GKPE-Mini, Shoot Moppie!

[Moppie]

Yip a Mini GKPE, not a full blown expidition, just a little one.


And yes the title is perfectly accurate :D

Amanda suggested the other day (after looking at some of Warrens work) that we get some portraits done, of each other, and of us together.
Being the cheap bugger I am, and knowing some very tallanted photographers I said what a good idea, I know the perfect group of photographers.

So, with all the talk of getting nice glass, and mulitple flash guns, here is an opertunity to put them to use, and for those with an interest in shooting people to get some practice.


Im thinking one evening next week, say starting at about 6ish and shooting at one of the East Auckland Beachs or Music Point.
We can go to sunset which is still around 8ish.
That gives us lots time to try differnt things, and for everyone to have a turn taking a shot or two.
Wednesday or Thursday are both good days for me, how about everyone else?

This is of course open to anyone who can make it, the more the merrier.
I can just imagine the looks we will get if we can have 6 or 7 guys with with big DSLRs, and big flash's shooting humble little me and my elegant g/fiend. :D :D :cool: :cool:



And of course the opertunities for setting up mulitiple flashs on stands and having a play is something we can't miss.
I might even let someone use my A80 ;)

[weka2000]

Um that idea sounds familar :). So your girlfreind is the model......
better get permission from my wife otherwise I will have some explaining to do

I have 2 flash stands and white umbrellas 580ex 550ex. wazza has a 580 so does MattL (which maybe brought by me) Just need a heap of AA batterys as you get about 100 flashes out of a set

[Wazza]

Mini-Me?

Austin?

Hehe, nice idea. I think Matt owes you from the nice portraits you did before! :)

[Moppie]

He most certianly does, and heres a great chance to collect.

I figure if we all shoot each other enough times we will all end up owing each other enough photos that it will cancel out :)

I have 8 AA Rechargables that will power a flash for sometime.
No point useing disposables on such a high powered device, especialy when you can get a set of 4 plus a charger for $40.

[FlyingPete]

Nice, I think the pohutakawas are out of hiding two, not sure about Music Point, but I have seen a few lurking around the place.

Thay make nice backdrops, in fact I was almost up there yesterday doing family shots. Did some work a few months back at Cockle Bay, that was a nice spot as well, not too crowded during the week either.

We also need a flash car, and some guys in black suits with dark glasses and earpeices to finnish the effect :lol:

[dgcorner]

If I'm not mistaken, the barrier at Musik Pt. is locked at 6PM... Do check as it costs some $$ to have the gate opened. Do you guys welcome noobs :o on the expeditions?

Cheers!

[Wazza]

The more the merrier.. Just don't be shy. It's all about having some fun. There's quite a few nuts in this group, especially that Wazza character.. Oh wait, that's me. :rolleyes:

[Moppie]

So you think you can make it out East Warren?


dgcorner Your more than welcome to come join us.
It dosn't really matter what time the gate is shut, just as long as you don't park in park.
Pete, Scott and myself have been in there after dark, doing a night shoot, its only a short walk from the bottom car park to the end of the point.

[joeseph]

I'll see how things are next week at work Moppie, I'd quite like to have a go at portraits but things seem to be one disaster after another at the moment.

[Moppie]

Hope you can make it, you need to put that 24-70 to use :)

[Wazza]

I doubt he'll ever get his 100-400L back though. ;)

I should be putting it to good use, over the Auckland skies tomorrow afternoon. Look out for a HeliPro copter, and the Kawasaki-Bolsov BK117 Westpac Rescue over the Harbour, and wherever we go.. :D

[tim]

I'm in... oh wait... you're all Aucklanders... guess i'll have to pass ;) I guess you'll get to use the "Wazza" light stands again though? :p

[weka2000]

So do we have a day in mind?

Ive spent the last 4 days getting my pbase web all set up what a job raw-->jpg-->resize-->upload-->update-->wait 15min for it to update

Found a new spot to shoot my sunsets half way up Mangere Mountain, get the full view of the Waitaks, Mangere Heads and right out to Glenbrook. have come to the conclusion that Im a telephotoshooter, I realy dislike taking my Bigma off.

So looks like a evening event for a while. My wife is now one of my critics, boy do we have different tastes in photography.

Went out last night down to Ambury Park, lady comes up to me with her little cyber shot and asked if I was a pro, I had to respond by saying I was a amature in trainning. Did leave me with a smile.

[dgcorner]

Moppie & Wazza,

Thanks! I live 5 minutes away at Half Moon Bay. Let me know when you decide the time and date.

Now, off to my son's inter-school athletics. Looks like it's going to be a great day to be shooting pics.

Cheers!

John


So you think you can make it out East Warren?


dgcorner Your more than welcome to come join us.
It dosn't really matter what time the gate is shut, just as long as you don't park in park.
Pete, Scott and myself have been in there after dark, doing a night shoot, its only a short walk from the bottom car park to the end of the point.

[FlyingPete]

Moppie & Wazza,

Thanks! I live 5 minutes away at Half Moon Bay. Let me know when you decide the time and date.

