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Jan 10
My first DSLR
I found myself pondering the quality of DSLR’s today and wondering what the future holds when I suddenly remembered my very first DSLR purchase. A Nikon D1x. Up until then, the only digital camera I’d used was the wonderful Canon Ixus (still a classic) and a friends Nikon Coolpix 990 with a whopping 3.1 megapixels. The Nikon D1x had 5.3 mp sensor and an ISO range of 125 to 800. Okay for daylight but virtually unusable in low light situations without flash. Back in 2004 the $ rate was 2 to the £ so it made sense to use up some air miles and Marriott Hotel points for a long weekend in NY and a trip to Adorama. Another bonus came from our dear HMRC since no duty is payable on DSLR bodies imported into the UK (might’ve changed now).
Here are the first few snaps I took once I’d eagerly ripped open the copper box, charged up the battery and fixed on a 28-70 f/2.8 AF S lens. I hadn’t even sussed out RAW so the first batch were all jpg’s. Incidentally that lens is still my workhorse and despite the weight probably my best lens purchase to date.
First D1x snaps
7 Photos
21
Jan 10
Éire
I Ryanned over to Dublin just before Christmas to visit a very dear Irish friend that I’d met some years ago in Russia. What a wonderful city. Within hours I was shamefully regretting that I’d never visited earlier and wished I had more time to explore. That said, within minutes I was on the road to Kilbeggan and being driven through some of the worst rain I’d ever experienced, to savour some traditionally produced Whisky at the Lockes Distillery. (Note that there’s no ‘e’ in Whisky since the Irish invented it and the Scots rebranded it Whiskey). I can’t remember much of the journey home but I did have a very comfortable sleep back at the Portmarnock Golf Club, and no, I don’t play golf.
If you’ve never been to Dublin and imagine it to be quite cold, wet and windy during late November then you’re almost right. Hold that thought and then treble it. I’m no Greek hero of the odysseying type, but with a throbbing head and not much sleep I went of to discover why Dublin is a renowned centre of culture and the source of the Craic. But not before a couple of Espresso Dopio’s to help summon up some energy.
Well, to wring out a damp story and cut it short, it rained rather a lot. However, I did manage to cover an impressive amount of Dublin’s sights, museums, gallery’s, bars and coffee shops before meeting up later for another night of the beverage that’s “Really good for you” and a promise to return.
Here’s a moist selection that I’ve dried out for you . . .
9 Photos
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Jan 10
The Banqueting House, Whitehall
Here’s something rather special. The Banqueting House. A royal venue in the heart of historic London where Kings and Queens have been crowned, Charles I was executed and a Ruebens painting reigns overhead. The jewel in the crown here is the styling by Alison Price.
Wedding
22 Photos
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Jan 10
Happy New Year
Yes okay, 11 days into the year is just a little bit on the late side, but better late than never! I just want to say a massive thanks to everybody that helped make 2009 such a fab year and that I’m really look forward to working with you again in 2010 and beyond. Thank you!
The last few weeks before Christmas were utter madness, not that I’m complaining, but there was a lot to complete before Christmas and a house full of builders didn’t help.
Here’s a little taste of what I’d been up to at the end of the year.
