GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[Moppie]

Its a sort of craft shop co-oprative, only its not.

There are a couple of craft shops around Auckland where people are allowed to rent floor space in return for working in the shop a certian number of hours every week, giving a small percentage of the sales.

Craft world takes that concept ant mass markets it, there are I think 3 large stores in main shopping centres, and instead of working in them the artist just pays a huge fee for a small amount of space. The shop then hires its own staff and Im pretty sure takes a percentage of your sales.
The one down the road from me is quite big, and has 3 or 4 photographers showing in it, but only 1 of them I would rate as being any good, and I have no idea if they ever make any sales.
They tend to sell an 8x10 sixed photo for about $30-40

[TKRFAN]

Hi Everyone

I am thinking of getting another CF card, and figured what better place to ask about them than here :) Can you guys recommend any particular brands/places to get them from - do you guys get them off TradeMe - any sellers to avoid on there? I am looking at a 2GB card at this stage (my other cards are 1GB Kingston Pro - which have been great, but I just want one more so that I can totally mental with pics at the next race meeting ;) ).

Thanks :)

[joeseph]

Can you guys recommend any particular brands/places to get them from -
I use Sandisk Ultra II (1G) and haven't heard of anyone having probs with them, so would reccomend them - looks like the 2G version is $200 (pricespy.co.nz is your friend...)
I wouldn't call filling a 1G & a 2G card at a race meeting totally mental - lost count of the times I copied my two 1G cards to a portable HDD during the supercars weekend! :D

[NordieBoy]

"What I did on the weekend"
By Fran, aged 4 1/2.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1542055#post1542055

I just went to www.supercheappc.biz and got their cheapie 2Gb CF cards.
Less than $100 each inc GST and postage.
Seem to do the job OK but no idea how fast they clear the buffer on a DIGIC II camera.

[joeseph]

What's Craft World?
Next time you take the train out to Porirua...
http://www.craftworld.co.nz/

[Wazza]

Yeah for 120cm x 60cm x 180cm tall, it's cost $120+GST. And also have to pay 8%.
Even if I only break even, it's still advertising for myself in my area. For the people out Kumeu/Muriwai/Massey/West Harbour. So I have my business cards there too.

[CliveyBoy]

I am thinking of getting another CF card, and figured what better place to ask about them than here :) Can you guys recommend any particular brands/places to get them from - do you guys get them off TradeMe - any sellers to avoid on there? I am looking at a 2GB card at this stage (my other cards are 1GB Kingston Pro - which have been great, but I just want one more so that I can totally mental with pics at the next race meeting ;) )

I can strongly recommend the USA business of
www.coolera.com (http://www.coolera.com)

Excellent price and shipping cost, fantastic service - typically 5 calendar days to delivery. The eBay prices are usually better than their online store prices. eg: SanDisk 2GB Extreme III
Price: $114.99 USD
Shipping & Handling: $17.00 USD(includes any seller handling fees)
Total:$131.99 USD

I always buy Sandisk, the developer of the CF format, and the Extreme III series. I do get slightly better read/write speeds from the IIIs over the IIs, but IIs at under US$80 are fine for today's cameras. I do not expect to take photos at <0C, but performance drops off with temperature just as batteries do. The Extreme IIIs are likely to perform better at 5C than the IIs. I am not prepared to unnecessarily risk loss of hard-earned images.

[tim]

Thanks for the info on craft world everyone :)

I use Sandisk Ultra II cards, Extreme 3 are more expensive with little advantage right now. I buy from http://www.bhphotovideo.com in New York or http://www.flashcards.co.nz . I may have gotten one from http://www.ascent.co.nz as well, that's where I buy all my other PC stuff.

Read this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=172956) about CF card problems too.

[TKRFAN]

I use Sandisk Ultra II (1G) and haven't heard of anyone having probs with them, so would reccomend them - looks like the 2G version is $200 (pricespy.co.nz is your friend...)
I wouldn't call filling a 1G & a 2G card at a race meeting totally mental - lost count of the times I copied my two 1G cards to a portable HDD during the supercars weekend! :D

Hi everyone :)

Thanks for the tips guys - greatly appreciated.

LOL I was downloading 3 1GB cards at the end of each day. I might be able to use a portable HDD while I am in Aus (thanks Mum and Dad), so that will help, especially as there are two v8 categories plus good support classes as well :)

[joeseph]

Speaking of portable HDD, I'm currently converting mine to run on a BP511 battery. If anyones interested, let me know & I'll post details.

[dgcorner]

Hi Everyone

I am thinking of getting another CF card, and figured what better place to ask about them than here :) Can you guys recommend any particular brands/places to get them from - do you guys get them off TradeMe - any sellers to avoid on there? I am looking at a 2GB card at this stage (my other cards are 1GB Kingston Pro - which have been great, but I just want one more so that I can totally mental with pics at the next race meeting ;) ).

Thanks :)

I know Scott and myself use the Kingston Elite 2GB ones. I got mine from TradeMe (Eyn) for $140 inclusive of GST & shipping. Had to wait a week though as the cards come from Hong Kong...

[FlyingPete]

I know Scott and myself use the Kingston Elite 2GB ones. I got mine from TradeMe (Eyn) for $140 inclusive of GST & shipping. Had to wait a week though as the cards come from Hong Kong...