Now, off to my son's inter-school athletics. Looks like it's going to be a great day to be shooting pics.

Cheers!

John

You are very local then! I am in Pakurnaga, Moppie in Highland Park, and ScottNZ in Howick!

[Moppie]

I'm in... oh wait... you're all Aucklanders... guess i'll have to pass ;)


Just catch one of those special "Cheap" Air New Zealand Flights :)

Its a shame your just that little bit to far away, we will have to have a National meet at some stage, shoot the Central North Island prehaps?

[tim]

A central meet would be cool :) It makes no difference to me really, I don't have a car so i'd fly/hire one. Auckland's as good a place as any. I'll come to the next big event that's organised in advance, so long as I don't have a wedding that weekend... :)

[MattL]

If I'm not mistaken, the barrier at Musik Pt. is locked at 6PM... Do check as it costs some $$ to have the gate opened. Do you guys welcome noobs :o on the expeditions?

Cheers!

Pfft! The guy with the key is in the second house along from the gate. He's the type of bloke that would do it for 6 beers. The gates meant to keep guys out, not people in.

i had to get him to let me out about a month ago. He said next time It would cost me beer!

[dgcorner]

You are very local then! I am in Pakurnaga, Moppie in Highland Park, and ScottNZ in Howick!

Great, we've probably bumped into each other without knowing...! Looking forward to meeting you guys personally.

Cheers!

[dgcorner]

Pfft! The guy with the key is in the second house along from the gate. He's the type of bloke that would do it for 6 beers. The gates meant to keep guys out, not people in.

i had to get him to let me out about a month ago. He said next time It would cost me beer!

Kinda figured that he was the gate keeper... I don't blame him for wanting to keep some people out at certain times... there were a few kids with nothing better to do than make donuts on the grass verge by the cliff/ravine. I was just hoping that they didn't spin out of control and fall off... As always, they were long gone before the cops came.

Cheers!

John

[MattL]

John! Im in half moon bay! Where abouts do you live?

Im on Curacao Pl

[FlyingPete]

John! Im in half moon bay! Where abouts do you live?

Im on Curacao Pl

Not another eastener! I used to live in Half Moon Bay as well!

[MattL]

Its nice here. I just wish the dairy at the marina would stay open a bit later. I wanted some desert and they were closed!

[dgcorner]

John! Im in half moon bay! Where abouts do you live?

Im on Curacao Pl

Hi Matt!

We're neighbours then -- the house backs onto the Wakaaranga reserve, not more than 100 metres to the walkway leading up into your street! (I'm on the northern part where the reserve narrows down into the huge trees)

And yes, the dairy has short hours. I've had to run down to Countdown to pick up a loaf of bread or a tub of ice cream... such a waste of petrol.

Have you tried the Rotary walkway that leads up to St. Kent's? I've taken a few nice pics that way, but it is mostly a nice walk.

Cheers!

John

PS funny how this message goes all around the world and ends up not more than a km. away!

[tim]

To all the guys who ordered sterlingtek batteries thru me, they arrived in NZ today, about 6 days after I ordered them - instead of the 6 weeks we expected! I'll post them to Wazza today so y'all should have them for the weekend :)

[dgcorner]

To all the guys who ordered sterlingtek batteries thru me, they arrived in NZ today, about 6 days after I ordered them - instead of the 6 weeks we expected! I'll post them to Wazza today so y'all should have them for the weekend :)

Hi Tim!

Do you order these batteries on a regular basis or was this a one off? It must have saved heaps on the shipping for multiple orders...

I'm thinking of getting a set of 1800mAh ones for my 20D... I recently found a vendor on eBay who offers them at around $10 less, landed NZ. Feedback on the vendor seems alright (I don't deal with anyone who has less than 98% positive feedback)

Cheers!

John

[tim]

It's a one off, I posted in the big kiwi meetup thread to see if anyone wanted some, only Wazza replied, but Matt and someone else asked for some thru him.

[dgcorner]

Thanks Tim.

Any one else in NZ want 1800mAh BP-511s?

Cheers!

John

[FlyingPete]

Thanks Tim.

Any one else in NZ want 1800mAh BP-511s?

Cheers!

John

I was meaning to order but got really busy, so if there are any spare :D

[tim]

I don't think I have any spares, Wazza might, he ordered a couple for someone who may or may not want them.

[dgcorner]

I was meaning to order but got really busy, so if there are any spare :D

Hi Peter!

SterlingTek may have a good reputation but I will not be surprised if their batteries are identical to the ones I'm planning to buy. There are but a handful of battery manufacturers in Asia.

Have a look at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7567670193&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT and let me know if you are interested.

If I use "Buy Now" and purchase 2 pairs, and if my computations are correct, a pair will come out at $34.35 give or take a few cents depending on the additional charges that ASB put on top of exchange rate conversion charges on my VISA. Compare that to the $30-$35 per piece selling on TradeMe!

I'll order around noon tomorow so as to give the guys time to make up their minds.

Cheers!

