Seasonal Photography Tips for Better Fall Photos

London Drugs Seasonal Fall Photography Tips

The seasonal changing of the leaves creates a whole new visual playground for us photographers to enjoy each fall. For nature photographers in particular, it’s the dream season. Rainy skies, multi-coloured leaves, and crisp landscapes are easy to come by this time of year—it’s just up to you as the photographer to capture and frame those beautiful fall elements.

London Drugs Photolab Photography Fall

One of the best ways to save and showcase your seasonal photography is with a personalized photo calendar. Each month, proudly display a new photo you captured that truly embodies the season. For fall, we imagine a picturesque shot of vividly-coloured foliage, or maybe a moody, rainy landscape shot. The choice, of course, is yours.

The best prints start with the best photos, so as part of our Seasonal Photography series, our LDExperts are sharing their tips for achieving better fall images. The goal is to provide you with a starting point to improve your shooting, so that by the end of the season, you’ll have some beautiful new photography to add to your own personalized photo calendar. And stay tuned for more posts in the series for tips on shooting in winter, spring, and summer!

Fall Landscape Composition

Four simple ways to add impact to your scenic shots:

  • Rule of thirds: divide the scene into 3×3, and place important features along the third lines or where the line crosses.
  • Leading lines: the viewer’s eye will be drawn along lines such as roads, rivers and fences, so compose the shot so that the lines lead to the subject.
  • Frames: look for ways to surround the subject with natural frames in the scene, such as the branches or trunks of trees. This helps draw in the viewer’s eye.
  • Foreground interest: look for mossy river banks, clusters of flowers and textured rocks to lift the bottom of the frame.

 

 

Fall Rainy Landscapes

Begin with:

  • Exposure mode: Aperture Priority
  • Aperture: f/11-16
  • Shutter speed: Automatically Set
  • ISO: 100-400

Keep in mind:

  • You’ll be dealing with slow shutter speeds; use a tripod and a remote release.
  • Apply exposure compensation of +1/3 to +2EV to brighten up the scene.
  • Fit a lens hood and use a waterproof cover to protect the camera and lens.

 

Key advice: Take plenty of microfibre cloths on the shoot and use them to keep the lens’ front element clear of raindrops.

Fall Landscapes with Flash

Begin with:

  • Exposure mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f/11
  • Shutter speed: Varies
  • ISO: 100

Keep in mind:

  • Low natural light levels on a dark stormy day or at sunrise or sunset will make the light from your flash appear more obvious.
  • Choose a scene that has a suitable subject close to the camera.
  • Set an appropriate shutter speed to slightly underexpose the background.

 

Key advice: Although pop-up flash may work well, a powerful flashgun off-camera will enable you to blend in the light better.


Our Photolab Experts are happy to help turn your beautiful fall photography into something special you can display.  Visit us at your local London Drugs to get tips on creating your own personalized calendar, or get started on your own by ordering online or at our in-store kiosks!

Evolution Meets Revolution as Canon Announces the All-New EOS R System

Optical Innovation Inspires the Next Leap Forward in Imaging

Pre-order your Canon EOS R today!

BRAMPTON, ON., September 5, 2018 – Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the next revolution in the company’s long history of innovative and award-winning camera systems, the EOS R system featuring the newly designed RF mount. Recognizing the need to advance optical design, the Company sought to create a versatile and powerful new system that supports all current EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses1, and also provides the optical advancements and engineering flexibility to build upon for years to come.

When Canon set forth to develop a new interchangeable lens camera system, they focused on three core optical principles: high-image quality, high-specification performance, and compact design. Recognizing that optics is the foundation for any camera system, the RF mount was conceived to open new doors in optical design. Canon’s new RF mount features the same size diameter as the EF mount (54mm) and shorter back focus distance. This allows for lenses to sit closer to the sensor (the focal plane) and allowed Canon optical engineers to reimagine lens design utilizing larger rear lens elements to produce an image on the full-frame sensor. This new optical formula has paved the way for higher performing lenses. In addition, the Canon RF mount features a high-speed 12-pin communication system that provides faster and more in-depth communication between the camera and lens over existing Canon mount systems.

The EOS R system is designed for full, uninhibited compatibility with all existing EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses through the use of mount adapters2. In addition, through the use of the optional Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter or Control Ring Mount Adapter these lenses, in fact, gain functionality.

The First in a New System: The EOS R
The new Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera features a 30.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that is powered by the Company’s latest image processor, DIGIC 8, enabling shooting at up to 8.0 frames per second3. The new camera inherits a lot from Canon’s legacy in both EOS and Cinema EOS. Video storytellers can capture stunning 4K UHD video up to 30fps and record in 10-bit 4:2:2 (with an external recorder). The EOS R also comes with the ability to shoot Canon Log, providing 12 stops of dynamic range, minimal loss of detail in shadows and highlighted areas and an increased range of choices when colour grading. Users with an existing collection of Canon lenses will be excited to know that all EF and EF-S lens are compatible with the camera. In order to do so, photographers and videographers can choose between using one of three new mount adapters, each uniquely designed to meet the individual needs of the user.

The new Canon EOS R camera features Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus with 5,655 manually selectable AF points4, supporting AF at up to f/11 with a 384 zone (24×16) real-time metering system. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera astonishingly boasts AF sensitivity in low light in as little as EV-6. When using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens with the EOS R, the camera can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with Dual Pixel CMOS AF5, making it the fastest autofocus speed in the world6. These features provide photographers and videographers with Canon’s most advanced AF system to date. The EOS R also features a silent shutter setting when shooting in single-shot mode; an important feature for those who need to capture imagery without disrupting the scene. An upcoming free firmware update will enable silent shutter in continuous shooting mode as well.

Thoughts from the First Users
“I think every camera system has its place and it’s all about having the right tool for the job,” reported acclaimed outdoor photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Jimmy Chin. “The new EOS R system for me in particular is very useful for the kind of shooting that I do in the mountains, where I need to worry about the size and weight. Having the option to use the new RF lenses or the EF lenses is really great.”

“I was instantly impressed with how quickly the EOS R was able to focus,” remarked celebrated fashion photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Lindsay Adler. “Whether my subject was moving or I was shooting in near-complete darkness, I had no problem getting tack-sharp focus in every shot. It was a relief to know my gear wasn’t going to hold me back from executing my vision, but instead it would really help me to execute this vision.”

“For us, it’s all about getting the shot no one else can get, and a lot of this has to do with the camera,” says Devin Graham, director and filmmaker behind YouTube’s DevinSuperTramp. “The new EOS R will become one of our main cameras. It has a very small footprint, yet is able to create amazing images. As for the lenses, the new RF 28-70mm F2 has just become one of my all-time favourites. I’ll be bringing it on every project.”

Conveniently placed just to the right of the EVF, Canon has introduced a new Multi-Function Bar that will allows users to more easily access their customizable settings, such as AF, ISO and White Balance. Users will have the option to either slide or tap the bar to gain access to the settings and adjust on-the-go as they deem necessary depending on each particular shooting situation.

Answering the demand for enhanced mobile editing of RAW image files, Canon is also announcing a new application, Digital Photo Professional Express (DPP Express). In combination with an updated Canon Camera Connect App, DPP Express enables users to send, view, edit and process CR3 RAW files on their iPad7. A free download of the app will be available October 2018.

Additional noteworthy features of the EOS R Camera include:

  • RF Mount Compatible with RF Lenses and EF/EF-S Lenses
  • Built-in EVF with 3.69 Million Dots, Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD and Dot-matrix LCD Panel
  • ISO range of 100-40,000, expandable to 102,400
  • USB 3.1 in-camera charging support
  • Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® providing easy sharing to compatible smart devices and social media sites
  • Single UHS-II SD card slot
  • CR3(RAW/C-RAW) and Dual Pixel RAW Support
  • Dust and weather resistant

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2,999.99* for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the new RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $4,399.99*.

To learn more about this system, including in-depth educational tutorials, please visit canon.ca/eosr.

