The Great Kiwi POTN Expedition (GKPE) - Part II

[FlyingPete]

OK new thread to summarise the up coming event!

So far on Saturday 12th November 2005 rain or shine, we will be heading into the Auckland CBD for some urban shooting at around 8:30ish (8ish pick up for those in the Van to the city). After that we head for the big bad Waikato, yet to be decided exactly where, but most probably off the beaten track. Lunch stop somewhere along the way, finishing up at Port Waikato for the Sunset.

People coming so far:
Moppie, ScottNZ, FlyingPete, Weka2000, Wazza and Joseph for sure. Yet to confirm is MattL, Nzl-g3user and Mthorpe_Davies.
Have I missed anyone?

Moppie will be taking a van along, but I am pretty sure it is now full!

[Moppie]

A good idea from your wife :)

Be nice if it was a sticky to, how powerful is Tim?



So far there are 6 confirmed for the Van, which leaves room for a 7th.




And!

My better half has asked if anyone would like to have a go at shooting an arrow in flight?

[FlyingPete]

My better half has asked if anyone would like to have a go at shooting an arrow in flight?

That all depends on the angle of the shot, and the accuracy of the shooter :eek:

[tim]

I'll look into coming up for this, but it's short notice so flights might be kinda expensive.

Be nice if it was a sticky to, how powerful is Tim?

I'm all powerful... ;)

[FlyingPete]

I'm all powerful... ;)
Nice!
Indeed you have become powerful!

Save me having to post every 8 hours or so just to keep it on the front page :D

[tim]

Nice!
Indeed you have become powerful!

Save me having to post every 8 hours or so just to keep it on the front page :D

I only moderate the lighting forum, i've asked for someone else to sticky the thread. My power is limited, but growing :evil: :lol:

[Belmondo]

Stuck.

[Moppie]

The true power has spoken!

Our false leader has befallen us, and left us floating down to the death that is page two.
But our true leader, the One BELMONDO! has saved us from a fate worse than closure.

May this thread live at the top of the forum, and enrich all our lives.

[Wazza]

If Tim wasn't leading the boat on Saturday's wedding.. Who was? The weather? :p

[tim]

If Tim wasn't leading the boat on Saturday's wedding.. Who was? The weather? :p

Boat... hmmmm... I remember no boat...

Drop me a mail to my personal domain will you? I have a few processed pics I think you'll want to see. You got a few shots that made me say "wow". I'll post them in a thread in a couple of weeks once the best ones have been sorted out.

[Moppie]

Wazza has a bit of a WOW factor to some of his pics :)
Be nice if you get to use some in the album.

[tim]

Wazza has a bit of a WOW factor to some of his pics :)
Be nice if you get to use some in the album.

He was acting as my assistant, so I get to use them for whatever I like, he gets them for his portfolio and gains experience - a pretty good deal for everyone :-)

[joeseph]

My better half has asked if anyone would like to have a go at shooting an arrow in flight?

Sounds like an interesting challenge Moppie, I thought we could possibly do it with a triggered flash, but then thought you'd probably like the background "speed-blurred"
Are there any rules to how we are to do this feat? I mean, is the object to just capture "any old arrow" with a blurred B/G or are we looking at also getting either archer or target in same shot?

[Moppie]

Well she's just offered to to take us to the range and start shooting arrows.
How we photograph them is entierly up to us :)

[joeseph]

Dilemma:
a)use 100-400 and try to pan from afar and risk missing the shot
b)use 16-35 and risk impalement...

[tim]

When you're shooting arrows in flight, the best case is you're going to get a photo of an arrow with a streaky background. Personally i'd get bored in about 10 seconds flat and go find something interesting to take photos of, but each to their own.

[Moppie]

You don't find a slim 5'10 blonde with blue eyes shooting a compound short bow interesting?

Oh well, to each thier own :p :p :D :D

[tim]

You don't find a slim 5'10 blonde with blue eyes shooting a compound short bow interesting?

Oh well, to each thier own :p :p :D :D

I saw enough of her in Bali :p

[Moppie]

Ah! now I know who the funny looking guy in all her photos is. :p

[tim]

Ah! now I know who the funny looking guy in all her photos is. :p

She didn't show you those photos didn she?! She promised they were our secret... ;)

[joeseph]

I've no idea what a compound short bow looks like - anything like this?


35224

[Moppie]

Just like that, but she dosn't use any of the extra bolt on aids, stabilisers etc.

[FlyingPete]

Just like that, but she dosn't use any of the extra bolt on aids, stabilisers etc.

Hmmm, I've got a friend who also shoots those, used to hunt with one too!

[weka2000]

What about video and capture the frame? Sorry just brought a Sony Digital Video on weekend so brain in video mode.