I have a couple of 1GB's too. TO give you an idea on cost, the offical NZ supplier is doing 1GB's for $70incGST, and 2GB's for $116incGST, if you see any price lower than those, then it is parallel imported.

[dgcorner]

I have a couple of 1GB's too. TO give you an idea on cost, the offical NZ supplier is doing 1GB's for $70incGST, and 2GB's for $116incGST, if you see any price lower than those, then it is parallel imported.

Wow, those prices have come down in just a couple of weeks... $130.50 GST inclusive is not bad for a 2gig card...

[Wazza]

Certainly post the details Duncan. I wouldn't mind giving my Vosonic some extra grunt. Maybe a car adapter would be good. :p

[dgcorner]

Anyone interested in being a photographer for NZHerald? See the advert on p.E23 on today's edition. Applications close 02 June 06.

[tim]

You usually need newspaper experience for those jobs.

Wow, $135 for Kingston 2GB cards at Ascent (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=334307) - for that price i'll definitely get another one.

[Wazza]

I saw a job advertised on NZ Herald a couple of days ago. Was working in the Auckland office whilst getting trained, and then 2 years in Hamiltion, then moving back to Auckland, as an Editorial photographer. Basically covering everything day to day. It also asks for several years experience in a daily newspaper. Not even the Suburban papers like Western Leader are daily, (3 times weekly), and Western Leader photogaphers, often shoot in the Aucklander weekly paper, and also sometimes get into the Herald itself. I don't think there's big money in it.

I was refused before even giving examples, so in a few years, maybe if I'm ever famous, and they ask me to work for them. I guess that won't happen ;)

[dgcorner]

As I say, nothing to lose, everything to gain... If I had probably had a few years under my belt and a flash website like you guys I would give it a try... All you have to waste is a few sheets of paper for your CV... but that's just me...

[weka2000]

I saw a job advertised on NZ Herald a couple of days ago. Was working in the Auckland office whilst getting trained, and then 2 years in Hamiltion, then moving back to Auckland, as an Editorial photographer. Basically covering everything day to day. It also asks for several years experience in a daily newspaper. Not even the Suburban papers like Western Leader are daily, (3 times weekly), and Western Leader photogaphers, often shoot in the Aucklander weekly paper, and also sometimes get into the Herald itself. I don't think there's big money in it.

I was refused before even giving examples, so in a few years, maybe if I'm ever famous, and they ask me to work for them. I guess that won't happen ;)

Go it alone, be your own boss. Do what you want to do, not what they tell you to do. I think been told what to shoot would take away the creative freedom of many of us....... Ok wazza todays assigment is to shoot the people in the old folks home, showing the working conditions of the nurses. Remember wazza we want graphic photos. (Sandra gets the nursing mag and thats what last month was all about)

[tim]

Cam, a guy here in Wellington, shoots for a weekly paper. He would get into the dom post or something except he doesn't have a drivers license. The pay from what he told me is shockingly bad.

[dgcorner]

Cam, a guy here in Wellington, shoots for a weekly paper. He would get into the dom post or something except he doesn't have a drivers license. The pay from what he told me is shockingly bad.

Gosh, you would think that photogs would be paid decently given that pictures can convey more than a thousand words... these publishers have no respect for the people that make their mags, papers sell. Who would buy a paper if there were no pics to accompany a main story... or show how wonderfully designed or made over a house is...

[tim]

I don't want to say too much about what he said he gets paid, but I sell a single enlargement for more than he gets for having a photo published.

[Lightchaser]

On the topic of pay, what do assistants get paid, roughly?

[tim]

What do I pay assistants? Anywhere between nothing and a little over minumum wage ;) I have a 2nd photographer working for me, he's the sole photographer at a wedding and he's paid accordingly.

[FlyingPete]

I don't want to say too much about what he said he gets paid, but I sell a single enlargement for more than he gets for having a photo published.

Well I know a local photographer (Duncan know who I am talking about), who charges around $1500 for a set of three framed 6x4's, so he would be doing alright if you are charging like that ;)

[weka2000]

So looks like most of us will not be giving up our day jobs to work as photographers or photographers assistants

[CliveyBoy]

I am expecting to join in a science/photo trip on Saturday to the Rangemore Track in Waitakeres. Are there any waterfalls or other features I should look out for?

Unfortunately, the weather prospect is not good, but I have goods to deliver to, and pick up from, a daughter in New Lynn, so I am a bit stuck with a trip. The car's in for its 90,000K service - est. 1200-1400. Ouch! We must reduce our tripping - as soon as we've been to...

[FlyingPete]

I am expecting to join in a science/photo trip on Saturday to the Rangemore Track in Waitakeres. Are there any waterfalls or other features I should look out for?

Unfortunately, the weather prospect is not good, but I have goods to deliver to, and pick up from, a daughter in New Lynn, so I am a bit stuck with a trip. The car's in for its 90,000K service - est. 1200-1400. Ouch! We must reduce our tripping - as soon as we've been to...

Hmmm 90K, must be Cambelt time...

[weka2000]

I am expecting to join in a science/photo trip on Saturday to the Rangemore Track in Waitakeres. Are there any waterfalls or other features I should look out for?

