How many from Michigan?

[NickSimcheck]

Oh... Almost forgot, we should make a mailing list for when we want to arrange a get together. I suggest you use "(at)" cause a full email address with "@" can be searched my a spam bot (or so I'm told) I'll start:

NickSimcheck(at)mail.com



Copy and paste with your email included.

[carianoff]

The main info i heard about was regarding the Troy store's lease being up soon and they may not be resigning. I would imagine that the Dearborn store would last longer since its the better store.

I don't think new lenses are an item that they would close-out sell. A boxed lens is a good as currency.

[HeatherSik]

I agree with what Dave said about Normans Camera.. I live just a few minutes away from the one in Kalamazoo and I buy from there all the time.. their prices seem to be pretty good compaired to online and I like the customer service.. :)

[Simoli]

I just learned of Adray. It would suck if they went out of business. That's also where I got my camera, of which the price was as good as any online vendor I could find.

Good idea on Mill Race Village. I'll have to try that as soon as I van get some of the basics down. I haven't used an SLR for about 15 years and tah one was film. This camera is way technical so it will take some time learning it.

simoli(at)comcast.net

[PhotosGuy]

Oh... Almost forgot, we should make a mailing list for when we want to arrange a get together. I have one from the racing meets & update it when someone new shows up here.
If you're serious about planning one, PM me & I'll give it to you. I've heard of a place called Woodward Camera. It's on Woodward between 13 & 15 mile. The main info i heard about was regarding the Troy store's lease being up soon and they may not be resigning. Too bad, it's 3 miles from me.

[NickSimcheck]

If you're serious about planning one, PM me & I'll give it to you.


I'm not serious about planning one but I am serious about attending one. Not gonna trick me into doing the leg work ;)

[PhotosGuy]

Not gonna trick me into doing the leg work Good luck with that. I tried asking people what they wanted to do & when they would be free to do it. Now I just pick what I want to do, when I can do it, & you can come or not. It works well for me. ;)

[ggt1_02]

I just learned of Adray. It would suck if they went out of business.

I don't see that happening. I had visited the Canton store a few times before they closed. There was never anybody in there and it was photography only. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the Troy store is also photography only. Every time I go to the Dearborn store it is always busy. I don't see that one closing any time soon. Hopefully!!!

[PhotosGuy]

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the Troy store is also photography only. Yes, it is.

[carianoff]

Well i talked to the people at ADRAY and they insist that the location is still a key component in their plan. Apparently they still pull in the numbers they need to justify continuing. With Century and a few others that are gone now they are really the only dedicated camera store in the area. So we'll see. I still think its just a matter of time unless they can find some way to compete with on-line retailers fast.

I guess they have plans to make this--> http://www.adray.com/ or http://www.adraycamera.com/ a little more competitive, and thus help the costs all around. But you really can't make that happen with money from two stores in stores in one of the worst economic areas in the US.

[Jon Foster]

I haven't been to Adray in years, like over 20 at least... Adray is where I bought my Canon AL-1 back in the early 80's. Actually, the last thing that was bought there was our microwave. My parents bought it for us as a wedding present... I always remember their pricing being high too. That's why I stopped going there.

Jon.

[Jon, The Elder]

I'd appreciate an e-mail or PM if anybody ever gets something going for a Winter shoot session.

Detroit Zoo has some decent spots, and hot coffee down at the end.

I'm up for anything within a 50 mile radius.

[carianoff]

When i get a 70-200 2.8 I'd be glad to.

[Bob Wood]

Hello All, Ortonville, MI....

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to POTN, Bob!

[rs2sensen]

Hey everyone. I've been around for a while, but just got active in the last week or so. I spend most of my time up in Grand Rapids, but some time in Kalamazoo.

If anyone is interested in shooting together, let me know! rs1sensen (at) yahoo (dot) com

There isn't a huge amount to do in the winter, but I'd love to hear people's ideas. I go out into Grand Rapids at night quite a bit, and did hit some of the festivals earlier in the year (Primarily Celebration on the Grand and the East Town Street Festival). I'll also be up in Cedar Springs some, as I teach private lessons at the school there. (saxophone).

Hope to see you guys around!

Normans: Just wanted to mention...if you buy in store, make sure you check their online prices too. In the past, especially on lenses, they've quoted me 30% or more higher in store than their online price, which they claim to be near their costs. I like the store, but haven't been impressed by their salespeople, in general (and I say this knowing the fact that one of my best friends is a sales guy in the GR store!)

[wardge]

Greetings all! I am new to the forums (and only in the past year have gotten more into photography, but have enjoyed taking photos since I was old enough to hold a camera). Still alot to learn, but thank god for the internet...

Anyway, I live in Grand Rapids - Does anyone know if there are any groups that get together and shoot in this area? (groups that don't mind having someone relatively nexperienced asking questions...)

Take care everyone!

PS - Thanks Dave Kadolph for the PM to tell me about this thread

[according to jim]

Farmington Hills here !Let's get something going. I gotta shoot something now!

[Kris K]

Just south of of Grand Haven along lake Michigan is where I live

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to POTN! Does anyone know if there are any groups that get together and shoot in this area? You could start one yourself? Put a notice here & start a thread in: POTN Member Activities (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=80)

PM me if you decide to do it & I can offer some help notifying other MI members.
Good luck!

