GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[weka2000]

Yeah I've seen the Nitro girls around.. Plus others.

Carena and Danielle seem to be everywhere.
Including the recent D1NZ drift queen search.


Depends what day your shoot is, as to whether I can make it along.

This weekend I had 1 on friday night and Saterday night after 7 and another model on Sunday night

[Wazza]

Doing late night shoots?

Saturday is my work function,
Friday I'm not sure what's on. It's my night with Kirst. Make up and art direction?
Jokes..

Ok work time, cya

[theflyingkiwi]

ohh look a desert :)

[NordieBoy]

Mmmmmm...
Dessert...

[theflyingkiwi]

Mmmmm chocolate

[forsaken]

If you need a chaperone

[theflyingkiwi]

I can see everyone is quiet tonight. I don't expect tony to be on tonight.

[akiwi]

I love shooting G & N. A shame that I'm so far away otherwise I'd be willing to help out.

[momentz]

Mmmmm chocolate

Mmmm sticky toffee pudding

[theflyingkiwi]

Mmmmm 1 series camera :) and 300mm F2.8 L IS

[momentz]

Mmmm cacti :twisted:

[Nzshrimper]

Mmmm sticky toffee pudding

Mmmmm 1 series camera :) and 300mm F2.8 L IS

Mmmm cacti :twisted:

has there been a leak at the Auckland glue factory.. ?

I think if there has you two should stop breathing in through your noses. :p

[akiwi]

What's all this MMMMMIng about anyway?? I just had breakfast!

[joeseph]

Mmmmmmmm, donuts! ;-)

[Nzshrimper]

now this is just silly...........

[NordieBoy]

Not as silly as me doing another G&N post :oops:

[theflyingkiwi]

ok then mr bennett, some up with a better topic :)

[tim]

Ok, since you're all bored how about commenting on these wedding "thank you" cards i've been playing with? They're going to the print firm probably tomorrow as samples to show customers.

Card 1 Version 2A (side fold)
http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/wp/temp/card1v2a.jpg

Card 1 Version 2B (side fold)
http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/wp/temp/card1v2b.jpg

Card 2 Version 2A (top fold) - not sure there's any point showing this as i'd not do them without my name on the card somewhere. Perhaps on the inside left?
http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/wp/temp/card2v2a.jpg

Card 2 Version 2B (top fold)
http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/wp/temp/card2v2b.jpg

Card 3 Version 2 (top fold)
http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/wp/temp/card3v2.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

I would go with Card 2 Version 2B (top fold) I would hope ya got something on the indside saying thank you. The first two don't really do it for me. not to sure about the 3 pictures for the last one.

[lil_miss]

yeah the first two look a little cheesy.... sorry :S

[tim]

I'm planning on printing all of those, to show my customers the options available. #1 shows a full cover photo, and will have some kind of "thank you" text inside. #2 shows large pictures on the front and back, with a white border, just a bit different from #1. #3 is a collage, again to show it's possible. I'll probably leave inside #2 and #3 empty just to show that's an option too.

So given that, any changes to design 1, 2, or 3 before I send them for printing?

[theflyingkiwi]

I would cut the drop shadow in number 1

[tim]

Ok, ta. I need to sort out the shadow directions in the other ones too.

[IainB]

Have to put this bluntly, Tim - after all, you are talking about charging for these - these are somewhat corny. The photos of couples gazing into each others eyes are not phptos that say 'thank you', but seem more about 'look at us' in a self-possessing kind of way. The first shots showing the cards which read 'Thank you' equally do not find favour. There is a shot of the couple with a car in the distant background - that was spotted by others in the household, and not judged to be great photography!Why can't thank you cards have a 'washed out' less obvious photo of the couple in a slightly less 'self-indulging' pose, with a warm thank you message.... To be fair, I did seek the opinion of two women in the household tonight.

[theflyingkiwi]

Hey Ian, good to see ya still around. what ya been up to?

[Wazza]

I guess it would be hard to find something showing a thank you image...

From the wedding I just shot on Saturday, there would be nothing that conveys that, apart from the feeling of one and another, with similar, in their eyes, shots.

[IainB]

Cheers, Mark. This end of the year is pretty hectic with our education business. Since our students study 365 days of the year, were pretty full-on planning and preparing their programmes for the holiday period. (www.kumon.co.nz) Spare time has been spent landscaping our garden. Had the design done 3 years ago, and I have been shoulder-tapped (make that 'thumped') as a reminder. Ever wondered what 8 cubic metres of mulch looks like?
Gotta rediscover my camera soon....

[Mark Vuleta]

Hello Tim
The attached in a scan of a Thank You Card we got from a wedding a few months ago. The card is basically a printed card with a hand written personalised message on the back. The photo is not your typical wedding shot and may have been taken just for this purpose. The photographer is unknown, there is not info on any of the photos we got from the wedding or on the back of this card.

The picture does capture the spirit of the couple and having them face on does help

Of all of the wedding thank you cards we have ever recieved, I think it was the best.

Cheers


Mark

[tim]

Have to put this bluntly, Tim - after all, you are talking about charging for these - these are somewhat corny. The photos of couples gazing into each others eyes are not phptos that say 'thank you', but seem more about 'look at us' in a self-possessing kind of way. The first shots showing the cards which read 'Thank you' equally do not find favour. There is a shot of the couple with a car in the distant background - that was spotted by others in the household, and not judged to be great photography!Why can't thank you cards have a 'washed out' less obvious photo of the couple in a slightly less 'self-indulging' pose, with a warm thank you message.... To be fair, I did seek the opinion of two women in the household tonight.

Thanks for the honest feedback Iain, it's much appreciated. I've never sent or received a thank you card, so I don't know what kind of photo you'd put on it. All I know is what customers have ordered for that purpose in the past.

Remember these cards are samples to show what's possible with the layout, but having good cards would be nice too! I'm still open to suggestions :)

[dgcorner]

I like MarkV's sample... plus 3&4 of yours Tim.

[dgcorner]

Where would one go to purchase relatively cheap MS Office 2003 software? I need it for the business... Office 2007 is being launched in late Jan 07... but I don't think I can wait that long...

