Some new toys on the way for wildlife & sports shooting! :)   Can’t wait til they arrive and really can’t wait til next summer when I know how to use them to the best of their ability!

Ultra high performance optics
Manufactured using the very best optical components, the new EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM mark a significant step forward for Canon’s L-series, which is already renowned for its outstanding quality. Both lenses feature 16 elements in 12 different groups, using high performance fluorite lens elements that correct chromatic aberration to deliver high resolution and high contrast shots of the best possible quality – allowing photographers to capture images rich with edge-to-edge detail.

The optical elements also feature Canon’s latest Super Spectra Coatings, optimised for both the position and type of each lens element. A SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses microscopic cone-shaped structures smaller than a wavelength of visible light, reduces ghosting caused by light bouncing back from the imaging sensor. Fluorine coating is also used on the front and rear elements of the lenses, repelling dust and dirt for clearer shots. The coating is also water repellent, keeping the front element free of water marks and smearing by ensuring water runs off the lens quickly.

New, improved IS and rapid AF
Both models feature Canon’s new Image Stabilizer system, providing outstanding results when the photographer is moving around and when capturing moving subjects. A 4-stop advantage offers greater image quality during handheld shooting, allowing users to shoot at speeds up for four times slower than normally required with minimal additional blur. Operation of IS mode 2 has been improved when shooting panning motion and a new third IS mode has been added, assisting users when quickly switching between subjects by activating the IS unit only during exposure.

Both lenses offer a constant f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds and capture clear shots of fast-moving subjects. The wide aperture also allows users to creatively isolate their subjects from the background, with a nine-blade circular iris creating dramatic and striking background blur that instantly adds beauty to an image.

Fast, quiet Auto Focusing (AF) is provided by a ring-type USM, new dedicated AF algorithms and a new high-speed CPU, which offer quick and accurate focusing during shooting. Photographers can also utilise full-time manual focusing functionality, which enables the adjustment and fine-tuning of focus even when the AF system is activated, providing even greater control over image capture. A new Power Focus mode aids focusing during video shooting, allowing the photographer to smoothly adjust focus during filming by twisting the focus recall ring.

All-new premium L-series design
Developed in line with Canon’s philosophy for the elite L-series, both the
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM boast a refined design that reflects their status as market-leading, benchmark lenses. Both feature a new design layout, with carefully-positioned controls that improve operation in everyday use. The AF stop buttons are now location-adjustable, improving ergonomics by allowing users to custom-select the position of the lens grip, where the AF stop buttons are located.

A choice of dedicated tripod mounts provides added flexibility, allowing photographers to use a long or short foot suitable for monopods or tripods. A new rotational mechanism for the tripod collar also provides a smoother movement when turning the lens from portrait to landscape orientation. In addition, both models feature a new high quality exterior texture, while a new shade of white casing indicates the new advanced design and higher precision that each lens offers. A new Kensington-type wire security lock has also been added, allowing photographers to keep their lenses secure during location-based shoots.
A robust weatherproof design makes both lenses suitable for use in extreme conditions when paired with a weatherproof EOS body.

Got the new business cards today.  They’re looking great and are going to be an awesome way to have a portfolio on the go!

For the first time in over a year and a half, the time finally came to upgrade my trusty workstation for image editing and composition.   With the release of Adobe Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5 combined with the growing needs of large format production, the old workstation was finally beginning to show its age and thus came time for an overhaul.   Much like the 2009 series UNITY Workstations that Calgary Theatre Systems offered, this new machine had the simple goal of setting the benchmark when it came to reliability, scalability, image processing power, and consistent output.  The system developed to assist in producing the photographs, prints and books shown on this site, while also serving as a technology demonstration of the workstation capabilities of UNITY for Calgary Theatre Systems.  I’m proud to introduce our new UNITY Visual Computer and would like to thank our technology sponsors at Intel & ATI for their development support with this project.

Custom built UNITY Visual Computers targeted towards the demanding imaging & workstation professionals are now available for order.