[rs2sensen]

Hey Guys, I've put together a thread about a get together: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=433655

[ggt1_02]

I was thinking about a get together this summer in downtown Detroit. It's someplace that I know has a lot of shooting spots, but it is not really somewhere I want to go with just my wife and myself. Anyone with any input on this. There is also the Matthaei Botonanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. The inside gardens are really nice most of the year and I hear that the walking trails are very good during the spring and summer. I cannot vouch for the outside, but I have been inside for my wedding ceremony. I definitely plan on heading out here in the spring.

[Fishin Musician]

Hello all, Atlanta, MI here...nice to meet you all.

FM

[Yanis]

Hello all, Atlanta, MI here...nice to meet you all.

FM


Welcome to POTN! Best of all, WELCOME Homey!!! ;)

Peace,
Yanis :D

[hangul]

Hello All,

Been a member of POTN for a little over a year. Both my daughter and I use Cannon equiptment and really enjoy POTN. I am also from White Lake.

I have read the notes about Adray and have not toticed any signs of their closing when my daughter bought a 16-35L a few weeks ago. Have any of you used Camera Mart located in the plaza at M59 and Telegraph. They have a good selection but do not meet B & H pricing.

[PhotosGuy]

Camera Mart Geez! I bought stuff from Irv Coper there 40 years ago!
I sent a friend there a year ago to get a Canon after many talks about what's better, & some jerk-off sold him a Nikon, so watch your step! :D


Welcome to the MI group.

[Brian1cj]

Hello everyone... I read through this entire thread and I didn't see "Flint" come up.

I guess that is where I come in. So hello from the wonderful (sarcasm) and crime-free (way more sarcasm) city of Flint. I grew up 20 min SW of Flint in the railroad ghost town of Gaines. I work in Flint, went to college in Flint, and now I live in good ol' Flint. Wow... I really need to get out of here or something!

I don't have any photo friends in the area. Everyone here likes cars, bars and smoking! Lol... Anyway, maybe I can meet up with SE people if a meet ever gets scheduled. I saw a few Auburn Hills and other people in Oakland county :)

[HeatherSik]

Brian,

Welcome to POTN.... This is a wonderful place for support and info.. I am sorry that you are not having the time of your life in Flint.. We probably would have moved out of Michigan a year ago if my husband didn't find the job he is at right now.. So, what do you like to photograph?

I like just about anything but I shoot people more often then not.. But I love doing a landscape and such from time to time because there is no posing and such.. I started a photo class a couple weeks ago in hopes that I will understand my camera a little better.. Well, good luck to you..

[Brian1cj]

Isn't the economy in Flint just going great guns? (pun intended). Sorry. Flint isn't one of the best places to live in MI right now is it. We're losing a lot of jobs in West MI but not like you guys in Flint are. Hope you've got a pretty secure job.

I am very blessed to 1) have a job that isn't leaving anytime soon, and 2) making more than 50k/year. It is sad to say, but I've really beat the odds.

And about the pun-intended guns, did you see that Flint is back up to #3 in the most dangerous cities in the US? I work in the north part, which is bad news. I once had trouble leaving work because police had the street blocked off because of finding a body in the river. One of the fisherman found it... Eww. Don't fish the Flint river!

Brian,

Welcome to POTN.... This is a wonderful place for support and info.. I am sorry that you are not having the time of your life in Flint.. We probably would have moved out of Michigan a year ago if my husband didn't find the job he is at right now.. So, what do you like to photograph?

I like just about anything but I shoot people more often then not.. But I love doing a landscape and such from time to time because there is no posing and such.. I started a photo class a couple weeks ago in hopes that I will understand my camera a little better.. Well, good luck to you..

I enjoy shooting the details of things. After I've taken the safe shot like everyone else (boooorrring), I start to play with angles and interesting backgrounds, views, etc. Nothing too abstract though, just enjoy making people see the same thing from a different perspective. I am always looking for something more than the whole object of what I am shooting.

I also shoot weddings (from the sidelines, as guests do) for friends and family. I've only had a DSLR for not quite 2 years and I just bought a bunch of more professional gear. I would have gotten in on this a long time ago but I was in college until 2005 and I just didn't have the money.

I am slowing being pushed into doing wedding photography even though I just don't know about all that... My goal is nothing less than perfection and I don't have enough experience. I have two booked for this year, plus some engagement sessions, so I'm learning as quickly as I can. I hope they truly understand that I am not a pro, just a hobbyist! It makes me quite nervous!

[HeatherSik]

best advice is if you can't have a 2nd shooter, have backups to your backup's when you can.. Two body's Several lens, a couple of flash units, several flash cards and backup batteries... But I am sure that you know all this stuff anyway..

Good luck to you.. :)

[Brian1cj]

I know! I have a ton of stuff I need to buy before the wedding. I only have what is in my signature... still missing a 10-22, a 580ex II with some sort of mini softbox/diffuser thing, and a few more flash cards.

I am so nervous about flash cards failing, I figured maybe a good practice is to span them across 10 or so. That way if one goes bad, I only lost 1/10th of them (and probably the most important ones!) haha...

I saw your blog... Your pics of people are pretty nice. I'd love to find more victims...err.. subjects to shoot. All my friends run in fear when I bust out the camera!

[PhotosGuy]

For anyone interested, we have 127 members 'registered' in the Michigan, Ohio, Sarnia, and Ontario region.

[stathunter]

I know! I have a ton of stuff I need to buy before the wedding. I only have what is in my signature... still missing a 10-22, a 580ex II with some sort of mini softbox/diffuser thing, and a few more flash cards.