Unfortunately, the weather prospect is not good, but I have goods to deliver to, and pick up from, a daughter in New Lynn, so I am a bit stuck with a trip. The car's in for its 90,000K service - est. 1200-1400. Ouch! We must reduce our tripping - as soon as we've been to...

I will check my map for you. The name isnt famaliar

[CliveyBoy]

Hmmm 90K, must be Cambelt time...

Yup!!

Have to do the full service or lose my Diamond Class new car warranty.

[CliveyBoy]

I will check my map for you. The name isnt famaliar

The organiser says:
at Rangemore Track, Scenic Drive, Waitakeres Ranges This is about 2k past the Arataki Visitor Centre.

My daughter says it is reasonably flat, and will suit an ancient.

Edit: Huh! Tumonz shows it - about a 1Km loop!

[weka2000]

The organiser says:
at Rangemore Track, Scenic Drive, Waitakeres Ranges This is about 2k past the Arataki Visitor Centre.

My daughter says it is reasonably flat, and will suit an ancient.

Edit: Huh! Tumonz shows it - about a 1Km loop!



Does it go to a dam off piha rd.

If its before piha rd then no waterfalls

[scotttnz]

Yup!!

Have to do the full service or lose my Diamond Class new car warranty.

That is part of the reason we bought a mazda. Servicing is included for the warranty period.

[sctajc]

Wazza, Do you own a Samsung YH-J70 MP3 player? If so did you get it to work with the 20D?

[NordieBoy]

Oh dear :(

Just bought a 10D & Grip on TradeMe.

No I've got to sell my 300D & Grip.

[dgcorner]

Oh dear :(

Just bought a 10D & Grip on TradeMe.

No I've got to sell my 300D & Grip.

Uh oh... this is the start of an expensive exercise:lol: I'm glad that I am over for the most part... at least for the next 4-5 years. Happy spending!!!:lol:

[weka2000]

Uh oh... this is the start of an expensive exercise:lol: I'm glad that I am over for the most part... at least for the next 4-5 years. Happy spending!!!:lol:

Heck im not. The more I spend the better I get :)

[theflyingkiwi]

Oh dear :(

Just bought a 10D & Grip on TradeMe.

No I've got to sell my 300D & Grip.

welcome to the 10D club. it's a great camera. How much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking.

[Wazza]

Wazza, Do you own a Samsung YH-J70 MP3 player? If so did you get it to work with the 20D?


No sorry I don't I have a Vosonic VP3320 with 80Gb drive inside.

Sorry about the poor whether Clive, would have been good to say hi again.

[weka2000]

I might be getting some photos published for a couple of newspapers :)

We had a cultural event and as I need the practise I took a few and the reporter has a copy that they may use.

Cook Is hearld and Cook Is newspapers. I did ask if they needed a photographer.

So we will see what comes of it.

Moral of the story...never turn down a photo oppotunity

From the photography point they were rubbish. ISO 1600 and no flash in a hall with floro lights. Realy bad noise.

[NordieBoy]

welcome to the 10D club. it's a great camera. How much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking.

$900 for body with grip - no lens or batteries.

[FlyingPete]

Heck im not. The more I spend the better I get :)

Better at photography or spending :p

[weka2000]

Better at photography or spending :p

Photography. My wife is putting me on a spending diet now for a few months.
After September I will have another binge spend :lol:

There are a couple of Sigma Telephoto lens that Im intrested in.
Wazza did you get your 120-300 back and fixed. Now that its dented is it avaiable for group use :)

Does anyone know of any one in NZ witha Canon mount Sigma 300-800mm. I have a contact down south but his is a sigma mount.
Where would you find out who has one?

[MattL]

Congrats on the new camera Fran :-)

[theflyingkiwi]

$900 for body with grip - no lens or batteries.

hmmm not to bad a price. I paid $3500 (RRP $4500) when I got my camera brand new :( ohh the pain.

[dgcorner]

I found a nifty, free photo batch resizing software if anyone is interested -- PIXresizer. Amazingly simple to use, I didn't even have to read a help file!

[tim]

IrfanView is free and does batch resizing with text watermarks. I use CS2 image processor though :)

[FlyingPete]

Madness, utter madness, here is a pic out our living room this evening, thank goodness for the DVD player!

(All calm and under control now)

http://www.lowden.net.nz/lounge.jpg

[Moppie]

9 kids?? Pete, mate, hope you make it through the night.

My living room looks a little differnt, it is Total bare!

[joeseph]

Madness, utter madness, here is a pic out our living room this evening, thank goodness for the DVD player!
Hmmmmm.... suspect you can explain the implications of this then: :D
81739

[Moppie]

Does that mean your half pregnant? Or nearly pregnant?

Or should we be offering Fiona our congratulations and you are comiserations?

[joeseph]

offering Fiona our congratulations
Yep! In the space of 24 hours we've gone from being previously told by our doctor that it was extremely unlikely that we would ever have a baby to "you're 21 weeks pregnant!!!" kindof a shock to the system, still able to use the camera though so can't be that bad... ;)

[tim]

Congratulations! Looks like your hands are a little shaky to me :p

[FlyingPete]

Scott Here

still able to use the camera though so can't be that bad...

You may still be able to use a camera, but it sure slows down the L purchases! Just as well you already have a good collection!

Congratulations to both of you!

