Lens Tests | Canon RF

With an upcoming trip to Eastern Canada, I had my eye on the Canon RF 15-30mm lens. I even found it used through Henrys, yet something was holding me back. I kept hearing wait. I was truthfully becoming more anxious as once a used lens is gone, its gone.

Sunday evening, as we were getting ready for bed, before I knew what I was doing, I had grabbed my phone, opened Henrys webpage to the used Canon RF search and there it was… the sale!

The used lens that I had been eyeing up, on sale! I was elated, I added it to my cart. As I was about to check out, directly below this one, was the other one I had my eye on and was going to wait until next year to buy. Also used, and on sale.

Of course.

When we listen to our intuition we are never led astray!

This is a few examples of the 15-30mm

These are some of the 28-70mm f2.8 STM lens.

This one was taken in my den, where the lighting on this shelf is not ideal at all, that side of the room is darker and its behind the door, I put the ISO to auto and most times I would have lowered the shutter speed, I was doing tests so it was at 250.

I am LOVING this lens as well! Check out the sharpness of the image below! Incredible!!!

The 2 images – one above and one below – were both shot on my Canon RP + 28-70mm f2.8 STM

And then, because I love macro and saw some dew drops on the grass… love it! Shot with the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 lens.

I also have the RF 24-105 “kit lens” that is variable aperture as well so I thought lets get some test shots on it.

Its a variable aperture lens 4-7.1 and this is shot at f7.1

Needless to say, I am VERY impressed with the RF Lens line for Canon mirrorless camera’s. Having all EF L lenses, it was a mind warp wrapping my head around the new lens format and trusting the quality. As a passionate hobbyist photographer, dropping literally multiple thousands into new RF L lenses just isn’t reasonable or something I want or need to do at this time of my life. These lenses in a short time have demonstrated their capability and I am excited to explore the world with them more.

You may notice that I do have the EF 16-35mm f2.8L lens already and be questioning why I would want a “double”, fact of the matter is, as I showed my husband last night, the EF L lens with the adapter is twice the size of the RF 15-30 and much heavier, so from a traveling perspective, which we plan to do more, the RF set up is ideal!!!

All other images were shot on my Canon R6MII

Nature Reset

For the August long weekend we were off line away at a family cottage. It was exactly the reset I needed, in such a deep way. To re-align with my heart and soul on the journey that we are on.

Being, in the moment. Whatever that moment was.

To choose to just be, and enjoy the beautiful silence or company around us.

To appreciate nature and all its glory.

To know that when my body feels’ this immense peace, its growth beyond measure.

This was a shift, I honestly had been trying to do for a while, to come home to me, truly, regardless of anyone else, to detach from societal pressures or the illusion that social media provides and come home to my truth.

Empty relationships powered by social media, is very much in my past. My soul strength has pulled me back to my blog with a vindication of, but Pam WHO are you? What fills up and fulfills your heart. Where do you feel most supported outside of the noise, as an introvert, who is also a projector (in human design) “the noise” of the world is something that can shift a person into someone who they are not. When we take that away, and you are allowed the permission to just be, who you are, in your space. Its beautiful, so truly beautiful.

Even more beautiful is listening to my soul, learning more about me and the importance that my energy has over my soul. Its all one. When my energy is at peace, my soul is at peace, when my soul and energy are at peace, my entire being is at peace.

If you have ventured over to my blog from one of my social media channels, welcome. This is my home and where you will find me and my creativity ❤

Forest Bathing

If you enjoy nature, I highly recommend getting yourself out INTO the forest to truly experience the magic of Forest Bathing!

“Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature, particularly forests, to enhance well-being through sensory engagement. It’s not just about physical exercise; it’s a mindful experience where you immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere using your senses.” 

Is there such thing as crop bathing… its nature still 😉 Following the path through the field was a very cool experience, especially as a photographer!

When we went out I had my Canon R6MII and my Canon RF 24-240mm zoom lens.
Weight is a key factor when I know I will be half hanging out the window taking photos – the camera and my arm that is, while holding onto it firmly in my hand with my other hand tightly around the neck strap. As I am transitioning with EF L and RF lenses, I am continually blown away at the quality of the RF lenses in comparison to my EF L lenses. If you are considering entering the mirrorless photography world, I highly recommend this lens as an “all in one”, you have wider + incredible zoom capabilities.

It is a very fun experience to visually see what I want to photograph, or pass by something and have that instant feeling of regret that I didn’t have my camera out, and then, be reminded that when I listen to my intuition, she speaks so clear to me.

What is meant for us, will always be, we do not need to rush or push. ❤

Lens-Artists Challenge #360 | Festivals, Fair, Market

Ann-Christine from Leya is our host this week! Check our her post here Found at the Fair or Market!