[IainB]

Hi John. I recently heard an ad for Office 2003, with the right to upgrade to 2007 for something like $30-$40. Can't recall the price but is was very reasonable. Check out DS or similar.

[tag141]

NZShrimper did you get my PMs regarding the TC? I sent you a couple but haven't heard back...

[FlyingPete]

Where would one go to purchase relatively cheap MS Office 2003 software? I need it for the business... Office 2007 is being launched in late Jan 07... but I don't think I can wait that long...

It is hard to get a cheap and legitimate copy of any Microsoft product. You may be able to dig up an OEM version or an educational version that will work but you will most probably be in violation of your EULA. OEM's are supposed to be purchased with a PC, and educational versions you are supposed to be a student.

Also you don't need Office Professional if you are not going to use Access (Database).

A word of caution about breaking your EULA, you will get away with it in Windows XP and Office 2003, but in the newer versions MS is taking extra actions to ensure that does not happen and if they discover your are violating your EULA they can disable or reduce the functionality of your product remotely, you have no come back on it, as you would have clicked 'yes' to agree to those terms when installing.

[NordieBoy]

Where would one go to purchase relatively cheap MS Office 2003 software? I need it for the business... Office 2007 is being launched in late Jan 07... but I don't think I can wait that long...

Tried OpenOffice?
May work for you in the interim.

[weka2000]

Oh well its that time again.........NEW PC :lol:

Dont need any more camera stuff but a new PC yep. Heaps of RAM 2 gig. 19" wide screen.Have to keep under 2K

Went out to my wifes work xmas party only took 1.5hrs from Mangere to Henderson :confused: took 30min getting home.

[Wazza]

You were out my way? :p

You should have snuck off, practiced a few photos. :lol:

[weka2000]

You were out my way? :p

You should have snuck off, practiced a few photos. :lol:

I had to be on my best behaviour, that was a mission as I was about ready to plant someones husband. Got a bit carried away with his comments about me been a smoker. My back went up and I was all ready to sit him on his ass......

[naqs]

Where would one go to purchase relatively cheap MS Office 2003 software? I need it for the business... Office 2007 is being launched in late Jan 07... but I don't think I can wait that long...

you could try a torrent site. :D

[akiwi]

Hey Tim, as layout samples they are fine. I personally like option 2 as it is relatively simple. I think that people will probably just want a single picture with maybe a bit of text on it.

[akiwi]

Grr. My new Highspeed connection is not highspeed at all. I measured the speed today & got between 194 - 250 KBs.
Not much considering I ordered 6000. Luckily I don't have to pay for 6000, but I would have expected more. I phoned up to complain & the answer was. Yes it is very slow isn't it. You can cancel if you want. I guess the disadvantage of living on the outskirts of a small town.
What sort of speeds are you guys getting?
What sort of

[tim]

Hey Tim, as layout samples they are fine. I personally like option 2 as it is relatively simple. I think that people will probably just want a single picture with maybe a bit of text on it.

Thanks! Appreciate the comments.

Grr. My new Highspeed connection is not highspeed at all. I measured the speed today & got between 194 - 250 KBs.
Not much considering I ordered 6000. Luckily I don't have to pay for 6000, but I would have expected more. I phoned up to complain & the answer was. Yes it is very slow isn't it. You can cancel if you want. I guess the disadvantage of living on the outskirts of a small town.
What sort of speeds are you guys getting?
What sort of

Bugger. I get a 6Mbps line speed consistently, and using bittorrent I can saturate the connection. I live right in the middle of Wellington though, there might even be an adsl node thingy for my building.

[joeseph]

Grr. My new Highspeed connection is not highspeed at all. I measured the speed today & got between 194 - 250 KBs.
Not much considering I ordered 6000. Luckily I don't have to pay for 6000, but I would have expected more. I phoned up to complain & the answer was. Yes it is very slow isn't it. You can cancel if you want. I guess the disadvantage of living on the outskirts of a small town.
What sort of speeds are you guys getting?
What sort of

If you're getting above 194KB/s download then you're doing reasonably well, remember a Byte is 8 bits...
194KB/s = 1.55Mb/s
250KB/s = 2.0Mb/s

The further away you are from the exchange equipment, the slower it is going to get unfortunately.

our works' test ADSL line connection speed is 4.9Mb/s down, 672kb/s up (actual router communication speed) - if I go to a speedtest site it records 1223kbps down & 366kbps up.

[FlyingPete]

Well, for the first time ever I was able to go on holiday (three days) with my digicam (this time my 20D), one battery in the camera and one CF card, didn't have to download at all, and still took a heap of photos at RAW :D

Thankyou to my sponsors, my 4GB Sandisk CF card and my Sterlingtek 1800mAH battery.

I did have my portable drive in the car as well as two spare batteries and two 1GB CF cards, just in case, but never needed them!

[FlyingPete]

Oh well its that time again.........NEW PC :lol:

Dont need any more camera stuff but a new PC yep. Heaps of RAM 2 gig. 19" wide screen.Have to keep under 2K


2GB is not a heap of memory, this is a heap of memory:

(Ah cr*p can't get the image to work :evil: )
(BTW 33381652K is around 32GB :D)

You could do a good box for under $2000, I have just done that, Core2Duo, Intel Board, 2GB RAM, two 250GB SATA2 drives in RAID0 (OS) RAID1 (Data) split. It is fast real fast :D :D :D

[theflyingkiwi]

Tony, I would recommend getting the http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/30lcd?c=nz&cs=nzdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

this screen rocks. I am now using at at home and it's just great to use.

[weka2000]

2GB is not a heap of memory, this is a heap of memory:

(Ah cr*p can't get the image to work :evil: )
(BTW 33381652K is around 32GB :D)

You could do a good box for under $2000, I have just done that, Core2Duo, Intel Board, 2GB RAM, two 250GB SATA2 drives in RAID0 (OS) RAID1 (Data) split. It is fast real fast :D :D :D

Sounds like what Im getting. I do need a couple of PCI slots. Video capture card and SCSI card

[theflyingkiwi]

what's the scsi card for?

