Tag: photos

Explore the world in flight simulation (21)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 9 August 2025

Today’s flight around the planet takes place between the virtual airports of London City (EGLC) in England and Rotterdam-The Hague (EHDR) in the Netherlands. The weather looks good, apart from a few large TCUs here and there along the route. The crew imports the Simbrief flight plan into Navigraph to facilitate navigation between the two countries.

Daher TBM930 airborne from the London City virtual airport (EGLC) in United Kingdom

For a fast and comfortable journey, we choose the high-performance Daher TBM930 in Canadian colors. Microsoft has truly designed a marvel of a virtual aircraft.

Virtual TBM930 over United Kingdom heading to the Rotterdam airport (EHDR), Netherlands

The operating ceiling is 31,000 feet and the maximum range of the TBM930 is around 1,730 nm. With a cruising speed of 330 knots, we cross the English Channel in no time. As you would expect, there is a lot of shipping traffic between the North Sea and the English Channel.

TBM930 turboprop aircraft over water and approaching Netherlands

We are now above the Netherlands. The programmed route reads as follows: EGLC runway 09 DEP ODUK1H ODUKU M84 TOVGU M84 CLN P44 RATLO M197 REDFA MASOS. We have selected the REDF3R arrival and the RNAV runway 24 approach.

Working Title Simulations Daher TBM930 over Netherlands approaching the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Below, the cockpit photo shows the interior of the TBM930 and the route followed for the approach. We are descending rapidly to reach the recommended altitude of 2,000 feet a little further on for arrival.

Cockpit of the Daher TBM930 as it approaches runway 24 for the Rotterdam (EHDR) in flight simulation MSFS

There are strong winds today and mechanical turbulence throughout the journey to Rotterdam.

TBM930 approaching rwy 24 for the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

The autopilot keeps the single-engine turboprop slightly to the right of the centerline of runway 24 during the long final approach to counter strong crosswinds. The VNAV function does a very good job of maintaining the correct altitude during descent.

MSFS Daher TBM930 on final for rwy 24 Rotterdam airport in flight simulation

During the short final approach, we disconnect the autopilot. Surface winds are blowing at 320/14 knots. Moments later, we land the virtual aircraft without breaking anything. A short taxi brings us to a parking spot where staff are waiting for us.

Canadian Daher TBM930 arriving at the virtual Rotterdam The Hague airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Flying virtually with the TBM930 is a treat. It is one of the best virtual aircraft currently available on the market for use with the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) flight simulator. What’s more, virtual pilots don’t have to pay extra for this aircraft, as it comes with the MSFS software.

The next leg of this simulated flight around the world takes place between Rotterdam and Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LFPB) in France. Customers have chartered an old MD-11 in KLM colors for a historic flight to the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget.

Click on the link for the previous stages of this flight simulation tour of the planet in my blog.

Photos of Quebec

Blue Hour, Winged Demon and Rabagliati in Montreal

Post author By Stanley
Post date 20 July 2025

Montreal city view from Mount Royal in the evening in HDR.

This photo of Montreal in the evening during the blue hour is actually three photos superimposed with different apertures (HDR photography). In the absence of a tripod, I placed the camera on the rampart at the top of Mont-Royal. This allowed me to use a very low ISO and a nice depth of field.

Mount Royal is a major tourist attraction. The many visitors crowd along the rampart and compete for a selfie. Getting through the three HDR exposures without being hit by a curious onlooker is a miracle. As soon as my camera moves the slightest bit, I have to take all three photos again. And that evening, Mount Royal was crowded! But luck eventually smiles on us.

Sculpture of a winged demon on a Montreal building.

In Montreal, you can expect many styles of sculpture to grace the facades of buildings. The red-eyed demon above has an strong effect on the pedestrian! Good thing it’s not in front of a restaurant…

Rabagliati artwork on a Montreal building.

On the Plateau Mont-Royal, there’s a space reserved for a creation by Michel Rabagliati, the Quebec author renowned for his Paul series of comic strips. He also produces graphic novels, of which “Rose à l’île” is a good example. The winter scene on the building contrasts with the warm summer day in Montreal at the time of our visit.

Click on the link for more province of Quebec photos on my blog.

Tags blue hour, comics, démon, graphic novels, HDR Photography, ISO, Michel Rabagliati, Montréal, Mount Royal, photos, Quebecer, tourist attraction

Environment

The Scorpion Stick Insect at the Montreal Insectarium.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 16 June 2025

A "Giant prickly stick insect" is on my hand at the Montreal insectarium. — A “Giant prickly stick insect” is on my hand at the Montreal insectarium.

