Mike Swiegot - Photography

NEW WEBSITE

2011-07-08T14:22:00.002-04:00

I will no longer be updating this blog. Check out my new site www.swiegotstudios.com

Cheers!

- Mike

Project KYPO - Leo

2011-03-29T00:45:00.004-04:00

Project KYPO - Me

2011-03-28T18:32:00.007-04:00

So I was experimenting again. I've been recently meaning to do some Film Noir inspired photography. Unfortunately, I don't really have a proper background to shoot against, so I decided to use my unfinished painting for these shots. Who knew?!?!

I originally used a couple of lights, but didn't like the effect. I wasn't getting the shadows I really wanted. In the end I went with just one light, positioned camera left at about a 45 degree angle down.

All in all, this little shoot inspired a whole new personal project for me. From now on, I will take portraits of anyone who is over at my place after dusk. All portraits will be done in this style.

So if you're stopping by, remember to wear something nice and dark coloured.........and keep the pants on.

Experimenting

2011-03-10T21:54:00.006-05:00

Was sitting in a coffee shop today with my camera and a cappuccino by my side. Kind of a shitty day outside. Very overcast with misty rain.........yet, very cinematic. Decided to have some fun by focusing on the shapes instead of the subjects. Methinks I'm onto something here :)

Michael Lake CD Release/40th B-Day

2010-11-14T23:26:00.004-05:00

Andrea & Steve

2010-10-05T01:16:00.004-04:00

Here are some recent wedding photos I shot at the Royal Ambassador in Brampton. Andrea and Steve, you guys were awesome!!!

Fuji X100

2010-09-26T11:09:00.005-04:00

I generally don't post these things on my blog, but I just couldn't help myself. I don't remember the last time I was this excited by a camera. Finally someone decided to listen to the massive outcry from street/travel photographers and designed a camera that will fit those specific needs. Thank you Fuji for at least having the balls and stepping up to the plate. Lets just hope that it performs as good as it looks, because for $1000 it will sell like hot cakes. I'm definitely buying one!

Here is the link: Fuji X100

Here is the official website: Link

Now we wait!!!

Magdalena

2010-09-14T21:55:00.005-04:00

BuskerFest 2010

2010-09-11T21:22:00.008-04:00

Kensington Market Winter 2010

2010-03-07T19:59:00.002-05:00

Harbour Front Photoshoot

2009-12-04T21:39:00.003-05:00

Toronto - Kensington Market

2009-09-17T02:10:00.021-04:00

One of my favorite places in Toronto to shoot street photography.

Mom

2009-07-04T00:59:00.001-04:00

In Transit

2009-06-20T14:40:00.002-04:00

Bloor Street

2009-06-13T15:11:00.001-04:00

Down With Webster @ The Opera House

2009-05-21T23:19:00.029-04:00

It was a full house at the Opera House, which is becoming a regular thing for this band who just signed with Motown Records. Definitely the best show of their career. Soon they will be filling arenas, so watch out!!!

Frailfragment

2009-04-27T22:54:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85

Frailfragment

2009-04-16T23:51:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85

Magdalena

2009-03-25T18:31:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85

Monika

2009-03-24T16:44:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85

Frailfragment@The Horseshoe Tavern

2009-03-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EF 24L

Frailfragment@The Horseshoe Tavern

2009-03-06T14:52:00.002-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EF 24L

Window Reader

2009-03-05T22:31:00.002-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EF 24L

Starbucks Stuff

2009-03-04T11:21:00.010-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EF 24L

So I rented the Canon EF 24L 1.4 lens yesterday and I truly fell in love with it. A great walk-around lens that performs really well in low light situations. Not to mention it's really sharp. It's too bad I have to return it today, but maybe one day when I have $1600 to spend....I'll buy it.