Please contact me for specification and customization options.

After a day of tweaking and tinkering, here’s the final result;

And of course, I really did have to test it out on something demanding, might as well make it Starcraft II;

October 7 – 20, 2011. This departure is limited to a maximum of twelve participants. It is intended for people of all levels of interest and accomplishment in film, or digital photography. While the emphasis will be on photography, this is also a cultural journey, which we believe will enhance your ability to capture the essence of Hong Kong in your images.

From the bustling street markets, cosmopolitan metropolis and all the way up to the lookout on Victoria Peak, Hong Kong offers  a very distinct journey into architecture, east meets west and religious retreats.  Join us as we explore a city entrenched in Chinese tradition, grown on colonial influence and now shining as a jewel of the modern China.  Prepare to be dazzled by a breathtaking symphony of lights in cosmopolitan Hong Kong. City-lovers worldwide rank Hong Kong among their must-see destinations, and for good reason.

A former British colony perched on the edge of mainland China, Hong Kong is a fascinating city of contrasts—a place where East meets West; where the modern blends with the traditional; where shiny skyscrapers stand next to narrow alleys crammed with traditional vendors’ stalls; where new technology flourishes alongside ancient Chinese customs. With its glorious harbor, excellent shopping, renowned restaurants, and some of the best nighttime skylines in the world, Hong Kong has it all.

For more information, contact us or visit our Photo Expedition page for more details.


So this is a first… troubleshooting a non-responsive remote control and a UNITY system, we discovered the cat had eaten or slashed the control cables… ok cat, round one goes to you.  Round two is going to be a special dish served in a Chinese restaurant in Forrest Lawn…

Now available at Calgary Theatre Systems


Whether you are a homeowner seeking to enhance the appearance or atmosphere of a single room, or a facilities manager looking to enhance employee productivity and comfort while reducing energy-related costs throughout an entire corporate campus, Lutron can offer you the best value lighting control solutions that will meet or exceed your expectations while staying within your budget.

RadioRA 2 is a wireless light control system that provides convenient and intuitive control of lights, shades, audio-visual devices, and temperature in a single room or throughout a whole home. It installs easily, programs quickly, and operates reliably thanks to Clear Connect™ RF Technology.

Create scenes by pre-selecting light and shade levels to match your activity: watching movies or sports, playing games, or relaxing. Easily integrates with today’s popular remotes and home automation systems.

  • Ideal for new construction or retrofit, single-room applications: home theater, family rooms and multi-use spaces, and master bedroom suites.
  • New lamp dimmer discreetly adds table and floor lamps to the system.
  • Simple two-way integration through enhanced RS-232 and Ethernet in one device.
  • Seamless direct communication with Lutron’s Sivoia® QS wireless shades and drapery tracks.

Scalable and expandable to meet your changing needs: increase capability by adding more devices or occupancy/vacancy sensors.

Download the brochure

For more information, contact Calgary Theatre Systems via e-mail at inquiries@calgarytheatresystems.com or phone at 403.667.2071

Energy Saving Solutions

Whether your goal is to create an energy-efficient home or to reduce energy costs at the workplace, you can trust Lutron’s unrivaled quality and innovative technologies. After the installation of the Quantum® light management system, The New York Times Building saved 70% of its lighting energy. The work done at this highly esteemed publication is one of many corporate solutions custom-tailored by Lutron to meet customer needs.

There are many ways to save energy throughout a home; from dimmers, occupancy sensors and whole home light control systems, to window solutions that manage daylight and help control heating and cooling costs. Replace a single light switch with any Lutron dimmer and potentially save $30 a year. For guaranteed savings, Lutron’s line of eco-dim® solutions automatically reduces your energy by 15% or more. Combine dimmers, timers, sensors, and window shades to maximize your energy efficiency.

From single homes to commercial buildings, Lutron has the energy solutions to help you optimize energy performance in your home or business. Save energy, help the environment, and enhance your life with the convenience and comfort of light control.