[Wazza]

Met up with Matt tonight, and we shot a dress rehearsal at a Unitec production theatre...

Reminded him about the 12th November, and so far he seems to think he's free. ;)

I may charge $2, not quite free though. :p

[MattL]

haha. good one there Waz. just got home. after you left i set a queue of 412 images for RSE to convert to JPEG, and then we sat round and had a couple beers.

12 Nov so far is good for me, so please pencil my name in on the van list. I can do my bit to pay for gas.

Tomorrow I just need to go back, burn the converted jpegs to disc, hand it in and collect my paycheck!

In the mean time, this new 580ex i scored of wazza is keeping me entertained!

[Moppie]

Cool, 6 plus Matt equals a full Van. :)


But I know there another 10-15 kiwis out there, a number of which live in Auckland, where you?????

[MattL]

can I call shotgun? :P

[Wazza]

I already did. :p

[Moppie]

http://www.google.co.nz/search?hl=en&q=shotgun+rules&meta=


This will be a civilised contest gentlemen.

Or, proirity will be given to the person most likely to loose control of thier stomach contents.

[Moppie]

Of course I might be willing to "sell" the shotgun position for the use of a DSLR for the day :)
Highest spec camera and best lens selection wins of course.

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm just reading the shotgun posts, and noticed Wazza's "580EX BRAND SPANKING NEW" in his sig.

Now this is most probably the start of an interesting trend, I noted that Wazza test drove one on the last outing, as gear was moved from person to person. If this continues, I suspect we will get "gear equalisation", where we will all have the following:
- EOS20D (until someone gets a 5D/1D) with grip
- 580EX Flash
- EF70-200L
- EF100-400L
- EF17-40L
- EF16-35L
- EF-S60 Macro
- And least not forget the fully manual 400mm primes :D

I have all saved you from having to get 75-300IS's though by getting rid of mine ;)

Not a bad kit setup though!

[tim]

Anyone going to the undie 500 tomorrow? Anyone taking a camera?

[joeseph]

Wasn't planning to, but seeing as I've just upgraded to 2.03 s/w don't see why not (as spectator!) I'll take gear to work & see how things work out timewise.

[Moppie]

I may be doing a trip into town tomorrow, look out for the truck.
Ill have to remember to stay of Q. St at 12 though.

[Wazza]

Can't make that. I work in the suburbs. Many kms away.

100mm macro, is even more tempting ;)

Actually, glad Tim didn't have the 180...

The 70-200 IS is also great, but would rather more reach, or a modern 100-400L.. Or I'll still stick with my Sigma 120-300 2.8..

[MattL]

heh. I test drove wazzas 580ex out tonight. volleyball and fish and chips on the beach, then on the the nearest pub, reef bar.

Bounce flash is awesome :D

[Wazza]

I shot my mates 21st at the Reef Bar in Mission Bay. Didn't have the 580 back then though..

On other news, which is kinda pissing me off..

The A1 GP car of Team.New Zealand is coming to Giltrap on 12th November in showroom from 12-2pm. I wonder if the car will be there any earlier, and as we're a Canon Photo Club pretty much, whether they would mind us taking a few snaps of the beauty before the public see her.. Say after Urban shots at 9:30/10 or whenever the plan was.

[FlyingPete]

The A1 GP car of Team.New Zealand is coming to Giltrap on 12th November in showroom from 12-2pm. I wonder if the car will be there any earlier, and as we're a Canon Photo Club pretty much, whether they would mind us taking a few snaps of the beauty before the public see her.. Say after Urban shots at 9:30/10 or whenever the plan was.

That might be worth trying something, and one have influence at Giltrap?

[MattL]

A giltrap sponsored GKPE! Each potner drives their own (insert favourite giltrap-stocked vehicle here)!

:D

[FlyingPete]

In all seriousness I think we should try and make this happen, it is on show from 12-2, should be available earlier, and I think the Camera club thing might fly as well, tempted to cold call them and give it a go...

[weka2000]

Im out for the 12th. Wife has work commitments so I got the girls :(

[FlyingPete]

Im out for the 12th. Wife has work commitments so I got the girls :(

Can you 'palm' the kids to a relative? That is what Scott and I did last time :D

[Wazza]

Giltrap Porsche... Give them proof I'm the World Champion in
Need for Speed, Porsche Unleashed

Maybe they can sponsor me a drive in a real GT3. :rolleyes:

[Wazza]

Im out for the 12th. Wife has work commitments so I got the girls :(

How old are they?

I've got 2 sisters, who I know have done child minding before. They're 17 and 20 years old. Wonder if I could give them an exclusive Warren Williams Studio Session valued at $2...
All for free.

