the best iPad reaction I've read this week

By now most people who read this blog have seen, heard and read tonnes about the Apple iPad.

I reserve judgement until I see one in use. But in the meantime, I highly suggest all the geeks in the crowd take a deep breath and read this article.

It's probably the most grounded perspective on the iPad hysteria and the people who perpetuate it.

Here's couple great quotes:

I'm often saddened by the infantilising effect of high technology on adults. From being in control of their world, they're thrust back to a childish, mediaeval world in which gremlins appear to torment them and disappear at will and against which magic, spells, and the local witch doctor are their only refuges.
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The tech industry will be in paroxysms of future shock for some time to come. Many will cling to their January-26th notions of what it takes to get "real work" done; cling to the idea that the computer-based part of it is the "real work".

It's not. The Real Work is not formatting the margins, installing the printer driver, uploading the document, finishing the PowerPoint slides, running the software update or reinstalling the OS.

The Real Work is teaching the child, healing the patient, selling the house, logging the road defects, fixing the car at the roadside, capturing the table's order, designing the house and organising the party.

Portage &main pano

Portage &main pano, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

Quick panorama made with the iphone from the 25th flr of the TD Centre, Portage&main directly below.

Liam and His NIkon

Liam and his Nikon from Ian McCausland on Vimeo.

Kids jumping

Kids jumping, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

When in doubt get the kid to jump. Once they realize you are an adult who wants them to act up, they'll do anything.

Shot for North West Company

MOO!

MOO!, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

Spent Friday visiting several dairy operations for the Dairy Famers of Manitoba.
Lots of fun seeing different operations and how their set up. I now know more about the dairy industry that most people. This is the greatest part of the job for me, learning about some cool stuff than most people never get to experience.

Wpg airport ceiling 30 yrs of grime

Wpg airport ceiling 30 yrs of grime, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

sorry if I haven't been too active these days. Always a good sign, if the blog is quiet it's cuz I am busy shooting!

More to come, I promise!

Aperture 3 where are you?

Everyone knows there is a Aperture 3.0. I have had hints from people who're under NDA's that it's alive and ready to go.

For the select few of us who still swear by the program in the face of the masses and their Lightroom, PDN has even offered cash bounty for any info about the elusive update. The amount of cash sadly points out the programs importance in the world of Apple Rumours.

My guess (and hope) is this media event on Jan 27th where they unveil a tablet is where they also unveil the new and kick ass Aperture 3.0. Steve needs SOMETHING to talk about for 1.5 hrs to bore most of us with so when  he does pull out the tablet everyone freaks! What better that the niche upon niche that is Aperture?! :-)

Ultravox Quartet

Sorry it's been awhile between posts. I've been busy! So here's another music post, and even better another deluxe remastered version released for the 25th ann. I DO like new music honest! But there are so many classics that needed remastering!

I'll be honest I was never into Ultravox in a big way, this is the only album I have. But it's considered one of their best and I listen to it constantly! Produced by George Martin, the famous Beatles producer, it's a wonderful representation of 80's electropop.

I am not a music tech geek but I think this was well before the massive programming abilities keyboard have now, so it features playing that feels "live". Live drums and bass and occasional guitar also add to it make feel more alive that the electronic music to come. In one song there is a synth solo in place where a guitar solo would be and you can almost envision someone playing one of those keyboards guys would sling like axes back then! Add in some obscure lyrics bordering on pretension, and make sure you have everyone take themselves very seriously and presto! you summed up the 80's.

The copies I had previous were quite muddy and had no strong bottom end. The bass playing on this remaster coming out as strong as it should. The second disc is full of remixes, outtakes and live versions. If you own only one Ultravox album, and really you should, then this is it!

Help Portrait the BTS video

Help Portrait - Winnipeg from BlinkWorks -James Swirsky on Vimeo.

The gang over at Blink Works used their magic on the Help Portrait event. It looks amazing!

UM Research Ads #2

UM Research Ads #2, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

UM Research Ads #1

UM Research Ads #1, originally uploaded by www.ian.ca.

Karsh at the WAG

I started the New Year by visiting the Karsh show at the WAG. Seems everyone else had the same idea to catch the show before it was gone, as it was the most crowded I have ever been in a show! People lined up to shuffle along the walls, with barely any room between them. Serves me right for waiting so long!

While the size of the show was impressive, I wasn't happy with the quality. I know Rob complained of the lighting, but having come from the Steichen show in TO I know the lighting was sufficient. I think the problem was the quality of the framing, specifically the glass. It was so reflective! To enjoy the dark rich tones of the prints, I'd have to step forward and cover the print from the reflections from around the room. I can also see why the Steichen show was shown on dark walls. The white walls of the other side of the Karsh show would reflect badly in each piece.

But beyond those shortcomings, it was a wonderful show, with an amazing career covered. The prints were exquisite and seeing some of these images up close and personal reminded me of the power of a good print. While the write talked about Karsh being the victim of his one success and be hemmed in by his technique, I think it's a testament to the time that a photographer was able to hone his vision over years.