Pixelmator Pro for the Apple iPad Pro

Pixelmator Pro for the Apple iPad Pro is an amazing piece of software.  You can pretty much do everything you want in the app.  I removed a few unwanted objects in this photo and edited a few other settings such as Brightness, colour correction, contrast, dark and light points and saturation.  It’s an amazing piece of an app.  I can edit a photo in a minute and a half and have it come out the way I want.  I love shooting with my Sony RX100 Mark VI and then editing everything on my Apple iPad Pro.

Tall Boats Festival in Brockville, Ontario with the Sony RX100 Mark VI

The girlfriend, her niece and the niece’s son and I went down to see the Tall Ships in Brockville, Ontario today just for the day.  I took my Sony RX100 Mark VI with me.  I didn’t take the Sony RX100 Mark VII with me because Apple has not upgraded the RAW portion of iOS yet so don’t have access to the RAW files through iOS 12 yet.  Probably will be there with iPadOS which should come out in the next three weeks.

Shot this photo at f9, ISO100 at roughly 1/100th of a second.  Edited in Pixelmator Pro on the 2018 Apple iPad Pro with the 512GB hard drive and 12.9” screen.  Just a fantastic combination for me.  Photos are sharp and colour accurate which is all I ask for.  Cropped this photo a bit considering there was a lot of the St. Lawerence Seaway underneath the boat.  It was a good time.

I think it’s time

Over the past year, I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos on photography, travel photography etc.  I’m so wanting to do it.  Just go out and travel full time with just my cameras and document my life on YouTube.  The only thing I fear is a lack of income.  I make ok money selling my stuff on places like Shutterstock, Pond5 and Storyblocks.  But not enough to make car payments, insurance, buy gas, upkeep on the vehicle.  The thing that makes me want to do it is when I was out west in Calgary for 4 months back in 2017.  I want to do photography and shoot videos full time.  I don’t want a boss.  I want to be boss.  I hate working in a cubicle dealing with office politics, the pettiness and the other BS that comes with office jobs.  Especially here in Ottawa being a government town, it’s just a hundred times worse because Ottawa is a politics town since it’s the capital of Canada.

Tomorrow I want to get new tires for my vehicle since I need them badly before winter comes.  I bought an air mattress and a couple of sleeping bags thinking this summer I’d be doing more camping on weekends.  Instead I do nothing except go to church on Sunday because the girlfriend enjoys doing that.  I totally feel left out.  I think it’s time to make a whole bunch of changes in my life.  I’m getting up there in age.  I’ll be 44 in about 3 weeks and I feel like life is just passing me by.

My Sony RX100 Mark VII is almost setup.  I’m getting my Lensmate attachment today along with a whole bunch of filters.  Now I just need Apple to hurry up and release the Photo Raw updates so I can actually use the Sony RX100 Mark VII with my 2018 Apple iPad 12.9” and I can ditch all the laptops that I’m currently using

I have a question for anyone reading this and doing the full time travel thing.  Where do you get your income?  YouTube, Shutterstock, an online store, working temp jobs somewhere for a week or so and then leaving?  I am so open to suggestions.  Please let me know.

My new Sony setup for everything

My new vlogging, footage and photography setup consistes of a Saramonic SmartMic, Sony GPVPT1 Grip trip and the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  I'm in no need of a full frame DSLR or any DSLR camera.  The thing that changed my mind was when I was out in Calgary, Alberta back in 2017.  I was in the mountains carrying three camera bodies with three different lenses.  I also had a camcorder with me.  It was about 30 pounds of equipment on my back. 

About 4 years ago, I had enough Aeroplan loyalty points to get a Sony RX100 Mark II point and shoot camera. It was a great little camera.  I thought I would use it for street photography when I was in the city.  At the time I didn't think it was capable of doing much of anything.  It didn't shoot 4K video.  The photos were really good.  The tech in the camera was good for 2015.  

