All articles tagged ‘photos’

Project Naruto

  Frederick Linsmeyer • July 2, 2011 • Photography

Orochimaru's lair

Project Naruto is the first in what is to be a series of photographic adventures of various animated figures on trips around Vancouver and possibly beyond. I’ve been toying (no pun intended) with the idea for a while, thinking of having a 6 inch Naruto Uzumaki suspended from fishing wire from a branch and using some tricks to make it looks as if he was leaping through the trees. Instead, Naruto ended up being placed in a few poses during one of my frequent journeys through Stanley Park.

It turned out to be quite interesting once I moved out from the trails in the forest and then onto the sea wall and out to Canada Place. The forest seemed quite fitting considering that Naruto itself takes place within Konohagakure (The Village Hidden in the Leaves). The figure proved to be a challenge when placed in position and toppled over comically a few times while I adjusted myself to take the picture. I had bought Naruto a few months earlier on eBay, and he arrived without a stand — this made things a bit interesting since the feet are aren’t really designed to support the top of the character, thus requiring the use of the special stand. I encountered a few strange looks at Waterfront station from a group of tourists after Naruto capsized off the sign holder and onto the platform.

The next set will be, hopefully, featuring Sora from Kingdom Hearts II. I’ve already got a few thoughts of how I want these next pictures to turn out. I might have better luck with this set as the game Kingdom Hearts II utilizes a vast world — everything from the beach to a dystopian cityscape. Sora shouldn’t be too much of a pain, considering his shoes are much larger providing a little more stability when poised. That, and the Keyblade weapons can be removed from his hands, whereas Naruto’s kunai are permanently affixed.

All pictures from Project Naruto can be found in The Lab on Gallery.

Rocky beachFallen forestWaterfront station

Kotobukiya Mega Man

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 18, 2011 • The Otaku Culture

Kotobukiya Mega Man figureWhile this Mega Man figure has been on the market for a while, my local anime store, Sakura Media, never had it in stock – until this week. In a sea of heroic robots, this unit stands out really well, and is nicely detailed. In addition to being articulated, Mega Man comes with extras – including facial expressions, buster cannon and an energy tank. Personally, I’m more of a pre-assembled figure fan, but I can’t say no to classic Mega Man.

Setting aside a few hours, Mega Man slowly came to life. The directions were fairly clear and easy to understand, which is important when making a model. The only downside, and this is probably my fault because I’m not used to putting together these kits, was the annoying little plastic tabs from where the parts joined the mould frame. I used scissors to clip the part from the frame and then a sharp utility knife to remove the remaining tabs. The end result showed a bit of discolouration.

Kotobukiya Mega Man figure

It’s a really neat figure and comes with so many accessories to change the functionality, which will keep any collectors shelf safe from Dr. Wily. The price can vary between $40-$60 USD, although I paid $29.99 CAD thanks to a no tax sale. Don’t forget, the Blue Bomber’s sister Roll (purchased separately) too!

Anime Central 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • May 25, 2011 • Conventions

It’s hard to believe another weekend of partying in Rosemont is over. As usual, I had a blast at Anime Central, with this being my fourth year attending. However, this convention wasn’t without its ups and downs – some stuff that carries over from previous years, along with the new. Anime Central 2011 took place at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, just on the edge of Chicago. As always, photographs are available on Gallery. Read the rest of this article…

Photographing Anime Central 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • May 23, 2011 • Photography

Now that Anime Central has finished and everyone has headed home, it’s time to reminisce over all the colourful costumes and events. Of course, a recap of the entire convention will be available in the coming days. Until then, pictures!

Saiyuki's Goku Hungry Pit Vincent Valentine

Fighting Rin and Sesshomaru Cloud Strife

More photographs…

Sakura-Con 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • April 26, 2011 • Conventions

With another Sakura-Con behind us, it’s time to reflect and remember how many Japanese cartoons one can cram into a three day weekend. Quite a bit, actually. This time around, I selected a hotel closer to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, the Seattle Sheraton, primarily because it was really close (across the street) and had a slightly cheaper room rate. So here it is, my fourth Sakura-Con. Photos, as always, are available on Gallery. Read the rest of this article…

Sakura-Con 2011 in pictures

  Frederick Linsmeyer • April 25, 2011 • Photography

With my new Nikon D5000 in hand, Sakura-Con would be the first test to see how it held up at a convention. Overall, the camera worked amazingly well and the battery held up (along with my memory card). I just need to take pictures in a brighter light and adjust the flash in these scenarios for better shots. Until then, enjoy my collection of photographs from the Sakura-Con weekend on Gallery.

