Category Archives: Photography

Fujifilm X20 high speed video

The new Fujifilm X20 has some pretty cool high speed video capabilities.  Top speed of 250 frames per second is pretty impressive.   So how well does this do in practice?

Slow motion sample video from the Fujifilm X20

The following slow motion video is a first attempt and the first of more to come.  The video was shot at Ajax Downs on a very sunny summer day.  Everything was perfect accept where I was standing.  About 50 yards away and slightly elevated was the best location I could find.

Watch the Fujifilm X20 high speed video


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Highlights from the 2012 Royal Horse Show

Another great night at The Royal Horse Show!  Watching greats like Ian Millar and Yann do their thing at the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships.  The evening was filled with excitement and even a bit of mystery.  An unexpected fire alarm slowed things down for 20 minutes or so.  Once the alarm was reset things kicked in to high gear.  There was a sense of urgency to get on with things and boy did they do that.  Hats off to the organisers at the Royal Winter Fair for keeping things on track and action packed.

Photos from the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships

Ian Millar

Ian Millar at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair
Ian Millar winning at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair

Yann Candele

Yann Candele winning at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair

Yann Candele winning at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair

Yann Candele takes the Greenhawk jump instride at the Royal Horse Show

Yann Candele takes the Greenhawk jump instride at the Royal Horse Show

 


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Amber Marshall arrives at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto

 

 

 

Amber Marshall from the CBC TV show Heartland makes her third appearance at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. The Royal, as it's called locally, is celebrating it's ninetieth year.

 

 

 

Amber Marshall MC for the Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo

An exciting and very unpredictable event the Rodeo offers spectators nothing less than full on action. This year's event also had Amber on the run quite a few times.  During a number of the events Amber Marshall seemed to be the focus of the Bulls and Saddle Bronc's.

Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo - Bull riding Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo Bull Riding at The Royal Winter Fair

 

Amber Marshall at this years Royal Winter Fair

 


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Johnny Depp pleases fans on the red carpet

Johnny Depp send fans crazy as he takes time to sign autographs on the red carpet.

 

Johnny Depp Premiere 

 

During the premiere of West of Memphis Johnny Depp takes the time to sign autographs down the red carpet.  After spending a little time with the media Johnny, after cries from his fans, starts from the beginning again and sees all his fans.  Depp hasn't been at the Toronto International Film Festival in some time.  This opportunity wasn't lost on adoring fans as they push forward to get a glimpse and hopefully an autograph.
 

Signing autographs Johnny Depp drops a smile for his fans.

See all the red carpet photos of Johnny Depp in our gallery.


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Johnny Depp at premiere West Memphis TIFF Toronto

Johnny Depp swings to the side and signs autographs for his fans!

Crowds wait in the rain in Toronto and the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of West Memphis.  

Photo of Johnny Depp in Toronto and the premiere of West Memphis

More photos to come from this rare apperance at the TIFF in Toronto. 


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Hibiscus Promotions dancing up a storm in Ajax captured by the Canon 1 DX

How do you get a crowd of horse racing enthusiasts to take their eyes off the race?  
 
You hire Hibiscus Promotions and let them do their thing.  A recent “Family Day” held at Ajax Downs just east of Toronto Ontario showcased the talents of this Caribbean entertainment company.   Delivering a unique combination of dance and music Hibiscus brought life and excitement to the party.  Not only did they deliver a fantastic show they brought the show to the crowd.  Bringing the crowd in to the action these dancers high energy was easily transferable to children and adults alike.

Capturing the energy and movement of Caribbean dancing with the Canon 1 DX

Many cameras fall short when shooting live event dancing.  One of the biggest issues you face when taking pictures at a live event is lighting.  As the dancers move around and ‘work the crowd’ lighting quickly changes.  The Canon 1 DX easily kept up with the speed of the dancers and did an amazing job with metering the whole scene.  Focusing was also a snap with the 61 AF points and quick selection of groups and spots.
 
For more samples images of the Canon 1 DX check out our gallery. 
 


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Sample images of a NHL players highlight the quality of the Canon 1 DX

This year’s annual Family Day at Ajax Downs was a big success.  A picture perfect day, big crowds and exciting entertainment added to the always exciting Quarter Horse Racing.  Held on Sunday August the 19th just east of Toronto Ontario this free community event was held in support of the “Image is Everything” campaign for the Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospitals.  

Hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler  

At the event hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler both formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs were on hand for autograph signing.  Throughout the day both players were available for photo ops and signing as well as auctioning off two signed jersey’s. 

 

Photos taken with the Canon 1 DX of both players can be viewed in our Canon 1 DX photos gallery.

Sports photography with the Canon 1 DX 

Although these hockey players weren’t on ice the quality of the Canon 1 DX is clearly seen in these sample photos.  This camera is a workhorse, no pun intended, and showed its power in sports photography.  During the day’s events Quarter Horse racing showed just how quick the 1 DX is at capturing fast acting sports.  Horse racing is over in a matter of seconds and less than two seconds near the finish line.  Capturing the power of this sport at that moment is extremely tough.  The Canon 1 DX was amazing for capturing this sport.  
 
More sample photos and images taken with the Canon 1 DX can be seen in my Flickr set 
 


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Canon 1 DX sample photos

The new Canon 1 DX has finally arrived.  It seems those not shooting at the London 2012 Olympics had to wait until the big event was over before getting their hands on the long awaited Canon 1 DX.  Luckily I’ve been able to take one for a quick test drive and have some sample photos.

Sample photos from the Canon 1 DX

Instead of showing you how I unpacked the camera, what cute little manuals it comes with and the careful packing done I’ve decided to post some photos.  After all we really want to see sample photos of the Canon 1 DX and not more photos of cardboard boxes.
 

With little to no time to figure things out i shot a bunch of pictures to see how this machine works right out of the box.  My first impressions were WOW.  A highly technical term used to describe something you have no clue where to start with.  The fit, feel, sound, and of course image quality is simply amazing.  Now I know lots of people want to compare the Canon 1 DX with the Nikon D4 but I won't.  I simply don't care.  If you have Nikon glass you're going to stick with Nikon bodies and the same for Canon shooters.  So why bother picking each other apart?  They're both excellent cameras.
 
Shooting sports photography is always a challenge.  The lighting, timing, position etc… are all major obstacles you have to overcome before you even think about taking a picture.  So where better to start than with fast moving Quarter Horse race?  
 
I lucked out that close by there was a Family Day at the local horse racing track, Ajax Downs.  Not only would I get to take pictures with the Canon 1 DX and show off its speed capabilities I'd also get to shoot an event.  During the day there were former Toronto Maple Leaf hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler as well calypso dancers and steel drum musicians.  It was a perfect day to test drive Canon's flagship camera the Canon 1 DX.
 
You can see the first bunch of pictures I shoot in the Canon 1 DX photo gallery, enjoy!
 


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Ajax Downs paddock

Ajax Downs May 27 2012 by david.reid.5
Ajax Downs May 27 2012, a photo by david.reid.5 on Flickr.

Sometimes things seem so surreal.

Usually, just before the race horses in the paddock are anxious, excited and simply hyper.

This photo taken in the paddock at Ajax Downs on May 27th shows that sometimes a horse can be calm and living in what seems to be another world.


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Staying calm before the race…..

Do you know who this jockey is?


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