Flickr Explore Update

Posted on May 19, 2012 by David

I still don’t quite understand the process of flickr explore but every so often a new photo makes the collection for some unknown reason. I can go for weeks without an explore, images I think are great never quite make it and then suddenly a wave of success.

I thought I would share my most recent 35 flickr explore images ranked by their current popularity. Don’t take the rank particularly seriously as the images at the end of the post were only posted to flickr in the last few days so haven’t really had a chance.

I thought I would include the camera the photos were captured on. The majority of the Canon 5DMKII Photos making explore are with the 50mm f1.4 lens.

You can click on an image to visit directly on flickr. All photographs were taken in Northern Ireland.

X-Pro1 Long Exposure

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Long Exposure {Explore}

I have written a tutorial on how this long exposure was captured on the X-Pro1. : How to capture long exposures on the X-Pro1.

County Down Beach (X-Pro1)

County Down Beach (X-Pro1) {Explore}

Horizon (X-Pro1)

Horizon (X-Pro1) {Explore}

Wet Leaves (X100)

Wet Leaves : Ends Badly (Explore 3 Dec 2011)

Despite owning the X-Pro1 I still really love the X100. You can view my most popular X100 photos here.

Belfast Crossing (X-Pro1)

Belfast Crossing {Explore}

If you like any of the photos in this post why not visit and like the FlixelPix Facebook Page to keep to date with the latest photo posts from this site.

St John’s Point (X-Pro1)

St John's Point Lighthouse {Explore}

You can view my first 25 photos taken with the X-Pro1 here. Please note these were taken with a preproduction model.

BMX in the Trees (5DMKII)

BMX above the trees {Explore}

Vintage Car (5DMKII)

Vintage Car

This photo was taken with my favourite Canon lens the 50mm F1.4. : In Praise of 50mm.

Enchanted Forest (5DMKII)

Enchanted Forest

I have literally no idea how this image made explore and is so popular. This is simply what trees look like here.

The Chase (5DMKII)

The Chase

This photo was taken on the way to the Even Gods Premier (well cast and crew premier anyway) on which I did stills photography.

Holywood Mono (X-Pro1)

Holywood Mono (X-Pro1) {Explore}

Fireworks (5DMKII)

Fireworks

Old Jetty (5DMKII)

Old Jetty

Castlewellan (5DMKII)

Castlewellan Lake before the rain (Explore)

You can view more photos from this trip to Castlewellan here.

Portrush Streets (5DMKII)

Portrush Streets

Dundrum Pano (X-Pro1)

Dundrum Panorama {Explore}

The X-Pro1 and X100 feature a brilliant panoramic feature. I have created a set dedicated to X100 Panoramas here.

Prawns X-Pro1

Prawns Macro (X-Pro1) {Explore}

Evening Light (5DMKII)

Evening Light (Explore)

Sundown (5DMKII)

Sundown

Stranded Boat (5DMKII)

Stranded Boat

Low Light (5DMKII)

Light

Watching the Storm (5DMKII)

Watching the Storm

Church (7D)

Church

Helina Anastimat (X100)

Helina Anastigmat {explore}

Water Fall Guinness Time (5DMKII)

Water Fall Guinness Time

The Arcade (5DMKII)

Arcade (Explore)

You can view more of the arcade long exposure photos on this post.

Mini Water Fall (5DMKII)

Mini Water Fall

The Shell Hunters (550D)

The Shell Hunter

Everyone a Winner (X-Pro1)

Everyone a winner {Explore}

Vintage Cine Camera (X100)

Vintage Cine camera {explore}

Railway Street (X-Pro1)

Railyway Street Presbyterian Church {explore}

Windows (5DMKII)

Windows

Duke Special (X-Pro1)

Duke Special Waterfront {Explore}

One of the many brilliant performers to herald from Northern Ireland Duke Special releases Oh Pioneer.

The Dust I Breath (5DMKII)

The dust I breath {Explore}

The brilliant Suprsetr is able to keep my flickr explore set up to date so visit flickr explore for the most up to date images.

Flickr Explore Update is a post from: FlixelPix Photography All content copyright FlixelPix. Photo reproduction strictly by written permission only.

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Iron Sky – Nazis from the dark side of the moon – one night only at the QFT!

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Alan in Belfast
If I told you that the QFT was screening a film this time next week about Nazis in space, you’d perhaps question whether seeing Morons from Outer Space as a child had affected my ability to distinguish good science fiction from flawed sci fi!

And if I added that the Finnish-German-Australian film took six years to produce and is only being released for a single day in UK cinemas – next Wednesday – you might also tilt your head to one side, raise an eyebrow and slow shake your head.