This took be back to when our kids were young, back then when they were 4-8 I took a lot of photos within our community and provided the photos to the township and county for promotional pieces. The coolest moment was my aunt calling me from the GO Station in Toronto where she saw my kids faces on the pamphlets for our local festivals! Having my children truly brought my passion for photography to the forefront, I could be engaged with them and snapping pictures as we went. My camera truly became a natural extension of my arm.

The first I am sharing is photos of the promotional materials my babies were in!

When we were in Nashville in April 2024 we came across this great market… Beautiful leather belts, my husband bought one and loves it! We had breakfast at Biscuit Love in Franklin, Tennessee and then walked the Main Street Festival – the colours, people and merchandise were awesome!

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is more than just pumpkins they have a car show and rides too!

More from back in the day with my little’s at the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival!

Mascot race many years ago at the Fireworks Festival!

Their faces… this truly is what my photography is ALL about! Capturing the moment to create a memory forever tangible in a photograph!

Teaching them young to volunteer!

Doors Open, in 2014 I took photos for an event that included a variety of stops.
See the album of those shots here.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/zmijaourmomentsintime/7L6n6V895g

Rural Romp was also in 2014 and I took photos for this as well and provided to the county for the various stops.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/zmijaourmomentsintime/4182nid1BK

I recently, in July, shared the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival in its own blog post you can check that out here!

If you feel compelled or drawn to take a photo of something, a deep desire that is bubbling within, take it, go where you feel drawn to and experience and capture the memory. This challenge has not only introduced me to some other fantastic photographers, it also has me remembering some awesome shots and great times!

If you are also interested in joining in this weekly challenge, check out this post for more information!

Capturing Hummingbird Magic: Photography Tips

I am continually amazed at these little birds, they are tiny and yet when they zoom past you, they are loud! A feeder that size you’d think they could all gather, however no, they spend more of their time warding off each other from the feeder and flitting around!

Patience! That is key. Once they are used to you sitting where ever you are sitting, it wont take long for them to get back to flying around again. I sit about 10 feet from the feeder in a chair and just wait. I do not change lenses while sitting there, I have my camera and lens ready and get ready to capture. They move quickly so a high shutter speed is key. I should have bumped mine a bit more to get more of their wings in focus when flying, above all though I am very happy with my results. Take lots – the joy of digital is we can delete what doesn’t turn out! Don’t be afraid to shoot through your card 🙂

Of course, I had to look up their spiritual meaning online.

“Hummingbirds hold deep spiritual meaning across various cultures, often symbolizing joy, love, healing, and adaptability. They are seen as messengers of love, both earthly and spiritual, and can represent a connection to loved ones who have passed away. Additionally, hummingbirds embody qualities like resilience, agility, and the ability to find joy in the present moment.“

So blessed to be literally feet away from them and enjoy their antics back and forth!

Shot with my Canon R6MII + 24-240mm lens

Baby Seagulls on the Lake

Baby Seagulls on Methuen Lake

I love looking up the spiritual meaning of animals and birds,

“In a spiritual context, seagulls often symbolize freedom, adaptability, and guidance. They can represent a connection to both the physical and spiritual realms, and may appear as spirit animals to offer messages of resourcefulness and opportunity. Seagulls can also symbolize navigating life’s challenges with clarity and intuition.”

Taken with my Canon R6MII + my FAV travel lens Canon RF 24-240mm

Ontario Travel | Where and Why?

If you could travel and photograph anywhere in Ontario, where would it be and why?

The above photo was taken an early morning on Methuen Lake

As part of an 8 week course that I am participating in, its truly about being here and now, within our own energy, no expectations and really learning to be in tune with ourselves.

This week, it is to begin conversation, not just, ‘Hi how are you’, or how is the weather, go deeper. I knew, with how my week was unfolding and the desires on my heart, just where my question would lead.

So I am curious…

If you could travel and photograph anywhere in Ontario, where would it be and why?

Loon Family on the Lake

I felt blessed to experience this family, just off of the dock the morning we were leaving our aunt and uncles cottage. I knew there was a good chance we would see a loon, not only a loon, the mom and dad pair with their baby graced us all weekend with various spottings on the lake.

As they were floating by the dock, my son was on the dock getting things ready, they were calling, he called back to them and they were actually responding and still continued past the dock in peace! It was a very cool experience!

How close they were to us!

Hindsight as a photographer, I was so excited to see them I just grabbed my camera and began shooting, both times… I should have double checked my settings and upped my shutter speed slightly to accommodate for any movement in the water of them or us! I am still extremely happy with my shots with my Canon R6MII + 24-240mm lens!