[weka2000]

2 girls are 6 and 8 no one else but me. Wife and I havent been out for several years.

It is something we have accepted. My wife is a nurse and does 12hr shifts often at night.

Wife is VERY protective and wont let anyone else look after her babies.

[FlyingPete]

2 girls are 6 and 8 no one else but me. Wife and I havent been out for several years.

It is something we have accepted. My wife is a nurse and does 12hr shifts often at night.

Wife is VERY protective and wont let anyone else look after her babies.

OK the solution to this is simple, if we can guarantee no one will be stupid and hurt themselves, in the area of the hospital, then they can do without your wife for a day ;)

[Wazza]

That's a shame. Always another time.

[theflyingkiwi]

Just checking the calander for teh NZ v8's and it seems that the start of the season is just around the corner. Infact it's next weekend? Is anyone plan on going?

Click here (http://www.countiesracing.co.nz/modules.php?name=Calendar) for more info.

[Wazza]

Just saw "joeseph" this evening, and he's probably going, and I may go along too.

Depends how much it costs. I was just looking for the official page. Can't seem to find anything.

[FlyingPete]

OK, just got of the phone from a contact at Giltrap about the A1 coming in on the 12th, I did the whole "we are a photo club, have an outing on that day, but currently scheduled to be elsewhere at that time, but are in the area earlier" line to see if we could get an early look.

Bottom line is no due to the security surrounding the car (it is to be shipped to Malaysia that afternoon for the next race), in fact Giltrap are just hosting, and it is the A1 team we should have to speak to about it. He said they will bring it out around 11:50am, and he thinks we should reschedule, as it would be well worth our while, he said it was "quite a coup" to get it in the first place, and it was an excellent opportunity.

Any thoughts?

[Moppie]

Hmm, we could hand around the city untill then, have a quick shoot and bugger off at 12:15.
But it would mean arriaving in Hamiltron about 2pm, which leaves about 4-5 hours to make our way to the west coast.
Its do able.

However, I while I would love to see the car, I have to wonder how much of a photographic subject it will make.
There will be crowds of people, security people and barriers around the car, and I imagine it will be in the show room, which creates all sorts of problems regarding lighting and back grounds.

[theflyingkiwi]

that F1 thing would be kinda of cool, but I would think that the number of people there would make it hard to get a good shot.

for the V8s go to http://www.nzv8s.co.nz/Home and you might be able to find what you are looking for.

[FlyingPete]

that F1 thing would be kinda of cool, but I would think that the number of people there would make it hard to get a good shot.

I think that is it in one. That was what was at the back of my mind too, how good a shot would you get other than the 'souvenir' shot of the fact we were there with all those people around. They are also just about to start promoting it on the radio, so large crowds are a real possibility.

[theflyingkiwi]

I think that is it in one. That was what was at the back of my mind too, how good a shot would you get other than the 'souvenir' shot of the fact we were there with all those people around. They are also just about to start promoting it on the radio, so large crowds are a real possibility.

Could always try and contact the team and ask for a private season for 10 or so mintues before they open the doors

[weka2000]

A bit of reorganising can meet in the city for the morning till a bit after lunch. Wife will sleep in afternoon before night shift.

[Moppie]

We can certianly meet in the city!

I can alawys pick you up in the morning, and drop you back off on our way south before lunch.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

You don't find a slim 5'10 blonde with blue eyes shooting a compound short bow interesting?

Oh well, to each thier own :p :p :D :D

All depends on how hot she is, I've viewed slim 5'10 blondes with blue eyes who don't measure up to the accepted standard for hotness

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I shot my mates 21st at the Reef Bar in Mission Bay. Didn't have the 580 back then though..

On other news, which is kinda pissing me off..

The A1 GP car of Team.New Zealand is coming to Giltrap on 12th November in showroom from 12-2pm. I wonder if the car will be there any earlier, and as we're a Canon Photo Club pretty much, whether they would mind us taking a few snaps of the beauty before the public see her.. Say after Urban shots at 9:30/10 or whenever the plan was.

They were ok with me taking pot shots at that piss ugly orange Hulme (freeking insult to a great man) supercar pipe dream so can't see any issue with them allowing people to take shots of the A1 car. However I guess people will be rocking up all day to see it, if they put it in the same location as the Hulme it will be difficult to get a decent clean shot of it.

[joeseph]

Wazza, you're looking for this: http://www.nzv8s.co.nz/Home

cheers.

[Moppie]

All depends on how hot she is

I'll give you a clue, she's my girlfriend. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Wazza]

LOL, funny one Rob.

