GKPE Mini - City at night

[weka2000]

Who is up for a late night shoot in the city this week? Do we want to put the primes only idea into an event at the same time. We meet about 8.30
spend a couple of hours around the viaduct basin, queen street etc.

What day would suit.

New members welcome.

[iKirst]

If you book them, they will come.
Or at least I will. Just not Wednesday, I have trivia at a Howick Pub and I'll get my ass kicked if I don't go to that..
And Friday some of us have a 21st (Si, Warren..)
That leaves tonight and Thursday :p

[weka2000]

Thursdays better for me.

[dgcorner]

And Friday some of us have a 21st (Si, Warren..)
That leaves tonight and Thursday :p

Warren, you're still attending 21st birthdays?!?!? :lol: I feel old...;)

I'll have to pass this one... catching up with a few guys at O'Hagans (Pak) on Thursday night.

As always, I'm looking forward to the pics.

Cheers!

[iKirst]

Warren, you're still attending 21st birthdays?!?!? :lol: I feel old...;)
It's a friend of mine ;) I also, feel old :lol:

[weka2000]

With age comes wisdom. I love getting old and watchimg the young ones :)

[joeseph]

I'm still waiting on the arrival of a camera Tony, so unless it comes in the next two days I'll have to pass... (good idea though!)

[weka2000]

Did you hear back re the "old" 20D?

Loved the comment re your pic on the damaged macro section

[Wazza]

To let everyone know, tomorrow at 10pm, the Sky Tower will be letting off big fireworks to celebrate Sky City's 10th year anniversary. It's something not to miss I think... But I'm also busy, so doubt I can meet up with anyone. Just keep an eye out the the heart of the city

[forsaken]

And Friday some of us have a 21st (Si, Warren..)
That leaves tonight and Thursday :p

Forgot about that will rearrange my schedule

[weka2000]

Give everyone a chance to use the bulb function on their 20D.

I might be out due to wifey going out for the night :(

[forsaken]

hmmm Thursday is Pool night :(

may make a treck to Devonport tomorrow to catch the fire works

[tim]

For fireworks general settings (if you haven't done it before) try this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=110918) I did earlier this year. Pics and a few settings, links to my website with lots of pics and all exif data. Fireworks are easy - I set up my tripod, picked up the cable release and used my thumb to leave shutter open 1-4 seconds, and drank bourbon with the other hand during the whole show :)

[dgcorner]

For fireworks general settings (if you haven't done it before) try this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=110918) I did earlier this year. Pics and a few settings, links to my website with lots of pics and all exif data. Fireworks are easy - I set up my tripod, picked up the cable release and used my thumb to leave shutter open 1-4 seconds, and drank bourbon with the other hand during the whole show :)

Thanks for this Tim -- it will come in handy...

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm sounds interesting, not sure I can deal with a late one at the mo though, four days in a row up after 2am, and back out at site at 10am really takes it out of you :rolleyes:

Might be able to do it if it is next week, although I know the fireworks are on tomorrow.

Fireworks are fun, here is one from the weekend:
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/Parachute06/Fireworks01.jpg

[CliveyBoy]

[quote=Wazza]To let everyone know, tomorrow at 10pm, the Sky Tower will be letting off big fireworks to celebrate Sky City's 10th year anniversary./quote]

Where would be a good site for an out-of-towner to set up? (And not the middle of the harbour!)

[iKirst]

Where would be a good site for an out-of-towner to set up? (And not the middle of the harbour!)
Devonport!

hmmm Thursday is Pool night :(

may make a treck to Devonport tomorrow to catch the fire works
Ya - I'll do both, cause I'm a multi tasking queen :p
(I think the weather might be a bit crap for a night shoot anyhoo)

[Wazza]

[quote=Wazza]To let everyone know, tomorrow at 10pm, the Sky Tower will be letting off big fireworks to celebrate Sky City's 10th year anniversary./quote]

Where would be a good site for an out-of-towner to set up? (And not the middle of the harbour!)