I enjoy looking up the spiritual meaning of birds…

“In many Indigenous cultures and spiritual traditions, the loon is a powerful symbol representing tranquility, serenity, and the reawakening of old hopes and dreams. It is also associated with dreams, the subconscious, and the ability to navigate both the physical and spiritual realms.”

Lens-Artists Challenge #359 | Lines, Colours & Patterns

From JohnBo our challenge leader this week,

“This week, the challenge is to examine your gallery or go on a photo walk. The objective is to find examples of photographs that feature compositional elements such as lines, patterns, or colors. There are times that you can find all three examples in one photograph, as in my opening photo of a sandstone outcrop. Centuries of erosion from wind and water have created the pattern of lines and earth tones in this sandstone. Photographing it at an angle allowed me to feature more of the outcropping, with the bonus that diagonal lines are typically more dynamic than vertical or horizontal lines. The angle of the sun in late afternoon provided shadows that enhanced the sense of depth in the variations.“

I am starting with one from over 10 years ago, a fav of mine fall colours, lines of the field of corn partially harvested.

A massive flock of geese on our beach last fall, getting ready to coordinate their flight patterns!

Steps leading down to the beach, where more of the flock has gathered with the beautiful fall colours framing the image.

Boardwalk leading to the beach

I am an avid lover of off roading when we get to experience views like this when on and off roads!

A fav as the sun hits at the right angle, the fall colours, the orbs and sun flare and the trees leading into the machine 😉

A late summer fav when the fields are being harvested, not necessarily lines, but definitely colour and patterns! Rural living 🙂 The corn rows are fun for lines!!!

I am loving these challenges, they not only push me to look into my collection of images, they remind me of the beauty I have photographed this year and even into year previous. Another beautiful reminder that when you see something that peaks your interest and you snap a photo or few of it… there will be a time to share these images that your heart pulls you to! ❤

From PhotosJohnBo, Last week, Tina’s challenge focused on how we all “Live and Learn.” Next week, Ann-Christine hosts. Be sure to follow her blog here so you don’t miss her challenge, which will be posted at noon Eastern Time on Saturday. If you’d like to submit your own responses to the Lens-Artists Challenge each week, but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.

Lens-Artists Challenge | 358 Live and Learn – Part 2

“Show me some of the things you’ve learned about photography or any subject you choose. Do you learn by doing as I do, or are you one who learns from classes, or online, or through working with others?”

I couldn’t help but think deeper on this.

Photography… as my children were born, I began to expand on my art, I had always enjoyed taking photos, a part of me wishes I had kept my cameras, my little purple one 💜 my first one with the long film…

After our son was born I took the leap, went from my point and shoot to a Canon Rebel XTi. I spent a lot of time researching, talking to my uncle, who had the Canon 30D.

I jumped in with my Rebel and 2 kit lenses, it was my other baby, we went everywhere together me and my 2 babies. Then our 2nd was born and as my skills expanded I continued my research and upgraded my Rebel to the Canon 40D.

I loved my 40D, helped me expand with my low light indoor shooting with my two young kids. Lower light means you need either a slow shutter speed to allow more light in OR a lens and camera capable to open up your aperture while utilizing your ISO capabilities. This camera really taught me the basics of this. Its also when I purchased my 50L f1.2 lens. A beauty and the bokeh at 1.2 is dreamy!

As my skills expanded, I began exploring the full frame options which was the next step from my 40D, this is when I stepped up to my first full frame, the Canon 5D!

Unbelievable what suddenly opened up in my world with my 5D, the previous cameras are all crop sensor, meaning when you look through its not 1-1, it’s 1.6 magnification. My 24-105mm was a true 24-105mm, hello wide angle shots and even better lower light capabilities!

After a couple years with my 5D, I bit the bullet… spring of 2012 I bought my 2nd brand new camera, my Canon 5DMIII!!!

About 10 years later I had the opportunity to get my first mirror less full frame, the Canon RP! It was a bit of a step back from my 5DMIII but well worth the step forward with my new Canon RP + RF 35mm f1.8!

My beloved 5DMIII and I were together for over 12 years and she still sits proud with my camera collection.

I am now shooting primarily with my Canon R6MII that Ive had since fall 2023. Extremely happy with my journey through photography and the cameras Ive selected along the way as my stepping stones to my learning and navigating to figure out my style of photography.

I currently have my R6MII as my main, RP as the back up and I will never part with my 5DMIII, she gets out for some shoots still ☺️

Creativity is the basis of our lives, do yourself a wonderful favor of figuring out what creativity means to you and fully embrace it!!!

Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Artist & Intuitive | Pamela Zmija

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