Better watch out from Moppie. I heard those A series cameras, are good as throwing objects, when other men start touching their woman. :p

Thanks guys for the links. I actually found it soon after asking. I wouldn't mind getting down there, it's VERY cheap $25 if you book online for a weekend pass. I wonder if that gets you infield, coz that's the only place you can take good shots. I'm working Saturday, could easily get it off, however I really need the extra money at the moment. May try and get along for Sunday race day. Also, an ex work mate, who's come from India/Dubai, would love to see a racing event, and I promised I would take him along for a good watch. I'll see how he's doing, but still don't mind meeting up again Duncan and Mark, if either of you are there.

Next Saturday, with fireworks, I'm possibly looking at going to North Shore after dark, and getting some shots over from North Head or Mt Vic, overlooking the city and fireworks displays. Wonder if there's anything worth getting.

[scotttnz]

that F1 thing would be kinda of cool, but I would think that the number of people there would make it hard to get a good shot.

I vote we give it a miss. If you want to get good shots of fast cars you would have better luck at Big Boys Toys, which is also on that day. But photographing cars with loads of people around is pretty much a waste of time IMHO.

[Wazza]

Ah the Big Boys Toys. Too many events on. Too little time.

[Moppie]

Ok, so we give the A1 GP car a miss, I don't think we will miss much.

Is anyone interested in going to big boys toys on Sunday?

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I'll give you a clue, she's my girlfriend. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Got you now, I like em a little shorter and Scandinavian, you can' beat a Norwegian or Swede.

[scotttnz]

Is anyone interested in going to big boys toys on Sunday?

Love to, but my chances of getting out of my parental responsibilities for both Sat and Sun are slim at best!

[MattL]

Another vote to miss the A1.

the only attraction i can see at BBT, are the promo girls (Y), I think we should give that a miss too.

Wazza, I stopped on the side of the motorway just before you get on the bridge heading southbound the other day, (on the way home from Alices), the citys beautiful from there. I suspect Mt Vic will have gates closed at that time of night.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I suspect Mt Vic will have gates closed at that time of night.

The Mt Vic gates stay open late on weekends, and don't close until about 9.00 week nights, North Head has different closing time and the view of the city centre isn't as good. I was in Devonport taking shots from the top about 2 weeks ago.

[Wazza]

The Sunday, I'm already busy, so can't make anything. Been hired to shoot some engagement pics. The following Sunday 20th, is the wedding, however they don't need my services. ;)
The new wife to be has already got one of her professional photography friends, using film cameras. My work mate saw her stuff and isn't too impressed. Said my stuff was better, :lol:

[weka2000]

Slight change of topic... when do you normally (if you do) shoot at the zoo? I got there at 12 ish 3 weeks ago some good shots if the locals wernt sleeping. Weekend just gone got there at 10 a bit of feeding going on ( some great otter shots).

I would love to get in either earlier or latter any one else be intrested if I made some enquiries with the zoo as we are a "club"

Tiger is always asleep till about 4 ish.

[FlyingPete]

Slight change of topic... when do you normally (if you do) shoot at the zoo? I got there at 12 ish 3 weeks ago some good shots if the locals wernt sleeping. Weekend just gone got there at 10 a bit of feeding going on ( some great otter shots).

I would love to get in either earlier or latter any one else be intrested if I made some enquiries with the zoo as we are a "club"

Tiger is always asleep till about 4 ish.

We were there on GKPE Part 1 from just after midday to late afternoon-ish. Most of the critters were up, got the Tiger feeding time though. Lions were not really happening. Everyone else except the big cats (and the kiwis, but you can't photograph them at any time, unless you have a f/1.0 lens with ISO 12800 ;) ) seem to be out and about for most of the day.

The biggest issue I think a lot of us had was the lighting, mainly full on bright sunlight, so we have to pull out the flash guns to compensate. Overcast really is best for that stuff.

As for the early and lates, they do have night time visits for zoo supporter members from time to time, not sure what time and what the lighting is like though.

[FlyingPete]

The Mt Vic gates stay open late on weekends, and don't close until about 9.00 week nights, North Head has different closing time and the view of the city centre isn't as good. I was in Devonport taking shots from the top about 2 weeks ago.

So are you in for the 12th?

[Moppie]

So are you in for the 12th?


Ey, theres space in the van now.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

So are you in for the 12th?

I'll be in for the city shooting but won't be able to make it to the Waikato. All this is dependant on Canon getting my camera repaired in time.

[scotttnz]

OK, I have been thinking about it, and come up with a challenge for myself for the GKPE II day.

I am only going to use a single 1Gb CF card for the day and what doesn't fit on that I won't shoot.
I'll be shooting in the best jpeg mode, so that's about 260 photos. Last time I shot around 800. Deleting photos as I go along is allowed.