I am so nervous about flash cards failing, I figured maybe a good practice is to span them across 10 or so. That way if one goes bad, I only lost 1/10th of them (and probably the most important ones!) haha...

I saw your blog... Your pics of people are pretty nice. I'd love to find more victims...err.. subjects to shoot. All my friends run in fear when I bust out the camera!

Hi Brian,
I am in the Flint area also. (Goodrich). I focus on weddings but most of my clients are not in the area due to what I typically charge. So if you want someone to assist you during a real wedding shot drop me a note -- if I am free I will gladly assit.
It looks like you have enough gear......the 10-22 is not something that you need for a wedding---if you had it you might be able to use it for a few shots but the majority of my wedding shots are with the 17-55 and second lens would be 70-200.
I have been shooting for the newspapers lately---until wedding season.
Even though it is cold out there---get out and shoot!

[PhotosGuy]

Let's not get to far away from this being an intro thread. I'm going to let these last posts stand until tomorrow & then I'll delete them & maybe clean up the rest of the thread, too.

Just to recap:
Post #137: Put a notice here & start a thread in: POTN Member Activities (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=80)

Post #155: mailing list: I have one from the racing meets & update it when someone new shows up here.
If you're serious about planning one, PM me & I'll give it to you.

[randy98mtu]

Let's not get to far away from this being an intro thread. I'm going to let these last posts stand until tomorrow & then I'll delete them & maybe clean up the rest of the thread, too.


Sorry about that. I was treating this as a Michigan hang out. :oops: From now on I'll look for a better location for stuff.

[PhotosGuy]

No sweat. Posting just the idea for a meet here will reach the subscribed MI people & it doesn't hurt to keep the thread off page 11!

Questions about gear though, should go in the correct part of the forum.

[Brian1cj]

After you all get done taking photos of the auto show, this festival always makes for a nice photo op if any Michiganders are interested in it: http://www.zehnders.com/new-site/snowfest/ (Frankenmuth)

I am going to try to get up there today and take some photos but I leave for L.A. tomorrow so it is going to be hectic!

There are lot of company-sponsered ice carvings that they light up with colored lights... they make for some fantastic night shots!

[Clearie]

The Auto Show was great, but get there early so you don't have people in the background of your shot. And yes I'm from Michigan.

[QX56]

Hello everyone , I am from Warren Michigan .

[say_cheese]

Hangul, I have been in the Camera Mart on M-59 several times. I'll go there when I need something quick (and inexpensive, otherwise its B&H). It's a pretty decent store with a good display and selection of cameras and lighting equipment. There is a an Adray in Troy which is closer to where I work but their prices are pretty steep. It's unfortunate but the smaller retail stores can't compete with the internet prices of the B&H's of the world. Smaller retail stores need to carve out a niche service if they want to survive.

[hangul]

Thank say_cheese,

I agree with you. Since being bitten i have been to the best stores that I know of in Michigan. I bought my 70-200 at Norman's since they would match B&H's price. I haven't bought anything major at local stores.

[Jon, The Elder]

Hey Frank..can you just make a 'stickie' with ID's, just for reference to other members.

[PhotosGuy]

I'd rather not make the list public as we've had spammers PMing members in the past. Let them work to get them.

As I said before, If someone is serious about planning an outing, they can PM me when they start a thread & I'll give the list to them.

[s8langwo]

Paw Paw (West of Kalamazoo)

Kevin

[SwiftFootTim]

I'm from near Mount Pleasant, but I have a friend that lives in GR. How's the shooting down in GR? I know that I saw the Boston group do a downtown shooting section and they had some great photos. Once it becomes warm outside again I think it would be pretty cool to do a meet up like this. What do you all think?

[PhotosGuy]

Hey, Tim! I'm from St. Louis. Welcome to you & Kevin!

[ZeissFan]

Hello All!
Definitely a Michigan Fellow Here. Born and raised. Just moved to Cedar Springs from the original posters Wyoming!
I'd like to invite email or messages from people in the area or out-state as well.
I would especially like to do a meet n greet sometime. I definitely miss the 'photo' comraderie I enjoyed when I was working on a degree in photography (communications) at Grand Valley State. Tossing prints on the wall, breaking bread, some beverages - sounds like a great idea to me.
Richard

[Red Wings]

Hello!

I'm from Macomb Township, formerly lived in Warren and work in Grosse Pointe.
I did a group meeting with a few friends last year, we snuck into the old Train Station downtown. I was surprised to see about a dozen other photographers inside. The down side...trespassing tickets...we were caught exiting the property. :oops: A group Urban Decay walk around Eastern Market this spring is an idea, hell, just Eastern market. A walk on the abandoned rail lines shooting tagging , "graffiti". Maybe a skyline shoot with our friends across the bridge? I have never photographed anything at Kensington but I have been there more than once. Flint has The Crim in mid-August and there is the Freep Marathon in October. The Hoe-Down this spring, quite a few festivals coming up. How about night shooting a little carnival or the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. The Cherry Festival has many photo ops. The Blue Angels, bands, people, night attractions, the bay, sail boats and of course the pie factory! Not far is the Dam Ice Ceam Shop and several light houses. Out my way is Wolcott Mill Park. Just another idea, what about roof top parking at Cobo and getting some night city shots...er..ah...photographs! How about Belle Isle while the snow is still around. Hillsdale has a big track meet with Olympians every year..and most of the Hanson Runners...like Brian Sell (Olympic Marathon 2008 )

I can organize an Eastern market get together, it's free parking, we can all meet at the bus depot, plenty of food there. Many new shooting situations for us, some very colorful people/characters. It is very crowded, plenty of people. I think I would consider B&W conversions for something like this. I shoot sports so the market concept is new to me.