[weka2000]

what's the scsi card for?
Tape backup drive 25gig

[theflyingkiwi]

ah that makes sense. so how many tapes do you use at the moment for backup? :)

[tim]

I could do with tape backups, assuming they're reliable, which I assume they are because big business uses them a lot. Problem's price. For now i'm backing up to a 300GB external drive, but that's almost full, so i'll have to cut down what i'm storing or get a new one. My main drives are almost full too, I have around 200GB of RAW images for customers. At some point I might choose to discard the RAW images and just keep good JPG conversions, but that's a hard call to make.

My new "last resort" backup system is I convert all the images shown to a customer as proofs to JPG, burn a few weddings worth onto DVD, and store it offsite. If both my hard drives fail I still have JPGs.

[weka2000]

ah that makes sense. so how many tapes do you use at the moment for backup? :)

I use Duel layer DVD mostly but backup certain directory's of real important stuff thats over 8gig

I burn all raws every month to DVD. I have noticed that this may increase with models (if goes ahead) I will face the same issue as Tim
Ditch the rubbish photos and keep the best.

[tim]

Ditch the rubbish photos and keep the best.

I keep 300-500 images from each wedding, from a total of 700-1000 taken, so 5GB to archive is normal. Some weeks this summer I have two weddings, I figure in Jan/Feb i'll add 120GB of images, that's not counting and PSDs, proofs, and slideshows I create.

[dgcorner]

Hi John. I recently heard an ad for Office 2003, with the right to upgrade to 2007 for something like $30-$40. Can't recall the price but is was very reasonable. Check out DS or similar.

Thanks Iain! I've seen the ads and will definitely be looking at it.

It is hard to get a cheap and legitimate copy of any Microsoft product. You may be able to dig up an OEM version or an educational version that will work but you will most probably be in violation of your EULA. OEM's are supposed to be purchased with a PC, and educational versions you are supposed to be a student.

Also you don't need Office Professional if you are not going to use Access (Database).

A word of caution about breaking your EULA, you will get away with it in Windows XP and Office 2003, but in the newer versions MS is taking extra actions to ensure that does not happen and if they discover your are violating your EULA they can disable or reduce the functionality of your product remotely, you have no come back on it, as you would have clicked 'yes' to agree to those terms when installing.

I currently have an MS SBE 97 which I probably can upgrade... but that costs US$297! If it were not for business then I probably would stick to my oldish versions... Oh well, it is chargeable as an axpense...:rolleyes:

you could try a torrent site. :D

:lol: :lol:


Grr. My new Highspeed connection is not highspeed at all. I measured the speed today & got between 194 - 250 KBs.
Not much considering I ordered 6000. Luckily I don't have to pay for 6000, but I would have expected more. I phoned up to complain & the answer was. Yes it is very slow isn't it. You can cancel if you want. I guess the disadvantage of living on the outskirts of a small town.
What sort of speeds are you guys getting?
What sort of

90kb -- yep, that's as fast as my line goes:evil:

[Wazza]

I have a HDD dilemna also!

Any suggestions?

I'm thinking rather than having to buy whole new motherboards etc, just use a USB drive, which I've done before.

I have 700Gb total, made up of 300, 200, 120, 80...
About 500Gb worth of images. :(

[Wazza]

When we took up ADSL 2-3 months ago, it was 3.5Mb, download of around 370-400Kb/s.

Now it's been "unleashed", apparently a 7.5Mb connection, but downloads are now 200kb/s

[weka2000]

New PC ordered :lol:

I have a negoation tonight re models so will let those who have offered helping me know the final result.

There maybe some stuff up for sale as well depending on the outcome :rolleyes:

Wazza shoot less photos that will save you heaps of space. My 5D has just about hit the 10k mark. Not bad as I have had it since March 2006
The 30D is a bit over 600

[weka2000]

I keep 300-500 images from each wedding, from a total of 700-1000 taken, so 5GB to archive is normal. Some weeks this summer I have two weddings, I figure in Jan/Feb i'll add 120GB of images, that's not counting and PSDs, proofs, and slideshows I create.

So a Duel Layer DVD per wedding.
I did 250 photos saterday night with 2 models. I would need to get it down to 700mg for jpgs to give to the model

[tim]

I don't trust DVDs or CDs as a primary image store, as they tend to fail. I've had CDs fail, and the data density is lower so I figure they're more reliable. Dual layer DVDs are still expensive too. Hard drives I trust.

Wazza, you need to throw away some images. At the wedding you helped me with there were some images that you had 3 identical images of, i'm not sure if you had the camera on rapid fire or if something went funny on your portable hard drive. Once you delete the duplicates and the rejects I suspect you'll get down to a LOT less data.

With my personal images I only keep the RAW images of the best files. For the rest I make sure the white balance and exposure is set correctly, then I batch them out to JPG. I saved tens of GB because of this, and i've lost nothing as i'll never need the RAW images that I converted to JPG. The best images, like the ones I hang on my wall, I keep in JPG.

All this takes some time, but it's worth it IMHO. Do it in bits.

[weka2000]

I don't trust DVDs or CDs as a primary image store, as they tend to fail. I've had CDs fail, and the data density is lower so I figure they're more reliable. Dual layer DVDs are still expensive too. Hard drives I trust.

Wazza, you need to throw away some images. At the wedding you helped me with there were some images that you had 3 identical images of, i'm not sure if you had the camera on rapid fire or if something went funny on your portable hard drive. Once you delete the duplicates and the rejects I suspect you'll get down to a LOT less data.

With my personal images I only keep the RAW images of the best files. For the rest I make sure the white balance and exposure is set correctly, then I batch them out to JPG. I saved tens of GB because of this, and i've lost nothing as i'll never need the RAW images that I converted to JPG. The best images, like the ones I hang on my wall, I keep in JPG.

All this takes some time, but it's worth it IMHO. Do it in bits.

