of the important parts!

I think this is due in part to Nikon not "dumbing down" their cameras to fit a product line, the way Canon does. Example: why is the 40D limited to +/- 2 stops of bracketing in 3 shots? The 1 series can do +/- 3 stops with 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots. The D700 can do +/- 5 stops with 2 to 9 shots. The difference is only in software. Example: the D700 has a built-in intervalometer. None of Canon's DSLRs have that feature... oh, but their cheap point-and-shoots do! Again, that is a software feature... the hardware is perfectly capable of doing it.

And then you get into the more significant capabilities. Wireless commander mode on the Nikons is a perfect example. The built-in pop-up flash on the D700 can control multiple off-camera speedlites. That is an amazing feature! Now I can travel with one body and one flash, and still have the option of doing some quick off-camera lighting. With the Canon, I either have to pack two speedlites, or a speedlite and an ST-E2. That then requires a bag or pouch of some sort, instead of just hanging the camera around my neck and nothing else.

So in the end, I feel that Nikon's philosophy results in a better feature set at a lower price point than Canon. I can understand Canon's desire for product differentiation, but as a consumer I appreciate Nikon's approach more. With Canon, I feel they are deliberately crippling their cameras to "encourage" people to buyer a higher-end model than they otherwise need. Canon says "we would rather you buy a 1D Mark III instead of a 50D". Nikon says "it doesn't matter whether you buy a D700 or D3, we still get your dollars".

Earlier today, I called my local camera dealer and put in an order for a D700, 24-70/2.8, MB-D10 grip, a couple extra EN-EL3a's, and an SB-900. I'll start with that, and then decide how to outfit a second D700 later. I will be picking up everything except the lens tomorrow.

I'm looking for people to load up a mockup of a new Flash video slideshow I will be hosting on the front page of my site. It works fine in all the browsers I have installed here, but I'm on a fast connection and have a fast computer, so the "experience" is very smooth for me. I'd like some feedback on how it plays for other people.

I would be especially interested in those with slower laptops or netbooks, old desktops that don't have the latest browser and OS, mobile devices (Blackberries, Treos, iPhones, etc.), even game consoles (it seems to work on my Playstation 3!)

Some things I'm interested in:

1. What browser, OS and computer do you use?
2. How fast is your Internet connection?
3. Does your browser display any warnings?
4. Does the video player come up quickly?
5. Does the video player always stay centered on the screen?
6. Are you able to see the video player controls at your usual browser size?
7. Are you able to see the copyright notice at your usual browser size?
8. Does the video automatically begin playing?
9. Is there an acceptable delay before the video starts playing?
10. Is the initial soundtrack volume appropriate?
11. Is it obvious how to mute the soundtrack?
12. Are the transitions smooth and stable?
13. Does fullscreen mode (lower-right button) work?
14. Are the images reasonably sharp and clear?
15. Does the video play continuously or does it stutter?
16. Does the video play right to the end?
17. Does clicking on the video bring you back here?

It should look something like this:

Here is the link. Thanks in advance!

http://luxography.ca/peek/lj.html

If anyone could see me now, you'd see me wolfing down some dinner (actually, lunch!) in a large soup bowl, alternating with my hands reaching around the bowl to my keyboard to type in this entry. Then I'll have just enough time to reply to a few more business e-mail, pop downstairs to the store (assuming they are still open!) and head over to a friend's place for a low-key NYE party with a handful of others.

It feels like the entire year has been like this... eating and typing at the same time, always more than one thing on the go, but seemingly never enough time to do everything. Things aren't letting up in 2009 either! I'll be spending some time at the beginning of January with two of my earliest wedding couples, Nafiseh and Eddy, who now have two kids! Two days after that, I start my new "hobby" with the Culinary Arts I course at George Brown College. That runs four hours every week for 12 weeks, and opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities to expand my culinary and gastronomical horizons. Then early the morning after the first class, I'm on a plane to sunny (and warm) Arizona for the annual DWF conference. I return the following week, just in time to catch the second GB class. Whew!

The news around the world has not been good of late, and I'm fairly certain this will set the tone for all of 2009. But I think at least for the next 24 hours, we can all set reality aside to properly celebrate what we have achieved in 2008 with friends and family. Speaking of which, here's a photo of me with my two brothers and my mother on Christmas night. Thanks to sister-in-law Miya from snapping this one. If not for this photo, there would have been no proof of my existence that day!

