Adam Szuly Photography

Time to move

2016-01-16T14:13:00.001+01:00

Blogger has bee a great host but it’s time to consolidate. The blog is alive, more alive than ever, but from now on it is maintained on my official portfolio page.

Ready, steady? Go!

Autumn afternoons

2015-11-18T21:41:00.001+01:00

I’ve shot a series about Anna, a professional dancer back in 2012 to try out the 60 mm high aperture macro lens I bought at the time. The lens is not primarily for portraits because you have to compose relatively far from the subject (it’s equal to a 90 mm full frame lens approx.), yet I liked the project as it gave me the opportunity to photograph exclusively a living human being for an afternoon. The results though I wasn’t very happy with. The shots seemed artificial, lacking “life-likeliness” (if there is such a thing…), the client, who I took them for, didn’t like them as Anna was often holding a coffee mug and that, apparently was not suitable for her health food blog, where she was looking for shots about relaxation. I therefore put the whole set to the drawer and didn’t look at them again until after a few weeks ago, when I’ve applied to several model agency web sites. And now, after three years I like the whole set much better, I even selected a few to showcase on my official portfolio site. The shots seem much more natural, shows the Anna was a great model, patient and very cooperative. Time heals the wounds and as you get detached of the original story of the shooting, you often find the beauty in photos you once ignored.

Oh yes, and I’ve installed a cool new feature to the blog, check it out! If you hover your mouse over the image, the original, out-of-camera shot appears. A bit of an insight of what editing is done on a picture before publishing.

Camera	Nikon D70s
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	0.00 eV
Focal Length	60mm (09mm)
Lens	Tamron 60mm f/2 macro
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/125
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Sail Amsterdam

2015-09-04T00:42:00.001+02:00

2.3 million people visited this year’s event and it is hard to describe the enthusiasm of visitors at the biggest public event of the Netherlands, at the same time the biggest international public nautical event around the globe. This is the crew of the Russian tall ship MIR, enjoying the performance of a Dutch senior music group at the traditional parade of the participating ship crews. Due to some technical difficulties at the front, we all had the chance to see the full show of all the participants, that otherwise we’d only see while they walk. The event had a once in five years great weather, I hope we’ll have the same 5 years from now, and that I’m here to see it.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/4.8
Exposure Bias	-0.67 eV
Focal Length	38mm (57mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	1/1250
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Gay for a day

2015-08-06T23:09:00.001+02:00

Once again Amsterdam is the center of the #gay world with its amazing boat parade, this year the 20th time on the #Amsterdam canals. I was originally invited to a boat, not a cruising one but one that was docked nearly at the end of the #parade. After roaming around for hours, looking at beautiful people in fancy boats, I’ve finally got to the spot and realised that it was impossible to get onto any boat, docked or not, didn’t matter. I’ve stayed on land and was trying to get an acceptable spot to view the finish. You can see that even after 5 hours of cruising, these party people are still full of stamina, not unlike the crowd, including me.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/5.3
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	120mm (180mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/640
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Balaton Sunset 2015

2015-07-19T19:00:00.000+02:00

Hungary’s Balaton lake, the biggest lake in Central Europe has it’s own microclimate and it’s own atmosphere. In Hungary, being a land locked country, many of us grew up longing for the summer holiday at the lake, where everything was possible. Still now, it’s a paradise for kids and for photographers.

Camera	Nikon D70
Aperture	f/8
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	105mm (157mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S 18-105 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	1/500
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Art Zuid

2015-07-12T19:00:00.000+02:00

If you are in #Amsterdam this summer, don’t forget to visit #ArtZuid, the famous open air art exhibition south of the equally famous #Vondelpark. You can see some nice art there, like this Hercules by #MarkusLüpertz.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/22
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	100
Shutter Speed	1/60
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

#Hamburg

2015-07-04T20:07:00.001+02:00

I only took my 35 mm portrait lens to the 4 day long weekend to make life easier, I was expecting long walks, certainly not as much rain as I finally got, but something similar to Amsterdam. The charm of the north combined with the life of the south. Well, I could’ve seen more of the life but the charm is there.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/3.2
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/160
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

King’s Day 2015

2015-05-10T12:21:00.001+02:00

An open air #hairdresser on Amsterdam’s #Prinsengracht canal, at the time of the usual celebration at #KingsDay (formerly Queen’s day, the gender change happened last year).