I dont trust HDD. If they spin they will fail. Never had a faulty DVD

[tim]

Try a DVD after it's been in storage for a few years. Probably the same for a hard drive. By using both the chances of keeping your data's pretty good :)

[Nzshrimper]

NZShrimper did you get my PMs regarding the TC? I sent you a couple but haven't heard back...
just checked them and yes i see.. hve posted back today so you will get it tommorow via couier post /. (sorry for the delay for some reason i thought you were on hoilday - and did not check my PMs. :oops: )

[weka2000]

Try a DVD after it's been in storage for a few years. Probably the same for a hard drive. By using both the chances of keeping your data's pretty good :)

My real good photos are on tape as well.
They do recommend re burning your CD/DVD every 3/5 yrs onto new media

[tag141]

just checked them and yes i see.. hve posted back today so you will get it tommorow via couier post /. (sorry for the delay for some reason i thought you were on hoilday - and did not check my PMs. :oops: )

Cool, it's all good. I was 'on holiday' but back to work tomorrow, strikes over...until next time that is...

[IainB]

If you're getting above 194KB/s download then you're doing reasonably well, remember a Byte is 8 bits...
194KB/s = 1.55Mb/s
250KB/s = 2.0Mb/s

The further away you are from the exchange equipment, the slower it is going to get unfortunately.

our works' test ADSL line connection speed is 4.9Mb/s down, 672kb/s up (actual router communication speed) - if I go to a speedtest site it records 1223kbps down & 366kbps up.

I just tried a test which produced these results. Can you translate? I'm confused when I look at your KBs=Mbs equivalent.

"Speed 1.1 Mbps
Size 781 KB
Avg Speed 967 Kbps (based on 2 tests)"

[theflyingkiwi]

my adsl connection reports a connection of 6720 kbps
I am downloading something at the moment and I am getting on average 300KB/s
so how do I work out what my ture download speed is in MB/s

[weka2000]

Ok I need some group honesty, real honesty dont hold back or worry about saying what you really think.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with model photography. Am I setting myself up for a fall?

Lets face it we all look at the G/N section and admire others work but I am the only one in the group willing to do it.
Am I the only one to have the guts to try or am I the only one stupid enough to stick my head into a lions mouth beforeits been feed ?

Be blatently honest I am man enought to take it.

[theflyingkiwi]

Ok I need some group honesty, real honesty dont hold back or worry about saying what you really think.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with model photography. Am I setting myself up for a fall?

Lets face it we all look at the G/N section and admire others work but I am the only one in the group willing to do it.
Am I the only one to have the guts to try or am I the only one stupid enough to stick my head into a lions mouth beforeits been feed ?

Be blatently honest I am man enought to take it.

Tony, we all know that you are man enough to take honest options. Well I have found ya so :)

Just remember what I am about to say comes from someone that hasn't done any model photography.

But I think you do know what ya doing, it's just a case you need to practice some more. given enough practice you will be able to take as good as shot as any "pro" out in the market today. I even think that you are able to start making money from what you are able to do at the moment. You know were you are going wrong and that's one of the important parts. But there is only one who can really say that you can make it, and that's is someone who is a pro. Go and seek some advice. Print out 5-10 of your best shots and seek out options.

But you got to have a passion for it, and when I a mean a passion I mean you live and breath your topic. Are you going to fall? you don't know till you try it, and try it for real. But you have to figure out and what cost this is going to cost you. Once you do then you really know how far you wish to go.

[Moppie]

I would love to do it, I love shooting people, I don't really know why, I just now I enjoy it.

But, theres one major thing holding me back: My mortguage.
In order to take it seriously I would need to spend more time shooting and less time in full time employment. Its simply not a risk I can really take at the moment, Iv only had the mortgage a few months, and it consumes a huge chunk of my income.

In a few years however I will be in a more stable position and able to take it up.
That said, if an opertunity came up to some TFP shoots right now I would jump on them :)


Damn, someone at the gate.

Really quickly: TONY DO IT!!!!!!!!!

[scotttnz]

Ok I need some group honesty, real honesty dont hold back or worry about saying what you really think.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with model photography. Am I setting myself up for a fall?

Lets face it we all look at the G/N section and admire others work but I am the only one in the group willing to do it.
Am I the only one to have the guts to try or am I the only one stupid enough to stick my head into a lions mouth beforeits been feed ?

Be blatently honest I am man enought to take it.

Tony, a while ago you were talking about photographing "older" women and making them look good. Your wife put a stop to it. Then all of a sudden you are shooting models in their underware. How did that happen? How do you expect your wife to be happy about it?

Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate the female form as much as anybody, and I dont think that in itself is something our wives should get up tight about. And I know that you are focused on the photography, rather than the sexuality of the situation, but I also fully understand why your/my/anybodies wife/partner may be uncomfortable with it.

You may be able to sweet talk your other half into "letting" you do it, but she is unlikely to really be happy about it. She may not say it, but it will effect your relationship.

My advise is drop the Glamour. Go back to landscapes, maybe to some family/wedding/standard portrait type stuff. Maybe one day she will come to see glamour from a different point of view and you will get your green light, but it has to come from her, or there will be resentment.

Then again, what do I know about women? What does any man know? You might be better off getting some advise from other women!

[weka2000]

Good on you Scott.

To answer your question. I still want to photography "older normal" woman but I could not get anyone to model so I had to turn to models to get a profile and experence. I now have models comming out of the wood work. This caused me the issue that I want to photograph the woman not the model. Having said that I want to help them get ahead so there are "styles" that I am not intrested in i.e bikinis..... I cant stand swimsuit model photos, but thats what they feel they need. Do I refuse or do i add it to my experence

[dgcorner]

Ok I need some group honesty, real honesty dont hold back or worry about saying what you really think.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with model photography. Am I setting myself up for a fall?

Lets face it we all look at the G/N section and admire others work but I am the only one in the group willing to do it.
Am I the only one to have the guts to try or am I the only one stupid enough to stick my head into a lions mouth beforeits been feed ?

Be blatently honest I am man enought to take it.

Tony - I've known you for a little over a year... and all I can say is that you are one of the hardest working photographers that I know. You go to lengths trying to improve your craft - your pictures from a year ago compared to today are a testament to that.