What a wonderful experience this week at the Montreal Insectarium! While we were visiting one of the pavilions, an attendant offered to hold a Extatosoma tiaratum, also known as tiara snail, scorpion stick or Australian walking stick.

The insect gets its scorpion-like reputation from the fact that it curls its tail in the same way as a scorpion when it feels in danger. But it doesn’t sting. You can then put your hand upside down and it will grab you effortlessly. This is its natural position under a branch.

As someone who rarely carries his cell phone around with me, I was delighted to have the opportunity to take a photo of him that day!

Part of the insect collection at the Montreal insectarium.

The diversity of shapes and colours of insects in the environment is astounding. Nature never ceases to amaze.

Superb specimens at the Montreal insectarium.

In addition to the central pavilion, home to a large number of colourful insects, visitors can also take a stroll through the butterfly aviary. The butterflies wander around the visitors, but it is forbidden to touch them.

Among Quebec’s tourist attractions, the Montreal insectarium is well worth a visit.

Click on the link for more articles and photos on the environment in my blog.

Tags environment, insect, insectarium, Montréal, nature., photos, Québec, scorpion stick, tiara snail, tourist attraction

Photos of Quebec

A pedestrian takes a break in Old Quebec.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 30 May 2025

A pedestrian rests in the evening in the shadow of the Price building in Old Quebec. Many residents and tourists alike appreciate the safety of the Old Town. Accompanied or unaccompanied, even the elderly feel at ease here late in the evening.

The Price building is the only skyscraper allowed in Old Quebec. During my photography sessions in this area, I enjoy finding different vantage points and special lighting to feature this unique building. At the time I captured the scene, there was still a bit of blue in the sky. This color blends delicately with the surrounding orange-yellow.

Click on the link for more Quebec photos in my blog.

Tags night photography, Old Quebec, photos, Price Building, Quebec City, safety

Flight Simulation

Explore the Planet in Flight Simulation MSFS (17)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 23 May 2025

The flight simulation world tour continues with a Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III. The initial version of the aircraft is not particularly reliable. There have been engine failures, fatigue cracks in the structure, cowlings opening unexpectedly, etc. Nevertheless, we’re going to try our luck with this aircraft today.

The sandy runway at Barra beach (EGPR) is perfect for a take-off with the BN2A. Today, we plan to fly to Donegal Airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland.

BN2A Trislander airborne from the Barra beach airfield with MSFS

With a three-engine aircraft, pilots don’t take into account the distance to shore in case of engine failure. But if we were flying a single-engine aircraft, we’d have to head for Tiree Island at the highest possible altitude, then turn off towards Donegal.

Virtual BN2A Trislander MK III enroute to Donegal airport (EIDL) in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS

In all realistic virtual flights, a program injects weather data received from airports via the Internet directly into the flight simulator.

For the past few days, the weather in Ireland and Scotland has been nothing but fine. I was expecting rain and low clouds, but it’s been just the opposite.

So, for the time being, the fine weather is making it easier to plan flights over a very large area. Below you can see the rockier landscape around Donegal airport.

BN2A Trislander descending towards Donegal in Republic of Ireland with MSFS

The Trislander is now on final for runway 21 at Donegal. Light winds make the approach easy. No part of the aircraft has been lost on the way!

The Britten Norman Trislander is on final for Donegal airport (EIDL) in flight simulation

The airport staff have already brought out the suitcases for the next flight. Way too much luggage! They must have mistaken the Trislander for a Boeing 737. Aviation rules are strict. I don’t know if the passengers bring back too much shells or beer bottles with them, but some of the suitcases won’t be leaving today!

BN2A arrived at Donegal (EIDL) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

In the evening, a virtual drone flies over the area to observe the cliffs and numerous wind turbines.

Virtual landscape around the Donegal region in the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020 flight simulator.

Virtual scenery in the evening in the Donegal region of the Republic of Ireland with MSFS 2020.

Leg 18 of the world tour will take place between Donegal Airport and the Isle of Man, using a Nardi FN-333 Riviera and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Click on the link for more flight simulator flights around the world on my blog.

Tags around the world in flight simulation, aviation, Barra, Britten Norman BN2A Trislander MK III, Donegal airport, EGPR, EIDL, flight simulation, flight simulator, Microsoft Flight Simulator, photos, planet exploration, Republic of Ireland, sand runway, virtual weather

Environment

A creative solution for a problematic tree!