You could honestly do it from anywhere, and I guarantee the pics come out nice.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/auckland4.jpg

This was shot from the Devonport roadside, near Naval Base

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/dennys.jpg
On Hobson Street outside Dennys couple of nights ago with Kirst

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/westhaven_06.jpg

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/westhaven_07.jpg

Near Westhave marina, and the overbridge from Marina up to suburbs..

[CliveyBoy]

Thanks, iKirst and Wazza. Especially for the pix - Our brightest building is the fertiliser works at the port, after maintenance has replaced the bulbs.

Might see you at Devonport.

[dgcorner]

Nice one Pete!

[forsaken]

hopefully the weather will clear up a bit, not sure if I will make devonport now. Viral throat infection :(

[iKirst]

hopefully the weather will clear up a bit, not sure if I will make devonport now. Viral throat infection :(
:( poor thing. Hope you brighten up soon, Si

[dgcorner]

Warren, nice pics too! I just wish that the !@#$% cranes (at the contanier port) weren't there to spoil the view... oh well, PS can do marvelous things...

[dgcorner]

hopefully the weather will clear up a bit, not sure if I will make devonport now. Viral throat infection :(

Simon, get well soon! Try garggling some full strength Listerine for at least 30secs -- this remedy has kept me sore throat and cough free for the last 3 years (touch wood)

... now if I could only find something for my asthma!

[scotttnz]

I have a job to do at work at 11pm tonight, so I will probably come in early and try to get a few shots of the fireworks beforehand.

Anybody going to be in the central city or nearby?

[forsaken]

those are great shots of an ugly piece of arcitecture there wazza

[weka2000]

So I need to know who is in for tommorow night and what time and where.
Way to much chit chat around here :D

[joeseph]

my possible appearance took a turn for the better today with the arrival of a letter from NZ Post wanting some Customs money off me before they'll deliver my camera. Sadly having given them the "Visa money" their expected delivery date is Friday. Still, miracles have occurred previously, we can only await....

[dgcorner]

my possible appearance took a turn for the better today with the arrival of a letter from NZ Post wanting some Customs money off me before they'll deliver my camera. Sadly having given them the "Visa money" their expected delivery date is Friday. Still, miracles have occurred previously, we can only await....

Woohoo! Duncan's cam is in the country!

[weka2000]

Ok I will ask the question no one else will ask

are YOU going to clean the sensor if it get dirty ?

[joeseph]

Damn right. But probably use only spatula #1...

[dgcorner]

Yep, I will... once I have the guts and the tools to do it ;-) There are threads and other sites that say it is easier than it sounds... 8-)

[Wazza]

Kirst and I photographed the Sky Tower from Halsey Street near the viaduct. Very pretty, but a shame they didn't go on for longer. :p

Kirst might share a couple tonight, :p

[MattL]

ARgh. I Only found this thread now! Alas its too late. I would've been out there with you Tony for sure!

Instead, I stayed inside with my good friend Photoshop and his best mate, Wacom tablet.

All this talk of sensor cleaning, Who in our group is setup with all the sensor cleaning kit?
Someone should be giving us lessons on the next GKPE

[tim]

I have the copperhill sensor cleaning kit, but I won't be bringing it to Auckland. If someone has the gear but not the confidence I can show them how to do it.

[scotttnz]

So is anybody going out shooting tonight?

[iKirst]

Are we shooting ducks tonight, or what?

Got some fireworks shots last night over viaduct harbour, and don't really want to get camera gear wet tonight.

Guess I'll see some of you this weekend in Taupo

[weka2000]

Good on Duncan. Once bitten next time defag the critter.

[joeseph]

My camera has arrived this morning (Yay!) can't think of a better way to test it than do some shooting tonight - you still allowed out tonight Tony?