I am sure that whatever you put your head to, plus the support of Sandra -- you will excell.

One thing that you need to improve on though is that you need to understand that good glass doesn't necessarily translate to good pictures. Composition and lighting are key. You will need to slow down to "see" the picture. Read heaps and gain ideas.

And, as Moppie says - Go for it!

[dgcorner]

Bugger... I am bed ridden for the next few days... sprained my back from moving all the stuff to the new store. I moved some 40 fridges along the wall, plus a few washing machines and dryers... and then some TVs and other stuff today... then my back reminded me of my age... I don't think I was made for manual labour ;-) If and when you guys visit the new store on Lunn Avenue have a look at the whiteware display -- I did all that :-)

Am I glad that I set up the wireless router at home... I'd be dead bored without the notebook running...

[theflyingkiwi]

bugger about that John. take care of yourself old man. Hmmm I am going to 33 soon, I guess I should hold off on comments like that.

so that fridge display, can we take our cameras along and take photos ?

Anyway take care of that back, or you wont be able to do any more GKPEs

[akiwi]

Tony.. you forgot me.
I do primarily glamour / nude. Just don't or can't post too many images as I photograph mostly people who are not models & most of them don't realy want their pictures on the internet.
I am lucky that I have a very understanding wife. We have been together for 17 years now and have built up a certain amount of trust in each other. Sure there are occasionally issues, and she occasionally makes comments about the women I pohotograph which have a jealous ring to them. But I haven't done anything to cause her any doubt.
I love G&N as I love presenting people in a way that they don't see themselves or better said, make them look their best.
As said above I dream & think photographing people. I am constantly on the lookout for ideas & places to shoot & poses & outfits etc.
I know I am not a fantastic photographer, but I thoroughly enjoy it and manage to get some images that even I'm happy with occasionally... so I keep at it, keep trying, keep learning.
Try to convince yor wife that she can trust you. As I mentioned earlier, the best thing would be to get her to help out as a makeup artist or something so she learns that the models aren't all nymphomanic vampires. And so the models see her & know not to try anything (noth that that has ever been necessary).
If you love it then concentrate on portraits & clothed photos & build up that trust. Then see how things go.

[dgcorner]

bugger about that John. take care of yourself old man. Hmmm I am going to 33 soon, I guess I should hold off on comments like that.

so that fridge display, can we take our cameras along and take photos ?

Anyway take care of that back, or you wont be able to do any more GKPEs

Thanks Mark!

. . . Try to convince yor wife that she can trust you. As I mentioned earlier, the best thing would be to get her to help out as a makeup artist or something so she learns that the models aren't all nymphomanic vampires. And so the models see her & know not to try anything (noth that that has ever been necessary).
If you love it then concentrate on portraits & clothed photos & build up that trust. Then see how things go.

I think Sandra trusts Tony... it's the models she doesn't trust:lol:

[FlyingPete]

Grgghhh work, still here, will be at least for another couple of hours, started at 6:45am, had a break to eat a subway roll and watch the planes for a while (was airside for a few hours by engineering, wish I had my camera :rolleyes: ), man I am going to be stuffed, and it is Elizabeths third birthday tomorrow.

Oh well, I get paid by the hour, so that is now 14 hours and ticking :D

[weka2000]

Tony.. you forgot me.. Didnt forget about you. You are part of this group as far as Im concerned. So just dont use the "I live in Germany" for not been able to make any group outings :lol:

[Nzshrimper]

my adsl connection reports a connection of 6720 kbps
I am downloading something at the moment and I am getting on average 300KB/s
so how do I work out what my ture download speed is in MB/s
this website gives you a good result..

http://www.nzdsl.co.nz/module-Speedtest.phtml

[weka2000]

I think Sandra trusts Tony... it's the models she doesn't trust:lol:

No its Tony is a male and I dont trust males with models ;)

No honey not the rubber ring thats only for lambs tails

[weka2000]

this website gives you a good result..

http://www.nzdsl.co.nz/module-Speedtest.phtml

1.5mps down 128k up for Mangere

[Nzshrimper]

1.5mps down 128k up for Mangere
are you on the go large plan..
if so that is the about the countries average at the moment.. :cry: for that plan.

[theflyingkiwi]

this website gives you a good result..

http://www.nzdsl.co.nz/module-Speedtest.phtml

I tried that and got about 2mb or 2119kbps which I don't think is the total line speed I am getting.

[akiwi]

Didnt forget about you. You are part of this group as far as Im concerned. So just dont use the "I live in Germany" for not been able to make any group outings :lol:
Err When is the next outing then??? I need to plan ahead.
Reminder to self. Play lotto this week.:)

[akiwi]

No its Tony is a male and I dont trust males with models ;)

No honey not the rubber ring thats only for lambs tails
Maybe there's a chastity belt for men. Before your shoot she locks you up, and afterwards you are freed again.

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

Hi guys, I guess I'm the lasted addition to the NZ members on these forums.

Before I stumbled across these forums I search for hours upon hours to find a substantial NZ Photography community/forum to find nothing of the sort. Does one exist? What a fluke to find that these forums already have a NZ presence!

Anyway, my name's Blair and I look forward to getting to know you guys.

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

Oh yeah and this maybe a silly question but what does GKPE stand for?

[Wazza]

2995 down
128k up

[Nzshrimper]

Oh yeah and this maybe a silly question but what does GKPE stand for?

welcome..

and Great Kiwi Photo Expedition... (and there are no silly questions here - just silly answers..)

[akiwi]

2995 down
128k up
Your down is more than 10 x faster than mine.

Hi Blair.
Don't join this group. There all loonies:lol:
Welcome. Come over for a coffee sometime.

Peter

[theflyingkiwi]

welcome Blair and enjoy the mayhem :)

we have a web site believe it or not :) go to www.gkpe.org.nz that will explaine everything

and PS don't listen to akiwi, he's from germany. we don't even expect to see him at any meetings. :)

PPS that's a interesting nick. your not planning on killing us or something ??