Why? I want to discourage myself from pray and spray, so that I really have to think about the shots I am taking. Hopefully it will result in better shots, and if not I should learn more than I would by just holding the shutter down.

[Moppie]

If you really, really want to challange yourself Ill give you my A80 to use for the day, with a single 512mb card . Thats about 200 photos, but you have to really, really pay attention to what settings your useing, and how your composing the shot :)

[joeseph]

Just had two 1G Sandisk cards arrive in time for the weekend.
- you're welcome to try & use only one of my old 256M ones....
Seriously, this is quite a good way of keeping the storage problem under control, if you don't shoot it, then you don't need to store it!

[Wazza]

I'm shooting RAW now. A whole lot different. Get around 119 shots per 1Gb.

[Moppie]

Im not worried about CF space, Im worried about HDD space :(

I won't be able to afford another HDD untill after the weekend we shoot.



On a side note, I just got 6 photos printed for a friend useing digitalmax, I uploaded them about 10pm last night, and got home at 5:30 today to find them sitting on the doorstop.
And, they look fantastic! Ill deffinitly be ordering more.

[scotttnz]

Im worried about HDD space

That's not currently a problem for me. Just upgraded my PC and have around 100Gb free on my data partition. (a small matter of the old drives partition tabel corrupting before I copied the data off means the only data I kept was the 'critical' stuff on my backup. So my photo's are safe. It's a good way to clean out your hard drive!) The old 120Gb drive has become my primary backup device, and I got A DVD writer to use for off site backups. So I will have plenty of space for photos.......for now.....

[FlyingPete]

I'm shooting RAW now. A whole lot different. Get around 119 shots per 1Gb.

Ah you have discovered the true power!

RAW starts out as an experiment, then you tend to use it for 'important' stuff, next thing you know it, you are shooting everything in RAW!

Bye bye harddisk space. I have started to burn off my RAW's to DVD after processing them, and only leaving the JPG's on the hard disk.

[MattL]

Yeap. Im coming up to 85gb of photos now. Time i started burning off the old raws to DVD as well.

In other news, i reached 10,000 shots on my rebel a couple days ago :D

[FlyingPete]

Yeap. Im coming up to 85gb of photos now. Time i started burning off the old raws to DVD as well.

In other news, i reached 10,000 shots on my rebel a couple days ago :D

It took me three years to get to 10K on my first digicam, just a little over 1 year in my first digicam with rapid fire, then 6 months with my 20D!

I take it 85GB is photos from other cameras as well?

[weka2000]

Sony F828 RAW = 16meg per file
Canon 20D = 8 meg per file

RAW is great lucky DVD duel layer disks are comming down in price.

[MattL]

It took me three years to get to 10K on my first digicam, just a little over 1 year in my first digicam with rapid fire, then 6 months with my 20D!

I take it 85GB is photos from other cameras as well?

I think ive had my camera around 8-10 months.

85gb is photos only from this camera, but includes raw, tiff, and two different sized jpegs for each, and big PSD's for about every third one :S

[Wazza]

joeseph: Still planning on going to the V8s?

I'm most likely going, but Sunday only.

Have sent a query to Nzv8s website, asking if infield pit lane entry is open, like in the April events. It was perfect for photos, sun behind us, nice full unobstructed view.. And a few accidents, hehe.

I'm taking my friend as well. An older gentlemen, but full of character.

So if anyone else is around, you should see me there. ;)

[joeseph]

Yes, looks okay for Sunday. Not sure what the weather will do but hopefully be a good day testing my new flashcards out. Got some really useful info from KennyG & others about focussing so quite keen to see how it all pans out [groan] :-)

[MattL]

Yeah, if all goes well ill be down there too. I'll probably hitch a ride with wazza.

In other news, Wazza and I had the POTN Rally last night. just wait till he gets home and post's those photos ;)

[Moppie]

I would love to goto the V8s but I have to go into work today to fix a new machine that wore out in only 3months of operation. :mad:
Which means everything I was going to do today, I have to do tomorrow.


It will be nice to see some Kiwi Motorsport shots up though.

[Wazza]

Rally?

That was boy-racing. Just kidding

We never went over the limit, just testing the V-tech acceleration. It was a pretty sweet ride. Just don't like white though.

I may have to post them in a few days. I have way too much on at the moment, and need to photograph the city tonight from Mt Vic. And I NEED MY WALLET!!!

[Moppie]

We never went over the limit, just testing the V-tech acceleration.

http://www.vtech.com/ :rolleyes::rolleyes:


You do realise that you are all going to have listen to a detailed explanation on how VTEC works on the way to Hamilton right? :lol:

[Wazza]

What more do I need to know?

:lol:, I much prefer to true grunt of a V8, such as my dads 5.7 litre monster.