Fast forward to 2019.  I'm using just the Sony RX100 Mark VII for pretty much everything as far as photography goes.  With the f2.8-4.5 24-200MM lens, I can go and photography anything, anywhere without being noticed.  I've shot fireworks with the Sony RX100 Mark VI at ISO 100 f9 and roughly 24MM aperture.  I don't get any noise in the photos.  They're super sharp and the colour is awesome.  I have to say that it's not as good as Canon's colour science but with a firmware update or two, it will be.

A few years back, I didn't do footage.  Hated it.  Than for poops and giggles I shot some footage of a coyote at Parc Omega and uploaded it to Shutterstock., Pond5 and Storyblocks.  It sold within two weeks on Shutterstock for $120 and I was hooked on shooting footage.  With my recent experience with working for the government, I sense it's futile to try and get any more contracts with the agencies to try and get in with the government.  My past three contracts have been an utter disaster.  From being mismanaged, lied to about my job description, I've pretty much given up on working for the government.

Once Apple iPadOS comes out I can ditch the Windows 10 laptop and just work off the 2018 Apple iPad Pro.  Apple hasn't updated it's RAW photo software yet so that I can work on the Sony RX100 Mark VII photos.  You cannot import the footage from the Sony RX100 Mark VII to the iPad Pro.  Can't stand Apple for that.  Apple finally listened to its customers and we'll be able to transfer RAW photos and footage files directly to an external hard drive.  We'll have mouse support as well which is going to be awesome.

I am honestly really sick of working for the government doing the I.T thing.  I'm just not enjoying it.  I'm 43 years old and not living the life I want.  I hate where I live.  By that, I mean the province.  Not the apartment.  I love my girlfriend to bits.  I would rather live the nomadic life doing the photography thing.  You know, shooting landscape and real wild life photos.  I think by this time next year, we'll be out in Calgary doing something completely different.  Or at least I will be.

Adobe is funny

Over the past couple of weeks, I've seen Adobe advertise a lot on YouTube and other photography sites.  I haven't seen Adobe advertise their Lightroom and Photoshop subscription packages for a few years.  Not since I left a couple of years ago.  I just couldn't justify the $13 and change a month just for Lightroom and Photoshop.  I did the majority of my edits in Lightroom CC now Lightroom CC Classic.  I went into photoshop maybe 5-6 times for every 100 edits.  Even if.  I purchased ON1 Photo Camera Raw 18.5 about 2 years ago for around $90 or so.  I get free upgrades and I actually own the license to the software now.

If I wanted to edit footage on my laptop, I would have to spend about $60 a month on Adobe's subscription model.  For the edits I do, Wondershare's Filmora 9 was perfect for me.  I just colour correct, sometime straighten my footage and remove the noise if there is any.  I paid about $180 for ON1 Photo Raw and Filmora 9.  I get free updates and I own the software for a one time payment.  Now that I edit mostly on my 2018 Apple iPad Pro, I use various software that cost me in total, less than $40 combined.  I get free updates and upgrades, if any cost less than $5.  Why spend $60+ a month for Adobe's product?

Subscription services like Adobe's are great for the company and investors.  For folks like me who shoot semi-professorially,  it's not worth it.  If I was working for a company with staff on board and the company could write it off, fine.  Just as long as someone else pays for it.

I try and get everything right in camera so I don't have to use software to edit the kaka out of everything.  That has always and always will be my philosophy.

More Fireworks photography with the Sony RX100 Mark VI

Another night with the Sony RX100 lines of cameras

The above shot was taken with the Sony RX100 Mark VI.  We were waiting for the finale of the fireworks show across the river on the Gatineau side.  We got there early at 5:30pm to stake out a spot since it was a Saturday in late August.  IT was a warm Saturday night.  We were sitting right on the river with no one in between us and the river but a protective fence.  This was shot at f9, 0.6 seconds at ISO 100.  The camera was on a tripod with an Intervalometerator hooked up to the camera.  I wanted to bring the Sony RX100 Mark VII but Apple hasn’t released the supporting software for the 2018 Apple iPad Pro yet.  So I was stuck with the Sony RX100 Mark VI.