[weka2000]

Yep! In the space of 24 hours we've gone from being previously told by our doctor that it was extremely unlikely that we would ever have a baby to "you're 21 weeks pregnant!!!" kindof a shock to the system, still able to use the camera though so can't be that bad... ;)

Go guys. Well done. We will all be at the birth with our flashes :rolleyes:

edit I wont be there Im an old fasion guy when it comes to that. I wait out side untill its all over.

[FlyingPete]

Scott Here



You may still be able to use a camera, but it sure slows down the L purchases! Just as well you already have a good collection!

Congratulations to both of you!

I don't know can't leave a PC logged on anywhere now :rolleyes:

So congrats from me too :D :D

Shona is around 26 weeks, so feel free to hassel her if you want!

[joeseph]

Congratulations! Looks like your hands are a little shaky to me :p
hmmmm.. 1/60 @ f5.0 & 70mm /asa1600 handheld. Yeah, shaky is a good description...

thanks for the kind comments guys...

[NordieBoy]

Congratulations :D


That kid pic is amazing.
Only one with a finger up their nose.
Incredible :D

[scotttnz]

Better at photography or spending

Photography. My wife is putting me on a spending diet now for a few months.


Does anyone know of any one in NZ witha Canon mount Sigma 300-800mm.

Tony, you can't go straight for the 300-800 straight from a spending diet. You need to get some training in. That's like trying to run a marathon without even jogging around the block first. Start off small, maybe a few filters, or a new camera bag. Then a smaller lens, say a 85 f1.2L II or similar, then go for the second body, first the 30D, but then sell that and get a 1Ds II, or if you are lucky the Mk III will be out by then. But if it's not don't worry you can always sell the 5D to get the Mk III. It's all good experience for when you go for the 300-800.

Of course anyone who has done their research on the 300-800 will know that many owners prefer to use it with a 350D because it results in sharper pictures because at 800mm the camera shake due to the heavier duty mirror/shutter mechanism in other cameras becomes visable. So after all this spending you will have to face the delemer of wheather to sell one of your 1Ds cameras to buy a 350D......by then I might have one for sale, so PM me with an offer:D

[weka2000]

Hey Duncan Im just ding some maths. She is now 21 weeks, so that means she bypassed morning sickness all togather.

I did some other working out as well with those numbers :lol:

[weka2000]

Ah yes the Sigmonster @ about $8000 NZD for the NON DG version. Its a little way off. What I will do is get another 20D / 30D for the bigma. Im sorry but its cr*p on the 5D.

So there is about $1500. If I am happy I will stop there. I looked into tele primes but it just dosnt appeal I love zooms. My 50mm F1.8 very seldom gets used so why buy expenive primes.

Filters got all I need. Ive got studio lights (3) softboxes, flash units. My focal lenghts go from 17-500mm.

Will I ever get a sigmonster.... well untill I test one I wont be buying one. So it will be on my wish list.

I dont need a 1D for the same money I could get a Sigmonster and I know what I will still have in 10yrs.

The bigma is good glass but it has its limits on a crop 1.6 camera it does what the sigmonster would do on a 5D... well almost.
As for the tripod and head to hold the sigmonster well there a lot more money.

So the answer is easy 5D for landscape and portrait 20D for telephoto and I get a spare body as well.

The only lens I will be getting soon is the Sigma 150 macro.

Oh and Scott if you see a 17-40 on trade me buy it. It is a great lens. So is the 70-200 F4

[forsaken]

Congrats Duncan.

[scotttnz]

Oh and Scott if you see a 17-40 on trade me buy it. It is a great lens. So is the 70-200 F4

Love to, but I am on a spending diet too. Wifes turn to spend some money on her hobby. The 17-55 f2.8 IS is getting some great reviews, so maybe I will save up for that????

[downunder]

Love to, but I am on a spending diet too. Wifes turn to spend some money on her hobby. The 17-55 f2.8 IS is getting some great reviews, so maybe I will save up for that????

Picked up the 17-55 from auckland camera this week, havn't had a good play yet but so far so good. I still can't believe how much cheaper it is to buy here compared to B&H.

[weka2000]

Picked up the 17-55 from auckland camera this week, havn't had a good play yet but so far so good. I still can't believe how much cheaper it is to buy here compared to B&H.

lets see some example pics.

Who has a 1.4 TC that I can play with before I buy one. Want to see what its like on my 70-200 F4. I have a 2xTC but loose auto focus.

Any one here use extension tubes?

[dgcorner]

[quote=joeseph]Hmmmmm.... suspect you can explain the implications of this then: quote]

Congratulations to you and Fiona!!! 21 weeks... that means the baby has gone up Rangitoto with the rest of us :lol: Enjoy the remaining months... when the baby comes it is a 180 degree change in lifestyle... at least for the first couple of years!

[dgcorner]

. . .Any one here use extension tubes?

You going into macro photography? I've been holding off on buying the tubes till I get a job... I hear that the Kenko ones w/ auto focus are pretty alright but they cost some $200++

I might start off with a cheaper option -- reversing rings ($14 from John Chalmers on TradeMe)... and see how I go.

I've always been into macro... though decided I would get the "standard lenses" first since one can only do so much...

[weka2000]

[quote=joeseph]Hmmmmm.... suspect you can explain the implications of this then: quote]

Congratulations to you and Fiona!!! 21 weeks... that means the baby has gone up Rangitoto with the rest of us :lol: Enjoy the remaining months... when the baby comes it is a 180 degree change in lifestyle... at least for the first couple of years!

