Images in Flight

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Canada Day 2014 Fireworks, my shooting position was on Victoria Island in the Ottawa River about 500 metres west of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. The fireworks launch point was 1 km east of me.

Pentax *istD camera, f:11-16 exposures 6-12 seconds.

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Pseudo HDR with Topaz Detail plugin

I recently added several Topaz Photoshop plugins to my computer. I've added Detail, De-Noise, Clarify and Clarity. This small sample are a few where I tweaked the images to a pseudo-HDR effect. Last Autumn form the balcony, a scene that as of March 21, 2014 is still snow laden. Lot's of chrome. Downtown reflections. Carshow fun 1. Carshow fun 2. Antonov An-12 Cub. Airbus A320-211.

Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada.

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March 4, 2014: Camera Club of Ottawa Slide Competition.

CCO Slide Competiton Tuesday March 4, 2014 Advanced Topic: Architecture Golden Tower 21/30 points CCO Slide Competiton Tuesday March 4, 2014 Advanced Topic: Architecture Award: Honourable Mention Metcalfe Street Reflection 24/30 points CCO Slide Competiton Tuesday March 4, 2014 Advanced Topic: Architecture Award: Honourable Mention 55 23/30 points CCO Slide Competiton Tuesday March 4, 2014 Advanced Topic: Open Award of Excellence 28/30 points Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Digging through my portfolio

I was cleaning up, and backing up various archives of mine. Here is a bit of my design work.

[caption id="attachment_1915" align="alignleft" width="700"] © Darrell larose, Ottawa, Canada.[/caption] Client: Canadian ISP They were looking for a Canada themed ISP logo, combined several of my stock images from my archives.

[caption id="attachment_1913" align="alignleft" width="720"] © Darrell larose, Ottawa, Canada.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1917" align="alignleft" width="720"] © Darrell larose, Ottawa, Canada.[/caption] Client: Office Furniture Liquidators (OFL). Usage: Website, POS. OFL required some point of sale and web photos to liquidate a bulk purchase.

[caption id="attachment_1909" align="alignleft" width="599"] © Darrell Larose, Ottawa, Canada[/caption] Voigtländer Bessa fitted with the 12mm f:5.6 12 mm F5.6 UltraWide Heliar. Client: Camera Exchange II Ottawa, Usage: web, POS. The Camera Exchange II just became the local exclusive Voigtländer dealer, so I did a series of product shots for in store point of sales, and for the store website. [caption id="attachment_1911" align="alignleft" width="560"] © Darrell larose, Ottawa, Canada.[/caption] Hasselblad  503CX Client: Camera Exchange II Ottawa, Usage: web, POS. The Camera Exchange II just  product shots for in store point of sales, and for the store website.

[caption id="attachment_1914" align="alignleft" width="720"] © Darrell larose, Ottawa, Canada[/caption] Client: Digital Witness / NewForce Communications, Ottawa 1997. Usage: Product logo, this logo was the panel art for the hardware. Digital Witness was a high definition computer controlled security camera that had motion sensor controlled cameras and stored footage on a harddrive, could output on a DVD. [caption id="attachment_1916" align="aligncenter" width="347"] © Darrell Larose, Ottawa, Canada.[/caption]

Client: Digital Witness / NewForce Communications, Ottawa 1997. Usage: Website masthead, POS, brochures.

*********** Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Gallery Exhibition: City of Ottawa Archives Building

English version follows. * *

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Thanksgiving Weekend, sailing on Lac Deschenes

Thanksgiving Weekend, sailing on Lac Deschenes, Ottawa. October 14, 2013. Beautiful day, could be the last weekend to sail of 2013.  The above normal summer like weather had the small sailboats from The Britannia and Nepean Sailing clubs out on the Lake.