John

PS The way the auction is structured, I will have to do a couple or more of the "Buy Now" depending on how many of the guys want. I also hope that shipping will be as quick as Tim's one because I'm heading "home" for the holidays.

[tim]

Those batteries look the same...

[FlyingPete]

I am a little weary, I know SterlingTek is a good thing, and have had other third party batteries that have not been up to it, I have five (all supposed to be 1400mah), two have died completely, and the other three only last half as long as my genuine Canon battery.

[tim]

Sterlingtek is US$12 for a battery (US$23 for two) and US$9 for shipping that takes a week or so - you can hardly go wrong ordering from there. The batteries i've got from them in the past have been great.

[dgcorner]

Alright, I'll be the guinea pig and order the batteries from these guys.

I just hope that it isn't one of those "you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" things... Then again, I'll have 2 for the price of one if I did buy through TradeMe...

Will let you guys know how the battery performs.

Cheers!

John

PS Hmmm, maybe I can buy 2 sets, sell a pair on TradeMe so I end up with a free pair... and to think I hate maths...

[tim]

They sound slightly cheaper than sterlingtek, might be worth a try.

[Moppie]

So, how about that Cricket?

[dgcorner]

So, how about that Cricket?

Eh, I though you wanted to have your portraits done;) ? Do you have a date and time yet?

[Wazza]

I forget who ordered them.

Matt was taking two, and I think I may have taken 4 myself?

Well I should have them in a day or two. Don't think Matt has money, and I don't either.

*whistling, whislt walking away*

[Moppie]

Ill buy them off your for $12 each, then sell one to Pete for $15, and the rest on trade-me for $20 :D

[Moppie]

Eh, I though you wanted to have your portraits done;) ? Do you have a date and time yet?



Yip, just finnalised a time with the fiend.


6pm Tuesday at Eastern Beach.
We can keep Thursday as a bad weather day.

So, whos in?

[dgcorner]

Btw, just in case someone is interested in purchasing a 20D (or a 5D,) have a look at www.pricespy.co.nz for the best deals (I'm not connected to these guys) I was able to save some $250.00 a few months ago by buying from a non-traditional source, i.e., (and would you believe) an on-line computer retailer. This came with the usual Canon NZ 12 month guarantee.

The 20D is currently $2176.45 for the body. The 5D is $5099.

[Wazza]

Haha funny one.

My plan was to buy 10 myself, and sell on trademe for $40, like the others. :p

[dgcorner]

Yip, just finnalised a time with the fiend.

6pm Tuesday at Eastern Beach.
We can keep Thursday as a bad weather day. So, whos in?

If the 10-day weather forecast (www.weather.com (http://www.weather.com)) is any gauge it looks like Tuesday will be rained out, except for an overcast Thursday which looks better.

My son isn't going to his year end school socials (thus far) so I'll be pencilling this in.

Cheers!

John

[joeseph]

6pm Tuesday at Eastern Beach.
We can keep Thursday as a bad weather day.

So, whos in?

Tuesday's good for me. Thursday's our work Xmas do, so hope the weather forcast is as accurate as per normal, and be fine!

[FlyingPete]

Yip, just finnalised a time with the fiend.


6pm Tuesday at Eastern Beach.
We can keep Thursday as a bad weather day.

So, whos in?

I'm out for Tuesday, it is our wee girls birthday, but if you postpone, put me down for Thursday.

[scotttnz]

We are getting a good collection of east Aucklanders aren't we.....
I would like to join you, but I will have to see how it goes. Work is madness and I have a couple of christmas parties to go too next week.

[dgcorner]

Yip, just finnalised a time with the fiend.


6pm Tuesday at Eastern Beach.
We can keep Thursday as a bad weather day.

So, whos in?

Moppie, which part of Eastern Beach... then again, there's only one decent end there... unless you consider the wee little reserve on the Northern part...?

Cheers!

[Moppie]

I was thinking the Northern end, less people.
We can meet there, have a look around, then go where we need to :)

[dgcorner]

Ok. See you then.

[scotttnz]

Have a look over here for an auckland POTN social event:

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117211

[Moppie]

Has everyone cleaned thier gear?

Hopefully it will be a nice overcast evening, but with out the rain.


Ill comfirm its going to happen hopefuly around 1pm tomorrow :)

[MattL]

I'll go do it now. Batteries on charge etc. Any idea if warrens in on this one? he's got some batteries of mine.

[joeseph]

all sorted. Speaking of batteries, what's a good (read: cheap ) source of 2500mAh NiMH AA's & a fast charger? I think the 380EX may have some life in it yet...

[MattL]

The wharehouse. Energiser 2500mah x4 + charger = $40. I got two. The batterys without the charger = $30. my god they last ages.

[joeseph]

Thanks! off to the warehouse tomorrow then...

[Moppie]

$30 is to expensive, especialy from the wharehouse.

On Queen st there are a couple of little parrallel importers, I think theres one just up the hill from Victoria St, on the left (going up hill).

You should be able to get a set of 4 2500 for $20.
Dick Smith sometimes has some cheap ones to.