I just a few settings in Pixelmator Pro.  A little colour correction and the name of the hotel on the left of the photo was erased because of copyright.  Can’t upload trademarked names or images. 

I am now much closer to Apple iPadOS coming out next month.  I’ll be so glad when we’ll have a decent file system, the ability to connect external hard drives and we’ll finally have mouse support.  I hope we’ll be able to select multiple files at once.

On a side note, the girlfriend and I are pretty much done with Ottawa as far s getting decent jobs.  Neither of us are bilingual so getting a good job in Ottawa is unrealistic.  We’ve decided to move out west.  I was out there for 4 months and I loved it.  I loved the mountains, the fresh air, the open fields that go on forever.

Seriously Apple!!!!

I’ve hit a wall.  The new Sony RX100 Mark VII is not supported on the 2018 Apple iPad Pro running iOS 12.4.  And it probably won’t be supported with the new iPadOS coming out in about a month or so.  So what do I do for the next month?  I think I will have to pull out the Windows 10 laptop and edit photos and footage in ON1 Photo Raw 19.5 for the next month or so.  I’ve basically run out of space in Photos as well to import said photography and footage.  I know, I know, first world problems.  I need external hard drive support on the 2018 Apple iPad Pro.  I do not want to edit in Windows 10 or on a MacBook Pro.  I am enjoying the iPad Pro too much.  I just wish September 19, 2019 would come sooner so I could install Apple iPadOS on my iPad Pro and ditch the computer life forever.

Today at work I bought a mic plate for less than $7 so can attach either my Sony RX100 Mark VII or my Canon Vixia HF R800 and my Rode Video Mic Pro+ and use that for either 4K or 1080p video.  The Sony RX100 Mark VII doesn’t have the optical reach of the Canon Vixia HF R800.  

I am really, really bored with my I.T career. I just have no more will to pursue it any further.  I am enjoying photography and shooting video far more than I am fixing computers for everyone.  This will definitely be my last I.T contract in Ottawa. I am planning on moving to Calgary in early 2020.  When I was in Calgary back in 2017, I really enjoyed it. Going to the mountains every weekend.  Enjoying the mountains, forests and lakes.  Hell, the photo I took that I was thinking was just a snap that I edited in black and white was not going to sell,  Ever.  Now it’s my number one best selling photo ever on Shutterstock.  I’ve sold it almost 250 times since it being uploaded.

I am teaching myself how to use Affinity Photo on my iPad Pro.  I haven’t touched Photoshop in more than 2 years.  I really do not enjoy the subscription model Adobe is using to sell their software.  I paid less than $25 for Affinity Photo for my iPad Pro.  I also have it on my Windows 10 laptop.  It’s an awesome Photoshop alternative.  

Now it’s time to go for dinner.  Big Bone BBQ is calling my name.

I finally did it

Afte Sony lifted its embargo on the Sony RX100 Mark VII sales in Canada, I was actually the first in Ottawa to get the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  At least at the Henry’s location on Bank Street.  I traded in my Sony a7ii full frame DSLR along with the f3.5-6.3 24-240MM lens, the Sony battery grip and my Canon Vixia HF G40 camcorder.  I bought the necessary Sony grip for it since the Sony RX100 Mark VII is very smooth to hold onto.  The grip is very necessary.  I still want to get the Lensmate filter adapter along with the three filters.  I already bought an external mic for $28 for it.  The external mic is very compact which is very good.  Makes the whole setup compact.  This weekend I have to look for my mic bracket that I bought last year before we moved.  I think it got lost somewhere in the move.  The bracket was about $20.  I found one for $6.95 on Amazon.  I might buy two of those.  One for my Sony RX100 and one for my Canon Vixia HF R800.  I’ll have to find them again on Amazon.

I am so glad I got the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  It’s the perfect camera for me.  Shoots 20.1 megapixel still and also shoots 4K/30fps.  I wish it shot 4K/60fps but 30fps is just fine.  For my wildlife footage, I’ll more than likely be using the Canon Vixia HF R800.  If and when we decide to go on trip to Europe, I’ll just bring my Joby tripod and the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  Shoot 4K footage with that setup.  I already have a good tripod that I’ve have for about a dozen or so years.  It has worked out well for me.  I can’t wait to take the Sony RX100 Mark VII on its first photography run.  I am just so excited to go out with it and test it out.