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/3.2
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/640
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Anniversary spring post

2015-04-25T16:18:00.001+02:00

Been three years since I’ve started this #photoblog, and while I was planning to post much more often at the time I started it than I actually did in these years, I didn’t lose my appetite and planning to maintain it for the next three years too. :) For this nice anniversary, here is a shot I’ve done last year the exact same time (around #Kingsday in #Amsterdam). It’s all about #spring and how this city maintains it’s green spaces regardless of the lack of sunshine it gets compared to southern cities. Still amazes me after all these years.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.2
Exposure Bias	0.0 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	1/800
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

It’s pillow fight day again

2015-04-11T19:29:00.001+02:00

The traditional bonanza of the Amsterdam pillow fight day was here again on the 4th of April, if you missed it, make sure you prepare your pillows for next year. When it comes to photography, it’s quite a perfect setting. Lots of people, action, no need to ask for permissions. Just make sure you are as close as you can! #amsterdam #pillowfight #citylife

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	1/1250
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

The last winter shot, promise

2015-03-16T23:30:00.001+01:00

Winter is almost over in #Amsterdam, it’s good to think back the best moments before spring takes over and we all forget about the cold days. This one is still from the Amsterdam Lights Festival, the art piece is called #Effervescence. It’s also a #HDR shot, a beautiful technique that I rarely use but should do it more often.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/16
Exposure Bias	HDR
Focal Length	18mm (27mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	5s, 25s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Abandoned house

2015-02-27T11:08:00.001+01:00

I don’t think there is a photographer that is not attracted to #abandoned places. Dusty corridors of once magnificent buildings full of life, factory halls closed from one day to another, industrial complexes and public buildings abandoned, they are all symbols of #urbandecay, something inspiring, something other than usual. #brussels

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/7.1
Exposure Bias	-0.67 eV
Focal Length	62mm (93mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	800
Shutter Speed	1/30s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Waiting for good weather

2015-02-06T21:21:00.001+01:00

Northern countries value good weather much more than southern ones, where is it more common. At Amsterdam’s Artis Zoo, the restaurant leaves furniture outside even in the worst winter weather, in case there are some sunny hours in the coming days. #amsterdam #artis #longexposure #nightshot

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/10
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	62mm (93mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	10s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro

Veronika

2015-01-30T13:59:00.000+01:00

Veronika is preparing Suzy, the horse to their exam at the Amsterdamse Manege. While I really like photographing kids, as they are less shy and more cheerful, low light conditions can make the shooting difficult. Moving slowly or standing still is not their forte, you need patience and persistence to catch the best moments. #amsterdam #portrait #indoors

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	2000
Shutter Speed	1/20s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Amsterdam Winter Nights

2015-01-17T19:40:00.000+01:00

The Amsterdam Lights Festival was organised 2 years ago the 1st time and it seems it became a regular event for the cold, windy and humid Amsterdam winter nights. This year the weather is exceptionally windy with gusts over 50 km/h, making the photographer's job tougher when walking, as well as when shooting. I usually only carry a travel tripod that is relatively light and durable, but of course it is more prone to be blown away by the wind. This was a good excuse to try HDR, a digital technology that blends several shots of the same subject into one, hopefully taking the best out of all.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/16
Exposure Bias	-1.33 eV, +1.33 eV (HDR)
Focal Length	18mm (27mm)
Lens	Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	2s, 25 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

The wind of Holland

2014-12-28T22:57:00.000+01:00

I've always wanted to try long exposure under daylight, to capture the clouds moving above a static landscape. For this you need overcast weather with relatively strong wind (otherwise the bastard clouds don't move...), as well as a neutral density (ND) filter, to darken the pupil of the lens, thus make you capable of shooting long exposure. At this shot at the Nieuwe Meer I had to hold the tripod with my hands to keep it steady, as the wind was so strong. I was in the south west of Amsterdam, close to Schiphol (the Airport) in a pretty remote area that is not visited in winter times other than locals and runners. Beautiful but harsh surroundings.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/22
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	28mm (42mm)
Lens	Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	25 s (with ND filter)
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Urban Christmas

2014-12-21T22:38:00.000+01:00

This is how Christmas is approaching Amsterdam in 2013. Yes, I've shot this last year in the 9 streets but never have published it before. It was, just like now the time of the Light Festival and however there is nothing in relation to the festival on this photo, i was roaming around town in gloves to capture the pieces of the festival, so it still has some relation to it. I was always amazed by nature photographers being able to spend entire nights in the wilderness only to capture animals, with these walks i pay tribute to all the serious photographers who are willing to freeze their butts for the profession. :) Merry Christmas everyone, check out the blog during the break, I will have new stuff! #Amsterdamwinter #9straatjes #christmas #longexposure