You Traverse City folks let me know about a get together at the Cherry Festival.

Phil

[sadowsk2]

Hello!

I'm from Macomb Township, formerly lived in Warren and work in Grosse Pointe.
I did a group meeting with a few friends last year, we snuck into the old Train Station downtown. I was surprised to see about a dozen other photographers inside. The down side...trespassing tickets...we were caught exiting the property. :oops: A group Urban Decay walk around Eastern Market this spring is an idea, hell, just Eastern market. A walk on the abandoned rail lines shooting tagging , "graffiti". Maybe a skyline shoot with our friends across the bridge? I have never photographed anything at Kensington but I have been there more than once. Flint has The Crim in mid-August and there is the Freep Marathon in October. The Hoe-Down this spring, quite a few festivals coming up. How about night shooting a little carnival or the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. The Cherry Festival has many photo ops. The Blue Angels, bands, people, night attractions, the bay, sail boats and of course the pie factory! Not far is the Dam Ice Ceam Shop and several light houses. Out my way is Wolcott Mill Park. Just another idea, what about roof top parking at Cobo and getting some night city shots...er..ah...photographs! How about Belle Isle while the snow is still around. Hillsdale has a big track meet with Olympians every year..and most of the Hanson Runners...like Brian Sell (Olympic Marathon 2008 )

I can organize an Eastern market get together, it's free parking, we can all meet at the bus depot, plenty of food there. Many new shooting situations for us, some very colorful people/characters. It is very crowded, plenty of people. I think I would consider B&W conversions for something like this. I shoot sports so the market concept is new to me.

You Traverse City folks let me know about a get together at the Cherry Festival.

Phil
Count me in for that!

[rdsportsphoto]

Gaylord Michigan...4 seasons of photography, but I just concentrate on sports....missing alot out there to photograph, although I do hope to get that bald eagle flying around at some point. Caught him one day 15-yards in front of me sitting on a fence post, but my camera was at home!!...just beautiful up here

[stathunter]

Phil,
Good ideas. I have shot many of those places but never shot at the Eastern Market......I like that idea. Maybe one early Saturday morning?

[sadowsk2]

We could all meet somewhere, perhaps for us Eastsiders somewhere in Royal and head down from there (eastern market, belle isle, etc)... just a thought...

[Yooper60]

Born in L'Anse, raised in Nisula and now living in Ontonagon. (All in the UP)

[ancientsanskrit]

Yeah, we need to get something going on in SE MI. I'm in Ann Arbor by day and Walled Lake by night.

(What we really need is some good weather around here...friggin' freezing out there).

[Simoli]

What we really need is some good weather around here...friggin' freezing out there.That has definitely put a damper on my desire to go out and shoot.

[Jon Foster]

Hello All,

Been a member of POTN for a little over a year. Both my daughter and I use Cannon equiptment and really enjoy POTN. I am also from White Lake.

I have read the notes about Adray and have not toticed any signs of their closing when my daughter bought a 16-35L a few weeks ago. Have any of you used Camera Mart located in the plaza at M59 and Telegraph. They have a good selection but do not meet B & H pricing.

Another White Lake shooter! We are right behind Circus Circus if you know where that is.

Camera Mart is ok for the things we need in a hurry but they never have competitive pricing. One time I had a guy tell me I should try to bargain with them when it comes to pricing. But I feel the price should be set fairly from the beginning. In the 20 years I've lived in this area they have lost thousands in sales I've made at other places. Our three kids are into photography now too and their money has been spent with other vendors too. Oh well...

Jon.

[Jon Foster]

Yeah, we need to get something going on in SE MI. I'm in Ann Arbor by day and Walled Lake by night.

(What we really need is some good weather around here...friggin' freezing out there).

You might get some good shots at the old Coe Rail depot in the evenings. They are located at 15 Mile (Maple) and Pontiac Trail. I always talk about shooting there myself but never get around to doing it.

Jon.

[stillresonance]

Hello all! Just signed up to POTN, I live over in Harrison Twp

I did a group meeting with a few friends last year, we snuck into the old Train Station downtown. I was surprised to see about a dozen other photographers inside. The down side...trespassing tickets...we were caught exiting the property. :oops:

I've been in there once, I didn't have a camera when I went in with a couple friends as it was just an impluse idea after getting lunch in Mexican town. There were other people in there of course, it's very popular with photographers. How much was the tresspass ticket? I'd like to go back inside so I can actually take some pictures in there but worry about getting caught of course.

-Jeff

[PhotosGuy]

Hello all! Just signed up to POTN, I live over in Harrison Twp And you posted here first? Welcome to POTN, Jeff!

We now have over 140 Michigan (& nearby areas) people in the forum.

[according to jim]

I got it lets get together for a Kwame Kilpatrick News Conference.

[according to jim]

I think there might be a few real soon!

[PhotosGuy]

Stand in front with long lenses so we can document the sweat dripping from his nose?

OK, so let's not turn this into a chat thread?

[kristan]

Kristan here checking in from South Lyon (north of A2)!

[Simoli]

Hello Kristan

[Red Wings]

Hello all! Just signed up to POTN, I live over in Harrison Twp

-Jeff


Welcome Jeff.

Which side of Selfridge? Email me at plangford54@comcast.net if you are interested in joining a group outting.