No you get your life back after they leave home but then you need the key to your house and phone changed :lol:

Mine when they turn 16 are getting a 1 way ticket to otago uni

[weka2000]

You going into macro photography? I've been holding off on buying the tubes till I get a job... I hear that the Kenko ones w/ auto focus are pretty alright but they cost some $200++

I might start off with a cheaper option -- reversing rings ($14 from John Chalmers on TradeMe)... and see how I go.

I've always been into macro... though decided I would get the "standard lenses" first since one can only do so much...

More curious about extension tubes for use with my 70-200.

For macro itself Sigma 150 F2.8 autofocus will be fine

[dgcorner]

More curious about extension tubes for use with my 70-200.

For macro itself Sigma 150 F2.8 autofocus will be fine

You will be pleasantly surprised coupling the extension tubes with the Sig150 -- I've seen some amazing pics on the Macro forum... Sometime there are "little" universes inside a flower... or, if you have the patience stunning pics of bugs.

[joeseph]

Thanks Simon / John - yes we are anticipating a little "adjustment" ;)
cheers.

On the subject of macro, does anyone know if you remove the lens from a crap teleconverter - does it become an extension tube?

Also I'm now looking at getting a 580ex I've probably asked this before but what's the cheapest place to get them? Cheapest locally I've seen is about $700

[scotttnz]

Picked up the 17-55 from auckland camera this week, havn't had a good play yet but so far so good. I still can't believe how much cheaper it is to buy here compared to B&H.

Yeah Auckland Camera's price is great. Just went and had a play, I had to go into work to pick up my new 21" monitor so called in at AK camera on the way home. Still can't afford one, need to save up.

Also I'm now looking at getting a 580ex I've probably asked this before but what's the cheapest place to get them? Cheapest locally I've seen is about $700


Yeah quick buy one before the baby is born! (Honey I really need it to take pictures of baby.....)

[tim]

Auckland Camera will cost only $100 more than B&H for the 24-70L, once you take GST into account (which I get refunded on camera gear anyway :p) The Sigma 30mm F1.4 is actually $120 cheaper than B&H - that's amazing! :D Thanks for pointing that out Steve :)

[weka2000]

Also I'm now looking at getting a 580ex I've probably asked this before but what's the cheapest place to get them? Cheapest locally I've seen is about $700

I will e-mail a trader I got my 550ex off they may be able to source 580ex
$ 525 for the 550ex's

[downunder]

Auckland Camera will cost only $100 more than B&H for the 24-70L, once you take GST into account (which I get refunded on camera gear anyway :p) The Sigma 30mm F1.4 is actually $120 cheaper than B&H - that's amazing! :D Thanks for pointing that out Steve :)

With the ef-s 17-55 it cost me $1413nz from Auckland Camera and would have cost me $1858nz from B&H + shipping so a saving of $445nz ! :)
both prices exclude gst.

[weka2000]

With the ef-s 17-55 it cost me $1413nz from Auckland Camera and would have cost me $1858nz from B&H + shipping so a saving of $445nz ! :)
both prices exclude gst.

Pays to shop around. Trademe has saved us all a heap of money. The problem is you have to wait for what you want to turn up.

I see 3 70-200 F2.8 for sale now but I think got a better deal going F4

[joeseph]

I will e-mail a trader I got my 550ex off they may be able to source 580ex
$ 525 for the 550ex's

cheers Tony, there's also a couple of 550's on trademe at the moment so I might put a bid in & see what happens.

Fran - do you want me to stay away from the one you put a bid on that closes tomorrow?

[forsaken]

was wondering how to accuarately test the sigma 70 - 200 f2.8 when my sister let her horses into the top paddock and they went crazy. hmmm perfect opertunity.
the result
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL348/944371/9195808/150133448.jpg

100% crop with no editing
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL348/944371/9195808/150133437.jpg

so far I must say I am very impreesed with this lens, now to buy one :)

[weka2000]

Add a 2xTC and you will get 140x400 and autofocus :lol:

[forsaken]

TC's are on my to buy list. But I think I would get more use out of a 1.4 over a 2, just need to find one at a reasonable price

[NordieBoy]

Fran - do you want me to stay away from the one you put a bid on that closes tomorrow?

Nah, go for it.
I was just testing the low-bid waters with those ones :D

With the 10D on the way I can't get a flash for a while.
When I do it'll be a Sigma EF 500 Super DG from Photo & Video for $450.

[NordieBoy]

TC's are on my to buy list. But I think I would get more use out of a 1.4 over a 2, just need to find one at a reasonable price

A Sigma 1.4x EX went for <$200 on TradeMe.

[weka2000]

Dam you guys spend a lot on your photography :rolleyes:

[forsaken]

was that the pot calling the kettle black?


:)

[weka2000]

was that the pot calling the kettle black?


:)

Hey I havnt spent a cent in the last week, im on a diet remember :(

But like all diets there is normally a bindge session :lol:

[forsaken]

that must almost be a record isn't it tony?


1 whole week. At least your getting enjoyment out of it.

[weka2000]

Tonights offering 3 ABE merged in photoshop. Woops forgot to check ISO...set @ 1600 :o

Not the greatest but I went out. I was hoping for more cloud but hell Im happy its not raining.

