100X100 – episode 16

There’s plenty of debate about the optimal aspect ratio for cameras. Do you prefer the 35mm film classic 3:2 proportions, or the old school video 4:3? Or do you long for 4x5 or 6x7 film ratios?

I for one find myself returning to a square image crop on a regular basis. probably a deeply rooted heritage from 6x6 analog film shooting days - or even 4x4, do you remember those tiny 127 format rolls?

So for this episode in my X100 saga, a choice of ‘square cuts’ from a recent  Belgiumdigital Shooting Day and from Scott Kelby’s PhotoWalk, both in Antwerp.

Gear notes: Fujifilm X100

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100X100 – episode 15

Tone and structure… Two characteristics that may contribute to make an image more captivating and interesting. And even more so with black&white (con)versions.

Here’s a number of playful variations on shots taken during two separate strolls in Antwerp: a recent Belgiumdigital shooting day, and the local edition of Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk.

Sittin’ on the dock of the bay…

Help!

Hope

Despair

What’s on tap?

B&W conversions using Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 2.

Gear notes: Fujifilm X100

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Walk we did!

We had a great Antwerp edition of Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk, last Saturday! More than 20 Belgians, a few Dutch people and even one US and one Czech photographer took part in a leisurely discovery tour through inspiring ‘cozy corners’ of ‘t Stad.

(Most of) the Antwerp participants at the start of the walk

James, our walk leader, took us under the Schelde river into the area south of the historic city center. Along the way, plenty of colorful subject matter to satisfy everyone’s taste: some quite old, others very modern, and many full of surprises.

On our way into the pedestrian tunnel under the river

Looking for the optimal vantage point

A moment of rest, reviewing the images collected so far

As co-leader of the walk, I came back with ‘only’ a modest 200 shots on the card. You may find my favorites from this walk in a gallery here. I am sure some of them will end up being featured in future posts here. There’s a pool with images from several walk participants on flickr as well. Enjoy!

But most importantly: I’ve met another group of enthusiast photo lovers/freaks, and we had a lot of fun during and after the walk sharing ideas, tips and all kind of stories. Thanks, leader, and thanks to all that participated!

Gear notes: D700, 24-70/2.8

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Walk on!

Don’t miss out on this year’s Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk! As the counters stand today, no less than 19727 photographers will participate to 934 photo walks all over the world on July 24.

My buddy James will be leading this year’s walk in Antwerp. Join us by 1:00 pm at the tram/metro stop on ‘Linkeroever’, for a 2-3 hour discovery of lesser known but equally colorful parts of town.

We have already gone out to scout possible routes. Below some snapshots of places that we may/will pass by. If you’re a bit familiar with Antwerp, see if you can recognize these spots!

Gear notes: D700, 35/2.0D, 24/2.8

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Walk the World

Scott Kelby's second Worldwide Photo Walk took place last Saturday. More than 32,000 photographers participated to over 900 group shootings organized worldwide. I was one of the 50 'walkers' in Antwerp. We had a fun afternoon, strolling through the downtown area and - as always - discovering some nice new locations. Funny that an event like this brings you to places you passed by so many times, without noticing the photo opportunities!

Weather was very, very windy but dry and with enough sunshine for a good sky now and then. On such an occasion, making new friends is as important as making great shots. Nevertheless, I was able to put a fair little album together. I will put up some of the better pictures on this blog in the coming days, with a few short comments.

Of course we didn't part at the end of the walk without the obligatory 'terraske' along the busy streets of this wonderful town...!

Gear notes: D300, 18-200VR, 10.5/2.8

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