by Wendy Wang (Age 14)
On the sunny morning of Saturday May 24th, Voice K attended Exposure, Canada's largest photo and video consumer show. For those who think this event was only for photography experts and nerds—you're wrong. Held at the International Centre in Mississauga, it was an incredible gathering of photographers, beginners and professionals alike. The event presented keynote speakers such as Chris Hadfield, shopping opportunities, hands-on labs, free seminars, contests, and even exotic animals!
Humans have remembered pictures before they could think in words, thus it is no surprise photography holds an important role in today's society. At Exposure, guests were invited to learn from experts, try out new cameras and browse the wide selection of innovative technology. Weaving through the maze of booths, we soon found ourselves standing under the bright logo of Nikon. Jeff Kirkpatrick, who works in Nikon's sales and marketing department, came over to show me a glimpse of the world's emerging camera technology.
When asked about his experience with photography, Kirkpatrick chuckled and replied that he doesn't consider himself as a great photographer, but a very good appreciator of photography, and a good critic. He explained that photo and video are completely different mediums, but each has its perks. He finds photography more artistic, since video doesn't provide as much control. Instead, it flows, constantly moving and changing.
"Photography preserves memories, records activities and shrinks the world to the point where people can see what's going on without necessarily having to go there," he said.
Thinking of getting a new camera? Heads up! Kirkpatrick gave us some valuable information regarding the type of camera to buy. First of all, think about: is photography going to be a hobby, or just a means to record events in your life? Next, consider size: if you're traveling, it's probably a good idea to have a compact and portable camera. Then again, some people do lug around tripods wherever they go. The idea is to find the camera best suited to your purpose, and to maximize the use of your camera.
We learned that the proper term for a camera that saves photos on a memory card is a DSLR: Digital single-lens reflex camera. SLR stands for Single-lens reflex, a type of camera that saves its photos on film. Nikon introduced a mirror-less camera as well, which is actually a new category of cameras. It is no doubt climbing the ladder of popularity, thanks to its unique features.
"It is very, very fast. It can take up to 20 frames per second, making it the world's fastest camera, which is great for sports photography!" Kirkpatrick stated as he showed us the device.
Without a doubt, photography is truly a hobby that grows with you. Think about it: what moments have you captured?
Keynote Speaker: Chris Hadfield
The renowned Canadian astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, Colonel Chris Hadfield, gave a hilarious and interesting keynote presentation on the topic of “Reflections from Space” on Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m. In his presentation, he shared some images from the 45,000 photos taken from the International Space Station.
Hadfield was introduced to the presentation by his music partner Ed Robertson, the lead singer in a band called “Barenaked Ladies.” Last year, they collaborated on a song called I.S.S (Is Somebody Singing). Hadfield made two music videos in space with his guitar, and is the first astronaut to make a music video by himself in space. No wonder Hadfield is a famous musician as well!
Hadfield said lots of funny things in his presentation. About every 3-4 minutes, the audience would laugh. Hadfield also included some photos and videos to show the audience what he saw in space and how the rocket launched. Some of the pictures were really surprising, like how in part of Rome, the water body looked like a heart. He also included some interesting facts about before the launch of his rocket. He showed us things from his childhood and what the first rocket he built looked like. It was made of cardboard and taped to hold it together.
In space, did you know that the sunny side goes up to +150°c? The dark side goes down to be -140°c! When the rocket is preparing for launch, it makes steam from the bottom. Then the thing the rocket is attached to is filled with nukes and stuff. When just one nuke explodes, the whole thing starts to fly. When the launch is occurring, it is very loud and creates a whole area of smoke.
Hadfield explained why the cameras in space die in 4 months. The lenses on the cameras can zoom in up to 400 miles. At night on earth, some cities look like a neon sign some stores or restaurants hang up on the front entrance saying something like “open.” Also, in space it is always night.
When the landing arrives, Hadfield would come in a little room that detaches from the rocket. The room is fire proof because when they are coming down, fire occurs at the bottom of the room when the speed is fast. Near the landing, a giant parachute pops out of the falling room to slow it down. When it lands, the door is opened by some people that help the landed astronauts. The astronauts would lay down onto a bed chair on wheels and are given an apple. Then later, the astronauts need to do their business to throw up. Also, the astronauts aren’t really able to keep easy balance on earth after being in space for a few months because their body got used to being in no gravity and floating. So there are some advantages and disadvantages of being an astronaut.
Do you want to become an astronaut?
Exotic Animals at the Exposure
Wow. That was all I could say. Wow. A few minutes before, I was gazing past the all of the presentations and booths to a small white fenced enclosure, surrounded by a mob of people. I quickened my steps, wanting to understand what had drawn everyone’s attention. As I approached the fence, I slowed my steps, finally understanding what was so exciting that it drew everyone’s attention. I was at the booth of "Exotic Animals."
I peered into the enclosure and was immediately fascinated by its contents. Kangaroos. There were two of them, bouncing around, nibbling at their keeper’s hands, looking for some hidden treat. One of them was bigger than the other, but both fairly small.
I saw that they weren’t alone; two chickens, one black and one white were strolling through proudly, as if they were in a marching band. They were the same size as ordinary chickens, but what caught my attention were their feathers that framed their faces and gave them a distinguished look. After some questioning, I learned they were Silkie chickens from China. Then a rodent-like creature, about the size of a medium-sized dog, caught my eye. It was sitting on a big cushion, staring at the people gathering around. I could tell by its bored eyes that it was used to people. It was the fourth largest rodent, the Capybara!
The keeper asked me if I wanted to go in and pet the animals. I said yes in a heartbeat. Pretty soon, I found myself scratching the kangaroos under their chins and tickling their ears. They loved trying to nip off my bracelets, which I found extremely amusing. I pet the Capybara and Silkie chickens a bit before I realized there was a sixth animal in the enclosure: a little rabbit with a small tuft of fur on its head. I gently reached forward with my hand and stroked it lightly—it was so soft! But it ended quickly when the kangaroo bounded over and scared the rabbit away. Meanwhile, my sister had also entered the enclosure and was stroking the kangaroos.
I turned my head and saw some exotic birds. I trotted over there and peered at the birds behind the line. The owl looked at me in a bored expression. And the macaw always shrieked at the onlookers.
I loved seeing all those animals, and I knew that there was a small chance that I could see them again.
In my opinion, ‘Exotic animals’ was a hit! I hope they come back next year!