About Canon Canada Inc.
Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Canon Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon USA, is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business and medical digital imaging solutions. Innovation and cutting-edge technology have been essential ingredients in Canon’s success. Canon Canada Inc. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 per cent Canadian-based service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon Canada Inc. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility.

For more information, please visit: www.canon.ca or follow the company on FacebookTwitter or Instagram using @CanonCanada.

4 Self-Care Tips for When the Kids Go Back to School

Sandcastle building! Cabin time! Water parks! Backyard barbecuing!

Also: Sunburns! A car full of sand! Popsicle stains on the floor! And daily choruses of “I’m booooored!”

Everyone loves summer fun with the kids, but as the season winds down, many stay-at-home parents find themselves looking forward to a little less chaos and a little more Me Time.

If you are secretly fantasizing about shipping your little angels off to school, here are four self-care suggestions for the fall.

 

Eat: Alone

Newfound hours of daytime quiet in the home may seem daunting at first, but fill them with those basics of life that are a little less pleasurable (and sometimes nearly impossible!) when the kids are around. Like eating a meal—even while it’s still hot!

Or go further: use the extra time to enjoy a meal that your kids would never go for. Turn on some mealtime music, bring a magazine, and break out the roasted brussels sprouts or delicious fish (that isn’t fish sticks).

 

 

Look: Fabulous

Taking a long shower, blow drying your hair or putting on mascara may seem like a stretch when your seven-year-old is banging down the bathroom door.  

But having the kids out of the house for a few hours means you can take some time for yourself: paint your toenails, give yourself a facial, or perhaps best of all, take a nap! Yes, right in the middle of the afternoon. You deserve it!

 

 

Do: Nothing

Sure, there may be a few things you have to get done around the house to restore order. But running around obsessively trying to catch up on all of the housework you meant to do over the summer will likely have you burn out faster than you can say “dust bunnies.”  

Instead, cut yourself some slack: start by walking by a pile of toys, pointing and shrugging like you have no idea who left it there or what it is. The kids will be home soon enough; they can tidy their messes.

Use the time instead to throw yourself on the couch, turn on Netflix or grab a juicy novel, and turn off your compulsion to clean. The grime can wait, but that game of Clash of Clans isn’t going to play itself.

 

Yoga is all about connecting body and mind; what's your favourite way to make the connection? Work: Out

Getting back into an exercise routine may be the last thing you feel like doing once fall starts, but it doesn’t have to be hard.

In fact, you could simply take a few minutes to limber up with some stretching every day. Or, find some quick and simple workouts to do at home courtesy of your friend Google. 

While you’re getting the body going, don’t forget about kickstarting your brain as well; you’re not just a pretty face after all!

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you take some time for you: it has been a long hot summer, and you need your rest. Remember, next summer is only eight months away!

3 Kid-Friendly Life Hacks for Back to School

Back to School Kids Backpacks Organized London Drugs

It’s that time of year again…the kids are heading back to school! It won’t be long before the chaos sets in (hello messy backpacks and busy mornings!), so we’ve compiled some smart kid-friendly ideas to start the new school year right—with less stress for parents. Here are three life hacks for staying organized and keeping your kids on time for school!

1. Keep your kids’ school backpacks organized

Are important things getting lost in your kids’ backpacks? It happens—especially with the little ones. Try creating a ‘post office’ and ‘bank’ to keep supplies safe! This life hack for back to school will eliminate any crumpled notices or lost money for field trips. Safe supplies, happy parents!

2. Speed up your kids’ morning routine

Trouble getting your kids to do their tasks and to get them out the door in the mornings? Make things fun and encourage them to tackle tasks with speed. Here’s one clever (and tasty) trick for kids to complete their morning chores. Perfect for those end-of-summer days—and your kids will thank you!

3. Use colour-coding to organize your kids’ notebooks

Do your children need some help keeping their school notebooks organized? If they’re in a rush to class, sometimes it’s hard to remember which subject is in which duotang, so they grab them all. Use this quick and easy trick to colour-code math, english, and science! Now they can find the notebook they need in their backpack—fast. Simple, easy, organized!


Are you looking for school supplies or other back to school essentials? You can find everything your children need at London Drugs in-store and online!

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