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/13
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	14mm (21mm)
Lens	Sigma 10-20 mm f/4.0-5.6
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	10 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Vroem-vroem

2014-12-13T22:32:00.001+01:00

Holland in general but Amsterdam especially is full of people with unusual hobbies. Just by walking around in the city, you bump into demonstrations, street performances or - as in this case - retro-scooter (Velosolex) lovers. The only thing you need is your camera standing by.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.2
Exposure Bias	-0.67 eV
Focal Length	170mm (255mm)
Lens	Nikkor 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/40 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Halloween Special

2014-11-02T22:50:00.000+01:00

Halloween is a photographer bonanza in Amsterdam. People here like to dress up and they put a lot of emphasis on the outfit (much less on the performance...). I usually don't carry my camera around as I have a tendency to drink heavily on this holiday, but this time I took an exception and it was worth it. Since it is mostly people and costumes you photograph and mainly under artificial light, there is not much equipment you need apart from portrait lens with high aperture. And steady hands... #halloween #amsterdam #partyphoto

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.2
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikon Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8
ISO	1600
Shutter Speed	1/30 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

De Kiss Moves Rehearsal

2014-10-13T00:34:00.000+02:00

Photographing dance is a difficult challenge. People are all over the place, moving fast under a lot of times poor lighting conditions. Apart from the usual drill of adapting to the circumstances of the environment, you also have to get familiar with the choreography, so that you more or less know when things are happening and when dancers are at a certain spot. The good thing is, that most of these artists are used to being photographed, so with a little luck and a lot of work, dance is a grateful subject to shoot. Oh yes, one other thing. It’s worth to have a high aperture zoom lens and a good camera body that can operate well under low light. I don’t have the first and the D90 is definitely not strong in the latter, so I had to change lens all the time and reduce noise in post production. The point is, don’t be a snob, be a photographer instead!

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	60mm (90mm)
Lens	Tamron DI2 SP 60 f/2
ISO	1000
Shutter Speed	1/200 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Indian Summer

2014-10-09T23:12:00.000+02:00

And the last summer shots in Amsterdam, this time from the Open Days at the Spiegel quarter. While checking antiques shops at a lazy Sunday afternoon, you easily bump into street musicians, entertaining the crowd under the mild rays of the autumn sun. Let's get closer!

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	800
Shutter Speed	1/4000 s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Amsterdam Summer nights

2014-09-08T21:57:00.000+02:00

Nothing is comparable to Amsterdam in the summer, when the weather is good. Beyond the dense downtown areas it takes only a few minutes to get to the native part of town with its hidden treasures. Walking down the narrow streets of the Jordaan gives you the feeling that there is no better place to live.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/22
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	42mm (63mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	20s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Balaton Summer

2014-08-01T00:32:00.000+02:00

Central Europe's biggest lake, the Balaton is the perfect family spot for the summer. The lake is shallow, summers are usually long and hot, prices are affordable. I've spent many many summers at the lake and even today, when I think about going back, sweet memories warm my heart. I remember being there as a kid, there is nothing like it, it's one huge playground where everything is possible. Now as a photographer, I have an easy job, as today's kids are just like we were. Free and happy. The best models, as long as you are close enough, as Robert Capa said.

Camera	Nikon D70
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.67 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	200
Shutter Speed	1/5000s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

Ivan

2014-07-14T23:41:00.000+02:00

Photographing these little guys is super easy, as long as they are asleep...
In any case, stay close to them, use high aperture and try to find a theme for the shot.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/2.5
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	35mm (52mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 35 f/1.8
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/640s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

#portrait #szulyphoto #kids

Spring in Amsterdam

2014-06-04T23:35:00.000+02:00

Spring has finally come to Amsterdam, the city I live in. While I've published 8 different photos to my facebook page, I've try to keep my tradition of only posting one picture to the blog at a time. This one is somehow closer to my heart than the rest, as the day I've shot it was a very dark and rainy day with only short periods of sunshine. It was 12.20 PM on my watch when I took this shot, with the sun high in the sky, fighting its rays through the fast moving, massive clouds. I like this shot not only because of the clouds that decorate the sky but also because of the green belt of trees and the rapid boat that was just at the right place at the right time.

Camera	Nikon D90
Aperture	f/8
Exposure Bias	-0.33 eV
Focal Length	18mm (27mm)
Lens	Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6
ISO	400
Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Post Processing	ACDSee Pro 6.3

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