And of course Ill have my camera, which won't get much use, so Ill have 2x4 AA Ni-MH batteries.

[MattL]

Are they actually 2500mah tho? Or are they asian no name brands which claim to be more than they are?

At least with the energisers from the wharehouse you know your getting the real deal and they will last!

[tim]

I paid NZ$35 for ten 2700mah power-2000 batteries from B&H in New York... they work great! Energiser are a very good brand too.

[Wazza]

:lol:, I completely forgot about this...

Matt do you want your BP511 batteries?

[MattL]

Yeah, I came to pick them up last night, but you werent answering the rocks i threw at your window... So i just spent some more time with your good looking neighbour instead... but Ive since spent that money on gas, so you'll have to wait a week or so for my pay to come in :P

[tim]

Someone better pay me for the batteries some time! Wazza, if he doesn't pay you, take a lead pipe and.... ;)

[MattL]

How much am I paying, anyway?

[tim]

I can't remember, Wazza knows.

[Wazza]

Wasn't it something like $22?

Or $40 on trade me if you don't hurry up.

[tim]

Something like that.

[MattL]

$22 it is. Where are the rest of us kiwis? We need to flood the Member introductions post. I just made the 4th kiwi posting in it lol. Warren are you coming to this moppie thing tomorrow?

[Wazza]

I will let you know first thing in the morning before work. I will have go immediately after work. My cellphone isn't working either, which isn't good. I do have an old Alcatel One Touch DB Max, however my Sim isn't working in it. Saying I need some Sub Network number?!!
My old prepay should still work, although no credit.. But should be ok for phone calls

Vodafone pre code: (then), 2391106

[dgcorner]

Just up (the advantages of being made redundant!) -- looks like its going to be a fine day.

My batteries are charged -- I'm looking forward to meeting you guys and learning heaps.

See you this evening!

John

[Moppie]

Gentlemen, start your Cameras!

I have a go from Moppie Command (aka Amanda).
We shall be at the Northern end of Eastern beach at 6pm (give or take 5min).

dgcorner Just look for the group of guys with lots of 20Ds and the odd 300D hanging around a really short guy with black hair, and a very tall attractive blonde in a very nice dress.

Hope to see most of you there!
Say happy b'day to your Daughter for us Pete.

[dgcorner]

See you there!

[Wazza]

Man I need to read this thread properly, and I don't have time. Only home for another 10min, then back to work!!

Eastern Beach eh?
Man I'm gonna get lost, and gonna be late... If I can't find you there, I'll go to Musik Point?!

I can text Matt I guess from my old number.. Or someone can call me around 6, if you can't see me.
Nice traffic in Central auckland. :(

021-2391106.

[Moppie]

Ill give you a ring about 6 wazza, don't worry mate.

[Moppie]

ITS OFF!


WAY TO MUCH RAIN.


Sorry to get everyones hopes up.
I hope everyone gets this.

Ill ring Wazza and let him know.
Pete, if you see this can you ring scott and let him know.
Im pretty sure Matt and Dunc will check before the came out.
Dg I have no contact for?

[dgcorner]

Moppie,

Yep, looks like it is going to be pouring for a while... though it seems like it is going to blow over after an hour or so. It is getting brighter in the direction of Eastern Beach.

Thursday is still looking good as far as the weather forecast goes. Let me know if you're pushing through.

Cheers!

John

[dgcorner]

Wow, this one blew over pretty quick! Sun's out this way!

[Moppie]

Yeah, it had just cleared where I was at work when I made the post.

The problem is theres a whole series of them coming up from down country, that was just a teaser by the sounds of it.

And once its been that wet it takes a long time to dry out, and I don't really fancing posing on wet ground, and neither does Amanda.

Warrens phone was turned off, Ill ring again at 6 incase he didnt the get the message I left (which he won't if he has no credit) and if he's made it out this way we can still meet up and shoot the sunset if its still fine maybe?

[dgcorner]

Moppie,

Let me know what happens -- I'm 5 minutes away. You can also text me (I could text you but I don't have your number ;-) ) -- 021 2067183.

At the rate things are going, there might just be a great sunset in the wings...

John

[joeseph]

ITS OFF!


WAY TO MUCH RAIN.


Sorry to get everyones hopes up.
I hope everyone gets this.

Ill ring Wazza and let him know.
Pete, if you see this can you ring scott and let him know.
Im pretty sure Matt and Dunc will check before the came out.
Dg I have no contact for?

Into each life a little rain must fall eh?....

Just got home to grab the camera, Moppie if you can give me a call if you think it'll be worth coming over 0275-283-619 I'll sit tight for awhile & see what happens. Still keen to come out.

[Wazza]

Weather is great now. Typical.

From 7-9pm (sunset and fun, would be ok anyway)

Just makes me avoid most the traffic. And I only just got home... Would not have been there till 6:30 anyway

[Moppie]

I had a feeling I shouldn't have called it off.

Oh well, Amanda wasn't feeling 100% either, so its all for the better.
Iv sorty of settled for the evening now.

