THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

HOW TO SET UP BACK BUTTON FOCUS ON A SONY FX30

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Here’s how to set up Back Button Focus (BBF) on your Sony FX30:

Decouple Focus from the Shutter Button

Menu: Go to the Camera 2 tab (Red Camera Icon) -> [AF2] -> [AF w/ shutter] -> Set to [Off]. This prevents the half-press of your shutter button from activating autofocus.

Assign AF to a Back Button

Menu: Navigate to the Gear Icon Tab -> [Operation Customize] -> [Movie Custom Key Setting]
Choose Your Button: The most common choice is [AEL Button], but you could also use [C5] or [C6] depending on your preference.
Set the Button: Select the button you want to use, scroll down to [AF On] and select it.

(Optional) Customize Your Focus Behavior

The FX30 offers several focus settings to tailor BBF to your liking:

AF Mode: Go to the Camera 2 tab -> [Focus Mode]. Choose the autofocus mode suitable for your shooting (for example, [Continuous AF] for moving subjects).
AF Area: Under [Focus Area], select your preferred area mode. Consider [Flexible Spot] or [Tracking] options for precise subject tracking with BBF.
Practice Time!

Now, to focus:

Press and hold your chosen back button.
Release the back button to lock focus.
Press the shutter button to take the picture.
Additional Tips

Focus Magnifier: Pair BBF with Focus Magnifier (assignable to another button) to zoom in for precise manual focus when needed.
Practice: BBF takes some getting used to, so practice in various scenarios to build muscle memory.

WHAT IS BACK BUTTON FOCUS?

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Traditionally, focusing and taking a picture is done with a half-press of the shutter button. Back-Button Focus separates these functions:

Focusing: You assign a button on the back of your camera (often the AF-ON button) to activate the autofocus system.

Taking the Picture: The shutter button now only handles the job of releasing the shutter.
Why Use Back-Button Focus?

Here’s why many photographers shift to BBF, especially in action or dynamic situations:

Greater Control: You decide exactly when to focus and when to release the shutter. This prevents the camera from constantly refocusing as you might slightly move or recompose a shot.
Improved Accuracy with Moving Subjects: With continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon, AF-C on Nikon/Sony), you hold down the back button to track a moving subject while only taking pictures with the shutter button when you want. This reduces missed shots due to focus problems.
Focus and Recompose Freedom: Focus on your desired point, then freely recompose your image without the camera trying to refocus on whatever is now under the central focus point. This is especially handy for portraits or off-center compositions.
Avoid Accidental Refocusing: Imagine branches in front of your bird subject. Traditionally, the camera might grab focus on the branches. With BBF, you focus on the bird, release the back button (focus is locked), and shoot away, even as branches pass in front.
Considerations

Practice Needed: Like any change, BBF takes time to master. You’ll need to retrain your muscle memory.
Not for Everyone: If you mainly shoot static landscapes or controlled situations, traditional focusing might be perfectly fine.
How to Set Up BBF:

The exact process varies between camera brands, but the general idea is to find the settings that allow you to:

Separate autofocus from the shutter button.
Assign it to your chosen back button (often AF-ON).

THE UPPER LIFFEY STREET PLAZA

March 12, 2024 by infomatique

MORE OR LESS COMPLETE – 12 MARCH 2024

THE UPPER LIFFEY STREET PLAZA [MORE OR LESS COMPLETE – 12 MARCH 2024]

History of Upper Liffey Street

Medieval Origins: Liffey Street traces its roots back to Dublin’s medieval period. It formed a significant route connecting the city centre to the River Liffey’s quays, a bustling hub of trade and commerce.

Commercial Importance: Over centuries, Liffey Street evolved into a major commercial thoroughfare. It was lined with shops, warehouses, and businesses catering to the city’s growing population.

Architectural Variety: The architecture along both sections of Liffey Street presents a mix of styles. You can find Georgian buildings, Victorian structures, and more modern additions, reflecting the street’s changing face through the ages.

Upper Liffey Street Redevelopment, which was announced in January 2023 and has now been, more-or-less, been completed.

Project Overview:
Objective: To enhance the pedestrian experience and create a more vibrant urban environment.
Cost: Approximately €6.5 million.
Timeline: Construction began in January 2023 and has recently been completed.