My mate "rendezvous" owns an old school Integra. Just love the sound at 4800rpm, when it kicks in.

[Moppie]

I used to have an old school SiR Civic, think rendezvous integra with the accleration of your dads V8 :)

[Wazza]

Haha crazy.

The Integra is good for 0-100 in probably 8 seconds.

The V8, is 5.82 seconds... And a nice 13 odd second 1/4 mile at 170 odd km/h

I've also driven the XR6 Turbo, with the kick in on the Turbo, amazing. I'll have to see if I can borrow it soon. :rolleyes:

[scotttnz]

Got me a new toy to play with for the GKPE Mark II.

PIcked up a Battery Grip for the 350D for half price ($150) today.

I'm having second thoughts about my 1 CF card challenge....not sur ethat I can be that diciplined....we will see.

[MattL]

I love my grip. nothing would make me take it off. ever.

When i get a 20D / next camera, i'll be ordering the grip at the same time.

Im sure you will love it scott.

[Wazza]

You can have my 20D

Time to get a 1DiiN

[FlyingPete]

Did a quick run into the deep Waikato over the weekend, noticed a couple of things:
- There is no way in #@&* you are going to be able to stop to take shots of that barge, it is on the other side of the river anyway.
- There is a wet land before Huntly
- If you go deep and dark enough (road between Putararu and Te Awamutu) there are some really cool rock formations, although I think that is a bit far!
- There is a cool bridge in Huntly

[Moppie]

Did a quick run into the deep Waikato over the weekend, noticed a couple of things:
- There is no way in #@&* you are going to be able to stop to take shots of that barge, it is on the other side of the river anyway.
- There is a wet land before Huntly
- If you go deep and dark enough (road between Putararu and Te Awamutu) there are some really cool rock formations, although I think that is a bit far!
- There is a cool bridge in Huntly



Nice recon, I still believe I can stop where the barges are though, you have to remember that I can park in the middle of queen st :)
We can assess it when we get there.

I was going to flick accross at murrys bridge and head down the other side of the river, so we can go right past the power station, and through the back of huntly, and into the back of ngrhiwharia.

[weka2000]

So whats the general idea for the city shoot. Was in Borders Satareday stepped out side just for a look at what could be shoot. Think I will end up using my 18-55mm kit lense, unless I spot a office couple doing over time 8 storeys up :0 could help pay for a lense I spoted on trade me........ 28-70mm F2.8 L

[Wazza]

I might give a go at random people photography. The shock, of people looking at 7 or more photographers with big lens, and a small A series, ;), pointing up in the air down Queen St. We can go past all the bemused cafe customers. :D

[joeseph]

we could do drive by shootings...

[Wazza]

Been there. Done that.

Why did you pull your image offline?

Don't delete it off your server. I've shared it on the drifting forum, giving full credit to yourself. ;)

[joeseph]

:-P

[Moppie]

We have a seven seater van with a large opening sun roof, an 5-6 DSLRs with big lens, I think we park in the middle of queen st and everyone stands up and starts shooting useing thier biggest lens :)

Could be worth a laugh. :)


Any chance of roof access Duncan?

[Wazza]

As long as you're not moving at 100km/h

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10353953

[joeseph]

Any chance of roof access Duncan?

I'll make some enquiries although don't hold your breath - they don't let staff up there. There is always the possibility of bribing the aircon guys to leave the door unlocked...

[theflyingkiwi]

As long as you're not moving at 100km/h

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10353953

at least he is removed from the gene pool. :)

[MattL]

Well Guys, looks like im out for the 12. And the 13th. and so on and so forth untill the 19th :-(

Just got a new schedule posted today and looks like im going to be fairly busy in the next few weeks!

I never seem to have much luck making it to these POTN meets!

[Moppie]

Bugger.
You would have enjoyed yourself to.

Hmmm, we are now down to two free spaces in the van :-)

[Moppie]

at least he is removed from the gene pool. :)



So, are you coming with us?
We can pick you up when come into Hamiltron?

[theflyingkiwi]

So, are you coming with us?
We can pick you up when come into Hamiltron?

Well I was thinking that it would better if tell me where you are going to be and I would meet ya there.

If you guys are going to port waikato, it would be easer for you to drive to auckland and me back to Hamilton.

[Moppie]

Well its easier enough to exchange phone numbers, but at the same time we will be passing through hamiltron so I don't mind picking you up.
And we have 2 spare seats in the van now.

[weka2000]

Some very good Canon "L" on trade me at moment

28-70 f2.8 $900
20-35 f2.8 x2 $750-950
70-200 F2.8 upto about $1200
70-200 F 4 $705

I take all 3 if only I had the money.

Doing big sell at moment trying to raise funds for 2 x 580ex flash heads
got the stands and umbrellas sick of cheap sunpaks.