Post author By Stanley
Post date 16 May 2025

The photo above is a good example of appropriate human behavior and an original way of avoiding the eternal fence squabbles between neighbors.

Why argue about a tree that’s too close to the property line? Two Quebec City neighbors decided to work together and trim the fence to facilitate the growth of a tree that has been growing over the years.

It’s a minimal effort that preserves good relations between neighbors while taking care of the environment. Intelligence is the ability to adapt!

Click on the link for more articles on environment in my blog.

Tags environment, human behavior, intelligence, photos, Quebec City

Photos of Quebec

Religion and astronomy are one and the same in Quebec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 2 May 2025

Full moon seen from the St-Michel church in Québec, 2023

Saint-Michel de Sillery church replaced the former Jesuit chapel built in Quebec City in 1644. The new building now stands on a headland with an exceptional view of the St. Lawrence River.

Passing through the church parking lot for a night photography session, I took advantage of the sculpture honoring the eight Canadian martyr saints to highlight the full moon.

One of the Jesuits made the task easy for me, as he was already pointing his finger skyward. All I had to do was wait for the right moment to link religion and astronomy. Social media have popularized this kind of technique in photography, but it’s still satisfying to get such a shot.

Click on the link for more summer photos of Quebec City and Île d’Orléans on my blog.

Tags full moon, night photography, photography technique, photos, Québec, religion, Saint-Michel de Sillery church

Environment Photos of Quebec

Sunset in a Berthier-sur-Mer flower

Post author By Stanley
Post date 26 April 2025

Flower in Berthier-sur-Mer, province of Québec

The day ends at Berthier-sur-Mer, in the province of Quebec. The last glimmers of the setting sunilluminate this magnificent flower directly. There are only a few specimens of its kind on the beach. The flower points directly towards the horizon and the St. Lawrence River. The weak rays of the sun replace a flash to illuminate the plant from within.

I took the photo using a Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM lens designed for macro photography.

Click on the link for tips on how to improve your flower and plant photos on my blog.

Tags Berthier-sur-Mer, flower photography, macrophotography, photos, Province of Quebec photos

Photos of Quebec

Old and new in Quebec City night shots.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 April 2025

Effect of inversion fog on architectural styles in Quebec City.

Photography theory

In March, a heat wave sweeps through Quebec City while there is still snow on the ground. The warm air floating above the snow favors the appearance of fog or mist in places. But if the wind picks up even a little, visibility will quickly improve.

For lovers of night photography, now is the time to get busy! I arrive on Grande-Allée just as the fog begins to lift. The scene presents several types of contrast. Visibility varies at different heights and in the presence of buildings with very different styles.

I position myself so that the old house is directly in front of the more modern building. By framing tightly, I eliminate all distractions. The light fog accentuates the impact of the tower’s numerous lights. This further enhances the chiaroscuro effect. One hour later, the fog has totally disappeared.

Click on the link for more photos of Quebec City and Île d’Orléans in Spring on my blog.

Tags chiaroscuro, fog, Grande Allée, night photography, photography theory, photos, Quebec City, Spring in Quebec City.

Photos du Québec Photos of Canada

White Birch Paper Company by night in Quebec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 4 April 2025

The photo above shows the White Birch Paper mill in Quebec City. I took the shot handheld with a Canon 5 dsr full-frame camera equipped with a Canon EF 85 mm f/1.2L II lens.

Here’s what artificial intelligence has to say about an industrial scene: “An industrial scene can evoke a variety of feelings, often linked to the urban environment and human activity. For some, it may inspire a feeling of power and dynamism, due to the energy and activity that prevail. Others may feel melancholy or nostalgic about the impact of industrialization on the environment and communities.

The textures, colors and shapes of industrial structures can also evoke a sense of strangeness or raw beauty. In short, the emotions that an industrial scene can generate depend largely on one’s own perspective.”

Photography theory

On the original RAW file, colors faded due to insufficient brightness, preventing the desired dramatic impact. Digital processing was the best solution to solve the problem.

I chose a single tone of steel blue to accentuate the effect of strangeness, prevent distractions of any kind and highlight the central tower, smoke columns and light contrasts around the installations.

To respect the age of the White Birch Paper buildings, I kept the digital grain fairly high. Polishing an image too much makes it look more modern, which I wanted to avoid.

Click on the link for more photos of Quebec City and Île d’Orléans in spring on my blog.

Tags artificial intelligence, Canon EF 85 mm f/1.2L II, digital processing in photography, émotions, environment, industrial installations, industrial scenery, night photography, photography theory, photos, Quebec City, White Birch Paper Company