This picture was taken with a Pentax SF1 camera during a one month trip in the area of Hong-Kong. Other pictures relating to this 1990 Asian trip are available in my photo gallery sections under the title “Asia”.
The period when this picture of the Chinese junks in Tai Po was captured corresponds exactly to one year after the 1989 Tiananmen Square events. The South China Morning Post had written that about 100,000 persons had marched to commemorate the tragedy. I could even see the crowd from my seat in the Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-200 when we overflew Hong Kong for the final approach towards the Kaï Tak airport.
I used some time to travel on the South China sea and when our ferry started to navigate between islands, I saw those beautiful wooden junks and captured the scene.
For other boat or ship photos posted on my website, click on the following link:
The picture above was taken on Grande-Allée in Quebec City during the 2017 Quebec City Carnival. I used a full-frame Canon 5DSR camera equipped with a Canon 14mm f/2.8 L wide-angle lens. There was enough light to be able to set the focus on « automatic ». I had to slightly correct the exposure to improve the visibility of the blue light reflecting on the sidewalk.
For other photos on the province of Quebec and also Quebec City, click on the following links from my blog:
The Quebec Islamic community has just lost six of its members. I want to offer them my sincere condolances as a Quebecer from Quebec City and as a Canadian.
It is hard for me to realize that in my city, which is so beautiful and peaceful, such a tragedy can happen. But all the citizens who have lived the same tragedy in their city tell themselves the same thing. Talk about it to the French or the Berliners. Quebec is not different.
The Quebec City mayor, Régis Labeaume, was recently mentioning how good the statistics were in Quebec when it came to violent acts : there had been only one homicide in twenty-one months. And now, in full Quebec Carnival period, at a time where the City invites its citizens and tourists to get out and be together enjoying the winter season, one Quebecer attacks his peaceful compatriots.
The word « terrorism »
I do not know why exactly but it seems that the Sainte-Foy, January 29th 2017 murders that have just been commited will be classified as a « terrorist » act. Possibly because it targeted a specific community that has a different religion than the shooter. Or because the act is aimed at terrorizing people. Or both.
The word « terrorism » is popular. In United States, the Donald Trump government has just closed its boundaries to selected countries, in case a potential « terrorist » would arrive in USA.
It is easy to forget that there are American citizens already living in United States that are even more dangerous, those who kill tens of thousands of Americans yearly with all kinds of guns that they have the right to possess according to a Constitution that did not anticipate the consequences.
In spite of the blooshed that includes tens of children in schools, it is not « terrorism » so there are no drastic actions taken. Politicians talk and hesitate for weeks after a tragedy and then everything comes back to normal. The « terrorist » murder has obviously a much stronger social impact than any other murder. And it allows to disregard the widespread « laisser-faire » when it comes to the right of everybody in United States to acquire almost whatever he desires when it comes to guns and to use them at will. But if you come from Irak, now that’s dangerous!
A few nice Quebec City photos
I take the opportunity to post a few nice pictures of Quebec City, as I did for France after the terrorist acts. They have been taken with a Canon 5DSR. This is another way of saying to local citizens and tourists that Québec, as for Paris, Nice or Berlin, is a beautiful city, normally very peaceful and filled with happy people. And that we are not going to be told how to behave or think by the most violent and often mentally fragile individuals of our societies.
Bonhomme Carnaval and Château Frontenac, Québec 2017
The Price building, Québec 2017
Dufferin Terrace slide, Québec 2017
Snow, ice and wood creation made by a Sillery citizen in Quebec City in 2015.
The Hindenburg airship over Quebec in 1936. The Quebec bridge is visible in the background.
The particularly rare picture above shows the LZ129 Hindenburg airship just after it completed its flight over Québec, Canada on its fourth crossing of the Atlantic from Germany to Lakehurst, United States, on July 1st 1936. This fly-by had not been announced since the trip was normally done directly between Germany and United States.
The Hindenburg was the biggest airship in the world and it was destroyed in 1937 on the arrival to Lakehurst. The explosion of the hydrogen on board the airship caused the death of 34 passengers and crew members.