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New Pentax Flagship dSLR, alas not Full-Frame

New PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR features 24 megapixel sensor, selectable anti-aliasing filter and fast 8.3 frames per second frame rate October 7, 2013 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to establish a new standard of performance with the debut of the PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR. As the Premiere DSLR in Ricoh Imaging’s robust and full-featured APS-C lineup, the PENTAX K-3 brings unparalleled technology and advanced specifications presenting photographers with a solution that raises the bar while removing limitations. Elevating standard performance, the PENTAX K-3 boasts a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, incredibly fast 8.3 fps (frames per second) frame rate, innovative selectable anti-aliasing (AA) filter technology and outstanding HD video performance; all while giving demanding photographers dual card slots for quick and easy image recording and seamless wireless remote capture and image transfer capabilities.       “Ricoh Imaging has made an investment to ensure that our product lineup features the most complete and capable APS-C offering in our history,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging.  “This goal was realized with the introduction of the K-3. Its unmatched feature set and revolutionary technology set a benchmark of excellence that raises the bar for the entire APS-C category.”   Housed in the PENTAX K-3’s sleek and ergonomic body is a host of cutting-edge technology including the innovative and proprietary selectable AA filter which allows photographers to toggle anti-aliasing functionality on or off using the lauded PENTAX SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. This breakthrough in imaging technology empowers photographers to retain greater control of image output while eliminating the need to commit to supreme resolution or superior moiré control by providing both options in a single camera body. Also new to the PENTAX K-3, and the APS-C category, is the PENTAX FLU SDHC memory card that delivers wireless connectivity with unprecedented functionality to a compatible PC or connected device via a web browser. Using this advanced technology, photographers are able to perform a variety of functions including inspect a live-view image, release the K-3’s shutter, shift the AF sensor point, and check images recorded on the card using any connected device with a web browser. And, thanks to its SD card-based, internal placement the PENTAX K-3 retains its weather-resistant, moisture-tight capabilities with no protruding devices preventing door closure.     The K-3 also features an enhanced video recording experience including the ability to change from still image to video recording with the flip of a dedicated switch to capture full HD movie recording in H.264 format. The K-3 comes equipped with a headphone terminal and stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection. The user can also adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound levels during recording. In addition to a variety of creative special-effect modes, the K-3 also provides an upgraded interval movie mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval. Rounding out the new and advanced capabilities offered in the PENTAX K-3 is a newly designed autofocus module, SAFOX11, which boasts 27 AF sensors and high light-sensitivity, covering a wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV. Finally, the new Real-Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance the accuracy of exposure, white balance and auto-focusing. Pricing and Availability The PENTAX K-3 will be available for purchase  at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of CAD $1,299.95. The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition* will also be made available in a limited quantity with only 2,000 units being offered worldwide. This limited-edition model features a silver body with a silver BG-5 battery grip designed exclusively for the K-3, making it a perfect match for the silver HD PENTAX DA Limited lens series, which is designed for unrivaled image rendering. This special package also includes an exclusive leather strap and silver D-BG5 battery grip. The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition will be available for purchase at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $ 1,599.95. To learn more about Ricoh Imaging’s unmatched lineup of APS-C DLSRs and lenses as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit Ricoh-Pentax Canada   * The specifications of this limited-edition model are identical to those of the PENTAX K-3.

Pentax K-3 specifications

Price

MSRP

$1299 body only, $1699 with 18-135 WR lens, $1599 for limited edition silver body

Body type

Body type

Mid-size SLR

Body material

Magnesium alloy

Sensor

Max resolution

6016 x 4000

Other resolutions

4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1080

Image ratio w:h

3:2

Effective pixels

24 megapixels

Sensor photo detectors

25 megapixels

Sensor size

APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)

Sensor type

CMOS

Processor

Prime III

Color space

sRGB, Adobe RGB

Color filter array

Primary Color Filter

Image

ISO

Auto, 100 - 51200

White balance presets

9

Custom white balance

Yes (3)

Image stabilization

Sensor-shift

Uncompressed format

RAW

JPEG quality levels

Best, better, good

File format

RAW 14 bits (PEF, DNG)

JPEG (Exif 2.3)