Mmmm..... Hot Dog

2009-03-04T02:00:00.011-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EF 24L

So I finally went out and shot some photos, and once again I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!!! I honestly can't think of anything else I enjoy as much as photography. It is the most exciting experience I have encountered in my life. It's always different and you never know what you will encounter next. It's a lot like traveling to a country or city you have never been to....without a map.

DWW@The Horseshoe Tavern

2009-02-28T14:01:00.002-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EFS 17-85

This is yet another old one. It is however one of my most favorite live shots. I think it really captures the energy of the band and the connection they have with their fans.

Tomir

2009-02-25T13:39:00.013-05:00

Canon 30D | Canon EFS 17-85

Yay, it's a post!!!! Shame on me for not posting in a while, but winter isn't the greatest time for photography. I know the snow can be very photogenic, but it doesn't help that the days are short. I'm also working on some animation at the moment, so photography had to take a back seat for a while. But I gotta say that I can't wait to go out and shoot again. I have a lot of new ideas and projects that I want to undertake. I also want to continue my Street Musicians series, but only when I get a new lens. You can send your donations to the Poor Man Swiegot Fund.

Here is another old one, from when I was Poland last summer.

Ola & Monika

2008-12-15T23:50:00.002-05:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@67| 1/80s | f/3.2 | ISO 400

Project "Out Back" - Part 3

2008-12-14T15:42:00.003-05:00

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/80s | f/1.8 | ISO 400

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/200s | f/1.8 | ISO 640

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/640s | f/1.8 | ISO 640

Alright...

I know it's been a while since I posted any new photos, but I've been sort of side tracked by work. I'm in the process of creating a really professional looking website for my photography business and it's taking longer than I thought. I'm trying to learn some advanced scripting in Flash so I can make my site easily updateable (is that even a real word?). For the record...I HATE SCRIPTING!!! It makes me curse out loud and gives me headaches. As I'm doing this, all I can think of is going out, shooting some photos and building my portfolio. I know that I can probably get someone to do this for me....if I pay them of course, but that would mean that I won't have complete control over the creative process. I just don't like the idea of playing the telephone game with my personal vision on the line (no pun intended)........plus I can't afford it financially :P

Anyways....since I don't have any new material, here are some more photos from Project Out Back.

Toronto - Bay & Adelaide

2008-11-20T21:51:00.003-05:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO400

Caught Shooting

2008-11-18T15:39:00.001-05:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@95 | 1/100s | f/4.0 | ISO400

Untitled

2008-11-16T14:52:00.003-05:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@95 | 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO200

Commuter Chaos

2008-11-15T00:24:00.005-05:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/250s | f/4.0| ISO 800

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/160s | f/2.8 | ISO400

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/640s | f/4.0| ISO 800

Everyone going home from work on a Friday afternoon.

Project "Out Back" - Part 2

2008-11-14T02:37:00.003-05:00

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/250s | f/1.8 | ISO 1000

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/400s | f/1.8 | ISO 640

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/400s | f/1.8 | ISO 400

Here are some more samples from project Out Back.

Toronto - Kensington Market

2008-11-05T02:36:00.009-05:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/320s | f/4.0 | ISO100

By far the best way to get around downtown, just make sure you lock it up. Toronto does have a high ratio of stolen bikes.

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@95 | 1/125s | f/4.0 | ISO100

Everyone is shooting today.

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/160s | f/4.0 | ISO100

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@102| 1/200s | f/4.0 | ISO400

Enjoying a nice cup of coffee. And no, it's not Starbucks!!!!

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@77 | 1/200s | f/4.0 | ISO400

Even dogs travel on bikes.

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/320s | f/4.0 | ISO400

More bikes!!!

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@89 | 1/320s | f/4.0 | ISO400

On behalf of the amazing weather we had today (20 C), I decided to go to one of my favorite places in Toronto.....the Kensington Market. I figured it would be quite busy, so I decided to take my camera with me. I was debating on making these photos black & white, but decided against it due to the colourful nature of Kensington Market. Soon these streets will be covered with snow.........winter is coming!!!!