I haven’t been to Parc Omega in about 2 months or so just because of the oppressive heat that we’ve had.  I’m pretty sure the animals would be hiding in the forest.  I’ll probably start going again in late September or October when the temperature cools down a bit and the leafs start changing colours.  We’ll have to go to Algonquin Park again as well.  Tomorrow night, the Casino Sound of Lights occurs again.   So we’ll be going.  We’ll have to go to the Parliament buildings at night as well to catch the light show which is displayed on Centre Block.  I haven’t seen that in over three years now.

As of tomorrow

After having fun shooting the Casino Sound of Lights fireworks show with the Sony RX100 VI, I’ve decided to sell my Sony a7ii, the Sony f3.5-6.3 24-200MM lens, the Sony battery grip and my Canon Vixia HF G40.  Today at lunch I went to Henry’s, a local camera store and I ordered the Sony RX100 VII camera.  I will now be the proud owner of two Sony RX100 cameras at the same time.  I’ve used the Sony a7ii maybe a half a dozen times since I purchased it back in February or March of this year.  I’ve used the Canon Vixia HF G40 maybe once or twice in the past nine months or so.  They’ve basically been collecting dust while I go shooting primarily with the Sony RX100 Mark VI

My photography equipment will, as of tomorrow consist of the Sony RX100 Mark VI, the Sony RX100 Mark VII and the Canon Vixia RF800.  It will be the only photographic equipment that I will need.  I of course will still have the regular tripods, SD cards etc.  Editing will be done on the 2018 Apple iPad Pro.  I read an article today somewhere that Apple will be holding its event on September 10, 2019 and typically they release their new software about a week later.  So Apple iPadOS should be out on either the 17th or 18th of September.  Then I can fully ditch editing photos and footage on a Windows or MacBook laptop forever as the iPad Pro will be by only editing/multimedia consumption device.

I am really going to love this minimalist photographic experience.  Pretty much pro equipment in the pocket as far as photography equipment goes.  Editing is portable and inconspicuous.  The only thing I am waiting on now is the Apple iPadOS which should be here in about a month or so.  I am really, really happy.  

For Sale!!!!!!

Just got back from shooting another night of fireworks at the Casino Sound of Light, the Italy edition.  This time I only took my Sony RX100 Mark VI, Sony Remote and a little Joby tripod.  I didn’t want to carry around a big DSLR camera, lens and tripod.  I was a bit hesitant shooting fireworks with the Sony RX100 Mark VI.  I’ve not shot fireworks with this camera before.  To say the least, I am not disappointed whatsoever.  Focus was spot on in manual mode.  Colours look just awesome.  No noise whatsoever.  I shot at 2.5 seconds, f9 and ISO 100.  I am truly happy with this little camera that fits right into your jean pocket.  I have no need for a DSLR whatsoever.  I will be selling the Sony a7ii body with the lens and battery grip and I’ll be getting rid of the Canon Vixia HF G40 as well I think.  I just have to wait for the Sony RX100 Mark VII to come out at some point this month.  I’ll only be shooting with the Sony RX100 Mark VI and the VII and editing all my photos on the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9” with the 512GB hard drive.  Once iPadOS comes out next month, I will no long need a desktop or laptop computer.  I’ll be able to do everything on the Apple iPad Pro.  I can’t wait.  I am so excited.  Photography makes feel happy to be alive.

Some fireworks photography and maybe some autoracing

All shot with the Sony a7ii and Sony f3.5-6.3 24-240MM lens.  Auto racing shots were taken at the Calabogie Speed Way and the fireworks were taken at the Casino Sound of Lights shot from the Museum of History in Hull, Quebec.

