Life along the streets: Brussels

You don't have to travel far to observe the daily life going on around you. Just grab your camera and take a walk along the streets. Or whenever you are on the go on another shooting occasion: keep an eye to what's happening left, right and behind you.

Some people will be very busy and hardly notice you, others are taking a break and enjoy a moment of peaceful rest. Spot them, and don't miss placing them in context when taking the shot. Respect their privacy: make eye contact, get a silent approval to take the picture, and if in doubt walk up to them and ask for permission. You will be rarely disappointed.

It always amazes me how simple street scenes take on that special character when shot in black and white. For one part it might be that this treatment helps reducing the picture to its very essence. But I am also convinced that some of it comes from our 'visual education' through classical photojournalism.

Anyhow, take advantage of these photo opportunities that are free and ready for you to grab. I for one love the creative boost that comes with them.

Gear notes: D700, 28-200G, 24-70/2.8

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Rain. Fall. Fifty.

There are no good excuses for resisting the urge to go out and shoot.

I push myself to free up some time to practice my photography. One way is to take advantage of any little 'in between' time gaps in an otherwise loaded schedule. So today I left about an hour early for a downtown meeting appointment and took along a small camera bag.

Afraid of the rain, you ask? I have become a fan of Op/Tech's Rainsleeve, a simple plastic cover keeping my (otherwise already well sealed) D700 away of major harm. It doesn't look great, but it works, it's cheap and I can easily buy a new one whenever I need.

Furthermore, I feel much inspired and strongly challenged by Bert Stephani's 50/50project. Bert currently captures impressions from his daily life using just a 50mm lens, and this during 50 consecutive days. I am not that ambitious, I will walk his path only from time to time. The 50mm focal length isn't even my preferred choice, I lean more towards either 35mm or 85mm. But for today, my 20-year old 50/1.8 would have to do - better not swapping lenses out in the drizzle.

And so I offer you these few shots from around Antwerp's City Theater. All taken within some 30 minutes and within a limited area.

When you dare to put your mind to it, no rain, wind or world can stop you from seeing the pictures that await you.

Gear notes: D700, 50/1.8

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Back from the trenches

It has been awfully quiet on this blog for a while. The reason: I was deeply involved organizing and running BelgiumdigitalLive, a full-day event celebrating the 10th anniversary of belgiumdigital.com, an internet forum on digital photography.

September 27 was THE day! Over 750 enthusiastic photographers gathered in San Marco Village (a well-known event location in Schelle, near Antwerp), fully loaded with gear and glass. 26 workshops, 2 conferences, 9 exhibitors, and a whole range of live events offered plenty of opportunities to learn, practice and have fun with old and new friends.

Whatever your style of photography or your personal interest, the program offered something for you. We had models on the catwalk, presenting various clothing styles. There was a live (cover)band playing four sets through the day. Add a couple of classic cars, some more models in Venetian costumes... Or just have fun watching fellow photo freaks go crazy in the middle of so many shooting opportunities.

There's some more pictures from that day in this gallery. (Beware: we also had a couple of body painters, so some images are NSFW!)

It was a great experience to be a part of the organizing committee. Trying at times for sure, but also very rewarding, looking at the happy smiles on participant's faces. I can't wait to start work on next year's edition!

Gear notes: D700, 17-35/2.8, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8VR

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