I wonder what this lights going to do.
Its very glarey and with a very washed out sky at the moment.

[Wazza]

Not a prob. I can get to my Helicopter editing. They want all the shots, full size, (but I'll tweak them, as I don't like sharing bad unsharp examples!)
Need them done by tomorrow morning, so probably all the better than I'm not going out tonight.
I'm quite busy over the next few days, also with the Heli Trust wishing me to do some ground shots on Monday. I'll have to see about that one.

[Moppie]

Yes, if thier due tomorrow then you had better get onto them.

Becareful with sharpening them though, quite often a printer will want to do thier own sharpening to suit thier machine.
Especialy if they are going to be printed to a large size.

You might want to give them edited, and unedited (just cropped, dust removed etc).
With a little text file on the disc explaining whats what.

[joeseph]

No worries, will have to see what happens later in the week. Thurs might be a go...
cheers.

[Wazza]

Yeah, he phoned me today asking how I was getting on.. And if possible if they could have them tomorrow. I was like umm yeah sure *meanwhile sweating like a pig*. Haha

They are printing 2500 framed prints, with "Photo Courtesy of Warren Williams"
There must be a lot of businesses receiving these!

So proudly, maybe I'll get a

2006 Sponsorhip Frame.
:D

[dgcorner]

Yeah, he phoned me today asking how I was getting on.. And if possible if they could have them tomorrow. I was like umm yeah sure *meanwhile sweating like a pig*. Haha

They are printing 2500 framed prints, with "Photo Courtesy of Warren Williams"
There must be a lot of businesses receiving these!

So proudly, maybe I'll get a

2006 Sponsorhip Frame.
:D

Now I'll know who's behind all the heli photos! Must be fun flying around.

[Wazza]

Yeah, maybe I can arrange a low aerial flyover. :p

http://wazz*****scity.com/aerial.htm

Those were my shots.

[dgcorner]

Geez, you were practically hanging out of the chopper! I don't think even the IS will stop my hands from shaking! :-)

[dgcorner]

Moppie, Thursday's looking good weather-wise...

[Wazza]

Geez, you were practically hanging out of the chopper! I don't think even the IS will stop my hands from shaking! :-)

I can tell you it was extremely windy up there. At one point I looked at the speed indicator, and said we were at 130mph (114knots) or 209km/h.. Pretty quick with the door open.

I'm sure joeseph can thank me I didn't damage his 100-400L in the process. :lol:

[FlyingPete]

So are we go for Thursday now?

[Moppie]

Assuming the black helicoptors don't get in the way, then we are all set for Thursday.

[MattL]

Hey completely off topic i know, but whats everyone doing for new years?

[Moppie]

Ill be in Rotoruta, I think. If not then I don't know yet.
Heaps of tent space there if anyone is feeling really really short of somewhere to go.

[dgcorner]

Hey completely off topic i know, but whats everyone doing for new years?

Matt, I'll be out of the country from 19/12/05 - 19/01/06 -- home visiting the rellies. We should get to introduce ourselves since were neighbours.

Cheers!

John

[dgcorner]

Off topic too -- Does anyone want anything from duty free? I don't mind buying stuff on the way back into the country. I'm also going via Singapore (just at the airport) and the duty free goods are pretty reasonable compared to NZ... CF cards, lenses, filters, other accessories?

Let me know so I can prepare my list. I'm planning on checking out battery prices too.

Cheers!

John

[dgcorner]

Moppie, are we on tomorrow? 6PM at the same place?

[Moppie]

Yip, 6pm same place!

Ill be there.

[Wazza]

I bought a new phone, so I'm back to my regular contract number

021 - PHOT 01
xxx - 746801

[FlyingPete]

I will be there a little early, Shona want me to also shoot our wee one for our Christmas card :D

[Wazza]

Don't wait around for me at 6 if you beat me there. Head up to Musik point if that's where you're going. I'll be the longest, as on Tuesday, I didn't even get home to 5:25, and then I have to get changed, and pick up my gear. Be in town at say 5:50, and then however long it takes to do Southern Motorway/ EllersliePanmure turn off etc. I'm thinking 6:40?

[Moppie]

Nice Idea Pete. Bring the whole family down :)


We will be there about 6, regardless of the weather this time.

Im looking forward to it, Ill give you a little warning, Amanda and I will be wearing our "Sunday Best".

[Moppie]

Just a reminder, Northern end of Eastern Beach again.

[joeseph]

To hell with it, I'm gonna do a no show at our work do tonight. I'd rather be taking photos... see you 6-ish

:-)

[FlyingPete]

To hell with it, I'm gonna do a no show at our work do tonight. I'd rather be taking photos... see you 6-ish

:-)

Nice I like that attitide! I feel much the same way about work do's :rolleyes:

[joeseph]

Nice I like that attitide! I feel much the same way about work do's :rolleyes:

I've already raffled off the allotted $20 worth of drinks :-)

[Moppie]

I've already raffled off the allotted $20 worth of drinks :-)

Wise man, let me guess you sold $40 worth of tickets :D

The beauty of starting early is you get to finnish early, Im off, see everyone there.

