AndreiPhotos

2011-09-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Cape Cod Surfing - Images by Andrei Filippov

Please enjoy the slide show. Most of the photos were taken with Canon 40D and Canon 200 mm f/2.8 lens.

One Day with iPhone4

2011-09-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

After all that had been said about iPhone camera, I decided to chip in. Recent survey run by Photoshelter on what point-and-shoot cameras do professional photographers use when they don't use their "big" cameras placed iPhone on honourary second place after Canon G-series camera. I happened to use both, but comparison would be a different story. This is strictly iPhone - from dawn till dusk.

Photo above was taken during sunrise. iPhone allows to keep black silouette as long as you keep a little bit of it in the frame. Just for fun - if you click on the image, you'll be able to see the airplane between the towers.

Staircase during wee morning hours. Dark cold colour of the morning sky collides with the acid electrical lighting - quaint colours, but grainy.

First, I wanted to destroy this one with the Speaker's Parade in the Parliament of Canada, but decided to keep it to make a point. Holding the iPhone and pushing the button is awkward and may cause a blur. It's noticeable, especially if you look at the background. Shake your hands - and you missed the shot.

The one above demonstrates low glare control. Can't ask for too much from the buttonhole. But again, do you relly need the Instagram App?

Rocks at the golden hours. I'd like to see higher colour contrast, or would shift the hue towards the blue colour of the shade - can not do with the all-auto camera.

Splash, taken at the same time with the rocks. I like the colours and good choice of the shutter speed. Zoom in to see the splash in details.

And for the closer - the sunset, end of the day. A little bit of glare, no need for apps.

If you ask my impression - I do like it. Would not swap it for my Canon G though, but after having learnt the limitation, I am having lots of fun with iPhone.

Tide at Cape Cod

2011-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Canvas print of the Tide at Cape Cod from Imagekind.com.Click on the photo to move to Imagekind page.

Man on the beach with two dogs

2011-09-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

The photo of the man sitting on the dune with his dogs. Marconi Beach, Cape Cod, MA. 200 mm, 1/640, f5.

Naval Encounter

2011-09-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

This one was taken with a bit of luck at Marconi Beach, Cape Cod. I was playing with the camera taking photos of the surfers riding the tide. The seals were popping their heads here and there. So naturally I was following the surfers while at the same time paying attention to the seals. This encounter could not have been unnoticed. The surfer appeared to just about to stand on the board when he noticed the seal. Short staring competition.

Wedding Photographer on Cape Cod

2011-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

I was honestly enjoying myself on the West Dennis Beach during Labour Day Weekend when I spotted the photographer leading newly married couple to the end of the peer. This must be the vantage spot for local wedding photographers, the Ocean is beautiful. It made me think again about destination weddings - what do I like better, swimming in the ocean or taking pictures.

A little bit of both, I guess. I pointed my Canon 200 mm f/2.8 in the direction of the group and clicked - you can see the photo.

White Stucco

2011-08-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

http://andreiphotos.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Various/G0000vloicTLAB2I/I0000PKIvZe2eTCw

The shot of white stucco taken with the same great Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens on a sunny day slightly at angle to the wall - so you can see the central part of the shot is in focus, but it gets softer sideways.

Shoot-It-Yourself Wedding Video Guide for Kindle

2011-08-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am glad that Amazon got reasonable and some time ago allowed non-US authors publish Kindle editions of their books. So I did.

Now, my ever useful guide for any weeding videographer young and seasoned, is available in Kindle format. Worldwide!

And it's cheap and worth every penny.

Canon EF 200 mm f/2.8 L Lens

2011-08-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Got myself a lens to play with. L-series lens can't be bad. From all the reviews I figured the images should be sharp all the way across. One of the first pictures taken was paint peeling off my garage door.

I let you be a judge.

Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver

2011-07-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Lions Gate Bridge

Lions Gate Bridge attracts attention of many photographers. After having taken this photo, I did the image sear5ch via Google. Yes, there were few taken from the same overpass in the Stanley Park. And yet every image is so different.

Lions Gate Image print on canvas.

Fall in Gatineau Park

2011-02-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tree dwelling mushrooms in Gatineau Park, 2010.

Few new images from Gatineau Park have been added to my Wall Art Galley at Imagekind. Autumn in Quebec is beautiful, all in yellow.

Rustic steel wheel buried in the fallen foliage. Autumn in the Gatineau Park, Quebec. 2010.

Reflection

2011-02-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

It feels like spring in the end of February. The sun light beams through and bounces around. In this shot reflections of the Victoria Building window panes fall right in between the windows of the former Bank of Montreal building across O'Connor Street in Ottawa.

Abandoned Car - Wall Art

2011-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

Few images of the North American cars abandoned in the woods have been posted in my Imagekind Industrial Gallery. I played with these cars a little bit taking shots first using available light from the sun going low, and then using a strobe after sun went down behind the trees. Finally my patience was rewarded, and for a few short minutes I've got sunset light beaming through the thickness of the trees right into the headlights. I hang the strobe upside down on the tree camera top left and made few exposures. Thanks to PocketWizard for great help.

Serene Fire on DVD

2011-02-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

Long live Lulu, the great publishing platform for the books, CD's, DVD's and downloads. This 30 sec clip is part of the Fireplace DVD available through Lulu. Publishing process is painless, although massive upload takes some time.

So if you don't have a fireplace or that specialty fireplace channel, now you can get yourself a DVD to stay warm and calm.

Order Fireplace DVD from Lulu.

Ottawa Police Elgin St. Cell Block

2011-02-10T13:42:00.002-08:00

It was good fun to go out with fabulous Annette Goerner and come back with the story. Not a real news story, more like a feature based on Ottawa Police presentation on how they tackle and round up people in a safe manner. No major challenges in terms of shooting. One worry - while shooting from inside the cell I was a little bit concerned about the latch - did not want to stay in for longer than necessary.

Golden Hour in the Bruce Pit Park

2011-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Golden Hour in Winter Park by Andrei Filippov

Went for a walk in the park. It just happened to be during the so called golden hour. Reach color contrast, and very Christmasy.

Skiing Trails in the Gatineau Park in Canada

2011-01-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Went skiing in the Gatineau Park last weekend, took few photos. This image is in blue tones with the shadows of the trees crossing the skiing tracks. The trail in the sky along with the line of the skiing tracks adds to the feel of the perspective.

Also available as a download in Canadian Winter gallery at Photoshelter.

Serene Water Stream DVD on Lulu

2011-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have shot a sequence of running water in the fall of 2009. I have turned the tape into a DVD, and it was sitting on the shelf since. Just few days ago I have finally finished the project and made it available via Lulu. What you see is a 3 minute clip from the disk. The water runs through the forest and over the rocks, making calm and relaxing background video.

Mushrooms 4

2010-11-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Tree Dwelling Mushrooms in Gatineau Park, Quebec, Canada, autumn.

Опята в Гатино

2010-11-21T04:27:00.000-08:00

Honey Agaric Mushrooms in the Gatineau Park, Quebec.

Amor

2010-11-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Nice touch.

Tree-dwelling Mushrooms in Winter

2010-11-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Tree-dwelling Mushrooms by Andrei Filippov at Imagekind

Click on image to be forwarded to Imagekind. It is also available at Photoshelter.

Brick and Plywood

2010-11-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Window in the brick wall boarded with plywood a while ago.

Leaf

2010-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Last days of summer.

Yellow

2010-11-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Lots of yellow colours this time of year.

First Snow in Ottawa

2010-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

We were at our friends place on October 30th when it started snowing. Happy season opening!

Oil on Canvas

2010-10-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, a lot of oil.