[Wazza]

I have too much on. Too many distractions.
As a result, I'm overstressed at moment, and taken the day off. I have to edit hundreds of photos today, from engagement shoot last weekend. I'm late on my "deadline". (not really a set time, but said I would have them quick, but ended up photographing too much in the weekend!

Also was in town last night photographing Sky Tower.. And Taupo coming up, and also my camera gear/lens is arriving tomorrow most likely. ;)

[FlyingPete]

I have too much on. Too many distractions.
As a result, I'm overstressed at moment, and taken the day off. I have to edit hundreds of photos today, from engagement shoot last weekend. I'm late on my "deadline". (not really a set time, but said I would have them quick, but ended up photographing too much in the weekend!

Also was in town last night photographing Sky Tower.. And Taupo coming up, and also my camera gear/lens is arriving tomorrow most likely. ;)


Slow down, a thought for the day:

"Jack of all trades - master of none"

[iKirst]

Slow down, a thought for the day:

"Jack of all trades - master of none"
I said that already ;)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1140283#post1140283

[scotttnz]

So who is going where tonight?

I have to get Tony's 10-20 back to him.

[FlyingPete]

I said that already ;)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1140283#post1140283

Opps, perhaps the fact just needed to be driven home :D

[weka2000]

Scott if just you and I we can do what we want. Just got a $550 bill for my breaks on the car. There goes the 150mm Sigma macro for a few months :(

However I will be getting my CP filter for my 24-70!

[joeseph]

Did I mention that my camera arrived today... :-P

[weka2000]

Ah at last, so the group all has there cameras working again :D

[FlyingPete]

Did I mention that my camera arrived today... :-P

What was your main reason for getting a new one, and not fixing the old one? IR conversion perhaps :D

[weka2000]

See Duncan IR and hire it out to the lads :)

[joeseph]

What was your main reason for getting a new one, and not fixing the old one? IR conversion perhaps :D
Ah but I am getting the old one fixed. Canon's got it at moment to quote on replacing the filter, also our parts guy at work is scheming to get a replacement filter from Canon in the US. If Canon NZ want truckloads more than the filter's going to cost then I'll do it myself - I've done board level repairs before so not too frightened to open it up. Reasoning between having two bodies is a) having a backup & b) Less lens swapping (which probably caused the grief in the first place)

Sorry Tony, at this point I'm not seriously looking at an IR conversion - rather have two interswappable bodies... you want to give me a call if you're doing a city shoot tonight? (0275-283-619 ) I'd love to tag along & actually take some piccies...

[weka2000]

Im out for tonight, no car and the brakes bill is up to $750.

If you guys want to see fireworks that lasts longer than the sky tower come over to my house tonight as their will be a discussion on our "money" situation between my wife and I :evil:

[scotttnz]

Im out for tonight, no car and the brakes bill is up to $750.

If you guys want to see fireworks that lasts longer than the sky tower come over to my house tonight as their will be a discussion on our "money" situation between my wife and I

Yeah I had a $300 car repair bill this week too!

I don't think I would be popular if I showed up to shoot the fireworks display. I don't think I made a good impression last time I came over!

You want me to drop the WA around? Otherwise I won't have a chance before next week, unless you are planning on coming to taupo with us?

[weka2000]

Only if its conventant. I wont be going to Taupo. At this rate I wont be going anywhere due to lack of money :(

Im in the "I want" stage. Wife to Hubby....... I want a new car, I want a overseas hoiladay I want the house fixed and I WANT you to make it all happen NOW

Its days like these I wish I was Wazza or Mattl.

Add to that all the teachers are comming back and I get "Why isnt that working... When are you going to fix it... What have you been doing while we have had 7 weeks holiday........

