Sunday, January 21, 2007

The Power of Probability

An article published at Live Science defends the idea that it is possible that two snowflakes are alike. At least if you believe in probability.

The article says that it is possible to have two snowflakes alike, but with very low probability. Moreover, it totally depends on the way similarity is defined ( number of crystals and shape, for example).

So, be aware when you use the setence "no two snowflakes are alike".

For those who like macro photography, the pictures are very nice.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Zenit 12XP

A bit of photography now.

As a result of a complex conjunction events, I decided to use my first reflex camera again for a couple of weeks.

It might sound odd, but there is a kind of unique experience on handling a totally mechanic camera as opposed to a modern one (film or digital). From the film loading process, which is more like a ritual than a technical process, to the feeling-based exposure settings.

I've got very nice experimental results with this came in low light conditions. However, what impressed more was color saturation levels I got in a set of pictures.

There was an expedition where I took the same pictures with the Zenit 12XP and an EOS 300 (EOS Rebel in USA) with the same negative film, developed at the same place.

I was planning a set of photographs of urban landscapes with snow. Unfortunately, the shutter mechanism presented some problems in the first frames of a film last weekend. Incredible sunset light tones illuminating the buildings on my neighborhood, but the camera asked for a retirement.

Great times we had together!