[Nzshrimper]

techie question coming up...


new TV.. connected an S video cable to it from my graphics card.. and the picture is monochrome. - old TV before it died was colour using same set up... :evil:

reading TV manual to see if i change a setting in that but if you guys have any ideas ....

[Nzshrimper]

Your down is more than 10 x faster than mine.

Peter

you cant be slower than NZ//

[NordieBoy]

this website gives you a good result..

http://www.nzdsl.co.nz/module-Speedtest.phtml

4893 down
658 up

[weka2000]

Maybe there's a chastity belt for men. Before your shoot she locks you up, and afterwards you are freed again.

She reacon she could make one and then sell them world wide :lol:

Oh well time to process a bunch of photos. I will past a link. Dont want wazzas heart going throught the roof again :)

[Nzshrimper]

4893 down
658 up
hmm go pro plan then... nice...

edit sovled techie question // setting on tv needed to change AV mode setting from video to S-video... :rolleyes:

[Wazza]

Only when people are working ;)
Sleep time anyway

[akiwi]

you cant be slower than NZ//
As I said earlier, don't knock NZ. It is better than you think.

Here is the location of my house. http://maps.google.de/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=18&ll=48.229604,11.346028&spn=0.002233,0.003369 (http://maps.google.de/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=18&ll=48.229604,11.346028&spn=0.002233,0.003369)
That's my house in the middle with the grey roof. (If you look closley you can see my wife sunbathing naked in the garden)
Anyway what I wanted to say is it is on the outskirts of the outskirts so that probably explains why my connection is so bad

[weka2000]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2355966#post2355966

NOT WORK SAFE

[CliveyBoy]

I have a website up, after struggling to learn a little html. Managed to leave that to others in my programming days. There's much work to be done on it, but you may be interested in the GKPE IV Karangahake Photo Trip shots.

http://www.alphapics.co.nz

Tony, what about doing more work on portraits - that would give experience in lighting and composition without the risk. Include males. Don't throw away the dream - just take longer to reach it.

[weka2000]

I have a website up, after struggling to learn a little html. Managed to leave that to others in my programming days. There's much work to be done on it, but you may be interested in the GKPE IV Karangahake Photo Trip shots.

http://www.alphapics.co.nz

Tony, what about doing more work on portraits - that would give experience in lighting and composition without the risk. Include males. Don't throw away the dream - just take longer to reach it.

Lights changed colour back to green
I dont shoot males, babys or pets :lol:

[::John::]

I have a website up, after struggling to learn a little html. Managed to leave that to others in my programming days. There's much work to be done on it, but you may be interested in the GKPE IV Karangahake Photo Trip shots.

http://www.alphapics.co.nz

Tony, what about doing more work on portraits - that would give experience in lighting and composition without the risk. Include males. Don't throw away the dream - just take longer to reach it.

Looking good, Clive.

Only 'grizzle' is a broken link for http://www.alphapics.co.nz/Karangahake/20061028-karangahake1-cb013.htm

Cheers,
John

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

I know a bit of HTML Clive,.. If you need a hand flick me a PM.

[NordieBoy]

hmm go pro plan then... nice...

edit sovled techie question // setting on tv needed to change AV mode setting from video to S-video... :rolleyes:

Dunno what plan.
It's 15GB per month with a local firm who go through Orcon.

[dgcorner]

Hi guys, I guess I'm the lasted addition to the NZ members on these forums.

Before I stumbled across these forums I search for hours upon hours to find a substantial NZ Photography community/forum to find nothing of the sort. Does one exist? What a fluke to find that these forums already have a NZ presence!

Anyway, my name's Blair and I look forward to getting to know you guys.

Blair - Welcome aboard and to the GKPE!



techie question coming up...


new TV.. connected an S video cable to it from my graphics card.. and the picture is monochrome. - old TV before it died was colour using same set up... :evil:

reading TV manual to see if i change a setting in that but if you guys have any ideas ....

Possibly your old TV was multi-system capable... and your card's settings were on NTSC. Check that the card settings are on PAL and that should get your colours back... this is assuming that your new TV is PAL only.



I have a website up, after struggling to learn a little html. Managed to leave that to others in my programming days. There's much work to be done on it, but you may be interested in the GKPE IV Karangahake Photo Trip shots.

http://www.alphapics.co.nz

Tony, what about doing more work on portraits - that would give experience in lighting and composition without the risk. Include males. Don't throw away the dream - just take longer to reach it.

Nice site. I really should work on mine....

[joeseph]

Lights changed colour back to green


Green lights are good, ensures no prosecution notices given for proceeding...

Hi guys, I guess I'm the lasted addition to the NZ members on these forums.
Welcome aboard Blair! if you can keep up with the many pages flying past this thread you're doing extremely well - just remember to post some photo's along the way!

I am bed ridden for the next few days
Ouch - sounds like a work related accident to me, I forsee an ACC claim ahead if for no other reason than you've already paid plenty in tax for such a scheme, may as well use it.

[Wazza]

Hi guys, I guess I'm the lasted addition to the NZ members on these forums.

Before I stumbled across these forums I search for hours upon hours to find a substantial NZ Photography community/forum to find nothing of the sort. Does one exist? What a fluke to find that these forums already have a NZ presence!

Anyway, my name's Blair and I look forward to getting to know you guys.


And I should welcome you also,

from Warren and Kirst. (she has her own sign on, but doesn't get online much with a new job, and slow PC)

:cool:

[Moppie]

Yet anther Kiwi!

Weclome along Blair.




Tony, 4 pages later I get to finnish what I was saying :)

IMO the difference between a pro and an amature has nothing to do with technical or artistic ablity, or even equipment list.
It has everything to do with the ablity to relate to people, get sales, and have enough business and sense and grim determination to make it work.
If you have models throwing themselves at you then you clearly have the first part sorted. We know you have lots of determination, and the only way you will find if you have the business skill is to give it a go.

And if your better half won't let you pursue your dream, then its about time she learned to trust you.
Its pretty clear from your comments here that you are totaly and absolutly devoted to her, and would let her do what ever she wants.
And let her know that if you did ever slip we would all come and hold you down so she could castrate you.