[weka2000]

Hope you guys didnt get to wet?

Had the Mangere Bridge Santa Parade rained just after santa went past. Had a bit of a on camera 580EX test run, does the job very well.

[dgcorner]

Aside from the light shower, and the clouds blocking most of the light all went well.

Moppie & Amanda, Peter, Duncan, and Warren -- It was good to meet you all!

Moppie, will send you the CD in the next day or so.

I learned heaps today - thanks!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Cheers!

[Moppie]

I just have to say that was rather a lot of fun.

Thank you very much to Pete, Duncan, Wazza and John, its very differnt being on the other side of the lens, let alone four of them :)

My aplogies to your Wife Pete, I know she will read this :)

We deffinitly owe all of you, it was a priceless service.
Your all welcome to post your best shots here of course.


You will have to come to one of these meets one day Weka, and Im still wondering what happened to Matt?

[MattL]

err. my bad. I had a hot date, and promptly forgot about you guys. Sorry!

I'd like to see yall best pics tho!

[joeseph]

First one up:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=118963
what have the rest of you guys been doing ?? :-)

[tim]

Moppie, you look different that you do in your avatar :p

[FlyingPete]

Time for the fun shots! (no time for post processing here, anyway I left my RAW converter at home :rolleyes: )
An Action shot:
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/GKPE/ShootMoppie/Action.jpg

Oh dear this looks like...
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/GKPE/ShootMoppie/MoppieVsWazza1.jpg

...trouble!
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/GKPE/ShootMoppie/MoppieVsWazza2.jpg

Standard Chimping shot, note dgcorner is the background capturing getting the action ;)
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/GKPE/ShootMoppie/Chimping.jpg

Oh and what post would be complete without another Wazza shot!
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/GKPE/ShootMoppie/HelloWazza.jpg

[Moppie]

ROFLOL!

It just wouldn't be a GKPE with out Warren acting the fool in at least 5 photos!

I can't wait to see your photos of Amanda and I

[tim]

I have a few photos of Wazza from the weekend he was down here... will see if there are any interesting ones and post 'em (if he lets me).

[Moppie]

Moppie, you look different that you do in your avatar :p


Its the Cuffs.


Its a shame you couldn't make it up, we needed someone with a little experiance and give direction.
These 4 are great photographers, but bad directors :p

[tim]

Heh heh. I'm getting pretty good at directing people, you have to at wedding, groups of people are like sheep.

[dgcorner]

Well, I've got a long way to go... but here are a couple from yesterday...

First one of Moppie & Amanda was cropped and USM-ed. Second one with Wazza resized and PSd.

Cheers!

[dgcorner]

Btw, I have to learn how to resize these things so that they come out the same size when attached. The file size was the killer and had to make the second one a little smaller so that it could be attached:o

Any tips?

[joeseph]

Not sure what software you're using John but in Photoshop CS2 my workflow is:-
image\image size (adjust to 800wide or high, tick the constrain proportions box)
file\save as
you then get an options box with an image quality slider, slide left until filesize is 90Kb or thereabouts (if you go to 100Kb the file sixe ends up bigger than 100Kb for some reason)

BTW, how'd you go out in Wiri? are ya hired?

[Moppie]

Thier looking good John, have a look for some were we are both looking at your camera, or both looking away :)

[dgcorner]

. . . BTW, how'd you go out in Wiri? are ya hired?

Duncan,

Thanks for the tip -- I did have reservations about lowering the quality... then again, if it's going to be on the web then it shouldn't matter too much... I think.

As for the job, the interview went very well. I had it with the prospective boss and a human resources person. They had a couple more people to interview for the afternoon.. I'll find out Monday or Tuesday if I get onto the shortlist for the 2nd interview with the top boss...

Cheers!

[dgcorner]

Thier looking good John, have a look for some were we are both looking at your camera, or both looking away :)

Thanks Moppie! With us 4 photogs shooting away it was a little difficult getting both of you looking my way at the same time.

I'll burn the pics onto the DVD tonight and post or drop off at your post box if I'm heading your way.

Cheers!

[FlyingPete]

Added some more shots to Duncan's post:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=118963

[dgcorner]

Moppie, dropped off the CD this morning at around 915am. Placed it into your post box.

There were just a couple of passable ones... Oh well, this is why I'm learning... I guess.

Cheers!

John

[Moppie]

Just had a look through them John.

There are some really good shots in here!
You have a few that are over exposed, I expected you guys to have trouble with that, bright light plus my white shirt was going to cuase trouble. And you missed focus a couple of times, but those are small issues that you will learn to deal with.
All of them are well composed though, which IMO is far more important.



Just waiting for young Warrens work?

[Wazza]

Young Warren?