Key Features:
Pedestrian Plaza: A new pedestrian plaza was developed beside the iconic Ha’penny Bridge on Liffey Street. This is a bit misleading as it is Lower Liffey Street that is closet to the bridge. [I suspect that the source of the information did not realise that “lower” means closer to the river and “upper means further from the river]

Upgraded Environment:
Liffey Street Upper [the Plaza] : Closed to traffic, this section now features benches, bicycle stands, and trees.
Liffey Street Lower: Upgraded to create a more “pedestrian-friendly” environment. Currently, Liffey Street Lower is open to southbound traffic from Abbey Street to the quays. According to some reports the final configuration will mean that traffic on Abbey Street, including cars exiting the Arnotts car park, will no longer be able to access the quays via Liffey Street Lower.
Instead, vehicles will need to turn right onto Strand Street and continue to Capel Street to reach the quays at Grattan Bridge. [Getting accurate information that I can verify has been impossible]

Completion Date:

The project was to be completed by the end of the year following its commencement in January 2023. It would appear that is not yet fully complete and this is especially true for lower Liffey street.

Pedestrian access was maintained during the construction period.

Background:

The idea for a Northside plaza emerged after the refusal of the College Green plaza project by An Bord Pleanála in 2018.
Unlike the College Green scheme, the Liffey Street project was progressed through Dublin City Council’s internal planning process.
The plans underwent public consultation and were approved by city councillors in September 2019.
Although initially scheduled for mid-2020 completion, work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This revitalised space now offers Dubliners and visitors a pleasant area to stroll, rest, and enjoy the cityscape.

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NAMED AFTER JOHN FANE THE 10th EARL OF WESTMORELAND

March 11, 2024 by infomatique

WESTMORELAND STREET IN DUBLIN

Westmoreland Street: A Historical Overview

Importance: Westmoreland Street is a significant thoroughfare in Dublin, connecting O’Connell Bridge to College Green.
Naming Origin: The street is named after John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1789 to 1794.
Wide Streets Commission: Westmoreland Street was one of the last streets laid out by the Wide Streets Commission. The original plans were set out in 1792 by architect Henry Aaron Baker and accepted in 1799.

The Westin Hotel and Name Change

The Westin Hotel, located on Westmoreland Street, initially planned to change its name to The Westmoreland.
Slavery Link: However, it was pointed out that the proposed new name was associated with John Fane, who defended slavery in the House of Lords in 1799.
New Name: The hotel has since confirmed that it will instead change its name to The College Green Hotel.
Renovations: The Westin Hotel recently underwent renovations following a multi-million euro buyout.

Luas Tram Stop and Direction

Luas Stop: The Westmoreland Luas stop is part of the Luas Green Line (northbound only).
Route: The Green Line connects with the Red Line and runs between Broombridge or Parnell in North Dublin and Brides Glen in Dublin.

Safety: The area around Westmoreland Street is generally safe, but like any urban location, it’s advisable to exercise caution, especially at night.

THE ROYAL CANAL WALK LINEAR PARK

March 11, 2024 by infomatique

FEATURING A 1916 EASTER RISING MEMORIAL

Tucked away just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Blessington Street Basin in Dublin lies a quiet linear park. This green strip runs alongside the picturesque Royal Canal Walk, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. At the park’s edge stands a poignant reminder of history: a memorial dedicated to the 1916 Easter Rising.

The park itself has a fascinating past. Once an industrial area, it housed portions of the Broadstone railway line that served Dublin’s docks and industries. Following the line’s closure, the space was gradually transformed into the linear park that exists today, providing a pleasant green corridor for walkers, joggers, and those seeking a moment of quiet reflection.

The 1916 war memorial, unveiled in 1950, pays homage to the local men who fought and lost their lives in the Easter Rising, a pivotal event in Ireland’s struggle for independence. The simple yet solemn memorial features an inscription in both Irish and English, honouring the bravery of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Sadly, the memorial fell into a state of disrepair over the years. Weathering and neglect took their toll on its appearance. However, recent efforts have breathed new life into the monument. Restoration work meticulously cleaned and repaired the stonework, ensuring the memory of these local heroes is preserved and respected.

The linear park and its 1916 memorial stand as a testament to the area’s rich and multifaceted history. It’s a place where the past, present, and future intersect – industrial heritage gives way to green space, and a solemn reminder of sacrifice urges visitors to reflect on those who shaped Ireland’s destiny.