September 14, 2009

Early in the morning


September 2009, Athens

OK, this is ridiculous. ISO 400, and it looks like it went through the Impressionist filter. I knew that the LX3 has certain... issues in rendering low-contrast details, like hair. But clouds? How? Why?

September 12, 2009

Huh


2009

Still learning. I discovered that Exposure Compensation can work like setting the "wrong" ISO with a film camera. A technique I've rarely used (the Minolta detected ISO automatically and wouldn't let you mess with it, but the glorious Zenit would), and I'm only now beginning to grasp. Basically, if you know your camera's behaviour, with this little thing and Aperture/Speed Priority Mode or even Program Mode (having set your film mode and ISO of choice), you get the equivalent of full manual control - only much faster.

Of course, there are still scenes that need you to choose every single setting to get them right. I find that these scenes are becoming fewer and fewer. And I see nothing wrong with that. I'm still in control, only with a different method.

Also, I've learnt a couple of things about digital cameras in general. (Still a newb, you know.) The LX3's sensor is lacking, and that's the main reason why the noise of ISO-800 and higher can hurt my eyes. But that was almost inevitable unless I went for a proper DSLR - which was out of the question due to size. There is, in fact, a small camera which offers manual control and a DSLR's sensor (and therefore image quality) : the Sigma DP1. Unfortunately, since it's still a compact camera, I would be saddled with a 28mm F4 lens, very unsatisfying in comparison with the F2.0 Leica here.

So, though I didn't have all the data at the time, I still believe I bought the best camera for my needs. I like shooting with wide open aperture. An impromptu statistical analysis of the pictures I've uploaded here shows that 5 out of 7 have less than F4. These are the pictures I like to shoot. And I'd gladly keep that, even in exchange for a reduced quality. :)

September 6, 2009

Spear


September 2009, Patissia, Athens

If I conduct myself
with precision and grace
do I stand half a chance
of leaving this place?

~ The Astronauts, "Latin and Greek"

Who goes where


September 2009, Patissia, Athens

It's a shame
We could have gone sailing

~ The Killers, "Tranquilize"

A million miles high


August 2009, Patissia, Athens

Exodus, escape
or was it just for me to see

~ Edgar Broughton Band, "Evening over rooftops"

The Omen II


August 2009, Plaka, Athens

In the shadowplay
acting out your own death
knowing no more

~ Joy Division, "Shadowplay"

The Omen I


August 2009, Plaka, Athens

To the centre of the city
where all roads meet
waiting for you

~ Joy Division, "Shadowplay"

Upstairs


August 2009, Patissia, Athens

Go on and wring my neck
like when a rag gets wet
A little discipline

for my pet genius

~ Faith No More, "Midlife Crisis"

The walls have eyes


August 2009, Exarcheia, Athens

Fray


August 2009, Exarcheia, Athens

It's into the shame and it's into the guilt
and it's into the fucking fray
and the walls ran red around me
a warm arterial spray

~ Nick Cave, "Papa won't leave you, Henry"