Any one here got either a 24mm or 28mm prime f 2.8. Getting mixed reviews about the quality need for full body shots in smallish area (lounge).

So where are we meeting and what time Saterday?

[scotttnz]

Some very good Canon "L" on trade me at moment
Yep I'd be pretty tempted by the 70-200 f4, but I have spent way to much money on this hobby already this year!

Well the weather forcast for Auckland and Hamilton for the rest of the week is:

Thursday Fine 22° 9°
Friday Fine 22° 12°
Saturday Showers 21° 12°

Saturday
Some rain or showers in most places, but little, if any in the east from Marlborough to Gisborne.

So it loos like it may be a little wet, but not too bad.

[FlyingPete]

Well the weather forcast for Auckland and Hamilton for the rest of the week is:

Thursday Fine 22° 9°
Friday Fine 22° 12°
Saturday Showers 21° 12°

Saturday
Some rain or showers in most places, but little, if any in the east from Marlborough to Gisborne.

So it loos like it may be a little wet, but not too bad.

Hmmm probaly overcast, that is best for lighting :D

[Clint204]

Hi guys, Im from S.Africa and will be heading down to NZ over xmas and new year. Any ideas on locations for great shots? I'll be in New Plymouth, Christchurch and Hanmer. Never been to NZ before. Mainly interested in Landscapes and cityscapes. Any ideas/recommendation??

[scotttnz]

Hmmm probaly overcast, that is best for lighting

Yep, I had major glare/dynamic range issues last GKPE. Still, hope it's not too gloomy, I don't have a 70-200 f2.8 like you. Might have to use the f2.8 macro if it is.

[FlyingPete]

Hi guys, Im from S.Africa and will be heading down to NZ over xmas and new year. Any ideas on locations for great shots? I'll be in New Plymouth, Christchurch and Hanmer. Never been to NZ before. Mainly interested in Landscapes and cityscapes. Any ideas/recommendation??

New Plymouth has a light festival at some point during the year, I am sure around Christmas time, that si worth checking out, while there you can't miss Mt Taranaki (a spitting image of Mt Fuji, hence why they filmed the Last Samuari there).

As for Christchurch, that is my old home town, check out the Museum and Art Centres, all old English architecture, they also have a pretty impressive botanical garden there as well, just over the road from the Art Centre, next to the museum. Also there is the central square, something interesting is usually going down there.

Hamner itself has some really nice hot pools, the surrounding area is very alpine, but I doubt you will see any snow at that time of year, some really awesome scenery between Christchurch and Hamner.

[Clint204]

thanks flyingpete, appreciate the recommendations. Will def look into tha light festival, already have mt taranaki on my list.

[MattL]

I think you'll find that just about anywhere you go in this country will make a good photo op!

I went abseiling the other day. took me camera off the side of a cliff. Crap photos but you get the idea of how beaut this place is :D

the first shot is the view from the top, and the second is the view from half way down, looking straight down. its about 55 meters from top to bottom, straight down :D

[weka2000]

Keep telling my wife that photography is not cheap to setup but once you have the gear then there is very little cost.

Just got a Canon 580EX of Trademe for $525, to good to turn down
$750 at Auckland camera

[MattL]

Ive seen the name weka2000 popping up on some auctions I've had my eye on recently. im planning a fair bit of canon spending heading into feb next year, so im just trying not to get distracted with trademe deals in the mean time.

[weka2000]

I hope to be finished spending by next feburary. Have 1 more 580ex and a ST-3E and 1 good portrait lense, F2.8 to get. If I sell all my old stuff by next week I should be done.

The lense is last as unsure what to get.


Have we arranged a meeting place for Saterday

[Moppie]

Ok, lets make some Final plans.


First of all whose coming in the van?
So far I have:
Pete
Scott
Dunc
Wazza
Weka
plus me = 6


I know where Pete and Scott live, so I can pick them up starting with Scott at 8am, and Pete shotly after, and we should be in the city by 8:30.
Weka I need to know your location so I can pick you up, or if you will be meeting us in the city and leaving your car there.
Dunc and Wazza will arrange thier own way to the city and I assume park at Dnc's work.
We can meet outside there at 8:30?
Then find somewhere to hide the van, could be a challange due to its height.
Rob is making his way over from the North Shore just for the city shoot.
You can PM one of us your cell number Rob, or if you know what time you will be there we can arrange somewhere to meet, prehaps the old ferry building?

From the City we head south, say about 10-11ish and shoot our way into Hamiltron, meet up with NZL-G3user, then shoot our way out to the west coast (raglan? port waikato?) looking for helicopters as we go, shoot the sunset, then head back to Hamiltron, or straight back to central Auckland, drop off the westies, then back out east.

