Image © Jeff Chevrier

For the past 2 years, Starlings have been gathering in fairly large numbers outside my office in October. The other day, I grabbed a new Canon 60D with a EF 70-200mm lens, and went out front for a minute or two to take a look. I got the usual pictures of them on the telephone wires, then something spooked them, perhaps a passing car — and into the air they took, flying away from me in a large flock. I knew from last year that using a slower shutter-speed would give me some wing-blur, so I chose 1/250 sec and shot a few frames as they flew away. This one was the one I liked best, kind of reminded me of tadpoles in the air. Converted to B&W in Photoshop CS5.

Image © Jeff Chevrier

I was in Toronto, looking for a new pair of Doc’s when I wandered though the business section near Bay street. Light was bouncing between the buildings, leaving me a sliver here and there to work with. I love shooting b&w, and had a Leica with me loaded with a roll of good old Tri-x Pan 400. I metered on the pavement, and waited for my prey. A car abruptly pulled out of the parking lot behind me, and I quickly moved out of the way. Just then, a cool-looking young professional walked past holding a tall cup of Joe. I Clicked the shutter, and here is the scanned result. Sure, I could have shot it with a digital camera and it would have looked nice, but why post-process in a Tri-x effect electronically when you can shoot real Tri-x? For some of my personal work, I still enjoy the magic of b&w film, both in 120 and 35mm. Guess it was all of those years as a pro-shooter which was all film back then. Guess it just kinda stays with you. At least, the odd b&w roll does for me.