The Third World Bazaar in Manotick Station

2010-10-24T11:12:00.001-07:00

Electric Buddha made with red mosaic and the lighting fixture inside.

Last Saturday I was at the so called Third World Bazaar in Manotick Station, Ontario. The abundance of Buddha statues and accent lights prompted few photos.

Tassels over gravel.

Wood carved fishermen.

Last Strokes

2010-09-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Artist placing last strokes on the firefighter's statue.

"Fallen firefighters hold a special place in the hearts of all Ottawa residents," says Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "Firefighters put their lives on the line for our residents every day. Their remarkable bravery and courage are truly inspirational. This Memorial will underline their sacrifices, and their daily contributions to our community."

Jamaica

2010-08-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

Click to see the photos from Bahia Principe Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. All the photos taken by Canon PowerShot G7.

Bicycle in Ottawa Sky

2010-08-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

Circus performer basking on Sparks Street in Ottawa, ON, Canada on August 5, 2010. Sparks Street is a tourist attraction and the place for performers of all sorts in downtown of Ottawa, the Capital of Canada.

Joseph, Street Musician in Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Yeh Mon!

2010-07-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

While walking through Ocho Rios, Jamaica, I was approached by the street musician. His name was Joseph. He suggested I should roll on his song. So I did.

Tulips in Major's Hill Park

2010-06-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Although my favourite tulip festival display is the one along Queen Elizabeth parkway, I loved this flower bed in Major's Hill Park blooming early in April.

Bras for a Cause

2010-06-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

These are three photos of the bra-craft item series taken for a fundraising contest "Bras for a Cause".

I have posted the photos of my three favourite items. The one above was shot with the day light streaming through the sun roof and additional Canon Speedlite 430II+umbrella controlled via Pocket Wizard. The two below were shot on a day before with the same day light streaming through the sun roof with addition of the massive flood of TV studio lights compensated for 5600K.

My number one favourite is Boo-Bees by Angie Poirier. You can make your own choice of the bra-craft and place your bid at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation site.

Guinness World Record of Biggest Bear Hug

2010-05-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Students and teachers of the Ottawa Catholic School Board building live chain across Pretoria Bridge and along Rideau Canal in Ottawa, ON, Canada in order to attempt to reclaim the Guinness World Record of Biggest Bear Hug in the world on May 7, 2010. In 2004, students from St. Matthew's High School, in Ottawa, ON, Canada broke the world record, with 5,100 students in participation. The Biggest Bear Hug is a fundraising event with the money donated to cancer care and research.

Fleur-de-Lis Cut Out

2010-04-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Symbols of French monarchy are everywhere inside Quebec borders.

Rideau Canal in January

2010-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

The photo was taken on a sunny day. These days are often beautiful in this part of the world. The air is still crispy, but the sun stays up high and warms everything down below. The contrast between two sides of the canal is especially high because of snow, but Canon 40D seems to manage it well.

NOKIA cell phone self-photo

2010-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's me taking a self-portrait with NOKIA cell phone. Reflection of The Peace Tower is seen on the Atv.ca station truck.

Live On-Air Wedding

2010-03-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

I was assigned to take photos during Live On-Air Wedding at 'A' Morning Ottawa TV Show. The show was a success over again. The photos turned out well too. Or so I think. Check for yourself and let me know if I am right or wrong.

Heather and Robert split second after their official kiss as husband and wife.

I was using Canon 40D with two Canon L lenses - 24-70 and 16-35. The lighting situation in most cases was solved by the station lights.

The photos outside the station during Heather and her daughter's arrival were shot with on-camera diffused flash.

Some photos inside the make up room were shot with Canon Speedlite 430EX II, CTO filtered, bounced off the ceiling - many thanks to Joe McNally for inspiration.

Thanks for reading - you can also click here to see the slide show with many more pictures of the wedding of Heather and Robert. And of course thanks to Flickr for hosting the photos and powering the slide show!