[DiscoLizard]

Welcome Blair! Interesting nickname :D

Tony - this is probably not my place to say anything really, but;
After 12 years of marriage, I would imagine that your wife realises you are trustworthy?

I wouldn't think the issue is trust, more likely that she doesn't want you comparing models and her in your head. If you can communicate to her that models are simply props, or like waterfalls - in that they make the shot more interesting, but in a cereberal (as opposed to libidinal) way, then she might feel more comfortable. Then again, she might not. I don't mean that you should say to her "they're just models." You'll have to be a bit more subtle than that.

Anyway, you've got the equipment, the motivation, the contacts, and you're developing the skill. I say go for it.

[CliveyBoy]

I dont shoot males, ...:lol:
That's what makes it sound like sex, not photography. ;)

[CliveyBoy]

Anyway, my name's Blair and I look forward to getting to know you guys.
Welcome to the merry band of women and men.

[CliveyBoy]

Looking good, Clive. Only 'grizzle' is a broken link
Thanks. I reloaded the page, and it seems to be fixed. (File size was short.)

Next step in my html primer - home buttons.

The gallery pages are created in BreezeBrowser Pro.

[CliveyBoy]

I know a bit of HTML Clive,.. If you need a hand flick me a PM.
Suggestions are welcome. I'll finish working through the html primer, and then sing out for some fancy help.

Thanks for offer.

[CliveyBoy]

Nice site. I really should work on mine....
Thanks, John.

One question for all - my captions include full names, as I like to have accurate detail. Does anyone from GKPE IV object to that?

[weka2000]

That's what makes it sound like sex, not photography. ;)

Sorry.... so what does in mean when you shoot a wedding :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

Thanks. I reloaded the page, and it seems to be fixed. (File size was short.)

Next step in my html primer - home buttons.

The gallery pages are created in BreezeBrowser Pro.

Clive, I would recommend that you use jAlbum. I use it on my web site and it's simple and works well.

[CliveyBoy]

Sorry.... so what does in mean when you shoot a wedding :lol:
Threesome?:cool:

[joeseph]

Thanks, John.

One question for all - my captions include full names, as I like to have accurate detail. Does anyone from GKPE IV object to that?
Fine by me. nice tidy website by the way... another thing I need to find time to get sorted.

[weka2000]

Roll on Xmas things are very quite at work but heaps to do at home.

[Moppie]

Threesome?:cool:

Fine by me.


.................................................. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

to remove this thread from the gutter.

I got a quote from Canon today. it's seems that it's going to cost $558.74 in total to get the lens and the camera back.

The lens is most of the cost. they are going to replace IS and AF assemblies on the lens. on the camera it seems they adjusted the AF. Which is no surprise.

[dgcorner]

. . .Ouch - sounds like a work related accident to me, I forsee an ACC claim ahead if for no other reason than you've already paid plenty in tax for such a scheme, may as well use it.

Indeed, an ACC claim it is.

to remove this thread from the gutter.

I got a quote from Canon today. it's seems that it's going to cost $558.74 in total to get the lens and the camera back.

The lens is most of the cost. they are going to replace IS and AF assemblies on the lens. on the camera it seems they adjusted the AF. Which is no surprise.

Ouch! There goes your Christmas presents Mark...

[theflyingkiwi]

Indeed, an ACC claim it is.



Ouch! There goes your Christmas presents Mark...

what can I do. say no. Then I am out a camera and a lens. since the replacement lens is the biggest part, it would cost me at least 1k+ to get it fixed.

anyway nothing like putting it on visa :) anyway the good part is I have done all my shopping.

[forsaken]

3298 down
124 up

[naqs]

Clive, I would recommend that you use jAlbum. I use it on my web site and it's simple and works well.

jAlbum is a pig of a program to use... I hate it I just make my own galleries with photoshop and dreamweaver

[akiwi]

to remove this thread from the gutter.

I got a quote from Canon today. it's seems that it's going to cost $558.74 in total to get the lens and the camera back.

The lens is most of the cost. they are going to replace IS and AF assemblies on the lens. on the camera it seems they adjusted the AF. Which is no surprise.
What on earth happened to it?

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

I pretty much only use Notepad, any other programs that do the work for you tend to write messy HTML code.

Has anyone here used PicaJet? The best photo management software I've used. What does everyone else use?

Oh yeah and thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

[theflyingkiwi]

What on earth happened to it?

I was going to say it's a long story, but not really :)

the lens is the major cost. It just stopped focusing. I could focus say on a subject just a meter away, then I would move to a subject further away and it's wouldn't do a thing.

As for the camera, when it had focus lock it really wasn't focusing on anything and the subject would come out blurry. It was major front focus.

check out the following picture. (which is the full size photo)
http://www.cuthbert.net.nz/potn/352CANON/IMG_5233.JPG

[naqs]

I pretty much only use Notepad, any other programs that do the work for you tend to write messy HTML code.

Has anyone here used PicaJet? The best photo management software I've used. What does everyone else use?

Oh yeah and thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I use ACDSee Pro... It was suggested to me by a photograhper, Its great a bit expensive if you want to pay for it but you could probably find it on the net free somewhere

[akiwi]

I was going to say it's a long story, but not really :)

the lens is the major cost. It just stopped focusing. I could focus say on a subject just a meter away, then I would move to a subject further away and it's wouldn't do a thing.

As for the camera, when it had focus lock it really wasn't focusing on anything and the subject would come out blurry. It was major front focus.

check out the following picture. (which is the full size photo)
http://www.cuthbert.net.nz/potn/352CANON/IMG_5233.JPG
Ouch. That's very front focused. I have that test chart too.
We don't have walls like that here in Germany. Reminds me a lot of home. And the light switch is also very New Zealand. Funny the things that remind you of home.

[theflyingkiwi]

in that case then I am glad I could help. nothing like reminding you of home. so before you went to germany, what part of NZ did you live in?

back to camera stuff. at first I thought I had a problem with my sigma 100-300F4 lens. but as you can see that's not the case.