Project "Out Back"

2008-11-03T01:18:00.002-05:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85 @59 | 1/30s | f/5.6 | ISO 1600

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/100s | f/1.8 | ISO 640

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/400s | f/1.8 | ISO 400

About a year ago I started working on a personal project called Out Back. It's a photography project on alley ways (I know....very cliche). The thing is, I love these little hideaways. Each and every one of them has their own story to tell, where all you have to do is look and listen. My personal goal with this project is to collect up to five different stories (7-10 photographs per story),.....and maybe one day have them displayed in a gallery. Yes, we're finally shooting for the stars!!! But first thing's first......before I fire up the engines and engage the thrusters, I need to buy a new 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 lens...as I dropped and broke the one I had in half. It's a good thing it's not an expensive lens. It's also a good thing I'm not a pilot. Anyways.....here are some samples from from the two stories I have.

- Mike

Toronto - Rosedale

2008-11-02T00:29:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@72 | 1/125s | f/5.6| ISO 400

DWW Fans

2008-11-01T16:08:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/60s | f/4.0| ISO 800

Down With Webster fans waiting anxiously to see the band play live at the MTV building.

Green Turning Amber

2008-10-26T22:31:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/500s | f/2.8 | ISO400

Toronto - DVP Expressway

2008-10-23T16:36:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/1000s | f/2.8 | ISO100

Toronto - Gardiner Expressway

2008-10-22T01:52:00.001-04:00

Canon G9 |@37 mm | 1/100s | f/4.5| ISO 100

Toronto - Queen Street East

2008-10-21T01:18:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/1000s | f/2.8 | ISO100

Asia & Maciek

2008-10-20T01:28:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@38 | 1/100s | f/7.1| ISO 800 | 430EX Speedlite

Toronto - On the TTC

2008-10-19T00:38:00.008-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/50s | f/4.0 | ISO 800

Torontonians returning home from work.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@38 | 1/80s | f/5.0 | ISO 1600

TTC man at work.

Toronto - Queen Street East

2008-10-18T04:25:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO100

Toronto - Distillery District

2008-10-17T00:14:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@50 | 1/160s | f/5.6 | ISO 400

Toronto - Distillery District

2008-10-16T00:10:00.000-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@20 | 1/400s | f/4.0 | ISO 400

Toronto - Lakeshore & Yonge

2008-10-15T00:52:00.003-04:00

Canon G9 |@7.0 mm | 1/160s | f/2.8| ISO 100

Patterns

2008-10-14T00:51:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/2000s | f/4 | ISO100

Down With Webster @ The Mod Club - Drum Solo

2008-10-13T03:45:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 3200

Down With Webster @ The Mod Club - Hands in the Air

2008-10-12T02:59:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 3200

Canon 30D | EFS 17-55@17 | 1/160s | f/2.8 | ISO 3200 | 430EX Speedlite

Down With Webster @ The Mod Club

2008-10-11T03:41:00.000-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-55@55 | 1/125s | f/2.8 | ISO 3200

Playtime in the Sand

2008-10-10T03:28:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/200s | f/3.2 | ISO 100

Little Min

2008-10-09T02:33:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@109 | 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Three Amigos

2008-10-08T02:04:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/2000s | f/2.8 | ISO 200

Toronto - Queen & Bay

2008-10-07T01:29:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@95 | 1/125s | f/10 | ISO 800

Distillery District - Nuit Blanche 2008

2008-10-06T02:36:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/0.6s | f/5.6 | ISO 1600

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/2.0s | f/5.6 | ISO 1600

TTC Man

2008-10-05T07:07:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 200

Toronto - Afternoon Rush

2008-10-04T02:47:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/1000s | f/2.8 | ISO 200

Street Musicians - 003

2008-10-02T00:18:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 50mm | 1/125s | f/1.8 | ISO 1250

