Above: A farmer in the distance is seen, silhouetted while working, through a train window. The stark emptiness of the image is what makes the person seem so prominent. Cool colors, green and grey-blue, create a relaxed and open landscape that contrasts the farmer’s firm form.
1/2000 sec. at f/9.0 ISO400
In Alaska, everyday life is a rather subjective term. Sure there are things done every day: eating, conversing and work. Then there are the things that are everyday life dependent on season. In winter skiing, outerwear, shoveling snow, even cars in the ditch are everyday life. In the summer biking, hiking, gardening and fishing are just a few everyday life sights. Not to say that these events can’t cross seasons, such as ice fishing or roller skiing.
Here are my two photos of everyday life from summer in Alaska. Please click on the images to view full size.
Fishing, farming and gardens are popular with the near 24-hour daylight received during Interior Alaska’s summer.
Digging potatoes in Fairbanks, September 12, 2012.
Fly fishing on the Chena River, downtown Fairbanks, June 16, 2012.
Last semester I started following a local farmer who raises Black Angus cattle here in Fairbanks. The following is Stacy Hansen of Midstate Meats, cleaning one of the cattle just after it is drained of blood.
Please click on the image to view full size.
I’m debating a new small digital camera, and so far the two contenders are a Canon G1X or a Lumix GF1. The G1x is $799, the Lumix is discontinued, new units can still be found, but for a price.
The G1X is a sealed point-and-shoot with full manual controls and manual focus through live view. The lens has a 4x zoom, and operable aperture from 2.8-5.6. The biggest advantage of the G1X is the large, almost APS-C sized sensor, allowing noise-free pictures at ever higher ISO. The sealed body also means you will never get dust on the sensor.
The Lumix uses a slightly smaller Micro Four-Thirds sensor which will mean more noise (the digital equivalent of grain) at a higher ISO. On the flip side it has an interchangeable lens with an aperture opening to 1.7 allowing more light in. Both cameras cater to the higher end user, with near-digital SLR capabilities. When it comes down to it I find myself debating what I want in a lens.
Far North Light 