Apple iPadOS

I really, really, really need iPadOS to come out ASAP.  The current version of iOS absolutely sucks as an operating system.  I have a hub attached to my 2018 Apple iPad Pro and attached to the hub I have a Seagate 4TB hard drive.  The current versions of iOS does not provide access to the Seagate external drive.  The Yeti Blue Mic works like a charm.  The SD and Micro SD card slots work flawlessly.  I just need the better file system so I can copy my photos and videos directly to the external hard drive and then I can import the photos into Darkroom and use them directly with Affinity Photo.  I just wish Audacity would port their software for audio editing.  Apple should port Final Cut Pro X or a dumbed down version of the software for the iPad.  Not as dumb as iMovie but something for editing video clips.  I hope I can use the current FTP software I have on the iPad Pro to upload stuff to my Shutterstock, Pond5 and Videoblocks ports.  Mouse support and dark mode are going to be welcome additions as well.

I also can’t wait till the Sony RX100 Mark VII comes out in about a week or two.  I am saving up money like crazy to buy the little pocket camera.  I have about $550 saved so far.  Hopefully I’ll make a few large sales on Shutterstock, Pond5 and Storyblocks in the next few weeks so I can cash out the earnings to buy the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  After I buy the Sony RX100 Mark VII, the next big purchase will be an upgraded drone.  A drone that can shoot in RAW and that takes 4K videos.  The DJI Spark I currently have is ok but it only shoots in the JPEG format and it only shoots 1080p video which is actually pretty good.  But it seems I’m selling more and more 4K videos recently.  Thankfully the Sony RX100 Mark VI and the VII shoot 4K footage which is amazing.

More lunch time photography

More lunch time photography from today.  Yup.  Yoga Wednesday on the hill.  Or Parliament Hill as the locals call it.  Weather was humid and cloudy.  Thankfully it rained about half an hour later after this photo was taken.  This was taken again with the Sony RX100 Mark VI.  I am currently saving my photography money to buy the Sony RX100 Mark VII.  I’m going to give the Sony RX100 Mark VI to my girlfriend once I buy the Mark VII.  I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos about the Sony RX100 Mark VII and it looks like it’ll be THE perfect camera for me.  It’s the perfect camera for my travel needs.  It’s a pocket sized power camera.

This past long weekend

Spent Saturday at Sandbanks Provincial Park and got pretty sun burnt.  Sunday was spent recovering from the excessive sunburn.  I only took my Sony RX100 Mark VI with me.  I can hide it pretty much anywhere.  And I can take pictures like this in seconds:

Monday was spent in Watertown in upstate New York.  The mall was pretty empty since it was a Monday.  I honestly love editing the Sony RX100 Mark VI shots on my 2018 Apple iPad Pro.  Simple software like Pixelmator Pro and Darkroom can edit pretty much any photo quickly and efficiently.  Love my life.  :) 

More pics shot with the Sony RX100 Mark VI

I know a few photographers who would bock at using a point and shoot camera.   Apparently it’s not professional enough.  Can’t control any of the settings on the camera.  That is nothing but snobbery and purely uneducated B.S.  You can control your ISO, f stop and zoom.  The camera has internal stability to take care of camera shake at 200MM.  Yeah it’s not an interchangeable lens camera but it’s not meant to be.  The Sony RX100 Mark VI and VII both come with a 24-200MM lens which is great for wide landscape and up close and personal.  If you need to get closer to a subject, use your feet.  If you want a more panoramic shot, take 2-3 shots and stitch them together in Affinity Photo.  Don’t make excuses for your photography.  Work with the equipment you have.  Adapt and change.  Photography is not static.  Shoot out of your comfort zone.  A few years back, I would not even shoot video because I thought I just wanted to be a photographer.  One day at Parc Omega, I shot a video, edited it and uploaded it to Shutterstock.  It sold within a week for $120US.   That is when I started shooting footage as well.  Money.  Money.  Money.  

I am definitely getting the Sony RX100 Mark VII

I am definitely purchasing the Sony RX100 Mark VII when it comes out.  I keep using just the Sony RX100 Mark VI for all of photography and footage.  I want the Sony RX100 Mark VII for the audio jack and the better focusing software and hardware.  The only downside of this excellent little camera is the battery life now but I already have multiple batteries for the RX100 series so that should not be any issue.