I think he got lost in translation..
Or was it lost in RAW

Sorry been pestered with other bits...
Stressed about the camera, and it hurts to look at the last few shots I ever made with my 20D. :(

From what I saw when I skimmed through them on Saturday morning after getting off memory card, some looked ok... I'll put a couple good ones in People section hopefully tonight, and the rest... well.. next time we meet.. or something

[Moppie]

Don't get down about your gear, its just a camera :)


What did the parrallel importer say?

[joeseph]

You have a few that are over exposed, I expected you guys to have trouble with that, bright light plus my white shirt was going to cuase trouble.

exposure - try working out what went wrong with this one:
http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/odd_files/IMG_4661-800.jpg

I found that I'd been using "evaluative" instead of my preferred "center-weighted" setting. Still doesn't account for awfully blown out shot though...

[Moppie]

Damn, even my Tie is white!

At least Amandas dress looks good :D

I think Canon has issues with evaluative metering, my A80 likes to blow out everything when I use it as well.

[dgcorner]

Thanks Moppie! Yes, still learning... but it was a good experience. My hats off to people who do portrature as a living!

Duncan, from what I've experienced & read, and as Moppie says, Canon's evaluative metering can be fooled when there are both light (shirt, tie & light)and dark (Moppie's pants & Amanda's dress) subjects. My ideal metering would be spot (but Canon thinks it isn't important!!!):evil: but I have to contend with partial. Oh well, can't have them all.

Wazza, what's the story with Parallel Imported? I hope that they sort things out quickly for you. I know that they have a store warranty, and send back the item to where they purchased it from. I just hope that it doesn't take weeks!

Cheers!

[Wazza]

Haha what the heck is with that pic. It's like 3 stops overblown..

Parallel imported says there's a 10 day wait to be looked into and stuff.. Goes into a date queue, and if it can't be fixed locally, at their old premises, they have to give it to a Canon service centre.. So I asked the question:
"A Canon centre overseas?!"
"Yes".

They weren't going to tell me that unless I asked.

Anyway, also on the form I signed, mentioned about dust etc inside body.. If there is any, or drop marks, warranty is void due to carelessness....
And said something about loaners available.. Might contact them about that, if I need one

[joeseph]

Haha what the heck is with that pic. It's like 3 stops overblown..


strange but true, I had a series of 8 of this sort (overblown) using F2.8 AV then switched to TV 1/125 @ F8 and all went as normal. Beats me, I don't usually use AV so guess i should use with caution eh?

as John says, still learning....

[tim]

exposure - try working out what went wrong with this one:
http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/odd_files/IMG_4661-800.jpg

I found that I'd been using "evaluative" instead of my preferred "center-weighted" setting. Still doesn't account for awfully blown out shot though...

I'd bet money (a small amount) you forgot to turn on high speed sync - the shutter is at it's max sync speed (1/250th) at F2.8 and ISO 100. There must've been a lot of light around then for this to happen at ISO100, not unreasonable for a bright day at the time you took it (6pm).

Edit - remember F8 1/125 is 4 stops less light than the previous exposure. That adds weight to my theory.

[FlyingPete]

I'd bet money (a small amount) you forgot to turn on high speed sync - the shutter is at it's max sync speed (1/250th) at F2.8 and ISO 100. There must've been a lot of light around then for this to happen at ISO100, not unreasonable for a bright day at the time you took it (6pm).

Edit - remember F8 1/125 is 4 stops less light than the previous exposure. That adds weight to my theory.

Yep I'll second that bet, often make the same mistake, flick the flash on when in Av mode with a large (f/2.8) aperture, 1/250 ends up being way too low as a shutter speed, I made that error at least once on the 'Moppie Shoot'.

[joeseph]

Thanks Tim/Pete I'd say you're right, although interestingly, WinXP exif doesn't mention any flash mode. Pretty sure it was on at that point though...
More lessons learnt then - cheers.

[FlyingPete]

Thanks Tim/Pete I'd say you're right, although interestingly, WinXP exif doesn't mention any flash mode. Pretty sure it was on at that point though...
More lessons learnt then - cheers.
Filename : IMG_4661-800.jpg
Main Information
Make : Canon
Model : Canon EOS 20D
Orientation : left-hand side
XResolution : 720000/10000
YResolution : 720000/10000
ResolutionUnit : Inch
Software : Adobe Photoshop CS2 Windows
DateTime : 2005:12:12 19:57:27
ExposureMode : Auto
WhiteBalance : Auto
ExposureProgram : Aperture Priority
ISOSpeedRatings : 100
ExifVersion : 0221
DateTimeOriginal : 2005:12:08 17:53:49
DateTimeDigitized : 2005:12:08 17:53:49
ShutterSpeedValue : 1/250Sec
ApertureValue : F2.8
ExposureBiasValue : EV0.0
MeteringMode : Division
Flash : Fired
FocalLength : 70.00(mm)
UserComment :
ColorSpace : sRGB
ExifImageWidth : 533
ExifImageHeight : 800
FocalPlaneXResolution : 2336000/590
FocalPlaneYResolution : 3504000/885
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit : Meter

BTW, Nice Avatar:D

[joeseph]

Flash : Fired


BTW, Nice Avatar:D

Why thanks, just something I cobbled together at 2:30am...