Far away, we can see the Quebec bridge, the longest cantilever bridge in the world, while it was the sole link between the two shores of the St-Lawrence seaway.
An excellent source of information (in French) can be found on the internet link included below. It recalls the citizen’s comments while the airship was approaching, the trajectory followed by the airship over Quebec City and how the citizens learned of the Hindenburg’s approach:
The flight simulator enthousiast will have fun trying this short flight ( 14 minutes) from the Eagle County virtual airport (KEGE) to the Telluride virtual airport (KTEX). The virtual flight, using FSX, was made during winter, on January 8th. The shots below represent an idea of what is visible while flying toTelluride. Use 14,000 feet, it should do it…
FedEx MD-11 on the take-off run at the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 airborne from the Eagle County airport (KEGE) (FSX)
FedEx MD-11 between Eagle County airport (KEGE) and Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
There are lots of beautiful mountains between KEGE and Telluride, and also some unpredictable weather…
FedEX Md-11 entering bad weather
The expected ceiling at Telluride was 8500 ft. On the way to the airport, the clouds and visibility were sometimes obscuring the mountains.
A FedEx MD-11 on a flight Eagle County (KEGE) to Telluride (KTEX) (FSX)
Telluride is a very inviting airport for a MD-11. The 7000 feet runway itself does not represent a big challenge, although its 100 feet are a bit narrow: this aircraft would normally require a 150 feet wide landing surface.
The virtual VFR approach made with the MD-11 was the most expensive way to do the trip, since it required a fly-by and a 270 degree turn to the right to align with runway 09.
FedEx MD-11 flies by the Telluride airport KTEX) (FSX)
The 270 degree turn at a 10-20 degree bank allowed to transit from 14,000 to 10,000 ft without doing anything radical. Just a turn while descending and gradually loosing speed to arrive at around 160 kts on final. The aircraft was now installed on long final, with flaps set at 50 degrees.
A FedEx MD-11 on long final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
The high altitude runway’s 9078 feet msl elevation meant the pilots dealt with lower air density and heavy weight when approaching and, as such, the airspeed had to be adjusted accordingly to prevent stalling on final.
A FedEx MD-11 on final runway 09 for the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
Here is a view from the Telluride tower…
View from the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX) of a FedEx MD-11 on final for runway 09
Now with a view like that, you would not consider coming in IFR…!
A FedEx MD-11 inbound from KEGE on final for runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
To prevent an overshoot and some additional expenses in fuel (which are already skyrocketing), an optimal approach was required.
Most accidents with the MD-11 happen when the pilot pushes on the stick when there is a rebound with the nose wheel, thus creating an even stronger rebound. When there is a rebound, there is no need to push on the stick, just wait and the aircraft sets itself quickly.
A FedEx MD-11 over the threshold runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
Now with max breaking and thrust reversers…
A FedEX MD-11 slowing down at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
The MD-11 can easily turn at the first taxiway at Telluride. But in order to capture a wider view of the airport, I exited at the last taxiway (again adding to the already enormous expense in fuel…)
A FedEX Md-11 is exiting runway 09 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
The employee on the ramp was worried that the MD-11 lower winglet would scratch N900SS while taxiing. But there was plenty of space (11 inches)…
A FedEX Md-11 is taxiing on the ramp at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
The MD-11 was parked temporarily in a spot needed by every aircraft. It was necessary to unload quickly the precious cargo and get out of the way.
Temporary parking for a FedEx MD-11 at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
Some expert handling would be needed to help move back that MD-11 close to the runway. But that was the Telluride’s airport manager problem and he had promised he would have something ready!
FedEx Md-11 parked at the Telluride airport (KTEX) (FSX)
The virtual scenery from departure to destination is a creation of ORBX programmers and the virtual MD-11 is made by PMDG Simulations (I am not sure it works with P3D though). For the weather, I used REX Simulations as the weather engine and REX and Cumulus X for the cloud textures. (Edit: PMDG does not support it’s MD-11 anymore).
For other challenging virtual flights, head towards the flight simulation section of my web site, under “challenging virtual flights”: there is something for everyone!