Top 10 Energy Benefits of Light Control

With Lutron light controls, you can save energy AND improve your working environment and quality of life at home. We gathered a list of 10 eco-friendly facts about light management solutions that are often overlooked. The possibilities may surprise you.

1. Light Control Increases Comfort and Improves Productivity.

Our energy-saving light controls provide a comfortable and productive visual environment. Enhancing the comfort levels of a space leads to increases in productivity. Through our Total Light Management™ solutions, better lighting not only can reduce the energy consumption of a room, it can improve the quality of work from its occupants.

energy savings chart

2. All Lutron Dimmers Save Energy.

Every dimmer automatically saves 4-9% in electricity—even at the highest lighting levels—over a standard on-off switch. And when users choose to dim their lights, even more electricity is saved. Quite simply, the more you dim, the more you save. A standard light switch only saves electricity in the “off” position. Lutron dimmers and controls save energy 24-7.

3. All Light Sources Use Less Energy When Dimmed.

While incandescent lights are typically associated with dimming, all lighting sources, including halogen, CFLs, and, LED bulbs, can be dimmed. For example, a halogen light source dimmed 35% reduces energy use by 28%. On average, dimming an incandescent or halogen light will reduce energy use by about 20%.

4. Dimming Saves Energy and the Environment While Enriching Your Life.

While there are many ways to reduce energy use, most involve sacrificing something. Few actually enrich the quality of living and working environments like dimmers. Dimmers and other lighting controls allow individuals to adjust light levels for specific entertainment options, enhance ambiance, set a mood, and take advantage of daylight to reduce energy use.

5. Lutron Solutions Contribute to 37 out of 110 Possible Points in the LEED® 2009 NC Rating System.

Because of their energy saving benefits and contributions toward minimizing environmental impact, Lutron lighting and shading controls can contribute significantly to attaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification for new construction. Lutron can help builders attain credit in several LEED categories: Sustainable Sites, Energy & Atmosphere, Material & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovative Design.

6. Using Dimmers Saves Money.

Using a Lutron dimmer in your home in place of a standard switch on an incandescent bulb can result in yearly energy saving of approximately $8.00. If the light is dimmed 50%, and if you take into account the extended life of the bulbs, you can experience up to $30 in annual savings*.

7. Shading Solutions are also Energy Efficient.

Shading systems save energy by harvesting daylight and reducing the load on HVAC systems, making any project more eco-friendly. Shading can also be made from eco-friendly materials. Sustainable materials from Lutron are either PVC-free or are 100% recycled. This has allowed some fabrics to receive certification from third-party organizations such as GREENGUARD® and Oeko-Tex®.

8. If Every US Homeowner Changed 2 Light Switches to a Dimmer…

Lutron estimates that by installing just two dimmers in place of two standard light switches in every home in the US, the potential annual savings could be $1.5 billion in electricity and close to 25 billion pounds of CO2—the equivalent to taking more than 1 million cars off the road.

9. Lutron Systems can Automatically Save Money and Energy.

Automated systems like daylight and occupancy sensors and the HomeWorks® astronomic timeclock can turn on lights according to changes in light or the time of day. Without any input from the user, Lutron systems can reduce energy costs and usage.

10. All Lutron Dimmers Extend Bulb Life.

Dimmers reduce power to the lighting source or bulb, so they save energy and extend bulb life. Incandescent and halogen bulbs last up to 20 times longer when used with a dimmer, increasing the money saved.

†Savings based on replacing a switch with a Lutron dimmer. Actual savings may vary depending on use and application. Typical residential savings are estimated to be $8 per year. Stated savings of $30 based on dimming (5) 65 W incandescent reflector lamps (rated at 1500 hours each, costing $1.75 per lamp or (5) 3000 hour halogen bulbs costing $3.35 per lamp) for 5 hours per day with electricity cost of $0.1176/kWh. $30 savings further assumes lamps are dimmed to 50% perceived light level, corresponding to 40% reduction in power level. For further details and to calculate your own savings, visit our energy savings calculator.


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