90 George Condos

2010-03-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

90 George condominium building in the Byward Market area in Ottawa, ON, Canada on September 25, 2009. I have taken the photo from the top of the Rideau Centre across the street.

More on Kino Flo Lights

2010-03-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Last time I offered a real life example of using two fluorescent Kino Flo lights shooting across set for a sit down one-on-one interview.

This time same two Kino Flo lights set almost flat for a live double-ender interview. I said "almost flat" because the lights are actually angled in such a way, that the light camera right is pointed at the reporter on the left, and the light camera left is pointed at the interviewee on the right.

The lights are supplied with the fluorescent bulbs of two color temperatures - 3200K and 5600K. The setting on the pictures was in use for two days straight at different times. The lights were set to 5600K in balance with the day light streaming through the two rows of the windows in the front wall of the Parliament Central Block on the camera right.

The photos are hosted at Flickr.com.

Using Kino Flo Lights for Interview

2010-02-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

There was a discussion at Videomaker's forum on reducing the heat while using lights indoors. This is especially important for small productions lacking on spacious air conditioned studios or road trips. I suggested using Kino Flo Diva-lite fluorescent kits. Here is the real life example.

Jeff McDonald and myself shot this interview between Tony Grace and Michael Ignatieff for /A\ Morning Ottawa using 2 Diva-lite kits. Following is the plan.

The set up is very basic, as it often happens when you have less than an hour to de-clutter the board room and set the gear up. The guest's chair was set first with the background in mind (fireplace, flag, bookshelf and the light as an accent - love such lights). The reporter's chair was placed face-to-face, slightly at the angle to make the set open for the cameras.

Now - the lights. Two Kino Flo Diva-lite kits with 4 bulbs each covered by Flozier diffusers were placed high up to shoot overhead. Example: light 1 shoots over reporter's head, making the main light for the guest and the back light for the reporter, and vice versa.

That's all, thanks.

Wedding Rings

2010-02-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

She's still holding his ring.

Hand Mannequin

2010-02-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hand mannequin displaying craft bracelets on the wrist.

Photo taken at the craft show with Canon G7, with available light.

Photo hosted at Flickr.com.

Womannequins

2010-02-21T15:26:00.001-08:00

Monochrome photograph of the mannequins inside display window on Sussex Drive in Ottawa.

Sunset on Ottawa River

2010-01-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Sunset on Ottawa River

One more beautiful sunset on Ottawa River. I was trying to catch that small boat crossing the sunlight path on the water, so here it goes. I also like how the glare from the setting sun shoots ahead of the cruise boat into the left side of the frame. Skyline across the river is the city of Gatineau, QC, Canada.

Take on Film

2010-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

While not too many people still shoot film, I used Ilford ISO400 35 mm film to take a shot of guitars hung in the air-conditioned room of the music store upon available lighting.

Please click here to purchase it framed or canvas print from Imagekind, or click here do purchase high resolution digital download from Photoshelter.

Used Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L Lens on Rebel 2000.

Hammock at Sunset

2010-01-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

Sun setting through the forest beams its farewell rays through the hammock strings. Lovely.

Shot it with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L Lens.

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my visitors! Come back for more photos.

Freezing Rain in Ottawa

Truck on HWY 416 moving to Ottawa

2010-01-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L from the Highway 416 overpass outside of Bruce Pit Park. It was shot in the Shutter Priority mode with the shutter speed set to 1/15s to achieve blurring effect.

Volunteers Make A Difference

2009-12-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

I shot and edited the story on Stu - The Volunteer with Tony Grace reporting for 'A' Morning Ottawa. Opening shot with Christmas decorartion hanging off the ceiling is purposely striking to wake up the viewer. It's followed by more traditional sequences.