[weka2000]

that must almost be a record isn't it tony?
1 whole week. At least your getting enjoyment out of it.

Heck the total cost of our last 4 cars dosnt come close to what I have spent on Photography in the last year.

Cars are over rated any way.

[tim]

I don't even own a car, if I sold my camera gear I could probably buy a couple of them :)

Re TC's - just stand close! :p

[forsaken]

Re TC's - just stand close! :p


I guess thats easier to do at a wedding than at a race track. The track marshells tend to get angry when people are on their track :)

[weka2000]

I guess thats easier to do at a wedding than at a race track. The track marshells tend to get angry when people are on their track :)

Yeah wedding photographers they only need a Nifty Fifty and a flash :p

[tim]

Yeah wedding photographers they only need a Nifty Fifty and a flash :p

A single prime and a flash I can accept : a nifty fifty i'd have a problem with :p

[weka2000]

A single prime and a flash I can accept : a nifty fifty i'd have a problem with :p

Sorry Tim picked up in this thread you had an issue with this lens. Never found out why.

[weka2000]

Had a chat to a guy who has the 1D 1.3 and bigma. No light fall off :lol:

[CliveyBoy]

My daughter, Sue, says that the Waitakere Dam is spilling a lot of water, and there is a magnificent waterfall a little further down where normally there is only a trickle. She hopes to go back this afternoon for some shots.

[weka2000]

My daughter, Sue, says that the Waitakere Dam is spilling a lot of water, and there is a magnificent waterfall a little further down where normally there is only a trickle. She hopes to go back this afternoon for some shots.

Please post that waterfall for me, always on the look out for new waterfalls

[weka2000]

Im looking for a name for my little businness that is always in the back of my mind.

Photographing woman between ages of 30-50.

So far I have come up with the following

Sugar & Spice Photography
Sensual by Design
Simply Elegant

It will be by invitation only to start with. They will only pay for prints, sitting free, untill I get a portfilo and web site.

[dgcorner]

Im looking for a name for my little businness that is always in the back of my mind.

Photographing woman between ages of 30-50.

So far I have come up with the following

Sugar & Spice Photography
Sensual by Design
Simply Elegant

It will be by invitation only to start with. They will only pay for prints, sitting free, untill I get a portfilo and web site.

My first choice: Sensual by Design has my vote -- portrays a little naughtiness, yet conveys an artisitic bent...

My second would be: Simply Elegant -- what mid-aged woman wouldn't like to be simply elegant?

Do you have soft focus filters in your bag of tricks? Sharp lenses I know are a norm for portraiture but given your target audience/market I would think that they wouldn't like their wrinkles showing... and unless youintend to spend heaps of time PSing the wrinkles away...

Have you thought about the resistance women may have going half naked in front of you? Mind you, I know that some "older" women even have issues taking off their clothes in front of other women... let alone strangers...

Wow, that was difficult dishing that out on a Sunday morning:lol:

[weka2000]

Who said anything about been naked? Have you ever photographed a woman naked, I have and it is VERY hard to do well. Every defect they see gets reveled and the camera does not lie.

Im talking about illusion, reveling with out reveling.

Nudes are for woman under 30 who have not had kids and are perfect (with the help of Photoshop). Im not looking at a playboy job.

www.bodyshots.co.nz (http://www.bodyshots.co.nz) is the closest Auckland site that is close to what im looking at.

The woman can choose what level of Digital malipulation they want done.

I want to make enought just to pay for my camaeras and lens. Its not a living, I have no intensions of giving up my day job.

[joeseph]

if you're really serious,
www.simplyelegant.co.nz (probably my pick...)
www.sensualbydesign.com
www.sensualbydesign.co.nz
names are all avail...

[weka2000]

How serious am I..... very. If all goes well I have my first client lined up after she gets back from her overseas trip. She is a Doctor (GP) I simply said to her that I would love to photograph her and she seemed keen.

Sandras over been my model, now she will become my assistant.

I will sujest they bring 3 outfits and work out before hand what they want. How they want me to capture them is up to them.

Im pointing them to pbase sites that have a great range of examples, most woman I have talked to know about bodyshots. I have told them that there is no charge for the sitting and that Im starting out. So hey get a nice portrait I get practise. win win. They just pay for the print that they chose.

[dgcorner]

Who said anything about been naked? Have you ever photographed a woman naked, I have and it is VERY hard to do well. Every defect they see gets reveled and the camera does not lie.

Im talking about illusion, reveling with out reveling.

Nudes are for woman under 30 who have not had kids and are perfect (with the help of Photoshop). Im not looking at a playboy job.

www.bodyshots.co.nz (http://www.bodyshots.co.nz) is the closest Auckland site that is close to what im looking at.

The woman can choose what level of Digital malipulation they want done.

I want to make enought just to pay for my camaeras and lens. Its not a living, I have no intensions of giving up my day job.

Alrighty... though from that opening spread of Body Shots I would have thought that there would be situations where some women would like to look sensual for their partners... which MAY entail being half naked, i.e., in their undies, sheer nightgowns, etc.