DCF 2.0

Optics & Focus

Autofocus

Contrast Detect (sensor)

Phase Detect

Multi-area

Center

Selective single-point

Tracking

Single

Continuous

Face Detection

Live View

Autofocus assist lamp

Yes

Digital zoom

No

Manual focus

Yes

Number of focus points

27

Lens mount

Pentax KAF2 mount

Focal length multiplier

1.5×

Screen / viewfinder

Articulated LCD

Fixed

Screen size

3.20″

Screen dots

1,037,000

Touch screen

No

Screen type

TFT LCD monitor

Live view

Yes

Viewfinder type

Optical (pentaprism)

Viewfinder coverage

100%

Viewfinder magnification

0.95×

Photography features

Minimum shutter speed

30 sec

Maximum shutter speed

1/8000 sec

Exposure modes

Green

Hyper Program (P)

Sensitivity Priority (Sv)

Shutter Priority (Tv)

Aperture Priority (Av)

Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv)

Metered Manual (M)

Bulb

X-Speed

User (3)

Built-in flash

Yes (Pop-up)

Flash range

13.00 m (at ISO 100)

External flash

Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)

Flash modes

Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual

Flash X sync speed

1/180 sec

Drive modes

Single

Continuous shooting (Hi, Med, Lo)

Self-timer (2 or 12 sec)

Remote control (0 or 3 sec, or continuous)

Exposure bracketing

Mirror lockup

HDR capture

Self-timer

Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)

Metering modes

Multi

Center-weighted

Spot

Exposure compensation

±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)

AE Bracketing

±2 (2, 3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)

WB Bracketing

No

Videography features

Format

MPEG-4

H.264

Microphone

Mono

Speaker

Mono

Resolutions

1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)

Storage

Storage types

Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC

Connectivity

USB

USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)

HDMI

Yes (mini)

Remote control

Yes (optional, wired or wireless)

Physical

Environmentally sealed

Yes (Weather and dust resistant)

Battery

Battery Pack

Battery description

Lithium-Ion D-LI90 rechargeable battery & charger

Battery Life (CIPA)

560

Weight (inc. batteries)

800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)

Dimensions

131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03″)

Other features

Orientation sensor

Yes

Timelapse recording

Yes (up to 9999 pictures)

GPS

Optional

GPS notes

O-GPS1

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Nikon Announces the D610

The Nikon D610 HD-SLR Delivers FX-Format Quality and Pro-Level Features for Enthusiasts Ready to Take Their Passion to the Next Level

MELVILLE, NY (October 8, 2013) – Nikon Inc. today announced the Nikon D610, the latest FX-format HD-SLR to incorporate cutting-edge features and superior operability to help photographers create amazing images and Full HD video.  Engineered for those enthusiasts who focus on the color, sharpness and clarity of their images, the D610 provides enhanced performance and image quality improvements, coupled with Nikon core technologies, all in a lightweight form factor. With image quality rivaled only by the 36.3 megapixel Nikon D800, the D610 is an attractive option for those willing to step up to FX-format.

"For many of us, photography is an unexplainable passion; a relentless pursuit of sharpness and fidelity in every image captured, as we endlessly seek a way to express ourselves," said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. "The Nikon D610 is a tool to help us capture and share our creative vision with all the benefits of a full frame sensor, including expanded depth-of-field control, wide dynamic range, high image quality, low noise, fine color, and low-light capability."

Superior Image Quality Inside and out, the Nikon D610 is dynamically engineered to deliver the outstanding balance of image quality, performance and operability that only a full-frame camera can offer. The large 24.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm) CMOS sensor is capable of creating low-noise images with amazing dynamic range, clarity and precise color, even in challenging light. No matter the type of photography, from landscapes to wildlife, portraits to sports, the Nikon D610 excels, delivering stellar sharpness, superior handling, and the ability to enjoy the full resolution benefits of a wide variety of NIKKOR glass. Image quality and performance are further bolstered with the aid of Nikon's EXPEED 3 image processing engine, which helps to provide vivid colors and an exceptionally broad tonal range while quickly processing image data transfer from capture to card. Additionally, EXPEED 3 contributes to surprising energy efficiency for all-day shooting.   

Serious Performance for the Advanced Photographer Whether capturing an awe-inspiring vista at the golden hour, or portraits that absolutely have to flatter, the swift response and advanced feature set will appeal to a wide range of users. From Nikon core technologies to thoughtfully laid-out controls, the robust and innovative feature set of this D-SLR will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast.

Low-Light Performance:  A wide ISO range helps the user master any lighting challenge. From a clean ISO 100 to a versatile 6,400 (25,600, Hi-2), the D610 provides minimal noise and maximum confidence.

39-Point AF System and Scene Recognition System:  Users can select single point, continuous, dynamic or 3D autofocus modes to adapt to any shooting situation from static subjects to dynamic athletics. The Nikon D610's 39-point AF system quickly acquires focus throughout the frame, even on fast moving subjects. For further accuracy, the system uses Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II 2016 pixel RGB Sensor in conjunction with the Scene Recognition System to analyze the scene and adjust exposure, white balance and focus. The resulting images display a more balanced exposure, precise sharpness and accurate color. Furthermore, the D610 utilizes nine cross-type sensors, seven of which retain AF ability up to f/8, a true boon to wildlife and sports photographers who rely on teleconverters for maximum distance.

New Improved Automatic White Balance (AWB):  With an updated AWB algorithm, users can capture more vivid skies, and more natural-appearing reproduction of artificial light than ever before. Additionally, more natural skin tones can be captured, rendering faces with a more three-dimensional appearance.

New Increased Speed and Performance: A new shutter mechanism in the D610 affords a faster frame rate. Users can now capture the action at a continuous 6 frames-per-second (fps), which is ideal for photographing action sports or elusive wildlife.

New Quiet Continuous Shutter Mode: Ideal for weddings and other sensitive events, the D610 features a new Quiet Continuous Shutter Mode. When selected via the main command dial, users can shoot discreetly at up to 3 fps.

100% Frame Coverage and 3.2-inch High Resolution LCD: Shoot all day comfortably and compose easily through the wide and bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. Additionally, the high-resolution 921K dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen is viewable from a wide variety of angles making it easy to compose, review and share.

Unleash Creativity with Advanced Modes:  With a wide variety of creative modes designed for enthusiasts, users can continue to express themselves in new, creative ways. A series of images with multiple exposures can be combined with built-in HDR, while users can explore their inner artist with an automatic Time Lapse Mode, or the intervalometer found in all advanced Nikon D-SLR's. To adjust color, saturation and other image parameters on the fly, Picture Controls can be applied to both stills and HD video.

Dual SD Memory Card Slots: The Nikon D610 accepts two SD memory cards, which users can set to copy and overflow, or mark as one dedicated video when shooting multimedia. Additionally, the D610 accepts blazing-fast and high capacity SDXC and UHS cards.

Full High Definition Capabilities: Capture stunning Full 1080P HD video in a variety of frame rates, including a cinematic 24p, 30p and 60i. A useful feature inherited from professional Nikon cameras, the Nikon D610 can feed 100% full screen, uncompressed video via HDMI to an external device such as a monitor or digital recorder. Additionally, a stereo microphone and headphones can be connected through thoughtfully placed auxiliary input jacks for capturing and monitoring audio.

Share a Stellar Shot Instantly: When using the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter1, unbelievable images can be shared directly to a compatible smart mobile device such as a phone or tablet. Users can then share these images with friends and family through their own social networks or photo sharing applications.

Robust Construction: The Nikon D610 is sealed and gasketed, with dust and moisture resistance of the same caliber as the Nikon D800. The top and rear covers of the camera are made of magnesium alloy for maximum durability, while the shutter unit is tested to 150,000 cycles.

NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility  The Nikon D610 is compatible with a wide variety of NIKKOR Lenses, allowing users to truly realize a lens' potential with an FX-format camera. For eighty years, photographers have come to rely on Nikon's heritage of optical excellence for lenses that deliver the pinnacle of optical quality. Additionally, the Nikon D610 is fully compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting (CLS) System, and can act as a Commander to control up to two groups of Speedlights, in-camera.

Price and Availability The Nikon D610 D-SLR will be available in late October 2013 in a variety of configurations.

Body Only – $2,099.95* Suggested Retail Price (SRP)

With AF-S NIKKOR 24-85MM F/3.5-4.5G ED VR Lens - $2,599.95* SRP

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. Nikon D610 specifications

Price MSRP $1999 (body only), $2599 (with 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 lens) Body type Body type Mid-size SLR Body material Magnesium alloy top and rear, polycarbonate front-plate Sensor Max resolution 6016 x 4016 Other resolutions 4512 x 3008, 3936 x 2624, 3008 x 2008, 3008 x 1688, 2944 x 1968 Image ratio w:h 3:2 Effective pixels 24 megapixels Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels Sensor size Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) Sensor type CMOS Processor Expeed 3 Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB Color filter array Primary Color Filter Image ISO 100 - 6400 in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps (50 - 25600 with boost) White balance presets 12 Custom white balance Yes (4) Image stabilization No Uncompressed format RAW JPEG quality levels Fine, Normal, Basic File format

NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed

JPEG

Optics & Focus Autofocus

Contrast Detect (sensor)

Phase Detect

Multi-area

Center

Selective single-point

Tracking

Single

Continuous

Face Detection

Live View

Digital zoom No Manual focus Yes Number of focus points 39 Lens mount Nikon F mount Focal length multiplier 1× Screen / viewfinder Articulated LCD Fixed Screen size 3.20″ Screen dots 921,000 Touch screen No Screen type TFT LCD monitor Live view Yes Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder coverage 100% Viewfinder magnification 0.7× Photography features Minimum shutter speed 30 sec Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec Exposure modes

Program (P)

Shutter-priority (S)

Aperture priority (A)

Manual (M)

Built-in flash Yes (Pop-up) Flash range 12.00 m (at ISO 100) External flash Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless) Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec Drive modes

Single-frame [S] mode

Continuous low-speed [CL]

Continuous high-speed [CH]

Mirror-up [Mup]

Quiet Shutter Release

Self-timer

Continuous drive Yes Self-timer Yes Metering modes

Multi

Center-weighted

Average

Spot

Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) AE Bracketing (2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) WB Bracketing Yes (2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3 mired) Videography features Format

MPEG-4

H.264

Microphone Mono Speaker Mono Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps) Storage Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC x 2 slots Connectivity USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) HDMI Yes (Mini Type C) Wireless Optional Wireless notes Wu-1b mobile adapter Remote control Yes (Optional, wired or wireless ) Physical Environmentally sealed Yes (Water and dust resistant) Battery Battery Pack Battery description Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger Battery Life (CIPA) 900 Weight (inc. batteries) 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz) Dimensions 141 x 113 x 82 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.23″) Other features Orientation sensor Yes Timelapse recording Yes GPS Optional GPS notes GP-1

For more information visit Nikon Canada's Website Darrell A. Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Cottage September 27~30, 2013

Overall a lovely weekend, weather was above normal in temperature, sunny for the most part.   Autumnal colours were everywhere, as Mother Nature extended her pallet. Maple leaf Sumac Sumac Birch reflections Birch reflections     Lake reflection Saturday the 28th we awoke to find the lake was missing under a thick white shroud of fog that burned off by 10:00am. Looking out was surreal, as the dock and canoe were visible, but the field of vision that would have been skyline, lake and distant lake shore was just a backlit white area of negative space. Canoe in morning fog Canoe in morning fog Pine in fog Slowly the fog lifts Fog burning off in morning sun Fog burning off in morning sun Fog burning off in morning sun Fog burning off in morning sun Fog burning off in morning sun Warm Fall days usually mean the ladybugs were plentiful, as they seek out  tree bark, hollow logs and the eaves of cabins. Ladybuc on Sumac leaf Monday a family of Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), drifted by, one scored a sunfish in the shallow water, but missed that shot. Soon they will leave the lake to seek out open water, that won’t freeze over. The females sporting their rusty head plumage. Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) female Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) females Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) wing stretching A docile American Toad (Bufo americanus americanus), sluggish in the early day coolness warmed enough to forage to food to fatten up for it’s long winter nap. Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Random photos September 8, 2013