I want to pair the Sony RX100 Mark VII with my 2018 Apple iPad Pro with the 12.9” screen and 512GB hard drive.  Once Apple iPadOS comes out next month, I will definitely not need a physical computer, either a tower or laptop.  Having USB-C on the iPad Pro, I’ve already purchased a hub with another USB-C port, 2 USB-A ports and this hub can charge the iPad Pro as well.  It’ll be the one dongle life.  I can pack everything into a slim laptop bag I got last year.  I can carry my Sony camera, Apple iPad Pro and the Canon Vixia HF R800 and I won’t have to worry about the weight of all the equipment while travelling.

As for what’s going to be connected to my 2018 Apple iPad Pro will be a 4TB hard drive and my Blue Yeti Mic.  I have the Apple AirPods v2 connected via Bluetooth.  I can connect wired AirPods to the the Blue Yeti Mic to monitor the volume for when I start the podcasts.  I think this will be the best setup a mobile photographer/videographer/podcasted can have.  

I just wish Apple would release Final Cut Pro X for the Apple iPad and Audacity would release their software for recording audio.  That would be an excellent setup.

This weekend is the August long weekend here in Ontario, so we are heading down to Sandbanks Provincial Park which is located between Kingston and Belleville, Ontario.  I’ll be taking the Sony RX100 Mark VI and my DJI Spark.  I’m not planning to do a whole lot of pro photography but I am planning to do some.  The girlfriend and I decided to sleep in the rear of the vehicle.  I bought an air mattress along with some sleeping bags.  It’ll be the first time we sleep in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD.  We’ll be staying at the Flying J truck stop in Napanee, ON.  Access to bathrooms and close to restaurants for that early morning breakfast.  Then off to the beaches of Sandbanks P.P. 

An update on the Sony RX100 Mark VII

I honestly don’t use my Canon Vixia HF G40 camcorder anymore.  I think I’ve used it twice this year.  I hardly use my Sony a7ii with the battery grip and the Sony f3.5-6.4 24-240MM lens.  Whenever I go out shooting, I use the Sony RX100 Mark VI.  I don’t do any astrophotography anymore.  I hardly go to Parc Omega anymore because I think the park has been pretty much ruined for photographers.  It’s also pricey at $35CAD per person, per visit.  I still go once in a blue moon.  I’ve gone I think twice or three times these past few months.  The weather has been horrible this spring and summer.  We went directly from a cold winter to the warmest summer on record.  All the animals would hide in the forest.  I honestly like going in the fall and winter anyways because the animals are more active.

The Sony RX100 Mark VI and the Sony RX100 VII have the same f2.8-4.5 24-200MM lens which is actually fantastic for a point and shoot pocket camera.  I can use it for wildlife and landscape photography.  They both have pretty much the same 20.1 megapixel sensor.  Depending on edits, I can get 18-33 megabytes files out of each RAW file.  They both shoot fantastic 4K videos and the Sony RX100 Mark VII can shoot up to an hour of 4K footage before the battery dies on it.  That’s according to reviewers on YouTube.  The Sony RX100 Mark VII finally comes with a mic jack so that you can attach a microphone to it.  I don’t use the camera for vlogging because I don’t do vlogs at all.  I just shoot 5 second to 60 seconds video clips and publish them to my portfolios on Shutterstock, Pond5 and Storyblocks which are all available on the home page of this blog.

Yes the Sony a7ii and theCanon Vixia HF G40 are more professional equipment.  But if they’re sitting here unused, they are costing me money.  I do a lot of travelling and a lot of walking.  Especially downtown or local walking trails where I look for animals to photograph and take videos of.  Carrying around huge camera bodies and lenses.  I’d rather carry around the Sony RX100 VI or the VII in my hand or in my pocket.  I like the anonymity of the Sony RX100 line of cameras.  I’ll probably switch back and forth on this over the coming weeks but in all likelyhood, I will trade in the pro gear for the Sony RX100 VII when it come out in a few weeks.