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
Canada Geese over the Strait of Georgia in British-Columbia, in 2016.
Night photography is not always planned and the photo above, taken late in the evening, was certainly not one I would have been able to take when I started as a photographer.
There was a superb sunset on the strait of Georgia, in British Columbia, and I had taken multiple pictures until late in the evening with my Canon 5DSR full-frame camera. The photography session was almost over.
Once I decided that it was time to pack-up for the night, I heard a flock of Canada Geese. They were flying in formation over the mountains to the west and were heading north in the darkness. In order to photograph those fast moving birds in the remaining light, drastically different settings would have to be made on the camera, and this, very rapidly.
The camera was equipped with a Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM telephoto lens mounted on a tripod and facing west. It was on manual focus, the stabilizer was inactive and the ISO setting was very low. A ND graduated filter was already mounted on an adapter which was installed on the lens.
That meant dismantling the camera from the tripod, activating the automatic focus as well as the stabilizer, increasing the ISO, removing the ND graduated filter, limiting the aperture to insure sufficient shutter speed, composing the photo and taking few rapid shots before the geese were too far away.
Few seconds later, those birds and the landscape were becoming another souvenir of a beautiful summer holiday spent in British Columbia.
For more articles in the category « Photos of Canada », click on the following link : Photos of Canada
Merchant navy vessel in the Juan de Fuca Strait near Victoria (2016)
Photographers know that the most interesting hours of the day are either early in the morning or late at night, but before nighttime. These periods are ideal for subtle colors and very atmospheric shots.
The Vancouver Island coast offers absolutely everything to attract many categories of photographers: the wildlife, the mist over water bodies in the morning or late at night and the mountains that are visible almost everywhere.
Travelling through British Columbia, I noticed the great number of merchant navy vessels passing through the Juan de Fuca Strait. But to try to photograph them during daytime would only have given average pictures. Waking up early to get the right picture is never easy, but it always gives interesting results.
The only problem with regards to ship photography is that the latter often navigate quite far from the photographer, thus becoming tiny uninteresting dots on a picture. However, the Canon 5DSR camera and its 50.6 megapixels full-frame sensor solve that problem: new experiments are then possible . The scenery above was shot from a beach in Victoria, very early in the morning. It was mandatory to ensure of the total immobility of the camera since some serious cropping would be needed later on in order to significantly enlarge the ship. The slightest vibration would have been amplified through enlargment and the picture would have been useless.
Here is the method that was used: the ISO was set on 250, the tripod planted on the beach (but not in the soft sand part where the tripod could have moved a little during the photo session). Moreover, the remote trigger was used, as well as the mirror lock-up function. In order to achieve an optimal focus, the latter was done manually using Liveview with a 16X enlargment.
A Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM telephoto lens was installed on the camera, with a 200mm focal setting. A ND graduated filter was installed to compensate for the rising sun’s brighter light behind the mountains. Being early on the beach also allowed for a minimal wind speed, limiting even more any tripod vibrations. I tried several shots and decided to keep the one with a bird in the scenery, so as to add a touch of life to the scenery.
For other ship photos posted on my website, click on the following link:
Alex Geoff, the ORBX Block Island (KBID) virtual airport designer, asked flight simulator enthousiasts to try to operate the biggest aircraft possible on that airport ‘s 2502 ft runway.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A ready for take-off runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
Naturally, we are talking about a virtual flight. You must then forgive the landing of an aircraft which, in real life, would destroy the runway. You also have to disregard the fact that numerous trees would have to be chopped if the aircraft would elect to use the taxiway. I was almost forgetting the pilots and airport manager that would have to be fired following the authorized manoeuver.
The context of the flight having been presented, here is the data that will allow flight simulator enthousiasts to replicate the circuit around the Block Island airport with a Virtavia C-17A.