Or, I could be reading this whole thing wrong... Like I said, a tad difficult dishing things out on a lazy Sunday... :lol:

[weka2000]

http://www.pbase.com/slowpokebill/picture_a_day_of_wanda

This guy is amazing same woman photographed each day for a year she is 50+

If they want to be done semi nude / nude well I would need to discuss that with Sandra.

Its amazing what can be acheived sensually with the right clothes and a few undone butons to reveal a little more. Add to that the "look" on their face and hey.

I will make it by invite only. Some woman are just sensual, the cloths they wear and the way the look, they have that "X" factor about them.

[weka2000]

So any of you lads what a nice photo of your wife :lol:

I have the basic equipment to start with. 5D, 24-70 F2.8, 3 studio lights (wireless remote and variable control) 2 softboxes and 2 umbrellas, snoot, black and white backdrops,
black leather chairs and couch, stools, beanbag.

Several books on poseing, lighting etc. And 1 year of practise with Sandra :)

[::John::]

So any of you lads what a nice photo of your wife :lol:

lol - that sounds like the old joke:

"pssst - mate, have you got any nude pics of your wife?"

"You disgusting creature, no I haven't!"

"Wanna buy some?" :)

[weka2000]

You guys always jump to the wrong ideas. Yet hands up who do not check out the glamor section. Thought so.

[scotttnz]

So any of you lads what a nice photo of your wife

Sorry Tony, but there is a snowballs chance in hell of that happening. Even if I said yes, the is no chance she would pose for you in a sensual way.

There are good reasons body shots have female photographers!

Go ahead and prove me wrong, but I have to say I have my doubts about your little venture.

[scotttnz]

Every defect they see gets reveled and the camera does not lie.

I see 2 reasons why bodyshots are successful.

1) They make the subject/model feel comfortable. The photographer being female helps.
2) They make the camera lie!

[weka2000]

Sorry Tony, but there is a snowballs chance in hell of that happening. Even if I said yes, the is no chance she would pose for you in a sensual way.

There are good reasons body shots have female photographers!

Go ahead and prove me wrong, but I have to say I have my doubts about your little venture.

I would ask you scott :p

Prove you wrong umm I love challanges. After all should that read "not a snowballs chance"
What this "even if I said yes"

I was not been serious, remember its by invite only. I choose who I want to shoot and there is a very good reason for that.

[weka2000]

Scott define sensual. Then see what your wife defines it as. I asked 3 different woman a couple of weeks ago and got 3 very different interpretations. Thats why Im not keen on the name "sensual by design"

I then looked it up in the dictionary and it alluded to a "sexual" content which is NOT what im after. I just dont want to bland head shoots. I fact I hate just head shots.

As for your doubts I have them as well but they are different doubts than the ones you have. There are over 1,000,000 people in auckland. 500,000 woman. say 100,000 fit into my age group
All you need is 1 person who is happy with your work, they tell a freind etc.

Remember Sandra will always be with me, if not they will be required to bring a freind.

Why do I detect a "anti" to my idea in your comments. Is there some moral objection or are you mis understanding what im trying to acheive.

[scotttnz]

After all should that read "not a snowballs chance"

How much chance does a snowball have in hell exactly? none! so my statement is correct.

What this "even if I said yes"
That means that I wouldn't be particularly happy, but even if I was, Kerry-Sue wouldn't be.

Why do I detect a "anti" to my idea in your comments. Is there some moral objection or are you mis understanding what im trying to acheive.

No objection, just doubts about you likelyhood of success. Just being honest. Like I said, go ahead on prove me wrong, I wish you luck!

[weka2000]

failure is never an option, either is second place.

So why do you think it wont take off, be honest?

[theflyingkiwi]

All you need is 1 person who is happy with your work, they tell a freind etc.

Word of mouth is very powerful. In some ways more powerful than a normal advertising. People would like to know they will get a good service when they are go somewhere and spend money.

I remember in one of the photography magazines that currently on the stands, there was an article on a photographer about doing nude photography and one of the things that asked was about how long it takes for a model to relax. The assistance said a role of film, but normally it was a couple of shots. As long as you make the women feel relaxed when in front of the camera then you should do well.

[Wazza]

I'll just but my head in here, and say congratulations to Duncan and Fiona. Will be back in the next day or two, to catch up on all the other posts.

:)

[weka2000]

Todays offering

[tim]

Another great shot! How'd you manage that? What PP?

[weka2000]

See notes on the other 1, this one had multiple merges and layer masks

[dgcorner]

Cool shot Tony!

[dgcorner]

[quote=nzl-g3user]Word of mouth is very powerful. In some ways more powerful than a normal advertising. People would like to know they will get a good service when they are go somewhere and spend money. quote]

Studies show that a happy customer will tell 3 other people how happy they are with the service, an unhappy one will tell an average of 8-10 people of their dissatisfaction... the customer is king no matter what people say. And it is cheaper to maintain happy customers rather than look for new ones -- cost 7X more...

Knowing Tony, he will bend backward and over to make sure that his "invited" customers will have nothing but good things to say about his work. The only problem is that his invitation list may have to have more pages if people are going to be referring friends to him... ;-)

[scotttnz]

Todays offering

That is very good.....ok excellent....WOW....

If it is a merge I am even more impressed! Your PP has come a long way, and is miles ahead of mine. So often merges end up looking unatural, but this looks great.

I love the contrast between the red/brown wall and hint of a sunset with everything else grey. Composition is great too.