[Red Wings]

Kristan here checking in from South Lyon (north of A2)!



Welcome Kristan. Looking forward to seeing some views from your side of town. If your interested in meeting as a group let me know! plangford54@comcast.net

[stillresonance]

Welcome Jeff.

Which side of Selfridge? Email me at plangford54@comcast.net if you are interested in joining a group outting.

I'm south of Selfridge, just off of 16 mile.
I would definately be interested in meeting up with some other local photogs

[TenaCJed]

I'm south of Selfridge, just off of 16 mile.
I would definately be interested in meeting up with some other local photogs

Welcome, I am close by. I am at 17 and Garfield. What do you like to shoot?

[stillresonance]

Well I'm looking to get into doing portraiture and wedding/event photography part time. I particularly like to shoot urban/architecture, landscape with a certain level of abstraction, etc. I've taken a couple photo classes at wayne state, so I've got stuff on slide and BW film and bunch of stuff from a year I spent in Europe that is mostly color neg film. The 40D is my first DSLR which I got in the fall, so not too much stuff in digital yet (been working too much to get out and shoot). I'm still in the process of setting up my digital workflow and learning photoshop, I still need to buy CS3 and lightroom now that the trial has run out on them.

[according to jim]

Autorama this weekend. Anyone going? I usually go and also try to shoot around town.

[embdaw]

I got it lets get together for a Kwame Kilpatrick News Conference.

Ok, that made me chuckle a bit!! :lol:

[ancientsanskrit]

You might get some good shots at the old Coe Rail depot in the evenings. They are located at 15 Mile (Maple) and Pontiac Trail. I always talk about shooting there myself but never get around to doing it.

Jon.


Great suggestion. Will look into it once we get a little warmer around here (that snowstorm sure didn't help, though!).

[holesinthinair]

Ann Arbor here. Just beginning. Thank goodness the sun and warmth are back

[OUTLAW PHOTO]

Dearborn Heights here. I've been shootin since, well, a long time. out shooting every weekend and whenever I can during the week after work. Auto racing, nature, models , scenics, weddings and more. Would love to have a get togther anytime for anything.

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to POTN! We'll be doing at least one of these this year: WHRRI-POTN Aug 26, 2007 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=339135)

I'd like to see that Bigma in action! :D

[carianoff]

So i drove by ADRAY in Troy, Its not there anymore :/
Long live the internet, down with brick and mortar. :/

Where am i going to test gear before I leave and buy it on line now?

[PhotosGuy]

ADRAY in Troy, It closed on the 8th. They said too many people test & don't buy! :D

[Simoli]

So i drove by ADRAY in Troy, Its not there anymore :/
Long live the internet, down with brick and mortar. :/

Where am i going to test gear before I leave and buy it on line now?How about Adray in Dearborn. They have just about everything.

[stillresonance]

That's too bad Adray in Troy closed, that's where I bought my 40D. Oh well I guess the closest place to me now is Woodward Camera.

[AussiePup]

It closed on the 8th. They said too many people test & don't buy! :D

Thats because, there internet prices were so much cheaper than the store prices, and shipping usually arrived the next day. I bought a bag and some other stuff there, but I ordered a lens on-line cause of the savings. But when I went to look at the lens first, they really would not match the online price (even after the shipping costs). Hard business model to follow I guess.

[Simoli]

they really would not match the online price (even after the shipping costs). I talked to one of the guys at the Dearborn store and he was willing to split the difference from store to internet price. His reason for not meeting the internet price was that the service end of the products cost the store more $$. It appears that if you buy from the internet store and have an issue with your product you have to send it back to the manufacturer. If you purchase from the physical store they will handle the shipping for repair or just go ahead and echange the product for you on the spot.

[locky]

Who in West Michigan would want to get together for a meet and shoot?

[HeatherSik]

I am in Kalamazoo, Where is Montague? What do you like to shoot?

[OUTLAW PHOTO]

Welcome to POTN! We'll be doing at least one of these this year: WHRRI-POTN Aug 26, 2007 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=339135)

I'd like to see that Bigma in action! :DThanks PhotosGuy. I see your in S.E. Mi. , ever get out to Crosswinds Marsh or Milan Dragway ? ..... and the Bigma, always in action, and hand held. :) Lookin forward to a get together.

[Bob Wood]

Ortonville, shooter.....

[PhotosGuy]

ever get out to Crosswinds Marsh or Milan Dragway ? Not to the marsh & Milan is on my "To do" list for when there isn't anything else going on. Maybe this year.

Welcome, Bob!

[donaldjl]

Well, hey there, gang. I'm checking in from Berkley in southeast Oakland County. Looking forward to some group photo meets.

I really enjoy shooting the outdoors and nature, and especially what my wife and I call "Rural and Urban Entropy". Old buildings, cars, factories, ghost towns, mines in the UP, that sort of thing. We're also nuts about lighthouses, and travel about visiting and photographing them when we can.

PS. I guess today wouldn't be a good day for a Kwame Kilpatrick press conference... ;)

[TenaCJed]

If any one is interested in birds / nature that is what I focus on. I am looking forward to checking out some new locations this year. Point Mouillee and Crosswinds Marsh are on the top of my list of going to for the first time. Stoney Creek, Metro Beach, and Kensington Metro Parks are all good as well. I think we (my wife) might be going to MIO this spring to check out the Kirtland's Warbler. They have guided tours with high probability in seeing one, but who knows how close you will actually get. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/warbtours.htm

Always looking for good bird/nature locations if anyone has any good recommendations for the SouthEast part of Michigan.

As for any outings, always willing to try other things then birds.

[OUTLAW PHOTO]

If any one is interested in birds / nature that is what I focus on. I am looking forward to checking out some new locations this year. Point Mouillee and Crosswinds Marsh are on the top of my list of going to for the first time. Stoney Creek, Metro Beach, and Kensington Metro Parks are all good as well. I think we (my wife) might be going to MIO this spring to check out the Kirtland's Warbler. They have guided tours with high probability in seeing one, but who knows how close you will actually get. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/warbtours.htm

Always looking for good bird/nature locations if anyone has any good recommendations for the SouthEast part of Michigan.

As for any outings, always willing to try other things then birds.You won't be dissapointed at Crosswinds Marsh, they got everything you could want and a pair of nesting Bald Eagles.

[stathunter]

So i drove by ADRAY in Troy, Its not there anymore :/
Long live the internet, down with brick and mortar. :/

Where am i going to test gear before I leave and buy it on line now?

Was that the one at Big Beaver and John R? I had been into that shop a few times quickly while in the neighboorhood. I was never greeted by anyone in that shop..........strange when the internet seems more friendly.

[PhotosGuy]

Was that the one at Big Beaver and John R? yes.

[stathunter]

yes.
I am then a contributor to their lack of success. I do love Olga's Kitchen next door though!

[stillresonance]

I am then a contributor to their lack of success. I do love Olga's Kitchen next door though!
Mmm... snackers

They were definately a bit odd in Adray, the only reason I bought my camera there actually is they were the first place I stopped that had the 40D in stock when I bought it. I even went to Best Buy first :oops: They probably had it because they weren't selling too much of anything.

[FlyingPhotog]

Any grads from:

Detroit Catholic Central -or - Central Michigan University?

Former Michigander who attended these fine institutions of higher learning. Got out of CC in '79 and CMU in '84...

(Married a Mt P "townie" though and now end up back there at least once a year...go figure)

[PhotosGuy]

Any grads from: Detroit Catholic Central -or - Central Michigan University? CMU in '69. I'm from St. Louis & still have family there.

[FlyingPhotog]

CMU in '69. I'm from St. Louis & still have family there.

Well waddya know...

Small world indeed.

"Fire Up Chips..." ;)

[benjid]

im in ann arbor

[fishingjts]

Hello From Saginaw! Fairly new to POTN... been lurking for a while... finally started to post... Photography has been an on/off hobby of mine for a long time... After a fairly long hiatus the hobby has come back with a vengeance! LOL! Upgraded the 20D to a 40D... picked up a my first L lenses.. looking to add another... I'm a fair weather shooter... so i'm kind of waiting for this silly Michigan winter to end! LOL

[Red Wings]

Hello From Saginaw! Fairly new to POTN... been lurking for a while... finally started to post... Photography has been an on/off hobby of mine for a long time... After a fairly long hiatus the hobby has come back with a vengeance! LOL! Upgraded the 20D to a 40D... picked up a my first L lenses.. looking to add another... I'm a fair weather shooter... so i'm kind of waiting for this silly Michigan winter to end! LOL


Well, today is your day! Sunny and 43 degrees! I'm heading out right now to a local park for a walkabout with the 24-70L. Of course the 100-400.. I need to learn the entire 40D much different than the 10D ;)

Phil

[fishingjts]

Well, today is your day! Sunny and 43 degrees! I'm heading out right now to a local park for a walkabout with the 24-70L. Of course the 100-400.. I need to learn the entire 40D much different than the 10D ;)

Phil

And of course I'm stuck at home today! Wife is at an all day scrap booking thing (9 to 9!)... so i'm home with the kiddies... maybe tomorrow... ;)

[BeccaNH]

Any grads from:

Detroit Catholic Central -or - Central Michigan University?

Former Michigander who attended these fine institutions of higher learning. Got out of CC in '79 and CMU in '84...

(Married a Mt P "townie" though and now end up back there at least once a year...go figure)

I graduated from CMU in 1987. Had a heck of a lot of fun there! I don't get back to CMU often, but I visit my family a few times a year in Saginaw and Houghton Lake.

[FlyingPhotog]

I graduated from CMU in 1987. Had a heck of a lot of fun there! I don't get back to CMU often, but I visit my family a few times a year in Saginaw and Houghton Lake.

Well Howdy then...

;)

[JRB]

Hey all, I'm a life long Downriver Rat, born n raised in good ole L.P..Home of the Railsplitter's.

[ggt1_02]

Speaking of Adray I was down there yesterday looking for some film and instruction for a medium format I just acquired. I walked out with a new Manfrotto 190XDB with a Induro SA -12 ball head, for cheaper than it would have cost at B&H. I stopped by the Troy store while it was doing it's close out and can see why they had to close it. I am glad I found the Dearborn store first.

On another note anybody on my side of town looking for a get together let me know. The Michigan shooting season is upon us!

[The Stig]

Hi all,

New to the forum and new to photography in general. It's something I recently discovered that I enjoy and am trying to learn about it. This is a great forum and I've spent the last several days browsing and reading and learning some good tips to take my pictures farther. I'm around the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area.

Nice to meet you all.

[Yanis]

Hi all,

New to the forum and new to photography in general. It's something I recently discovered that I enjoy and am trying to learn about it. This is a great forum and I've spent the last several days browsing and reading and learning some good tips to take my pictures farther. I'm around the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area.

Nice to meet you all.


Welcome to POTN, The Stig. Looking forward to see your photos. ;)

Peace,
Yanis :D

[stillresonance]

Hi all,

New to the forum and new to photography in general. It's something I recently discovered that I enjoy and am trying to learn about it. This is a great forum and I've spent the last several days browsing and reading and learning some good tips to take my pictures farther. I'm around the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area.

Nice to meet you all.
welcome, I see you are a Top Gear fan

[swatteam3]

Im from Bessemer MI dats in da U.P. for ppl who dont know lol its a small town of i think like 1000 ppl only but were in the woods with great scenary for pics:)

[PhotosGuy]

dats in da U.P. Yah! Ever read the book, "Boom Copper"?

Welcome to POTN! You other guys, too!

[JTS]

Hello Everyone. I'm from Livonia and my business partner (and nephew) is from Milford. He also has a house in Ellsworth which serves as a base camp for the majority of our shooting around Charleviox. I've been a lurker for a couple of years and just started to post a couple of weeks ago. I've learned an enormous amount from this forum which has helped my photography business grow. Thanks ggj1_02 from making me aware of this thread.
Jack

www.douglas-syer.smugmug.com
www.dsphotos.zenfolio.com

[Yanis]

Hello Everyone. I'm from Livonia and my business partner (and nephew) is from Milford. He also has a house in Ellsworth which serves as a base camp for the majority of our shooting around Charleviox. I've been a lurker for a couple of years and just started to post a couple of weeks ago. I've learned an enormous amount from this forum which has helped my photography business grow. Thanks ggj1_02 from making me aware of this thread.
Jack

www.douglas-syer.smugmug.com (http://www.douglas-syer.smugmug.com)
www.dsphotos.zenfolio.com (http://www.dsphotos.zenfolio.com)


Welcome to POTN Jack and swatteam3. :D

Peace,
Yanis :D

[chauncey]

Have never delved into this section of our forum.

Am in the Rochester/Pontiac area and would enjoy getting together with someone for lunch. It would need to be during the week.

Be forwarned that sucking your knowledge is my motive.

PM would be good.

[schloss21]

I'm from the small town of Ramsay. it's in the UP and i actually live about only 5 minutes from swatteam3. i'm hoping that once i order my new camera him and i will be able to go out and get some nice photos of the beautiful landscape buy us that we may share with everyone here.

[swatteam3]

Yah! Ever read the book, "Boom Copper"?

Welcome to POTN! You other guys, too!

Haha i dont think i have read that one but i will try and find it and check it out thanks for the suggestion.

[s8langwo]

Who in West Michigan would want to get together for a meet and shoot?

I'd be interested in knowing time/place.

Kevin
Paw Paw/Kalamazoo

[Eclyps19]

oh my. so many michiganders!

I live in Clarkston Michigan. 5 mins from auburn hills, 5 mins from waterford. I'm right off I-75

I work in troy off Maple and John R, and go to school at Lawrence Tech in Southfield.

btw, lovely weather today :)

[schloss21]

^^ i haven't been to clarkston in years. i have family that lives down there.

[Eclyps19]

^^ i haven't been to clarkston in years. i have family that lives down there.
it's a great place to live! Used to be very undeveloped but it's grown A LOT in the last 6 years.

[Nyobie]

I'm from White Lake, MI 1/4 mile south of the M-59 corridor on the east side of White Lake. I haven't visited potn in quite a while but my dad told me about this thread just now so I had to visit - I'm hoping that in some way, this forum visit will motivate me to work on taxes today (ha ha)! It would be cool to be able to get together with some locals or non-locals that don't mind traveling for a photographic activity.

[Eclyps19]

I'm from White Lake, MI 1/4 mile south of the M-59 corridor on the east side of White Lake. I haven't visited potn in quite a while but my dad told me about this thread just now so I had to visit - I'm hoping that in some way, this forum visit will motivate me to work on taxes today (ha ha)! It would be cool to be able to get together with some locals or non-locals that don't mind traveling for a photographic activity.
yeah that'd be very cool. you're only about 15 - 20 mins from me. Wish I knew a cool place for photographs around here :(

[OUTLAW PHOTO]

I'd be interested in knowing time/place.

Kevin
Paw Paw/KalamazooA friend of mine and I are considering a road trip to Holland, Mi. soon. Were in the progress of scheduling.

[johnnybfan]

Wow! It looks as if we've a lot more Michigan members than I imagined. Nice. I can't believe I haven't run into any fellow POTNers.
Believe it or not, the only POTNer I've ever met is Dante King. My daughter & I ate at his restaurant in San Anselmo, CA a couple of summers ago. Didn't get a chance to talk much because it was too busy.
Oh well, hopefully we can get something together this summer so we can meet each other. We've got a great event here called the "Metrocruise" near the end of August. It's a Friday, Saturday, & Sunday with a ton of great cars and fun. There's food in there somewhere, too.
Hope to meet some of you, Jim

[Jon Foster]

Originally Posted by Nyobie http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=5271242#post5271242)
I'm from White Lake, MI 1/4 mile south of the M-59 corridor on the east side of White Lake. I haven't visited potn in quite a while but my dad told me about this thread just now so I had to visit - I'm hoping that in some way, this forum visit will motivate me to work on taxes today (ha ha)! It would be cool to be able to get together with some locals or non-locals that don't mind traveling for a photographic activity.


yeah that'd be very cool. you're only about 15 - 20 mins from me. Wish I knew a cool place for photographs around here :(

Hmm... You guys must both be close to us. We live behind Circus Circus. If you know of that place, you ARE close!

Jon.

[locky]

Im in Montague. (between Muskegon and Ludington)

[Simoli]

Hello locky. Nice town you live in. I end up there at least once a month visiting a supplier. I need to arrange an over night trip so can can go out shooting a little.

[locky]

Thanks Simoli, Just send me an email if you are going to be in the area and want to do some shooting.

[stillresonance]

So anyone planning to go down to the Red Bull Air Race the last weekend of the month? www.redbullairrace.com (http://www.redbullairrace.com)

I'm planning to go and am thinking about sitting on the Windsor side should make for some cool pictures with the Detroit skyline in the background.

[ps249]

Saginaw Michigan here. (Would also include the Midland and Bay City areas). I would be looking to go shooting with someone from my area and share shooting tips. Just leave me a private message. I am free on weekends.

[Bob Wood]

Ortonville, MI..........

[carianoff]

So anyone planning to go down to the Red Bull Air Race the last weekend of the month? www.redbullairrace.com (http://www.redbullairrace.com)

I'm planning to go and am thinking about sitting on the Windsor side should make for some cool pictures with the Detroit skyline in the background.

I wana go, but id LOVE to go with a good zoom for it. Something i don't have atm.

[JRB]

I'm thinking of doing same thing, just not sure about the ticket thing. Prob just need general addmision, ya think?

[ancientsanskrit]

Yeah, I'm thinking about going, too. However, I may be going with a car club. Are most people paying admission or finding other adjacent nearby spots?

It would seem useless to pay admission and then get stuck in the direction of the sun. From what I dug up, this was the situation many POTNers faced in San Diego.

[JRB]

I went over there yesterday to check out the vantage points and it will be awsome shooting from the Windsor side. Make sure you have a passport or birth certificate cos those Canadien customs tore my gear apart and my truck, couldn't understand why someone would need a backpack full of cameras and a laptop computer to go take a few test shots. I think they were bored, I was waiting to get stripped searched. But anyhow get there early and park and pay for public ticket zone #6, will be worth every penny.

[JRB]

Oh Yeah, the sun from this area won't do anything to but help, remember "keep the sun over your shoulder" and things will be good, zone #6.

[tekkie]

I have tickets for zone 2 on the qualifying and zone 1 for the race

I was going to goto the windsor side but I have a feeling the border will be a nightmare, especially coming back

If I can get some decent shots I will be happy :)

[carianoff]

I wana go, but i really want a lens to go with the event. So im debateing going at all.

[stillresonance]

I think I am going to look into renting a 100-400 zoom for that weekend.

[stillresonance]

Oh and I will also be in Zone 6

[JRB]

That will work, even a 70-200 2.8 would be good. Your pretty close not as far as I thought.

[stillresonance]

That will work, even a 70-200 2.8 would be good. Your pretty close not as far as I thought.

Do you think you would be able to get close enough with a 200 on a crop body to see the pilots in the cock pit at the distance they will be from the shore? I was going to look into a 100-400 from lensrentals.com but it looks like that one is out of stock, so I may go with either a 70-300 IS or 70-200 f4 IS. Also do you know of any local places to rent from?

[PhotosGuy]

it looks like that one is out of stock You could try POTN member, Barry in Indiana
http://www.cameralensrentals.com/

Florida: http://www.rentglass.com/

Penn Camera has a weekend deal, where you can get any lens from Friday afternoon to Monday morning for the price of one day,
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=497719

[stillresonance]

You could try POTN member, Barry in Indiana
http://www.cameralensrentals.com/

Florida: http://www.rentglass.com/

Penn Camera has a weekend deal, where you can get any lens from Friday afternoon to Monday morning for the price of one day,
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=497719

Unfortunately www.cameralensrentals.com (http://www.cameralensrentals.com) says on the page they do not allow lenses out of the country, as I will be on the Windsor side for the race that is a problem. Are there any local rental houses that anyone knows of? Do any of the stores rent equipment?

[JRB]

Well heck, I don't think Windsor being 1/2 mile across the river is what they really mean. Plus, none of us will tell them. I do think with a 70-200 and know with a 70-300 you could see there faces. It's really not that far. What about Adrays in Dearborn? I got my zone #6 tickets and a room Saturday night at the Holiday Inn, I must be nuts, but I love airplanes. Oh and Hydroplanes too. That orange boat was farther than the planes will be & that was a 70-200 2.8.

[PhotosGuy]

Great shot, JR!

[JRB]

Thanks Frank.

[cheryltee]

I'm in Farmington Hills, close to Novi (suburbs of Detroit)

[Simoli]

I'm in Farmington Hills, close to Novi (suburbs of Detroit)Bout time you showed up in here. :D

[DL.Photography]

I'm headed to Grand Rapids in about 2 weeks, can anybody recommend any spots I should visit?

[cheryltee]

Bout time you showed up in here. :D

Yeah, I'm slow - nice to finally read a thread that doesn't make me want to buy new camera toys ;) and gives me ideas of where I can use the ones I have. I'm shooting at Race for the Cure next weekend and might see if I can see any of the Red Bull Air Race stuff after I'm done.

[PhotosGuy]

I'm headed to Grand Rapids in about 2 weeks, gmwinder, Tofin, JT, AB8ND, rs2sensen, & wardge are all from there.