Contrary to the Cessna type aircrafts normally evolving around the airport, the total weight of the canadian military C-17A used for the flight was 405,000 pounds. The fuel was adjusted to 50% in all four tanks. Both pilots agreed to skip lunch in order to avoid adding any extra weight to the beast…
Flaps were adjusted to 2/3. I backed the aircraft to the beginning of the runway, applied the brakes, applied full throttle, waited for maximum regime, released the brakes and used ground effect to lift the aircraft before it was too late. The take-off was done on runway 10 with a 12 kts and 70 degree crosswind.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A airborne runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
Then, four right turns were made : 190°, 280°, 010° and 100°. During the flight, the aircraft’s altitude never went above 2000 feet.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A turning downwind runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
Wheels and flaps were brought down in base so that I did not have to make serious adjustments on final.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A turning base runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
Canadian military aircraft C17-A on long final runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
Canadian military aircraft C17-A short final runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
The speed eventually went down to 128 kts and, while the aircraft was still about two feet in the air, I used the airbrakes. The thrust reversers were fully activated two feet before touch-down (continued pressure on F2) since they take time to rev up. That is not necessarily the proper way to do it and you can wait one more second, until the wheels touch the runway, to use the reversers. The main gear touched at the very beginning of the runway and maximum breaking was then applied.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A landing at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport in United States (FSX)
It was possible to exit on the taxiway without having to back-track on the runway. The environment always coming second, some trees were cut so that there were no contacts with the aircraft.
Canadian military aircraft C17-A exiting runway 10 at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport (FSX) in United States
Canadian military aircraft C17-A taxiing at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport (FSX) in United States
If you decide to try it out, think of saving the flight when you are on final, in case you are not satisfied with your performance during the landing (scrapped aircraft, destroyed houses and vehicles in the neighborhood, burned forest at the end of runway 10, collateral victims, etc.).
Canadian military aircraft C17-A at the Block Island (KBID) virtual airport (FSX) in United States
Good luck!
For other challenging virtual flights, head towards the flight simulation section of the present web site.
For more articles on flight simulation on my web site, click on the following link : Flight simulation
German Christmas market stands in Quebec City (2016)
The German Christmas market is back again this year in Quebec City, for the ninth consecutive year. The market is located near the City Hall and the activity is an initiative of the German community of Quebec. European German Christmas markets have existed for centuries and have kept virtually the same formula throughout the years.
Amateur of delicacies and handicrafts always find something interesting when stopping by the sixty little wooden houses located in the City Hall’s gardens.
German Christmas market in Quebec City (2016)
My family and I always stop for an evening meal at the heated chalet where we find an excellent white beer and many choices of meals. The site is ideal for photography enthousiasts and the thousands of multicolored lights add a very special atmosphere. If you visit the market when there is a snow shower, this will add even more interest to your pictures.
The photos shown here have been taken with a Canon 5DSR full-frame camera equipped with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM fixed lens, which allowed me to walk around the site without carrying a tripod.
German market at Christmas in Quebec City (2016)
I would like to offer my condolances to the German people with regards to the terrible challenge they went through in December 2016 when many citizens visiting the Berlin Christmas market were killed or hurt by a madman from Daesh.
For other photos on the province of Quebec and also Quebec City, click on the following links from my blog:
Quebec City in winter, in the Cap-au-Diable area (2016)
The picture above was taken in December 2016 at Cap-au-Diable, in Quebec City, with a Canon 5DSR full-frame camera equipped with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L US telephoto lens. A polarizing filter was not really needed here due to the soft light and the sun being in line with the lens. The exposure was still corrected by +1/3.
At this time of the year, the temperature is not too cold for the photographer’s bare hands and the light intensity is ideal throughout the day. The temperature hovering around 0 °C favors wet snow showers. This snow lightly sticks to the tree branches and, as long as the wind does not increase too much, it is possible to take interesting winter pictures. But it is necessary to act quickly
For the photo above, I was able to profit from a St-Lawrence Seaway that was still unfrozen, which allowed to capture the winter sun reflection. I had to proceed rapidly since there were clouds moving from the west, visible to the right of the picture. One minute later, the sun and its reflection were no longer visible.
The photos below were taken during in the same park.
Parc du Cap-au-Diable, Quebec City (2016)
A house in the Cap-au-Diable park, Quebec City (2016)
For other photos on the province of Quebec and also Quebec City, click on the following links from my blog:
