False Bay Tourist and Street Photography

Tourist and Street Photography at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

Kalk Bay Harbour with Fishing Boats (in False Bay)

Family Celebration around False Bay 

An eventful family celebration took us through the picturesque Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town along the False Bay coastline. The crisp morning light and blue sky presented a few vivid opportunities for remembering a special day in splendour and grace.

Photographed by tourists at large, we (many of us as locals), have these vibrant towns with its rich local and international histories quite close to our doorstep.

Street Art and Craft Images at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town with Personal Permission from Each.

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography

"Vernon Chalmers has captured some stunning photographs in both Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, showcasing the unique charm and beauty of these coastal areas. His work often includes street photography, landscapes, and local wildlife, highlighting the vibrant culture and scenic views.

• In Kalk Bay, Chalmers has photographed the bustling harbour, colourful fishing boats, and the lively street scenes filled with local crafts and art. The picturesque town and mountain landmarks provide a beautiful backdrop for his images.

• In Simon’s Town, his photography features notable landmarks such as Jubilee Square, with its views of False Bay, and the famous statue of “Just Nuisance,” the only dog to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. His images often capture the essence of the town’s rich history and natural beauty.

• Chalmers uses a variety of Canon cameras and lenses to achieve his stunning shots, often employing techniques like aperture priority mode and post-processing with Adobe Lightroom." (Source: Microsoft)

More About Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

"Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town are two charming coastal towns located on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town. Here’s a bit about each:

Kalk Bay

• History & Culture: Kalk Bay is known for its rich history and bohemian vibe. Originally a lime-producing area (hence the name “Kalk,” which means lime in Dutch), it later became a whaling station and fishing village 1. Today, it’s a trendy spot filled with artists, musicians, and great restaurants 1.

• Activities: You can enjoy fresh seafood at the harbour, explore quirky shops, and visit the Kalk Bay Theatre. The area is also great for whale watching during the season 1.

• Scenery: The village offers stunning views of False Bay and has a picturesque harbour where you can watch the local fishermen at work 1.

Simon’s Town

• Naval Heritage: Simon’s Town is home to South Africa’s primary naval base and has a rich maritime history 2. The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.

• Boulders Beach: One of the main attractions here is Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins 2. It’s a great spot for swimming and getting up close with these charming birds.

• Historic Sites: The town is filled with historic buildings and museums, including the Simon’s Town Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum 2.

Both towns are connected by a scenic train route that runs along the coastline, offering breath taking views of the ocean 2." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay, Cape Town Photography

Kalk Bay Harbour with Simon's Town in the False Bay Background

Kalk Bay Town and Mountain Landmark

Very Inviting Pavement Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay

Hats For Sale : Street Market Photography, Kalk Bay

Creative South African Flags and other Craft : Kalk Bay

Hotchpotch Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay

Creative Proteas and Arum Lily Flower Craft : Kalk Bay

Creative and Vivid Authentic African Art : Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town African Art art and Craft Traders

"Kalk Bay

• Kalk Bay is known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic community. The area is filled with informal skilled crafters, textiles galleries and shops where you can find a variety of contemporary South African art, handcrafted jewelry, and unique décor items. The Kalk Bay Modern gallery is particularly notable for its extensive collection of contemporary art 1 2.

Simon’s Town

• Simon’s Town, especially around Boulders Beach, hosts an African Art & Craft Market. This market features a wide range of African textiles, crafts, and artworks. It’s a great place to find colorful and creative pieces, often sold directly by the artists themselves 3 4.

Both locations offer a rich cultural experience and are perfect for anyone interested in exploring local art and supporting African artisans." (Microsoft Copilot)

Vernon Chalmers Simon’s Town, Cape Town Photography

Simon's Town St. George's Street : Street Photography

False Bay View : From Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Able Seaman Just Nuisance Royal Navy Dog : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Creative Ostrich Egg Art and Craft : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Hoopoe Bird Creative Craft : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Various Creative Crafts : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Colourful St. George's Street Photography : Off Main Road, Simon's Town

Creative Craft Statues : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

The Story of Able Seaman Just Nuisance (Only Enlisted Royal Navy Dog)

Just Nuisance was a remarkable Great Dane and the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, Cape Town, he became a beloved figure among sailors in Simon’s Town, South Africa1 2.

• Just Nuisance’s story began when he followed sailors around the naval base and even onto trains, often causing a bit of a “nuisance” by blocking gangplanks and train aisles. His frequent train travels without a ticket led to complaints from railway officials 1 2.

• To solve this, the Royal Navy enlisted him on August 25, 1939, giving him the rank of Able Seaman, which entitled him to free rail travel. He was known for his friendly nature, often escorting sailors back to their ships and participating in various morale-boosting activities 1 2.

Just Nuisance served until 1944, when he was discharged due to health issues. He passed away on April 1, 1944, and was buried with full military honours in Simon’s Town 1 2. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Camera / Lens for Kalk Bay and Simon's Town Photography

• Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/4 - f/11)
• Auto-ISO (100 - 400)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• Image Stabilisation On
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments / RAW to JPEG conversion

African Art & Craft Market - Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

Canon Photography Quick Walkabout Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Landscape Photography Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Using Auto ISO on Canon EOS R Cameras

Canon EOS R Camera Auto ISO Options

Canon EOS R 6 Camera : Image Canon USA

Using Auto ISO on Modern EOS R Cameras

"Using Auto ISO on modern Canon EOS R cameras can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in dynamic lighting conditions.

Here are some tips and features to help you make the most of Auto ISO on these cameras:

Setting Up Auto ISO

1. Accessing Auto ISO:

• On most EOS R cameras, you can set Auto ISO by pressing the ISO button and rotating the main dial until you see “Auto” displayed 1.

• Alternatively, you can use the Quick Control screen or the M.Fn button to access ISO settings 1.

2. Customizing ISO Range:

• You can set the minimum and maximum ISO values to control the range within which the camera can adjust the ISO. This helps manage noise levels in your images 2.

• For example, on the EOS R5, the default range is ISO 100 to ISO 12,800, but you can adjust this based on your preferences 2.

3. Minimum Shutter Speed:

• In Aperture Priority (Av) or Program (P) modes, you can set a minimum shutter speed to ensure that the camera doesn’t select a shutter speed too slow for handheld shooting 2.

• This is particularly useful for preventing camera shake and ensuring sharp images.

4. Using Auto ISO in Manual Mode:

• Manual Mode Flexibility: In Manual mode, you can set your desired aperture and shutter speed, and let the camera automatically adjust the ISO to achieve the correct exposure 1.

• This is ideal for situations where you want to control depth of field and motion blur while allowing the camera to handle exposure.

5. Exposure Compensation:

• Even in Manual mode with Auto ISO, you can use exposure compensation to adjust the exposure to your liking. This is useful in high-contrast scenes or when you want to slightly overexpose or underexpose your shots 1.

6. Practical Tips Monitor ISO Values:

• Keep an eye on the ISO values your camera selects. If you notice the ISO frequently hitting the maximum limit, consider adjusting your aperture or shutter speed to compensate 2.

7. Use Exposure Compensation:

• When shooting in challenging lighting conditions, use exposure compensation to fine-tune the exposure 1.

8. Combine with Priority Modes:

• Auto ISO works well with both Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes. Choose the mode based on what aspect of the exposure triangle you want to control manually 2.

• Auto ISO can greatly simplify your workflow and help you capture well-exposed images in a variety of conditions." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Affordable Canon EF 400mm Lens for Birds in Flight

Affordable Canon EF 400mm Lens for Birds in Flight Photography

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens (No Zoom and No IS)

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens

'Super Fast Autofocus on Canon EOS 7D Mark II'
I was recently asked for my opinion on an affordable, light and reasonably sharp 300mm or 400mm prime lens (for Birds in Flight and some wildlife photography) by one of my Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town workshop delegates.

The workshop delegate is a Nikon D500 user / photographer and although I could not comment directly towards her requirement for a Nikon 300mm or 400mm prime lens I shared with her my own Canon EF 300mm / EF 400mm prime lens decision-making process (from a few years ago).

My response (edited for the website with more content and context for assisting other / new Canon Birds in Flight photographers as well).

I use the Canon EF 400mm f./5.6L USM lens for my Birds in Flight photography at Woodbridge Island Cape Town. A cost-effective Canon EF 400mm prime lens with no Image Stabilization (IS), with very fast Autofocus (AF) and surprisingly light for carrying around for long shooting sessions (up to three to four hours at times). A simple and effective design with many good reviews over the years.

Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens Key Features / Specifications

"The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is a highly regarded telephoto prime lens, especially popular among wildlife and sports photographers.

Here are some of its key features:

• Optical Quality: It includes one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element and one UD element, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images 1 2.

• Build and Design: The lens is part of Canon’s L-series, known for its robust build quality. It features a built-in lens hood and a detachable tripod mount 2 3.

• Autofocus: Equipped with a Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), it offers fast and quiet autofocus. It also supports full-time manual focusing 1 3.