I love been me :rolleyes:

[tim]

I don't have a car, I rent 'em when I need 'em. I don't pay a lot in repairs ;)

[dgcorner]

Only if its conventant. I wont be going to Taupo. At this rate I wont be going anywhere due to lack of money :(

Im in the "I want" stage. Wife to Hubby....... I want a new car, I want a overseas hoiladay I want the house fixed and I WANT you to make it all happen NOW

Its days like these I wish I was Wazza or Mattl.

Add to that all the teachers are comming back and I get "Why isnt that working... When are you going to fix it... What have you been doing while we have had 7 weeks holiday........

I love been me :rolleyes:

Hmmm, I can relate to that ;-)

[forsaken]

having no money sure does suck.


from the smell of you brakes when we went out to Piha I'm suprised that they have lasted this long

[weka2000]

Im to dam old to be fixing all the things myself. However I did get screwed by this guy. Its called markup. Repco / appco dont charge that much for break pads. I dont have time so I got to pay.

Yes I know Piha did show me I needed to get it done, and as I plan to keep this car for a while lets get it all out of the way. That unless the "new " finanical controler has a better idea.

For sale complete set of 2006 Encylpedia Brittanica no longer required as wife seems to know it all :evil:

[dgcorner]

Im to dam old to be fixing all the things myself. However I did get screwed by this guy. Its called markup. Repco / appco dont charge that much for break pads. I dont have time so I got to pay.


Tony, that was a hell of a mark-up!

[FlyingPete]

from the smell of you brakes when we went out to Piha I'm suprised that they have lasted this long

Ah my breaks always stink going down that hill!

I don't have a car, I rent 'em when I need 'em. I don't pay a lot in repairs ;)

I wish I could do that, but I need a car for work, and I think it is an Auckland thing, no real public transport to speak of (I looked into it where I last worked, 2 buses then a ferry then another bus, travel time 2.5 hours, or jump in a car for 30-45 minutes).

[FlyingPete]

Im to dam old to be fixing all the things myself. However I did get screwed by this guy. Its called markup. Repco / appco dont charge that much for break pads. I dont have time so I got to pay.

Yes I know Piha did show me I needed to get it done, and as I plan to keep this car for a while lets get it all out of the way. That unless the "new " finanical controler has a better idea.

For sale complete set of 2006 Encylpedia Brittanica no longer required as wife seems to know it all :evil:

The hard bit about doing pads yourself is the removing the old ones that inevitablely are semi welded on by that time, and the discs if they need machining it takes a while for the new pads to settle in if you don't machine them (i.e. real bad breaking :eek: )

[MattL]

..Its days like these I wish I was Wazza or Mattl.

Dont be so hard on yourself!

I dont think you wanna be Wazza, he only shoots half the number of girls I do!

[MattL]

I hear what you say on the no car in Auckland thing. The fact I work in a different place every day, and I have a bootload of tools I need to cart around with me, both make it quitehard to find public transport that works.

[tim]

Oh in Auckland you absolutely need a car. In Wellington I live in the CBD about 20 minutes walk from work, and I can walk everywhere I reasonably need to go. For weddings I rent cars, they're cheap enough especially given I can write it off my tax, and my fee covers the cost anyway.

[weka2000]

I walk to work 7min. However my wife drives that much the engine never gets time to cool down.

[Moppie]

I would love to have gone on a night shoot, but its been one of those weeks, 10+ hour days, every day. Im glad I go on Salary next week :D (yay for a pay rise).


Weka, $750 to fix some brakes is on the extreme side, retial price on 4 sets of pads for the average car would be around $70-100, and then add in 1 hours labour, 2 at the most if the mechanic is incompetent. So your looking at no more than $150.
For $750 I would expect not only the pads to be replaced, but at least 2 NEW discs, and either 2 machined discs or drums, and at least two rebuilt calipers, including machine work, and a new master cylinder.
Thats pretty much a complete brake system over haul.

[weka2000]

4 sets of breaks disks machined, rotor fixed, replace front hoses, and then fix leaky right hand side piston, tryed to tell me both but left had been done last WOF. add labour.