From shooting prospective I wanted to touch on two clips in the story - Stu's and Suzanne's. Since the story was set in the dining hall among the St.-Vincent Hospital patients having Christmas dinner, I naturally wanted to shoot the interviews right there. The lighting in the hall was dimmed out. Normally traveling light, the only light source I had on me was 25W Anton Bauer camera light (there is too many 'lights' in the sentence, but I don't know how to describe the lighting situation better).

I aimed the light up into the low ceiling. The ceiling was painted off-white, so with fluorescent light bleeding from the serving area on the right and the bouncing light I was able to bring the subject forward, while keeping the background visible. Using direct camera light into the subject's face would have made the shot harsh and "news-like", and it would have eliminated the background, making it totally dark.

After resolving lighting situation I had to soften the background, because otherwise I would have had to go around the tables and ask everyone's permission - that was the rule imposed by the hospital. I could not step back and use tele photo to narrow the depth of field, because I was supposed to ask the questions and both Stu and Suzanne had enough hard time to hear my voice in the noisy room. So I shot it wide, but focused for infinity and adjusted focuse on subjects' face with the macro ring. I recommend to try this technique if you are using a zoom lense with separate macro control. Technically you would probably ruin all the efforts the optics designers implemented into their great and expensive product, but the shot will worth it. Use it sparingly.

As for the rest of the story - the color temperature was different in every corner of every room and every hallway in the building. Just had to do my white balance over and over and over again.

Freezing Rain

2009-12-29T17:06:00.001-08:00

Ice covered tree branch during freezing rain in Ottawa, ON, Canada on December 27, 2009. I have taken this shot at about 2AM, that explaing dark background, with a Canon Speedlight 430 EX II controlled remotely via Pocketwizard pair and pointed sideways towards the camera and the icy branch.

Picnic Table

2009-12-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have taken this shot from underneath of my friends' picnic table during sunset.

From AndreiPhotos

The image is available in High Resolution at Photoshelter and Alamy.

Photoshelter December's Featured Images

2009-12-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Photoshelter editors included one of my older photos into the December's Featured Images collection on the home page. The photo of the video DA's rear side with attached cables was taken with Canon G7 upon available fluorescent light.

See all the Photoshelter December's Featured Images.

Penny's Fudge Factory

2009-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Judy Gravel, the owner of the Penny's Fudge Factory, cutting fudge slabs, August 9, 2009. Penny's Fudge Factory located in Fitzroy Harbour, ON, Canada, outside of Ottawa, the Capital of Canada.

Photoshelter Features 20 Images of November 2009

2009-11-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Although neither of these images is mine, I like them!

Parliament Hill Everywhere

2009-11-15T09:46:00.001-08:00

091030_Majors_hill_01
Originally uploaded by andrei.filippov

As you can explore the ocean by the droplet of water, so you can find the Peace Tower everywhere in Canada

Rideau Canal Drained

2009-11-15T09:22:00.001-08:00

091016_canal_drained_03
Originally uploaded by andrei.filippov

Rideau Canal in Ottawa had been drained after the 2009 Summer season to be turned into arguably the longest skating rink in the world.

"I Do Re-Do" TV Show on A-Morning Ottawa

2009-11-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

The A-Morning presented the "I Do Re-Do" show on Friday, October 23, 2009. Ingrid and Gino had one more chance to say their vows live on-air during the only local morning breakfast time show broadcasted by Atv.ca in Ottawa, Canada.

See behind the scene photos at Flickr as a set or as a slide show.

Leaves Falling

2009-11-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

The leaves are falling in Major's Hill Park in downtown Ottawa. More falling leaves here.

Parliament Building Through The Fence

2009-10-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Central Block of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa being seen through the iron fence - September 3, 2009. Peace Tower is the central feature of the Parliament Hill building complex surrounded by the iron fence.

Live On-Air Wedding

2009-10-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Next Friday, on October 23, 2009 there will be a live on-air re-wedding built on success of the one aired before, on May 1, 2009.