A review of the convention will be available in the next few days.

Dragon Ball ZGaaraMidna

Confusion?Majora's MaskSora

More photographs…

Walt Disney World

  Frederick Linsmeyer • March 30, 2011 • Travel

Walt Disney World is the largest amusement park/resort in the world, and I got to experience it first hand to see why. Although I was only there for two days, it was quite the adventure and I didn’t even get to see half of the attractions. This was the first trip I have ever made to a Disney park, so I had to take lots and lots of pictures. Read the rest of this article…

Naruto and Edward Elric figures

  Frederick Linsmeyer • February 17, 2011 • Photography, The Otaku Culture

As I’m still getting the hang of my camera, I took some test shots with my Naruto Uzumaki and Edward Elric figures outside. They’re a little large; click the link below to view the photos. Read the rest of this article…

Coal Harbour at night

  Frederick Linsmeyer • January 22, 2011 • Photography
Canada Place and Coal Harbour

Canada Place and Coal Harbour

I grabbed my camera and tripod this evening and decided to take myself up on an idea I had for a while: snap some photos of Vancouver at night from Stanley Park. I started on the seawall just off from the totem poles at Brockton Point where I encountered another photographer taking pictures. She had forgotten the clip for her tripod and asked if she could borrow mine. We ended up spending half an hour taking pictures before the weather decided to force us to pack up.

After driving along, and contemplating whether I should stop and take pictures of the illuminated Lions Gate Bridge, I decided to park at Prospect Point and try anyways. Upon making my way up to the overpass that crosses the approach to the bridge, I ran into the photographer before and we spent some more time clicking away. I tried taking some pictures from the viewing platform at Prospect Point to get a profile of the bridge, but the rain made it difficult, so rather than risk damaging my equipment I called it a night.

I’ll have to select an evening where it will be drier and perhaps a little warmer — might even try and get a shot of the Nine O’Clock Gun going off too.

Downtown CoreShaw Tower Downtown CorePassing vehicles over the Lions Gate Bridge

View the rest of the photographs.

Vancouver Christmas Market

  Frederick Linsmeyer • December 5, 2010 • Local
Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Christmas Market

Guten tag! A German tradition has finally arrived in Vancouver – the christmas market. With the weeks leading up to Christmas, all kinds of vendors set up stands to sell their wares and creations in a jolly environment.

The Vancouver Christmas Market aims to recreate that feeling, but in a watered down version. The traditional wooden huts are decorated with branches of pine, coloured balls and mini figures of Santa Claus and aren’t very large, but are overflowing with various goodies. It’s a very nice mix of central Europe with different foods, toys, ornaments, clothing and entertainment.

One of the larger tents held unique ornaments from Käthe Wohlfahrt. A variety of miniature wooden ornaments greets you as upon entering before being introduced to glass and other decorations made of wire or small gentle birds with real feathers. Larger wooden figurines stood at the end near the cash registers. I found it to be a little pricey, but there’s something in there for just about everyone.

Bratwurst with sauerkraut

Bratwurst with sauerkraut

Customary German fare is served up from bratwurst to stollen and even suckling pig. You can also purchase special ciders (with or without alcohol) that come in small blue ceramic mugs made just for the market for $8 ($4 if you return the mug). There are so many choices, you won’t leave feeling hungry.

For the young ones, there’s also a covered area where kids can go in and make their own crafts, but with a small price for each activity ($6 individually).

In the centre of the market is a festooned gazebo that acted as a stage for music and dance, with different displays each day. While I was there, a group dressed in traditional Croation garb were performing a folk dance.

The Vancouver Christmas Market is nestled in the plaza just outside of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the corner of Hamilton Street and Georgia Street. Admission if $5 for adults (13 years and up), but there are discounts during the week days. Bring cash, as admission and many of the vendors do not accept plastic. Come early on weekends or go during the week when it isn’t crowded to enjoy more of the market. The market is open until Christmas Eve.

Read the rest of this article…

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