Category Archives: HAPY Imaging Blogs

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Over recent months and in readiness for the Spring season I’ve been thinking about lenses and one of my passions – Landscapes.

So yesterday after much contemplation I decided to invest in a Zeiss 21mm prime lens with the expectation that it will delivery sharper images than the Canon 16-35mm L I’ve been using for a while.

Initial impressions are that its beautifully constructed, fairly heavy and focusing is a joy.  On the down-side, I will need to be that bit fitter to carry it around

The Zeiss is of course a manual focus lens that focuses between 22cm and infinity.  The focus ring rotates about 100 degrees so there is lots of rotation to control focus allowing very precise focusing.  An initial finding was that my 5D Mk II’s autofocus is quite imprecise with the camera reporting focus when with a further small adjustment the lens achieves better.

This is going to be a lens that takes some getting used too!  Now, I am considering a new focusing screen to replace one fitted as standard by Canon.  But if its mainly used for Landscapes that may not be necessary.  We shall see….

Andrew

Dog Mushing in the Forest of Dean 2012

Today I went to something quite new. Dog mushing.  And I thought it needed snow

It was a great experience but you have to like the constant sound and smell of dogs – many dogs.  Not your average little pooch’s either, these constantly bark, yap, whine and chase each other – given half a chance….  But tie them to a RIG and they are off…

What I did not realise is that races take place at the coolest time of day for the dogs benefit.  i.e. first thing in the morning and at the end of the day.  i.e. when its dark!  That little fact makes photography most interesting.  So it was an all new learing experience – cool.

The Siddy Bennett Band

The weather has been pretty miserable here in the South of England over Christmas, not too cold but warm and wet.  So, there was no excuse for not spending some computer time and updating my portfolio of music images.

The new portfolio is split into three parts for those with limited viewing time.  I suggest starting with Part 1 and progressing in sequence to Part 3.

The portfolio section can be found by following the ‘Portfolios‘ menu item.

Trying to find places to stay whilst away can be a trial sometimes.  I usually trawl the Internet find places and then look for recommendations.

This week whilst working around Glen Affric I have been staying at Kerrow House B&B and eating at the Tomich Hotel.  I can highly recommend both.

Glen Affric

The weather here in Glen Affric has been pretty mixed the last few days but I guess that’s what you get in the Autumn and especially near the hills.

At times today the sky was blue with small white fluffy clouds whilst it was raining.  That I just don’t understand!  At other times there were lots of  grey clouds and sunshine!

The image attached to this entry was captured just after lunch before it started raining.  As I was a couple of hours away from the truck  I  discovered the worth of a good camera bag   The contents stayed dry even though the outer got pretty wet.  My complements to Tamrac.

The bracken in the image looks harmless but it was waist high in most places – thankfully no midges otherwise it would have been terrible!

Glen Affric

Some days the light just does not want to play!

Today Glen Affric was covered in thick, dark grey cloud whilst further East it looked clear! At one point it was getting so dark that I thought it was getting late and I should head back only on checking the time to find it was 13:30hrs!

Then finally, soon after 16:00hrs the sun started to peep through the cloud for a few seconds at a time!  But by that time it was dropping to the horizon faster than the sky was clearing…  Ho hum!

Autumn has arrived and the trees are starting to put on their annual show of colours.  This year I have travelled North up into the Highlands of Scotland.  The colours are superb with everything from green, through brown, orange and gold.  Now, if only the rain would stop…

Brisfest 2011 was certainly a special event.  It occurs yearly at the end of the summer.  Oliver Mochizuki has put together the following slideshow.  Its in two ‘halves’ separated by different music.   The majority of the images in the first half are by yours truly: Andrew Gawthrope, HAPY Imaging and in the second half: Colin Rayner.

http://www.vimeo.com/29775372

Thanks Olly.

Andrew

Mr Motivator

Its now Tuesday, Brisfest is over for another year, Boo Hoo.  But lets raise a glass to it being back in Ashton Court next year.  Now that is something to look forward too.

The weather was good all weekend except for a little rain on Sunday morning before things started.  That must be a record for this rubbish summer!

Anyway early in the afternoon Mr Motivator was on the Wolfs stage then out in the crowd.   Boy did he get everyone moving.

Afterwards it seemed every lady wanted their picture taken with him!  Infact quite a few guys too

I am busy processing many of the images captured during the three days and I will upload them very soon into the Gallery.

Its nearly started.  Just back from having a preview of the Brisfest 2011 site and its looking great!  It should be a great weekend with Bristol’s heavyweight urban reggae, Laik Blak headlining the Mr. Wolf  stage tonight.