Here are some photos taken on May 1, 2009, at the wedding of Christina and Stephan. Press play and enjoy!

Ceremonial Guard at Ottawa War Memorial

2009-10-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ceremonial guards protect War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada from misbehaving public and serve as a natural tourist attraction. The guards were first placed at the War Memorial in the summer 2007 after the incident of desecration on Canada Day July 1, 2006.

The War Memorial unveiled in Ottawa, the Capital of Canada in 1939, was originally designed to commemorate Canadians who died in World War I, now honours all of Canada's war dead.

Lianne's Blog

2009-10-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Another cancer related story fronted by Tony Grace. We met with Lianne for the interview during her lunch break in the Hog's Back Park in Ottawa.

It was bright sunny day. I needed to find two spots, one for the interview and another one for the cutaway shots. For the first one I based ourselves in the shadow of the big tree.

Although the lighting was "spotty", I played it around placing Lianne exactly in the trunck shadow. I stepped in the shade, facing away from the sun, so when we looked at my shadow we were able to see only my shoulders sticking out of the trunk's shadow. I asked her to do the same, then framed her "head and shoulders" with the shallow depth of field, exposing face normally.

For the "walking shots" I could not find the way to avoid spots altogether, and I set exposure so the faces would be a bit underexposed while Tony and Lianne were walking in the shade, but not too much overexposed when they were hit by the sun.

Sun is photographer's friend. So is shade.

Chateau Laurier Hotel at the Locks

2009-10-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Chateau Laurier Fairmont Hotel in Ottawa is located at the Rideau Canal first 8 locks, as the water flows into the Ottawa River. The Rideau Canal has a status of the UNESCO Heritage Site.

Sun Rises over Ottawa River

2009-10-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Bridge is inter-provincial bridge joining downtown Ottawa, the Capital of Canada, with the city of Gatineau, QC - August 12, 2009. Pedestrian and vehicular traffics cross Ottawa river in both directions between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Summer in the Major's Hill Park

2009-10-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

The summer in Ottawa has just passed.

Rachel McCully at A-Morning Ottawa

2009-09-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Rachel McCully was on the show at A-Morning last Friday. I was a camera on the Rachel side for this 2 camera studio shoot. I have also managed to take few pictures of Rachel and her recording producer and a guitar player Luke Chambers. Luke also owns his label Hidden Vodka. Good times...

Limetree Blooming

2009-09-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

It was not long ago that lime trees were blooming in the Major Hills Park in Ottawa.

Scaffolding Shadow

2009-09-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

I like shadows. Sometimes they tell you more about the things they are the shadows of...

This was the shadow of the scaffolding on Rideau Street in Ottawa.

Rita Blais, the Cancer Survivior and a Tattoo Story

2009-09-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

The story of Rita Blais is an opening part of a Cancer Survivor series run by A-Morning Ottawa. It was produced and fronted by Tony Grace.

I shot it in Rita's living room with available light only. It was classic example of the north looking window on the sunny day lighting situation - good flood of ambient light. The light behind Rita in the head shot is natural tungsten, I did not bother to compensate for the colour temperature. I do actually like that warm punch the household lights give to the shot when I am shooting at higher temperatures, 4600K and above.

The tattoing viz was taken from Rita's DVD, courtesy Rita Blais.

Working with Models

2009-09-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Single camera production segments are getting more and more popular as TV stations keep trying to survive with smaller staff. Entire segment shot with one camera involves so called in-camera editing, where the camera persons goes from wide shots to close ups, moves, reframes and refocuses as needed.

As the old saying goes - children and pets are photographer's easiest subjects. It's hard to go wrong with either one. I would add professional models to that formula - they look good, they are confident and most of the time they know what they are doing.

22 cm

2009-09-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

Went to see my friends on the weekend. They have an orchid and a kitten. Each one is about 22 cm long.