[MattL]

.... looking for helicopters as we go, ..

:lol:

[joeseph]

Sounds good to me Moppie, still no word either way on the roof access at this point, would be nice to do a quick shoot daytime then back in the evening for night shots but we'll have to see how people with the say-so deal with it. Wazza - you want to leave your car at my place & get a lift in or I can let you into the underground carpark at work?

[scotttnz]

I know where Pete and Scott live, so I can pick them up starting with Scott at 8am, and Pete shotly after, and we should be in the city by 8:30.

Sounds good to me.....

I really need to clean my sensor before saturday, it has some big blobs that show up at high f stops. Can anybody recommend something? I'm not very financial at the moment, and already bought the hand grip last week that wasn't in the budget, so a cheap sensor cleaning kit is what I need.

[weka2000]

I will meet in the city, just tell me where you will be and I will be there.

[weka2000]

Auckland Camera had a brush system or swab system both were about $90 when I was in there 3 weeks ago. They did have some cheap blowers about $30.

[FlyingPete]

Auckland Camera had a brush system or swab system both were about $90 when I was in there 3 weeks ago. They did have some cheap blowers about $30.

Looked at those, was feeling like parting with the $$$ on the day, as I rarely have dirt issues, and get most off with a puff blower.

It would be interesting to see how often you can use those swabs, or where else you can get them from.

[tim]

I got the copperhill international kit, then got eclipse and more pec pads from nulab.com.au. A blower doesn't seem to help me much.

[FlyingPete]

I am looking at bringing the ole Kodak Brownie alonf for the ride, but can't find any film!

Anyone know anywhere with 620 film?

[Moppie]

Whats Film?

And I know what Peanut Brownie is, but whats a Kodak Brownie?

[Moppie]

Meeting Place in the City

We will meet Dunc and Wazza outside Gen I tower at 8:30am
And anyone else (Rob, Weka etc) outside the Ferry Terminal at 8:45ish :)

[scotttnz]

Anyone know anywhere with 620 film?

Huh? I understand the 620 bit, but what is film?

[FlyingPete]

Whats Film?

And I know what Peanut Brownie is, but whats a Kodak Brownie?

Film: what you go to the movies to see.

Kodak Brownie: Very nice, my wife makes it, I will try and bring some along on Saturday! - No peanuts in it though.

[scotttnz]

Film: what you go to the movies to see.

Not for much longer if Mr Lucas has his way!

[FlyingPete]

I have put in an order for the 'Kodak Brownie' this evening, she will be organising that tomorrow :D

Hmmm, brownie...

[MattL]

hey! nobody told me there was going to be brownie involved! I must attend!

[Mthorpe_Davies]

Looks like I'm going to have to miss the fun, Canon still haven't fixed my camera, I'm getting all worked up now, it's been nearly a monht. They were nice enough to let me have her back for the weekend to shot the new Air NZ 777, now it's in pieces so I won't be able to get it back for this weekend grrrrrr.

Have a great day guys, looking forward to seeing the results.

[weka2000]

Im now out, my wife has had to work due to sick staff, another night without my wife :(

Just had to take today off, 1 sick daughter.

The only good news in that I picked up my 580EX flash, love it already cant wait to get the other one and the ST-2E.

[FlyingPete]

So how is everyones gear looking, all lenses clean, all batteries charged?

I will have my inverter and dual battery charger (for BP511's) just in case.

Also I am trying to keep the gear to a minimum, no need to carry the whole gear bag around all day!

Bummer about you guys who can't make it though :(

[joeseph]

So how is everyones gear looking, all lenses clean, all batteries charged?

Pretty much sorted, polished the sensor yesterday so hopefully doesn't pick up much more cr@p during the day.

[Wazza]

Got a mighty headache today. Clearing now.

I'll pop around to your place about 8am. If I haven't turned up, ie I've slept in, please give me a call sometime, and I'll come along into the city bit later. I slept in accidentally last Sunday. Having troubles getting up. That old age thing is a nuisance. ;)

[Moppie]

Thats bad news Rob and Weka :(

But never mind, Im sure we'll have another soon enough.


Iv just put my second set of batteries into charge :-)

[scotttnz]

Cleaning my sensor now, then I'll charge the batteries.
See you at 8am Moppie - 26 Finnerty Ave is the address.

[Wazza]

Cleaning my sensor now, then I'll charge the batteries.
See you at 8am Moppie - 26 Finnerty Ave is the address.

You now have one more stalker, looking for a nifty macro lens. ;)

[Moppie]

8am it shall be, Im going to if I can resurect my ND filter atapator.
I have the offical GKPE vehicle., it will cost about 12c a km to run :)