Scavenger

2008-10-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/800s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Street Musicians - 002

2008-09-30T00:51:00.001-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@70 | 1/20s | f/5.6 | ISO 800

Displeasure

2008-09-29T00:19:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Street Musicians - 001

2008-09-28T00:27:00.005-04:00

About 10 months ago I started to work on a couple of personal projects. One of these is on street musicians here in Toronto. Being a musician and a huge fan of music, I realized that I can understand and relate to these (don't want to use the word "ordinary") people. We pass them almost everyday, sometimes without even giving them a second thought. It seems we've become so focused on our own personal lives and careers, that we've learned to filter their gift to us.

Maybe with this little project of mine we can give them a little bit of recognition......and some loose change.

Cheers

- Mike

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@85 | 1/10s | f/5.6 | ISO 1250

Toronto - Spadina Avenue

2008-09-27T15:38:00.005-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/200s | f/5.6 | ISO 100

Untitled

2008-09-26T10:55:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@85 | 1/20s | f/8.0 | ISO 100

Quiet Life

2008-09-25T11:34:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/200s | f/4.0 | ISO 400

8648

2008-09-23T14:23:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/200s | f/4.0 | ISO 800 | 430EX Speedlite

Ola & Monika

2008-09-17T19:13:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@28 | 1/100s | f/4.5 | ISO 800 | 430EX Speedlite

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150| 1/160s | f/3.2 | ISO 800 | 430EX Speedlite

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50| 1/100s | f/3.2 | ISO 800 | 430EX Speedlite

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50| 1/100s | f/3.2 | ISO 1250 | 430EX Speedlite

Unfortunately due to the rainy weather, this was the only photo session done in Krakow. Fortunately, I'm gonna move there in the near future and do it again. It is honestly the most amazing and beautiful city on this planet. It's a city with a lot of soul and really nice people. There is always something to do in Krakow.......and having 100 bars/pubs/clubs in the Old Town alone surely helps.

Gdansk Port

2008-09-11T16:40:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@61 | 1/100s | f/9.0 | ISO 500

The Gdansk Port is one of the biggest on the Baltic Sea. It's made up of two parts, Inner and Exterior Port. The Inner Port consists of a ferry port, container terminal, phosphates terminal, sulfur terminal and a fruit handling terminal. The port infrastructure also allows the handling of specialized cargo such as grain, fertilizer, lumber, steel, ore and containers. It can also service vessels.

The Exterior Port consists of a coal terminal, a liquefied petroleum gas terminal, and a Naftoport. The Naftoport has terminals that deal with crude oil, heating oils and fuels.

You can see the port stretch into the horizon. It is truly massive.

Westerplatte

2008-09-09T19:04:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/160s | f/6.3 | ISO 500

This is where WWII officially began. On September 1st, 1939 at 4:45 AM, Schleswig-Holstein began shelling the Polish garrison. Over the next seven days, 180 Polish soldiers managed to repel repeated attacks of 3500 German Infantry, dive-bombing raids, naval and heavy field artillery bombardment. On September 7th, Major Henryk Sucharski decided to surrender due to a shortage of ammunition and supplies.

Malbork Castle - Part 4

2008-09-08T11:19:00.057-04:00

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/30s f/8.0 ISO 800

Entrance from the Outer Castle to the Middle Castle. The Middle castle consisted of the Palace of the Grand Masters, a large dining hall, guests' apartments and receptions.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/250s f/8.0 ISO 800

Middle Castle courtyard.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/60s f/8.0 ISO 400

Passages leading to smaller courtyards.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/60s f/8.0 ISO 400

Drawbridge over the moat leading to the High Castle.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@44 1/50s f/6.3 ISO 1600

Passage leading to the Main Tower located in the High Castle.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/250s f/5.6 ISO 400

Another courtyard located in the High Castle.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@26 1/60s f/5.6 ISO 400

Same courtyard in the High Castle

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/160s f/5.6 ISO 1600

Knight's Hall, located in the Middle Castle.

Canon 30D EFS 17-85@17 1/125s f/5.6 ISO 400

Malbork Castle - Part 3

2008-09-07T20:18:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@22 | 1/250s | f/8.0 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Malbork Castle - Part 2

2008-09-05T12:46:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@81 | 1/40s | f/8.0 | ISO 800

Umm....I guess no one is guarding the castle.

Malbork Castle - Part 1

2008-09-03T18:01:00.019-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@44 | 1/80s | f/6.3 | ISO 200

Malbork, formally know as Marienburg (Mary's Castle) was built in 1274 and served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order. It is the world's largest brick Gothic castle and at one point housed up to 3000 Teutonic Knights. It was never conquered by force, but was handed over to the soldiers of Bohemia as a substitute for their mercanary wages. Then in 1457, the mercenaries sold the castle to the King of Poland. Over 50% of the castle was destroyed during WWII, but has been restored since.

Long Market

2008-08-31T07:22:00.006-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/100s | f/7.1 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Long Market in Old Town Gdansk. This is where you'll find some of the best ice cream in town. What's amazing is that all of this was completely rebuilt after WWII. This was shot from the Old Town Hall.

St. Mary's Church: Part 2

2008-08-30T08:00:00.013-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/640s | f/10 | ISO 1600 | Circular Polarizer

Yesterday I decided to got back to the church in order to climb the tower and take more photos of the interior. The view from the top of the tower isn't that great for photos because it's surrounded by a fence. There were also I lot of people up there and it was hard find a good spot to shoot from.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/13s | f/4 | ISO 1600

In order to get to the top, you have to climb this winding staircase which is located in one of the spires. The stairs themselves are really steep and so small in width (not even a meter) that you have to walk near the wall to get a good footing. There is also nothing to hold onto except the wall, and it can get pretty claustrophobic after a while. I can't imagine climbing this and having your torch blow out...

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/13s | f/4 | ISO 1600

After reaching the top of the spire, you have to walk over to the main tower. Although there were more stairs to climb, I was pretty relieved to have the walls a little further apart. As you climb up the main tower, you pass a pair of giant bells. I don't know if they are still in use or not, and I didn't want to find out.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@75 | 1/200s | f/5.6 | ISO 1600

At the top is an old man. He makes sure people don't do stupid things. At his age, I don't know how he climbs all those stairs. Maybe he lives up there....and that wooden door is his den. Maybe he has a raven for a pet.........I know I would.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/125s | f/8 | ISO 1600

Here is another man.....this one definitely doesn't have a raven for a pet. Maybe he's asking for forgiveness for all the terrible things he did..........or maybe he's just enjoying a quiet time.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/160s | f/10 | ISO 1600

The ground of the church is covered with gravestone slabs.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/30s | f/10 | ISO 1600

Inside the church is a huge astronomical clock which was reconstructed after 1945. The whole church was really damaged by the Red Army in 1945. The roof was completely burnt and the the ceiling fell in. All of the windows we destroyed and the gravestone slabs were torn apart by looting Soviet soldiers. Most of the artwork survived because it was transferred to and hidden in surrounding villages.

St. Mary's Church

2008-08-28T07:10:00.006-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/30s | f/10 | ISO 1600

This is the biggest brick church in the world and one of the biggest brick Gothic buildings in Europe. Construction began in 1379 and finally finished in 1496. Inside the church is room for approximately 25 000 people. This picture shows only one of the wings of the church. On the inside, the church is decorated with several masterpieces of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque painters.

ŻYCIE CHOĆ PIĘKNE TAK KRUCHE JEST

2008-08-26T05:33:00.005-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/320s | f/11 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

This inscription is part of a verse from a song called "24.11.94". It translates to "Life is beautiful, yet fragile." On Novermber 24th 1994, 3 people lost their lives and hundreds were wounded when a fire broke out at the concert hall. All of the emergency exits were locked and people were burned alive. The band that was playing there, Golden Life, wrote this song as a tribute to the people affected by this tragedy.

Stocznia Gdanska (Shipyards)

2008-08-25T17:41:00.006-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@61 | 1/160s | f/11 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@50 | 1/200s | f/11 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

These are the famous Gdansk shipyards, where the Solidarity movement (Solidarność) started. It marked the beginning of the end for Soviet Communism. Unfortunately it's uncertain what the future holds for these shipyards. In the past there were well over 20 000 workers here, but now there are only 3000. It would be a shame if they close it all down, not only because it's a historical icon, but because they are still in good condition.

Katowice...in colour.

2008-08-23T13:44:00.007-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/125s | f/11 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@85| 1/125s | f/10 | ISO 200 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/320s | f/10 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@85 | 1/320s | f/10 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Katowice was founded in the 19th century. It's a very industrial city since there is a large deposit of coal in the nearby mountains. In 1953 the city was renamed to Stalinogrod by the Polish Communist government, but was never accepted by the population, so it was renamed back to Katowice.

Asia and Tomir

2008-08-22T11:53:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@50 | 1/320s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@150 | 1/125s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@109 | 1/125s | f/2.8 | ISO 100

Recently I've been very busy traveling between cities by train, hence the lack of new posts. I went to Katowice and Krakow in southern Poland to meet up with some friends, but unfortunately I didn't take that many pictures. I actually regret not taking my camera to Krakow, because the weather was perfect for some action. The good thing is, that I will be going there again in early September. Another good thing is that if I find a job in Krakow, then I won't be coming back anytime soon. Unfortunately there isn't much work in graphic design or animation in Krakow.....actually no animation work at all. But who knows, anything might happen. I gotta say though, no city in the world has made such an impression on me like Krakow. I am seriously considering staying there for a while.

Anyways, here are some photos I did a week ago. I gotta post something, don't I?

Orlowo Cliffs

2008-08-15T13:30:00.006-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/640s | f/4 | ISO 800 | Circular Polarizer

Same location as previous post, but shot in opposite direction.

Orlowo, Gdansk

2008-08-13T18:40:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17| 1/80s | f/9 | ISO 800 | Circular Polarizer

Beach in Orlowo, Gdansk.

King Borys

2008-08-12T08:29:00.006-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17| 1/25s | f/4 | ISO 1600

I didn't have my flash unit with me at the time of the shooting, so we had to improvise. We chose to shoot in the bathroom because that's where the best lighting conditions were. All he's missing is a tub of ice cream...

Old Stomping Ground

2008-08-11T10:32:00.002-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17| 1/160s | f/10 | ISO 200 | Circular Polarizer

This is my old stomping ground, viewed from my grandmother's balcony. I would often build big ramps (relative to a 7 year old), and ride my bike over them at an incredible speed... (once again, relative). Looking back, I'm actually surprised I never really seriously hurt myself.

Gdynia

2008-08-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@30| 1/125s | f/11 | ISO 800 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17| 1/160s | f/11 | ISO 800 | Circular Polarizer

Gdynia is one of the municipalities of the Tri-City, which also consists of Gdansk and Sopot. As you can see, the beaches are empty due to crappy weather.

Riko

2008-08-07T12:54:00.004-04:00

This is my buddy Riko, the hotel owner's dog where I was staying in Karwia. I would often find Riko curled up next to me in the middle of the night. Since he is so small and portable, I think I might take him back to Toronto.

Canon 30D | EF50 1.8 | 1/25s | f/2 | ISO 800

Cottage

2008-08-06T11:34:00.003-04:00

I was over at my uncle's cottage over the weekend. Eventually I got bored and had to do something to entertain myself. I know that my uncle might sell his cottage in the future to buy a small lodge somewhere on the Baltic coast, so I decided to take some shots of the property and create a little flyer/poster.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85 | EF50 1.8 | Circular Polarizer

Zuraw

2008-08-05T16:16:00.010-04:00

This is the oldest preserved port crane in Europe. It lies on the Motlawa river in Old Town Gdansk. It was built in the the 13th century and was used for loading and unloading ships. It was also used for putting up ship masts. On the inside, there used to be a huge wooden wheel which was powered by human legs. It now serves only as a tourist attraction.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/40s | f/8 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Old Town Hall

2008-08-03T18:18:00.009-04:00

This is located at the heart of Old Gdansk, on Ul. Dluga (Long Street). I love coming to this place because it's always so alive with people and little cafes. There is an ice cream shop almost every 50 meters, and I swear I never tasted strawberry ice cream this good anywhere else. Makes my mouth water just writing about it. There is a fountain of a naked man with a trident (Neptune) where people always pose in front of to have their picture taken. Right now this place is really packed with people because of the St. Dominic Fair, which lasts 3 weeks. Pretty much it's a giant flea market, where people sell anything from clothes, jewelry to old WWII collectibles. It's tradition dates back to the 13th century, where German, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese merchants would sell wine, silk, jams, spices, tin and cloth. So if you want a really cool and cheap bracelet or a bayonet for your rifle, this is the place to get it.

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/500s | f/4 | ISO 800 | Circular Polarizer

Something different...

2008-08-02T08:44:00.009-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@22 | 1/250s | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | 430EX Speedlite | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@89 | 1/250s | f/9 | ISO 200 | 430EX Speedlite | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | Sigma 50-150@95 | 1/800s | f/8 | ISO 200 | Circular Polarizer

So I decided to do some people photography for a change, just to keep things interesting. I also kept some images in colour, which is something I don't usually do. I prefer to work in black and white because that way there are no colourful distractions that could ruin a perfectly good composition. Plus I also like the vintage look that a black and white photo has. It's a personal preference kind of a thing.

These shots were done in the sand dunes between the beach and the forest late in the afternoon.

Old Gdansk

2008-07-30T05:54:00.004-04:00

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@22 | 1/1000s | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/320s | f/9 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@56 | 1/320s | f/9 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

Canon 30D | EFS 17-85@17 | 1/125s | f/9 | ISO 400 | Circular Polarizer

This is Old Town Gdansk.

Poland's Coastline

2008-07-26T17:39:00.005-04:00

Canon G9 |@7.4mm | 1/500s | f/8.0 | ISO 80

Canon G9 |@7.4mm | 1/200s | f/8.0 | ISO 80

Canon G9 |@7.4mm | 1/50s | f/2.8 | ISO 200

I recently went to Karwia, a small town on the Baltic Coast. Stayed there at a small but really nice hotel that a friend of my cousin's owns. This town has a population of 3 thousand people, but because of summer vacations it swelled to 45000. I am literally steps away from one of the best beaches in Poland. All I have to do is walk through an awesome little forest.

Gdansk/Sopot Beach

2008-07-23T18:56:00.006-04:00

Canon G9 |@22mm | 1/640s | f/5.6 | ISO 400

Soft sand and beautiful women.....

I go jogging on this beach in the mornings and play volleyball in the afternoon. It's actually about 10 minutes walking distance to where I'm staying. Unfortunately the temperature here has been below seasonal recently; around 23 C. Good thing is were about to get 29 C in a couple of days.

Gdansk Train Station

2008-07-23T17:23:00.004-04:00

Canon G9 |@7.4mm | 1/50s | f/2.8| ISO 400

Gdansk train station for local and distant transit. I take this train almost everyday to get around the city. It's cheap and it's fun.

Toronto Fog

2008-07-20T16:02:00.005-04:00

My first post, finally. I know it's not from my travels but it's a start. Enjoy.