As for the exif, look's like Bill's scriptwriters are missing a few fields...

43863

[Wazza]

If you open the file in the proper Canon Professional software, it will give me details.

[FlyingPete]

Why thanks, just something I cobbled together at 2:30am...

As for the exif, look's like Bill's scriptwriters are missing a few fields...

43863

I have a feature request in with their crowd to extend the fields, and understand the orientation field, so images auto rotate. Actually I had better point out I am not kidding, I have recently sat on a 'round table' (actually it was square) on improvements to be made to the OS, and those were some I pointed out that are easily implemented, hopefully in the next SP!

[Moppie]

The Legand of Pete continues.

Thats the sort of news that warrents its own thread, you could have got pages of improvements to add. :)

[FlyingPete]

The Legand of Pete continues.

Thats the sort of news that warrents its own thread, you could have got pages of improvements to add. :)

There was a lot more than just the Exif, I went into all sorts of useful stuff for image managment, including metatags, and most of all speeding the whole thing up!

Didn't really have time to discuss on the forum, as it was very last minute.

[FlyingPete]

The big feature I wanted was a better file browser, basically you just put your images in directories based on date or download, then in a file browser create virtual folders that reference the images.

So after the first GKPE, I would have a directory named after the date with all the images from that day, plus a few non related ones I took afterwards, so I would create a virtual folder with all the GKPE images in it, add some of the images to my Sunset virtual folder, some to my Critters virtual folder and one or two to my Killer Pukeko virtual folder ;), the key point here is though, and image of Rod being attacked by a Pukeko would be visible in three virtual folders, even though there is only one copy of the file on the hard disk.

You could then add comments to each image if you wanted, and the subject and comments could be searched on later on as well, but under no circumstances should the file be changed of modified in anyway, the system would also have to be able to deal with multiple instances of the same file name (I have five different IMG_0001.jpgs now :rolleyes:).

The 'database' must be easily transportable between computers, and can do a self repair if images physical location changes (easy enough to do, each images has a unique identifier, which could be based on name and image taken time, or size, at worst if it comes down to it, you could do a MD5 hash on it, but that would slow things down).

Oh, and lastly it is quick and integrated into the OS (sorry Mac guys!), worst case is I have to by the plus pack or something.

Anyway my idea plus the Exif stuff in summary, MS liked it anyway!

[tim]

Pete, can't you just add keywords to the IPTC data (might have that acronym wrong) and use Bridge (or something) to search it?

[FlyingPete]

Pete, can't you just add keywords to the IPTC data (might have that acronym wrong) and use Bridge (or something) to search it?

That was one of the solutions discussed but it doesn't deal with the viewer though, if you know one that does what I described, let me know. Might be possible to front end that with a nice GUI, might be onto somehting there...

Being a developer of really old, I wouldn't image with the resources available that it would be too hard to do, and would not be surprised if it has already been done.

[Wazza]

I really need to start organising my files.

I have some on DVDs, some on a 80Gb hdd on a 2nd computer, some on this computer spread over 2 HDDs or 4 partitions, and some on the 250Gb 3rd computer. I took 30min the other night to find some shots I took recently. Had no idea where I put them.

400Gb simply isn't enough. 64,000 shots, taking up a huge amount of space. At least my camera isn't working now, and I can probably sort some out a bit

[FlyingPete]

Pete, can't you just add keywords to the IPTC data (might have that acronym wrong) and use Bridge (or something) to search it?

Just did a test, it is really easy to change the user comment field using a CLI utility I found: EXIFutils, the demo version has restrictions, but they don't affect the way I would use it.

So we could either put the comments or subject in there, or a unique identifier, and reference it somewhere else, I have managed to change it to the MD5 hash of the file (although that changes as soon as I edit the EXIF:rolleyes: ).

Might be good to start up a tread somewhere else on this, but where?

[tim]

Pete, was the discussion in real life or on a thread? I seem to have missed something.

Wazza, you need to start deleting stuff. Are you seriously saying that you have 64,000 photos, and you aren't prepared to delete any of them? Even for weddings after the album has been made I delete the photos that I rated 1/5 or 2/5, I will keep JPG and maybe RAW for ones marked 3/5, and RAW for 4/5 and higher. Of my own stuff I only keep the shots I mark as 4/5 or higher, unless the have sentimental value, in which case I probably keep shots rated 3/5 or higher.

Also, from the wedding shots we did together you had LOTS of duplicates because you shoot on "motor drive", you could at least delete those.

I keep all my photos on one hard drive, because at the moment they only add up to 70GB or so. I may eventually start archiving hard drives of older shots, with the JPGs on DVD in another location as backup. If I lost wedding photos my reputation would be ruined.

[FlyingPete]

Pete, was the discussion in real life or on a thread? I seem to have missed something.


I met with MS in October to go over some ideas I had. Basically it came from a competition at TechEd 2005, where you could submit an idea summary for MS to develop further, my idea as earlier above was shortlisted and discussed further, I am currently awaiting the finalists from around the country...