Railing at the Chateau Laurier Terrace

2009-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Every time I walk through the Chateau Laurier terrace from Major Hills Park to Wellington Street in Ottawa, I give the railing another look. It presents itself differently depending on the time of the day and the sky condition. Both pictures were taken short while apart. It's fun to see how the elements are shadowing themselves out adding volume to their existing curves.

Nun Paying for Parking

2009-09-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Parking lot in the median of York Street off Sussex Drive in Ottawa is being used by different people at different times. Nun paying for parking has probably just arrived for the afternoon grocery shopping on the market. Later into the night parking lot is filled by the partying public. Especially the spots near to the Bare Fax Gentlemen's Club across the street.

Pumpkins

2009-09-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ottawa is setting up for Halloween. The pumpkins are slowly pushing out flowers and berries from the Byward Market in Ottawa.

By the Lake

2009-09-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday was well spent reuniting with mother nature in one of many Ontario Provincial Parks. Dragon-flies were in abundance - nice alternative to mosquitoes. The park was not much crowded. Sometimes the boaters or kayakers would go by. Like these two (to say nothing of the dog).

Strawberries on Byward Market

2009-09-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

There is always plenty of treat on Ottawa Byward Market. The month of September is especially generous.

Winnipeg Brass in Ottawa

2009-09-09T04:36:00.000-07:00

Winnipeg Military Band performs in front of the War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada on a sunny day. The band visited Ottawa to take part in major military brass festival on the Parliament Hill, and may be going to entertain troops in Afghanistan some time soon.

York Street Fountain

2009-09-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

I often browse the streets and corners of Ottawa city with the camera. There are often good moments around like this one by the fountain on the corner of York Street and Sussex Drive.

Afternoon at the Constance Bay Beach

2009-09-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest places outside Ottawa - non-public beach in Constance Bay attracts more and more visitors. And their dogs too. We were able to find not so crowded spot with the beautiful scene of the Gatineau Hills on the background. The guy flying kites was a bit of a danger though every time he tried to get close.

Bill Welychka interviews Shannon Tweed...

2009-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

The night Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed visited Ottawa we've been doing our share of the celebrity coverage. The main challenge was to encounter the reality show team working on the scene. This interview was not problematic, except for the a quick zoom in/out I tryed to perform when Bill flashed Ottawa Sun.

...AND LAURE LOWE INTERVIEWS GENE SIMMONS

For the second story I was mostly shooting inside the restaurant. Event was well organized - no major challenges to report.

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L Lens Test

2009-08-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

I was testing my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens on the street in Cambridge, MA just shooting away and then looking at the screen when I've got that shot of the guy checking on young women passing by. Great lens!

Half-masted Flag at U. S. Embassy in Canada

2009-08-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

The flag was flown at half-mast on the United States Embassy building in Ottawa, the Capital of Canada on August 26, 2009, next day after the death of U. S. senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy.

Both images are available as high-resolution TIFF files at Photoshelter, vertical and horizontal.
The images are also available through Alamy stock photo agency, keyword Kennedy.

One More Self Portrait

2009-08-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

We were wondering along the Freedomf Trail in Boston, so I have taken few photos including the self-portrait above, the photo of my and Lena's shoes at the trail below,

and the photo of the building with miraculous windows on the wall. The "windows" are actually reflections of the windows from the building across - optical illusion.

Some photos are available in High Resolution via Alamy services.

Being Different in Decorating Your Dwelling

2009-08-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Being different in decorating your dwelling does not mean going to department store and buying another copy of Leonardo's masterpiece. Nothing wrong about Da Vinci - he was genius, but the portrait of Mona Lisa used to belong to someone else's living room. Go out and get something from local artist, bring art from travels, and last but not least - order online.

Two items in this posting have been recently uploaded to Imagekind, the hub for artists and buyers, allowing decorators to order wall art online, get it delivered and be different.

Click on image to be directed to Imagekind web site.

