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I’ve bought a nice new lens, something most people would consider essential when my only lens at the minute is a fixed focal length (no zoom) 50mm. It is a great lens which I have had lots of fun with in the last 2 weeks and the f1.8 aperture works wonders, though it’s definitely not much good as my only lens.
Having a wide aperture is a necessity for producing quality photographs in the environments I like to frequent, mainly bars and dimly lit rooms, plus plenty of photographs of people - something I hope to do much more in the near future.
So a wide aperture is essential - but which lens to get. Having done some research I came to the conclusion that the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 will suit me, besides being within my price range. Hopefully it will arrive by Saturday (planned trip to the beach). Friday would be even better, but I don’t think that’s gonna be too likely at this stage. I even called Jessops, but of course, being the crap overpriced shop that they are, (thinking they’re great just ‘cos they have a bit of a monopoly), they don’t have it in stock on any shops (I didn’t even specify which, I just said “any other stores have it”), nor is it in the head office.
Friday would be a good day to have a wider lens as Kitty and the Can Openers have a gig in the intimate Common Grounds café. There’s no room to move about, so getting a good seat, not to close and not to far from the band is essential (ordering coffee 30mins before they get on is also essential). If you happen to read this and live in Belfast, do try and get to the gig!
Although each morning this week I have been pretty tired and not managed to get into work at 7:30am like I had planned to, Each evening has been lots of fun. Although Sunday is not the beginning of any week, I will start there anyway.
I woke up slightly hungover after a late night of cat photography.
Later I headed to my Grandparent’s house where I spent much of my time lying on the grass in the sun with a beer.
On Monday I played pool…
…followed by Boathouse and Mary’s Great Idea in Lavery’s Bunker. Having been almost a year since I last saw Boathouse, I had forgotten just how good they were, besides the fact that they have improved since then, often difficult when a band is so good already.
Tuesday, another gig, this time in Auntie Annies. This was was hard to beat. To start with, the very talented Geoff Gatt.
He was even joined on stage by the girl with the bestest voice, Ciara O’Neill…
The next act surprised me, though I should stop being surprised by the variety of music coming from Northern Ireland at this stage. Ruby Colley, a classically trained violist who uses pedal samplers to produce complex tunes that create a gradual build of wonderful classical sounds. The sound is mesmerising.
Finally, Catoan, previously known as Paddy McKeown through the fact that their excellent lead singer and songwriter is named so. Through a wonderful complexity Catoan produce brilliant tunes that I could definitely listen to more. Though we are still undecided whether it’s pronounced catoawn (the part after the ‘cat’ said faster) or catowan. I will have to get a copy of that ATL Sessions CD.
And that’s what I’ve been up to lately. Half way through the week. I’m looking forward to the long weekend.
(don’t forget to check my flickr stream for lots more photos, updated regularly)
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