QUICK GEAR REVIEWS & BLOG We Regret to Inform You This year I've been fortunate to receive a large amount of rejection letters from prospective employers in the profession of photography. I am sure we've all had this experience right? helloooo anyone? Recently, this one kinda tickled my fancy: Thanks for your inquiry. We have no openings for photographers (we employ only nine in total across Canada) and don't anticipate any openings in the foreseeable future. When we do have a position to fill, we will be looking for individuals with extensive experience shooting. Your portfolio has many very nice photographs, but you will need quite a bit more experience in photojournalism to become a top contender for a position with a national news agency. Best of luck, The Canadian Press Now this is really pretty tame (and lame). "No we don't have any openings, No there is no future, when we do have an opening, no you don't have enough experience, NO, NO, NO. Best of luck. NO. Most of the time, I don't even expect a return letter so this was surprising and inspired me to write this trivial blog. Today, I have decided to fight back and reject their rejection letters. (I know 2 negatives don't make a positive) Wouldn't that show 'em we have the right determination? Dear Canadian Press, Thank you for your letter of September 15th. This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number Furthermore, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Sincerely, So there you have it my friends. The perfect solution to the rejection letter. Much more satisfaction than tossing it in the electronic trash. As someone once said: "The road is long; the struggle must go on." (and on, and on, and on)
The Sad Story of the Canon 60D and 17-40 mm Well after only a few weeks (and 300 frames) my Canon 60D was stolen along with the 17-40 L and my Lowepro 300AW bag. It's a good thing I took everything else out of the bag that day. This is a lesson to be learned, take ONLY what you need when you go shoot, less is more. So I've taken it as a hint now to stay with my trusty Nikon D300 for now. I am sorry I didn't really get a chance to delve into the Canon's video, which is why I bought it mainly. As far as the performance, all I can say is it felt a little lighter (which isn't a bad thing) and didn't quite have the snappyness of the D300 as far as focus. Though the exposure was spot on and I enjoyed working with the Canon with the little time we had together..... On that note I recently picked up a Nikon 60mm Micro macro 2.8 and I have been using it alot in Haiti and here in Bolivia. Also added to the collection is the Nikkor 300mm 2.8 ED prime, a throwback from the 70's & 80's, all manual focus and manual exposure. This lens is well built like a tank and takes awesome shots for portraits, and wildlife, and is FAST. I am planning on taking this into the Brazilian Pantanal and shooting Jaguars soon, so stay tuned for a more in depth review. August 2011
In and around vibrant La Paz city you can find many interesting places, most within walking distance or a 30¢ crowded minibus ride. Here are a few of my hangouts, but watch out for those crazy protests and last- minute road blocks! Remember that pedestrians don't have the right of way in most South American cities, and that is especially true for La Paz, so be careful out there crossing the street - it is a menace. 1. Adventure Brew Hostel - Avenida Montes 2. Rodriguez Market - San Pedro (Fridays - Sundays) 3. Sopacachi 4. Cohoni - get away from it all 5. Namaste Vegitarian Food - San Pedro - Calle Zoilo Flores #1334 6. Sorata 8. Tucamanas del Prado 9. Insane Market in El Alto (La Ferria de La 16th de Julio) - Thurdays & Sundays 10. The Devil's Tooth
Canon 60D First Impressions Being a professional who for the last few years has shot excusively with NIKON, I am pleasantly surprised at the robustness of the 60D, even though it only has one processor in it. Overall the camera is faster, lighter, shoots video and has audio inputs all for $888 USD. Did I mention it's so much QUIETER than my Nikon and the battery charger plugs directly into the wall, no need for that extra cord thank you! Call me curious to up and order a Canon out of the blue, but on my last wedding shoot the videographers were using Canon 5DII's... but I wasn't going to buy the more than 2 year old technology that the 5DII was boasting for $2500 USD. (like me, I am sure many of you are anxiously waiting for the next revision to see what the next DSLR's are gonna bring...) So until then I'll live with a cropped sensor and pick up some fine L series lenses! The 60D menu system is easy to use and all the functions are easy to change (even the main dial which people are complaining about). I did skim over the manual before I got my hands on the camera and was impressed that you could input your copyright information and get this.....the camera has a built-in electronic level! Not that I would use all these things, but what will they think of next? Anyway I will post some samples shots soon (Carnaval in Bolivia is next week and there will be some great photo opps), and try out the video along with the ZOOM H1. Until then happy shooting and enjoy the weather wherever you happen to be! If you have any questions just send me an email. Terry Sebastian
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© 2011 terry sebastian