Casino du Lac-Leamy Fireworks 2009 Finals

2009-08-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Casino du Lac-Leamy fireworks festival final show was great although a little bit surprising - we did not get to see Germany's competition show. At the final show Germany and Portugal were really close, both beautiful, although different in styles.

All the photos were shot with Canon 16-35 f2.8 in aperture priority mode set to f10.

Fake Sunset Light

2009-08-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Have just finished reading The Moment It Clicks by Joe McNally and decided to try one of the tricks from the book. See what happened on the picture above. Sun was well down behind the horizon. The light on my wife Lena who agreed to model was orange gelled Canon Speedlight 430 camera right. As far right as I could extend the curly remote cable.

Staycation

2009-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

On our time off we were either too lazy or too busy to go out of town. Today we decided to enjoy local tourist attractions - Ottawa is good for that, especially this time of the year. So we took a boat cruise along Ottawa river and were brought right into the waterfalls, nose up in the water, just like that:
On the way back to the car we went by the most boring show in the world - Light and Sound Show on the Parliament Hill. We keep checking it every couple years or so, honestly it does not get any better. Poor people on the lawn. At least the sky was clear.

Portuguese Team Perfromance

2009-08-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday August 12th we went to see Portuguese team performing at the Casino du Lac-Leamy Fireworks Festival.
Above: one of the splashes.
Below: PUSH FOR HELP sign in both English and Braille at the Casino parking lot.

See more photos at Flickr.

Self-Portrait

2009-08-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Click on the photo, you'll be able to see me taking picture of my reflection in the tour bus hub cup with the NOKIA cell phone. Thanks to my son for the phone, it comes handy when the big camera is too well packed!

Going to Fireworks

2009-08-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is the place that meant to separate you from your money with class - Casino du Lac-Leamy, across the river from Ottawa. Above: lighting fixtures in front of the Casino.

Above: one of the splashes Italians brought to Canada.
Below: somebody is flashing their red stick on us, waiving us out of the Casino after the show is over.

Library of the Parliament of Canada

2009-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Few images from inside the Canadian Parliamentary Library have been uploaded to Photoshelter archives.

The Wedding of Han and Nikolai in Ottawa, ON on July 4, 2009

2009-07-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Wedding of Han and Nikolai in Ottawa, ON on July 4, 2009 - Images by Andrei Filippov

The photographs were taken at the Ottawa City Hall starting at 3PM, and later between 4PM and 6PM at the Experimental Farm and Arboretum.

B&W Photos of Anastasia

2009-04-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Few black-and-white photographs of my daughter Anastasia have been uploaded to Photoshelter archive. The photos were taken with the Soviet made camera Zenit-E (optional lens Industar 61) and the US made Kodak film at various locations in Ottawa, ON. Film developed and scanned at Costco.

Train and Toy Show in Kemptville

2009-04-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Please go to the Photoshelter Gallery to see High Resolution images from the Kemptville Train and Toy Show, March 29, 2009.

Newfie Fog in Royal Oak

2009-03-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Newfie Fog helped big time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Royal Oak, Bank Street, Ottawa, ON on March 17, 2009.

High Resolution photos are available at Photoshelter Gallery.

Tim Hortons Trash

2009-03-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tim Hortons cups are not widely recyclable, and Timmy's logo is identifiable not with the hot drink alone, but more and more often with urban garbage. I bumped into this pile of TH cups around the corner from my place on Saturday morning. To the praise of my neighbors (or possibly neighboring Tim Hortons shop) all the cups were gone within short time. I hope somebody rrrolled up a plazma TV.

See High Resolution photos in Tim Hortons gallery.

Irish Parade in Ottawa, ON

2009-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Photos from Irish Parade in Ottawa, ON have been uploaded.

Barbie Turns 50

2009-03-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have had an honor to be official photographer of the Barbie's 50th Anniversary at the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre in Ottawa, ON.

Click here to visit online gallery of the high resolution images.