But for your delight and delectation, the Queens Film Theatre are screening Iron Sky at 9pm on Wednesday 23 May. It’s certain to become a comedy sci fi cult classic. And it’s probably* not quite as terrible as it sounds.
In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers. [They planned to return in 2018 to conquer Earth.]


When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Führer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected...
The US President in the film looks (and acts) a little like Sarah Palin …

As one reviewer on IMDB said:
The script is absolutely cheesy, the visual effects are astonishing, and the action is non-stop. There isn't much to say about the film besides the fact that it's a strange yet entertaining time at the movies and you're sure to not forget it because, even though some people will hate it and others will like it, the story is just so random you can't not remember it. Definitely one to check out for yourself, but just a heads-up for everyone; there's NOTHING realistic about the film. That's another reason why it's really fun.
Tickets still available from the QFT. See it on the big screen before it comes out on DVD and Blu-ray on 28 May!

* I’ll confirm the veracity of how terrible it is after I see it next week!
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Malachi O’Doherty – still in the saddle at sixty

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Alan in Belfast
I mentioned one of Malachi O’Doherty’s in conversation events on the blog last month. In his role as the BBC Louis MacNeice Writer in Residence at Queen’s University Belfast he had been interviewing Tom Rachman, author of The Imperfectionists.

Malachi is very well known in Northern Ireland as a journalist, author and commentator on social, cultural, religious and political goings-on.

As the chairs in the BBC studio were being stacked, I asked Malachi about what had attracted him to apply for this BBC funded post at the university. The answer: stability, continuity, as well as esteem.

listen to ‘@malodoherty speaking about his role as BBC Louis MacNeice Writer in Residence at QUB + new book’ on Audioboo


He has a remit to bring discussion of journalism into the university and the community, as well as contributing to the work of the English Department. The events have run alongside the emerging phone-hacking story and the subsequent Leveson inquiry that has raised the profile of issues around media ethics.

In the past 18 months or so he has run traditional book groups, formed a blog group and held public sessions at which he has interviewed local, national and international journalists and authors. Audio clips from many of the interviews are available on his blog: The Writer’s Log. http://writerslog.net/ Keep an eye on his Coming Events page for future interviews.

Aside from investigating journalism, Malachi is still writing. His latest book is due to be published by Blackstaff Press later this month: On My Own Two Wheels. And while he wasn’t sure his editor would let him away with the subtitle, looking at Amazon it seems that Back In The Saddle At 60 has stuck! Appropriately, the book’s being launched at Bikedock, 79-85 Ravenhill Road, Belfast at 6pm on Thursday 24 May.

(The interview was conducted in February.)

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HeatingSave Smart Home System Controls Heating From Your Phone

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Automated Home
HeatingSave is a new SmartEnergy System which claims to cut 20-35% off of your energy bills. The hardware and software setup allows sophisticated scheduling of your heating from its 'Diary' and gives you control of your system from any computer or mobile device (iOS and Android)...
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Sonos Dealers Sign NDA – Is This What’s Coming Next?

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Automated Home
It's almost seven years ago that we first tried the Sonos system and gave it our coveted 'Top Tech' award. Since then it's only grown in our affection and got more affordable too with the latest Play:3. We heard last month that Sonos are going to announce something new to their dealers in the next week or two. So what could it be? Here are some thoughts on what Sonos may have in store for us...
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iRidium Release New Version of KNX Home Automation Software

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Automated Home
The guys from iRidium have contacted us with the details on the latest release of their Home Automation software app...
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Duke Special : Oh Pioneer

Posted on May 13, 2012 by David

Duke Special is no stranger to the auditoriums of Northern Ireland and last night a packed Waterfront received a rare treat as Duke performed tracks from his upcoming ‘Oh Pioneer’ album accompanied by the amazing Ulster Orchestra. From start to finish Duke, the band and the orchestra excelled well beyond the audience’s expectations.

Duke Special X-Pro1

Peter’s live performances have a theatrical style inspired by music hall and Duke Special regular Chip Bailey was onstage with his usual phenomenal style of percussion and Stumpf fiddle.

As well songs from ‘Oh Pioneer’ the night also featured songs from ‘Under the Dark Cloth‘ an album inspired by the photography of Stieglitz, Steichen & Strand and a selection of songs by the great Ruby Murray.

Duke was joined on stage by Swedish support act Foreign Slippers for a breath taking performance of a final Ruby Murray track. Gabrielle Fröden has an absolutely amazing voice and the duet is well worth checking out. You can download a free Foreign Slippers EP over at Music Glue.


The new album ‘Oh Pioneer’ has an official release date of 18th June 2012.
You can download the single ‘Punch of a Friend’ (free) single and pre-order the album on the official Duke Special Website.

The Photographs

Photographing the event was a considerable challenge. There were strict rules on photography for the venue and as a result I had to photograph from a fixed position within the body of the audience. The aim was to be as subtle and unobtrusive as I could so I didn’t ignite a wave of camera phones and flashes.

I used both the Canon 5DMKII and the Fujifilm X-Pro1. I decided I would stick with the 18mm lens given my static position. Naturally the tighter shots are the 5D and the wider images are the X-Pro1. I tended to go between the Canon and the X-Pro1 but being locked in a set position meant the X-Pro1 photos tended to all look very similar.

About Duke Special

Duke Special is an artist aptly named. Dynamic, musically ambitious & bracingly eccentric, with his inimitable style and lush musicality. Hailing from Belfast with a sound that is self-confessed “hobo-chic”, Duke Special – AKA the endlessly inventive Peter Wilson – is once heard, never forgotten.

Blissfully at home in his own alluring genre of beautifully bruised romanticism, Duke Special inhabits a world unlike any other – a world filled with vaudeville- esque sensibility, sing-a-longs and addictive melodies.

His critically-acclaimed album ‘Songs From The Deep Forest’ achieved platinum status in Ireland and received plaudits across the board.

Duke Special is a fervent performer who harks back to a pre-rock ’n’ roll era, with dashes of Gershwin and orchestral swing, all tinged with a Northern Irish lilt and poetic lyrics that could feature in a modern-day fairytale; the perfect balance of old and new – boasting the appeal of a three-minute pop song with the incessant charm of an old-school music hall.

Links

The Duke Special Website
Duke Special on Twitter

Duke Special : Oh Pioneer is a post from: FlixelPix Photography All content copyright FlixelPix. Photo reproduction strictly by written permission only.

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Lisburn Mayor’s Parade 2012

Posted on May 12, 2012 by David

Lisburn hosted its 2012 Mayor’s Parade and Carnival today featuring an array of breathtaking carnival floats, hundreds of carnival performers and flamboyant dancers displaying a mixture of sport and culture themes igniting Lisburn’s streets. I wasn’t at all focused (excuse the pun) on taking photos.

The Mayor’s Parade is the largest free civic event hosted in the City. Lots of work go in to preparing floats, training children from around the city and managing the post parade carnival in Wallace Park. Click on a thumbnail to view large.

DSCF0259 DSCF0238 DSCF0241 DSCF0248 DSCF0259 DSCF0274 DSCF0277 DSCF0285 DSCF0289 DSCF0307 DSCF0314 DSCF0293

Just like the previous three years we were (un)fortunate enough to win three gold fish at the Carnival. Such living prizes are tears on a time delay trigger we just will them to live long enough to be forgotten.

I should apologise that the photos of this year’s event aren’t great, somedays it just doesn’t click and this was such a day. All photos taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and 18mm lens. Click to view previous parades : Lisburn Mayor’s Parade 2011, Lisburn Mayor’s Parade 2010.

Lisburn Mayor’s Parade 2012 is a post from: FlixelPix Photography All content copyright FlixelPix. Photo reproduction strictly by written permission only.

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CoderDojo – encouraging the next ZX Spectrum generation of programmers

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Alan in Belfast
Chris Taylor and Matt Johnston have been hosting a weekly technology podcast over on EamonnMallie.com since January. Last week, Chris spoke to Nichola Bates, one of the founders of CoderDojo Newry, a computer programming workshop aimed at children from as young as eight years old.



Dojo is a Japanese term that has been used to describe martial arts training centre. Practitioners from the local IT industry sign up as mentors and coach the children as they work through each session’s activities, stretching their understanding.

As well as looking at markup languages like HTML, the Newry CoderDojo also introduce MIT’s Scratch http://info.scratch.mit.edu/About_Scratch programming environment which allows newcomers to quickly develop animated games and pick up the creative buzz. Here's an example of a Scratch-powered version of Space Invaders written by a 10 year old at the CoderDojo Newry. (It had sound, but the video didn't capture it.)



The Newry organisers sum up their offering:

At Coder Dojo Newry our aim is to encourage kids to get into computing and to be really good at it! There are lots of jobs and start up opportunities for good programmers – and as far as we can see there always will be.


No prior programming experience is required – if you are honestly interested in computing come a long and try it out! Like all Dojo’s we try to make it relaxed, fun, cool and interesting.


No lectures or classroom approaches here – it’s 100% hands-on coding with the help of volunteer mentors to pass on their knowledge and keep you challenged!

As well as the well-established CoderDojo Newry and one that began today in Belfast MET, there are also large number of other Dojos already running across the island of Ireland.
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10 Pairs of Free Tickets for Grand Designs Live London

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Automated Home
Our friends at Brilliant Living have given us 10 pairs of tickets for Grand Designs Live at ExCel London to give away to Automated Home readers. Tickets normally cost £19 so each winner gets £38 of tickets free...
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