A small sampling of photos I took yesterday (September, 2013) [caption id="attachment_1815" align="alignleft" width="655"] Lac Dechenes (top) and Mud Lake (forground) at dusk from the balcony.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1813" align="alignleft" width="655"] Lac Dechenes at dusk from the balcony.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1814" align="alignleft" width="655"] Last fingers of sunlight illuminating a tree top from the balcony.[/caption] And as the evening glow fades... Darrell A.  Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Ottawa Air traffic September 5-6, 2013

Just posting some aviation photos that I took over the past couple of days. [caption id="attachment_1793" align="alignleft" width="655"] NASA 900, T-38 @ CYOW 5-September-2013, rwy 32 18:40 EDT[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1791" align="alignleft" width="655"] Air Canada A319 CYOW 5-September-2013 RWY 32 @19:00 EDT[/caption]       [caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignleft" width="655"] Air Canada A319 CYOW 5-September-2013 RWY 32 @19:00 EDT[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1792" align="alignleft" width="655"] CYOW Runway 32 approach lights[/caption]         Now I didn't make it to CYOW today, but I was able to get a RCAF C-17 (CC-17701) that did 3 "tough-and-goes" off rwy 32 at Ottawa Airport. I was close enough with my 300mm lens.   [caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignleft" width="655"] RCAF C-17 (CC-17701) CYOW, 5-September-2013[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1798" align="alignleft" width="655"] RCAF C-17 Globemaster III (CC-17701) 6-September-2013, CYOW rwy 32.[/caption] All photos Pentax *istD, w/ SMC Pentax-M★ 300mm f:4 lens.   Darrell A. Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Urban nature part deux

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) feeding on Thistle. Pentax * istD, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f:4 Macro lens... hand-held. The beetle species Popillia japonica is commonly known as the Japanese beetle. It is about 15 millimetres long and 10 millimetres wide, with iridescent copper-colored elytra and green thorax and head.

Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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More urban nature.

Moved away from the Paper Wasps, now checking out Grasshoppers and Locust. Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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The Hive!

I have been watching this hive of Common Paper Wasp (Polistes dominulus), Interesting creatures. Normally these wasps are not all that agressive which allowed my good macro-photography. 

  Common Paper Wasp (Polistes dominulus), Pentax *istD, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f:4 Macro lens, hand-held. Closer shots with a Pentax 2X teleconverter added. Shallow Depth of Field is because my working distance was 2.5" (63mm) from the front of the lens. All shot @ f:11. Darrell A. Larose Ottawa, Canada.

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Urban Nature

Ottawa makes it easy to do nature photography. We have Mud Lake Conservation Area, Mud Lake, from the balcony during a heavy rain. Here is the next day walking around the lake. Immature Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), Mud Lake, August 5, 2013. Pentax * istD, SMC Pentax-M* 300mm f:4. Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), Mud Lake, August 5, 2013. Pentax * istD, SMC Pentax-M* 300mm f:4. Ottawa also has our share of rabbits. The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada

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Seen from up here.

I have always enjoyed the sky.  Here are some recent sky images.   What I find handy is the SunCalc website, that shows me exactly the position of the Sun during the day. http://suncalc.net Darrell Larose Ottawa, Canada.

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Pretty Women

A A/V tribute to some of the pretty women I have photographed. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/66188748 w=1281&h=720]

Pretty Women from Darrell Larose on Vimeo.

Darrell Larose Ottawa