[weka2000]

What on earth happened to it?

he is real rough with his camera and lens :p

[akiwi]

I am a born & bred Balmy Palmyite:)
Our family had a batch in Hatepe, Lake Taupo, so most of my holidays where there.
Worked a few seasons on Ruapehu as Ski instructor, and also worked in quite a few other places around the country when I was a Student.

[CliveyBoy]

to remove this thread from the gutter.

I got a quote from Canon today. it's seems that it's going to cost $558.74 in total to get the lens and the camera back.

The lens is most of the cost. they are going to replace IS and AF assemblies on the lens. on the camera it seems they adjusted the AF. Which is no surprise.

That's a pain, and just before Christmas. But you should be delighted with the difference in performance.

[CliveyBoy]

jAlbum is a pig of a program to use... I hate it I just make my own galleries with photoshop and dreamweaver
My daughter uses JAlbum for her sales galleries, and my impression is that you have to do backflips to work it.

The html generator in Breeze is relatively simple, but can be customised, and it costs not a cent extra. An event photographer uses Breezebrowser to put several thousand pics in a two-day event, before the eventers have packed up, and he has several computers there fore on-the-spot ordering. We have yet to perform generation-time tests.

[akiwi]

My daughter uses JAlbum for her sales galleries, and my impression is that you have to do backflips to work it.

The html generator in Breeze is relatively simple, but can be customised, and it costs not a cent extra. An event photographer uses Breezebrowser to put several thousand pics in a two-day event, before the eventers have packed up, and he has several computers there fore on-the-spot ordering. We have yet to perform generation-time tests.
Have you got a link to an example album?

[tim]

My daughter uses JAlbum for her sales galleries, and my impression is that you have to do backflips to work it.

JAlbum is one of the simplest pieces of software i've ever used, but also one of the most powerful because of the wide range of customisations you can do. My personal and commercial sites gallers are both generated by JAlbum, with customised skins.

[theflyingkiwi]

That's a pain, and just before Christmas. But you should be delighted with the difference in performance.

I hope so. but I will be tested it as soon as I get it back. With any luck it should be this weekend. but I am not holding my breath.

Have you got a link to an example album?

check out my site. all the albums are done with jalbum.

[tag141]

I'm another advocate of Jalbum. I find found it really easy to use. Here another one I used but didn't give it much time. http://www.digitaldutch.com/arles/

http://racingcarsonline.orcon.net.nz uses a Jalbum as well.

[akiwi]

I quite like your albums Tim. They are clearly organized, and easy to navigate. The next photo / prev photo buttons are a must! I hate it when each click on a thum opens a seperate window.

[tim]

There's a cool css thingy around somewhere, which I seem to have lost, that when you click an image it dims the background and makes it look like it's opening a window, but it's really within your current window. If anyone know what it is gimme can you let me know? A PM might be nice because I can't always keep up with this thread!

[CliveyBoy]

Have you got a link to an example album?

Not at present. These templates are provided for html page generator, and you can copy the, and edit to suit, which is what I am doing.
·black - images displayed on a black background together with full EXIF information
·simple - simple display on a white background
·simple + settings window - same as the simple template with the addition of a "Details" link below the main image which opens up a window showing the shooting details for the shot
·proofs - similar to the 'black' template but with the filename appearing under the thumbnails on the index page
·frames - uses frames to display thumbnails across the top of the page with the main image displayed below
·slideshow - Javascript slideshow with images displayed on a black background with EXIF summary
·non_english - shows how you can use a language other than English for the Next/Previous links
·thumbnails - shows thumbnails for the next and previous images above the main image
·icons - an example of how to images can be used for buttons and logos
·multi index - example of how to use Javascript to generate multiple index pages
·multi-view - example of how create three parallel sets of HTML pages to give three different gallery styles for one set of images
·drop shadow - another example of using images stored in the template directory to produce an attractive "drop shadow" effect
·drop shadow multi index - combined "drop shadow" and "multi index" template
·picture frame - similar to the "drop shadow" template but with a picture frame around each image
·picture frame multi index - combined "picture frame" and "multi index" template
·order - the bare bones of a simple online ordering system using Javascript and frames
·paypal - a simple to use online ordering system which links in to PayPal (http://www.paypal.com/)'s shopping cart system for accepting payments online

There is also a comprehensive cash collection system from POTN member, Peter Berger, Austria. He has a Breeze set of templates. http://www.eostemplate.com has samples of his output, which are worth a look.

The hrml tpkens the Chis Breeze provides are extensive, allowing use of IPRC and EXIF data in generated pages. That's how the captions on my fledgling website are inserted. http://www.alphapics.co.nz uses two Breeze templates.

[naqs]

for $99US (for the EOS template) you would be better off sticking to the standards as they are good enough, unless you want the ordering system

[joeseph]

to remove this thread from the gutter.

Just to lower it back again, I've got me an account with Theresa's telco.

:p

[tim]

http://www.huddletogether.com/projects/lightbox/

That's what I was talking about earlier, in case anyone was wondering. Hey, I do have a memory! :p

[Wazza]

Ouch that's a huge cost for a repair!

My Sigma lens cost $550 for a full barrel replacement, and AF tweak etc.. And shipping back and forth to Japan. Canon NZ are asses, and take too long to repair, that's why I'm hesitant to put through my 580EX to fix the red light beam emitter issue.

[tim]

Guys, anyone want to check out the new navigation buttons for my professional website and give me a bit of feedback? I've done it pretty quickly as I keep getting calls from guests and family of one wedding who gave out the URL of my website, but there was no link from the home page to their images.

http://www.wildphotography.co.nz/ PLEASE DON'T QUOTE THIS URL AS I'LL DELETE IT IN A DAY OR SO. I like to keep my POTN stuff and professional stuff seperate. Thanks :)

[akiwi]

Looks pretty good to me. All buttons worked OK.
Proofs page doesn't look as nice as the others, but I guess that is OK.

Peter

[tim]

How does the proofs page look not so good? It's pretty sparse I know. Thanks for the feedback :)

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

Posted some work of NZ scenery if any one is interested:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2361232#post2361232