• Aperture: The lens has an 8-blade aperture, which contributes to a pleasing bokeh (background blur)1.

• Weight and Size: Despite its solid build, it is relatively lightweight at 1,250 grams (2.76 lbs) and measures 257 mm (10.1 inches) in length 2.

• Minimum Focusing Distance: The lens can focus as close as 3.5 meters (11.5 feet), which is quite good for a lens of this focal length 2.

• Lack of Image Stabilization: One notable absence is image stabilization, which means it requires good lighting conditions or a steady hand/tripod for sharp images 1.

This lens is particularly favored for bird photography due to its reach and image quality." (Microsoft Copilot)

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens: Professional / Consumer Reviews

This lens is exclusively paired with my Canon EOS 7D Mark II and I'm satisfied with the all-round AF performance, sharpness and mobility (paired with the APS-C / Crop Canon body).

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens

The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens performs very well with the Canon EOS 700D, Canon EOS 70D, Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon EOS 6D (ito my own long term evaluation).

I'm of opinion that the AF performance is slightly faster when compared to the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens of which I have tested extensively on both the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EOS 80D in exactly the same shooting environment.

Not bad for a Canon Super Telephoto lens that was designed / released in 1993.

I did not consider the Canon EF 100-400mm lens options as I already have the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens - a lens that in itself is very fast and sharp and offers a great zoom range when required.

My original Canon prime lens decision-making lens selection

When I originally decided on a birds in flight lens I looked at three prime options:

• Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM prime lens
I decided the 300mm f/4 (with image stabilization) was a tad short and not really optimized with a tele-converter on the Canon bodies at the time. With a tele-converer the reach is good - 300 x 1.4 - 420mm, but the AF would be a tad slower at f/5.6 for birds in flight (and I was concerned about the image quality when paired with the converter). And I already have a reasonably fast and sharp 70-300mm zoom. I have seen some great images from this lens and it was a serious consideration for me, but personally don’t really like shooting with a converter on a crop body i.e 7D Mark II.

Canon EOS 6D / EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Prime Lens

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM prime lens
The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (with image stabilization) at 3x the price was not something I could justify from a cost / benefit perspective, I tested it, very good and at f/4 (without converter). With the 1.4 converter the lens would probably be just as 'fast' at f/5.6 (on the EOS 7D Mark II), but an expensive option for birds in flight. Very sharp and not that heavy. 

I've deliberately tested it on my Canon EOS 6D (Full Frame) at f/4 in the same shooting environment I use the Canon EF 400mm f/4 USM lens. A high-end professional Canon super telephoto lens that is comfortable on both APS-C and Full Frame bodies (with / without the 1.4x / 2x tele-converters), just a tad expensive and not convinced it will justify the price / value / performance ratio in my Birds in Flight photography workflow and shooting at my Woodbridge Island, Cape Town shooting environment. Birds in Flight images with the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

         

Canon EOS 6D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens
I researched this lens for three months in terms of the following criteria:

• Exclusively for Birds in Flight photography
• 400mm focal length for pairing with APS-C body
• Autofocus speed and image quality
• Weight (mobility for carrying long periods)
• Cost of ownership (Budget / ROI)

From the first morning I've added this lens still on my Canon EOS 700D I knew it was the correct decision. With good to excellent light here at Woodbridge Island the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens still made the most economic and value sense. 

 

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens

It ticked all the researched criteria boxes and although I've added a few newer Canon EOS bodies to my bag this is still my lens of choice for Birds in Flight photography. Its not a f/2.8 300mm or 400mm lens, but with enough good Cape Town light I am still without any doubt that this lens will perform very well against the more expensive Canon Super Telephoto options.

My training studio and home office apartments are literally on the doorstep of my shooting environment at Woodbridge Island and have a birds view of the the lagoon, sun and wind speed before venturing down for a shoot.

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens Release Date
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens was released in May 1993 and as far as I know somewhat before Canon's IS implementation (according to Canon 1995). It became a very popular lens for bird / birds in flight photographers mainly due to low cost, light weight, image quality and fast Autofocus.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery
Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery

Starting out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town
Starting out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Two Canon 400mm Lens Options for Birds in Flight Photography
Two Canon 400mm Lens Options for Birds in Flight Photography

Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography
Canon EOS Setup and Tips For Birds in Flight Photography

Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography
Tracking Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town
Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Sample images with two Canon Zoom lenses
Have a look at Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (paired with Canon EOS 7D Mark II) and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens (paired with Canon EOS 70D).

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Water thick-knee in Flight : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden