135.0mm 1/60 f/5.6 ISO 100
In Hawaii, we have many different cultures, that amazingly live in harmony; so I like to take advantage of the several festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Although the Chinese New Year officially begins January 26, 2009, on January 24, 2009 Chinatown was celebrating the Chinese New Year; which by-the-way is the year of the Ox.
I grabbed my backpack and my wife in that order and headed to Chinatown. If you read my very first blog "Photographing Parades" I suggest scouting the area prior to the event taking place. But this was rather spontaneous. Because I live and work in Honolulu I am very familiar with the area; so it wasn't necessary for me to do this.
I quickly found a location that would be advantageous for me and immediately I began to prepare for the parade. I usually find a spot in front of the crowd, and get low because, most people are standing and photographing.
In the short time I had to prepare I was checking the lighting, because in the late afternoon when the parade was being held the buildings block the sun. Also on this particular day it was cloudy. As a practice I normally leave the polarizing filter on the lens I was using. However, after a photographing session I find I need to compensate 1 maybe 2 F/stops.
Although I know better, sometimes I tend to get too hasty and want to get right to work; and make the necessary adjustments after I download my photographs. Leaving the filter on or not using a tripod/monopod, generally results in low quality photographs in low light situations. For whatever reason, I decided to remove my polarizing filter this time and I was quite pleased with the results.
Most of my shots, the shutter speed was 80, and below. Anything less than 100 you either need a tripod/monopod, a lens with a stabilizer, or a very steady hand. Had I failed to remove the polarizing filter I believe many of my shots would have been blurred because it's very difficult to use a tripod/monopod when things are constantly moving. Even though I was using a Canon 28-135mm with an image stabilizer the results I believe would have been less than desirable.
From this experience I learned, follow your instincts, don't be hasty, and always put yourself in a position to get the best shot possible; even if it requires you to do a little extra work it's well worth the effort.
As always may all your photographs be what you want and if you have any comments or suggestions please submit them. You may also visit my website at www.dannylbaker.com
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