P.S.: I'm sending out holiday cards to everyone on my mailing list! I've set this entry to screen all comments by default, so please leave me your current mailing address if you would like a cool card!

P.P.S.: Don't forget that New Year's will be delayed by one second this year! http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/558723

Despite the Gardiner being shut down and terrible construction plaguing downtown Toronto last weekend, Meesh and I managed to hook up with Kitty and Eric just as the sun dropped below the horizon for some great shots in and around Yorkville. These two are getting married just over a week from now, and this is a great way to get a feel for what it's like to be a superstar for one day with cameras following you everywhere!

Check back soon for more photos from their wedding at Graydon Hall Manor.

( Click here for 9 more photos! )

I photographed Monica and Brenton's wedding a couple of years ago, and we've gotten back together each year around their anniversary for a new session. Their dog Gunn (a cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky) is a big part of their lives, so there's no way we could leave him out of the photos! Last year, we visited the dog park at High Park. This year, we decided to visit the Beach area and go for a romp near the water.... just not in the water. Nobody needs a big, wet, hairy dog in their car!

So here's to M and B on the occasion of their 2nd anniversary, with many more to come!

( Click here to see 17 more photos! )

This past weekend was the 2008 Terry Fox Run, and I'm sure that name needs no introduction here. Surrounding this annual event are a number of other fundraising activities, one of which is the Great Canadian Head Shave, where individuals and companies come together to collectively doff their luxurious manes in the name of charity. I don't know if this is some sort of record, but I'm guessing Raven (ravenousx) probably has the longest hair out of all the participants this year, ringing in at an astounding five feet!!! And all of it gone, in a matter of mere minutes!

The deed took place on Friday afternoon in a downtown office building in front of about 20 cheering, applauding witnesses. Miranda (mscissorhands) of Split Endz expertly braided Raven's hair and then wielded the scissors and shaver, going from five feet to zero in 4.5 minutes flat! Click on the video link below to see all the action. The braid will now be donated to Angel Hair for Kids.

Raven was very close to $1000 per foot in donations before the weekend... help her push it over the top by clicking on one (or both!) of the links below to the charity of your choice. Think of what a better world this would be if there were no more cancer and lots more happy kitties!

• Donate to the Terry Fox Foundation
• Donate to the Annex Cat Rescue

For the complete gallery, visit my Flickr page!

( Click here to see 18 more photos! )

When a couple books me for their wedding photography, I include a complimentary photo session as a "practice run". This helps break the ice, and gives the couple a first-hand preview of how things will work on the day of the wedding. Not everyone is instantly comfortable in front of the camera, and most people have not had the opportunity to be the subjects of professional photography. This way, we can go for some fun, casual, no-pressure shots long before the wedding happens.

Most of the time, the couple will come dressed fairly casually, which makes for a great contrast with the wedding photos. But not Clara and Galant! Last Sunday, they came dressed to the nines and ready to rock! Since they wanted plenty of photos to show off at their Hong Kong wedding and reception, we booked an extra-long session and planned out an appropriate walking/driving route. We started at my place on Yonge and Queen's Quay, walked west towards Harbourfront Center and the waterfront fire station, then drove to the iconic Humber River bridge to finish the day with some sunset shots.

Here are just a few of the images captured that afternoon... if you want to see the rest, I guess you'll have to ask them for an invitation to the reception!

( Click here to see 17 more photos! )

As a photographer, I am extremely fortunate to share in the most joyous moments of many, many people's lives. It is even more special when the clients are old family friends from my hometown of Ottawa, whom I have not seen in almost 20 years!

I had such an opportunity a few weeks ago to capture Addison's 1st birthday party. She is the daughter of Josie, whose parents were (and still are) friends with my parents. Josie and her brother Jimmy, along with me and my two brothers Clifford (no, he's not a big red dog) and Dexter (no, he's not a serial killer) grew up in Ottawa in the 70's and 80's. We all moved away from home after high school or university, and had not kept in touch. For me, I moved to Toronto in the fall of 1990... that was 18 years ago!

Fast forward to 2008... Josie is now married with two children, Jimmy (who I swear grew ten times taller since the last time I saw him!) is also married and recently welcomed Son #1 into the world. Many of my parents' friends were also in attendance, most of whom I instantly recognized despite the many years. It was like a homecoming of sorts for me, seeing all the familiar faces from my childhood.

Here are a few of my favourites from that day. Enjoy!

( Click here to see 13 more photos! )

Okay, you all win... I'm on Facebook now.