Trading In

Since I started owning an SLR (some ten years or so ago), I try to use it at all my outings, even if it means hauling an extra bag weighing about 10 pounds of equipment - camera body, lenses, batteries and at times, tripod! I for some reason dread using dinky cameras - the point and shoots. But lately, I've been using a camera even smaller than my dinky camera - my iPhone 4s! And I hate to admit it, I've been using it more often than my DSLR and I am lovin' it! It's handy, fits my pocket, takes descent photo, have free photo editing applications and multi-purpose!

My friend, Bernadette from down under visited us and we're grateful she got to experience Canadian Winter!

Snow Shoeing with Alvin in Collingwood. While waiting for our snow mobile tour,  the operators took us to a snow shoeing tour.

Snow shoeing photo, edit on iPhone - crop and add a filter using Instagram.

Berns enjoying the walk on fresh, fluffy snow.

It was great that there was a significant snowfall, 24 hours before we got there!

It was winter wonderland. Border and feathering on the side using Instagram.

Can you feel the cold?

Snow shoe trail

And of course, in town (Toronto), we did some skating at Nathan Philip Square.

Photo cropped and horizon adjusted on Photoshop Express. 

One nice feature of the iPhone camera is the HDR function. This is taken with HDR function on. This photo is as taken, no enhancement made in the post.

I think the photos are good. It's actually better than my dinky camera. I'd trade in my dinky cam with the iPhone. But I am keeping my DSLR.

Winter is Here!

Well, it has been for a while.  It's just that all we have had are the freezing temperature and a little snow dusting, until today. Toronto had a good snow fall.  A lot went out to enjoy it including moi!

After a good walk, ' stopped for coffee at Sense Appeal.  It's a relatively new coffee place on Spadina.  Coffee looked and tasted good, pastries -- yummy. (In my haste to take the first sip, I forgot to take photos)  Similar to Starbucks, you can create your own coffee but thank goodness, it's simpler (and no gazillion choices).  The staff (who I believed are the owners/partners) were very nice.  They engaged the customers and were happy to explain the different coffees.  Customer service: two thumbs up.  The only downside is that the space is small.

Comfort before fashion, why? When you can have both. Stay warm and look good. Replace your toque with nice hats from Big It Up!

Out for a ride.

Enjoying the snow downtown before it turns to black.

   

Shot of the Week: 7

"There Must Really be a GOD"

These are the words I uttered as my friend and I drove pass wide open fields covered in snow, with the bright blue sky and white fluffy clouds above us. I've said it awhile back and saying it again, I am definitely loving winter!

I don't think these photos really captured the beauty of it all.

I wish I have a very photographic memory and that everytime I would want too, I'll be able to pull back from memory all the images I saw that day.

Parts of the road were icy with the melted snow that are now frozen after the temperature dropped below zero again.

Another perspective of the part frozen road. Converted this particular photo to black and white and thought it turned out okay.

Is it faith that makes you walk on water? Maybe. But in this case, the weather! We decided to take a walk off frozen lake.

The lifeless trees against the golden sunset I thought were beautiful.

Thank God this ice did not break while I was standing there!

I just thought, I have to take a reflection shot. I always try to get one :)

Every road trip is punctuated with meal time. In Shelburne, Pete's Donuts is in every corner (yes not Tim Horton's) for awhile there I thought I was in the twilight zone! Every turn, there it is!


The weather that day (Feb 16) was perfect! Not too cold. And I am very thankful I did not stay home to do chores. Thank you to my shooting buddy that day who loves and enjoys long leisurely drives and is too kind to have me tag along! Make sure to check out his photos too. (There are some photos of me! And you will see how high the snow banks were after too much snowing!)

Shot of the Week: 5

Winter Wonder Land

I have said it before, and I'll say it again. I think I am loving winter. Maybe not think, I am definitely loving winter now.

At first I dreaded winter. Having lived most of my life in the tropics, I wondered how I will survive winter. The lowest temperature I've experienced is 8C before I moved to Canada two years ago. And I'll be in double sweaters and will be tucked in my bed most of the times.

Last year's winter was mild (well, according to alot of people). I thought it wasn't that bad but it was not fun. I've spent most of the time home and hardly took my camera out. I thought the dead tree branches were a drag and depressing to look at.

This year, I made a 360 degree turn. Even a snowstorm will not stop me from going out and having fun. I actually enjoyed going out during a snowfall, feel the breeze and the soft snow brush and fall on my face. Even the treacherous walk after the snow has frozen was fun! The landscape is just beautiful after a snowfall.


I took this on my way to work. I have to go out of my way to snap the photo. That day was a bit of a drag, as I didn't want to be locked up in the office on such a beautiful day.


One of the four falls we went to. The fluffy, white snow made the falls look so amazing. The cascading water and the gentle breeze will just put you at ease.


Trying to keep the water flowing


Frozen


Testing the limits of our equipment. Not really, just too tired lagging everything around.

My shooting buddies for the week! Everyone is from the group called TPMG. I guess, knowing these people and making really good friends helped change my attitude towards winter. Looking forward for more snowfall and outings with these guys.