[weka2000]

That is very good.....ok excellent....WOW....

If it is a merge I am even more impressed! Your PP has come a long way, and is miles ahead of mine. So often merges end up looking unatural, but this looks great.

I love the contrast between the red/brown wall and hint of a sunset with everything else grey. Composition is great too.

Thanks scott, its multiple merges and layer masks.

John invite only is designed so I dont get slapped :)

[dgcorner]

. . .

John invite only is designed so I dont get slapped :)

:lol: Slapped by whom? ;) :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

that's a nice photo Tony. You keep reminding me of what I need get out and do.

[weka2000]

Thanks guys. Scott seems I was not ready for the 10-20. The 17-40 is my new best lens.

Im am so passonate about photography, every chance I get to shoot something im there.

[Moppie]

Does anyone know who took the Westpac Rescue Thanks for the Sponsorship photos?

We have a new 2006 one hanging in our foyer at work, it looks very, very well done.


:cool:

[weka2000]

Knowing Tony, he will bend backward and over to make sure that his "invited" customers will have nothing but good things to say about his work. The only problem is that his invitation list may have to have more pages if people are going to be referring friends to him... ;-)

All I need is 1 to start with. The results will speak for themselves. I will have much to learn about lighting, poses and photoshop.

I follow my motto of do what you love for free and if you make money its a bonus. Woman have always intrested me. Its their eyes and the way they look. I want to give to them a photo that makes them feel like a million dollars.

[Wazza]

Does anyone know who took the Westpac Rescue Thanks for the Sponsorship photos?

We have a new 2006 one hanging in our foyer at work, it looks very, very well done.


:cool:

I'm hoping it's the same 2006 version that I was given ;)

[Moppie]

It looks really good, Chopper in front of the sky tower looking out over the harbour, tall portrait crop, with the crew and surport staff signitures around the chopper.

Theres a name in the bottom corner, but I didn't look at it ;)

[Wazza]

http://wazza.nfscity.com/temp/2006.jpg

I was also on the front page of the North Shore times on Thursday, in relation to a story about fake collectors for the helicopter trust.

http://wazza.nfscity.com/heli/wpac_03.jpg
Similar to this angle, and took up half the page!

[tim]

Wazza, love that first photo, 2nd is very cool too, well done! :)

[Wazza]

Thanks Tim, of all the photos, they had to choose the one with the worst lighting.
It looks rather surreal, due to the fact everything in the background was well lit up, and the chopper had just gone into some cloud cover, so looked badly backlit. I had to slowly trace the outline of the chopper, increase brightness a lot, which left a greyed out image, then added contrast, and lots of saturation, and then it looked par reasonable.

[weka2000]

Dam wazza that must make you feel great.

[Wazza]

Thanks Tony, certainly does. :)

I knew they were printing 3000 copies for businesses around Auckland, but it was only several weeks later, when I received my copy in person, I realised how special it was.

As for the chopper pic in paper, Kirst let me know on lunchtime Thursday, when she was reading her paper.

All I need now, is your determination to follow your dream, and I may be set too.

[weka2000]

All I need now, is your determination to follow your dream, and I may be set too.

Easy believe in yourself and tell the world to go to hell if they dont like it.

[tim]

Try using the shadows and highlights tool on the original image in 16 bit mode, i'm finding that tool really handy recently.

[theflyingkiwi]

All I need now, is your determination to follow your dream, and I may be set too.

I think you already have that.

however I am disapointed. the photo of framed photo isn't that hot. I am sure you could have taken a better one ;) :)

P.S. congrats

[NordieBoy]

This is about as close as we get to waterfalls here :D

[NordieBoy]

And finally :)

[forsaken]

hmmmmm

not quite the same effect as the larger falls

[weka2000]

At any point in the day do you get the sun (i.e) sunset hitting that waterfall?

[weka2000]

My offering for tonight

[dgcorner]

Warren -- Congratulations and well done!

Tony -- pics are getting better and better!!!

[NordieBoy]

At any point in the day do you get the sun (i.e) sunset hitting that waterfall?
It was very overcast but the sun would have been directly on it.
The stream is usually just a trickle but after all the rain :D

[dgcorner]

Fran -- not bad when you are doing the best with what you've got. ;-)

[weka2000]

Tony -- pics are getting better and better!!!

Practise practise practise

[dgcorner]

Hmmm... I'm noticing that my mail notification isn't coming in as it regularly does... and I'm ending up having to catch up 2-3 pages...

Is anyone else noticing the lag...?

[dgcorner]

Tony, where's the link so that the Kiwi contingent can see your G&N shot?

[weka2000]

Got an e-mail from telecom wanting to give me a credit for jetstream for last weeks issues, funny thing was it didnt affect me but I will apply online for the credit :)

[weka2000]

Tony, where's the link so that the Kiwi contingent can see your G&N shot?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=175113

Sandra did quite well. Took her a while to get the hang of focusing. She needs a 30D I think :)

[tim]

Hmmm... I'm noticing that my mail notification isn't coming in as it regularly does... and I'm ending up having to catch up 2-3 pages...

Is anyone else noticing the lag...?

Mine are ok. I turned off email notifications for most threads, there's just too many of them. Instead I have them on "no email notification", I click on "User CP" at the top left of any POTN screen and get the new posts there.