I just saw a sky rocket bit early but kids still up :rolleyes:

I need a waterfall to shoot

[Wazza]

That definately sounds a bit on the excess side!

[weka2000]

What does a Mazda 929 V6 weigh try stopping that on a pinhead. It was due any way as my folks owned it and they did a lot of trips to wellington and they did have it for 10years. All I know is that $750 is cheap compared to the value of the cargo I carry and then there is the wife and kids :rolleyes:

[Moppie]

4 sets of breaks disks machined, rotor fixed, replace front hoses, and then fix leaky right hand side piston, tryed to tell me both but left had been done last WOF. add labour.



$750 is to much, $40 a rotor to machine them, thats $160, replace pads $100, new hoses, $50, rebuild caliper $150, plus maybe 2 hours labout, thats $100.
So all up about $5-600, and thats on the expensive side, and is allowing for a large mark up on parts.

[weka2000]

Oh well the new finanical controller will just have to find the money then :lol:

[Moppie]

And you can find a better mechanic next time :)

I guess you choose the right time to buy your glass though, you won't be getting any more for a little while :)

[weka2000]

We will see about the new glass. Beware of the animal that appears to be dead :cool:

[weka2000]

Car all done $777. Oh well stuff happens. Fireworks didnt happen I guess Im realising it not worth it.

So who is still here? Im still wanting to go into the city now that I WOF so any one keen?

[FlyingPete]

Car all done $777. Oh well stuff happens. Fireworks didnt happen I guess Im realising it not worth it.

So who is still here? Im still wanting to go into the city now that I WOF so any one keen?

No fireworks is good. I am in the city now, but alas working. I have a dying server I am imaging over to a new box, after starting a 7:15am, I have an ETA of 03:20 at the moment :( So I doubt I will be up for anything.

[weka2000]

Well its Monday 12.04am and Im just going through my photos after Duncan and I went for a city shoot at night. Well Duncan I think yours were the winners, as Im not that impressed with mine.

Good experence, something was missing....umm maybe a 10-20 Sigma :lol:
sure I had one laying around somewhere must be under all my "L" glass in a corner.

Heck there isnt anything worth posting :(

[MattL]

Go on, post a couple shots for us!

[joeseph]

oh alright, if you insist.
firstly a coupla shots of the big ugly concrete pencil thingy & surrounds:

54779

54780

[joeseph]

then a bike that looks a little like the front wheel is bent after I straightened the perspective...

54782

Than after several minutes of two photographers with tripods & cameras waiting patiently to take a shot of some pavement art, we finally gave up & I fired off this as we wandered off. I'm sure these four weren't doing what they might look like they're doing... (actually I think they were on another planet - who knows!)

54781

[weka2000]

You nailed the sky tower and reflection. How did the building with the clock come out?

Oh well I got a waterfall :)

I was not inspired at all.

[joeseph]

If anyone wants to have a go at PS the second skytower to bring out the pier in the forground withought blowing out all the lights, please feel free, I'd like to see it.
raw file here, (for awhile- only 128K upload speed too, third world Telco...)
http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/potn/temp/img_0032.cr2

As for the Ferry building - fairly average really, here's the better one:

[weka2000]

I like it. I wonder if our 30sec shutter speeds were way to long?

Man I feel so flat and uninspired at the moment :(

Must be that time of the month (moon and the cancer star sign thing and all)
or maybe I just need some berroca.

[MattL]

Ok Duncan, heres my 30second attempt at your pic.
http://matts-photos.nzpages.net/files/joseph.jpg

[joeseph]

Much Better! care to learn us how best to do that?

[FlyingPete]

I like it. I wonder if our 30sec shutter speeds were way to long?

Man I feel so flat and uninspired at the moment :(

Must be that time of the month (moon and the cancer star sign thing and all)
or maybe I just need some berroca.

My experience (or lack there of) is that there is no 'correct' exposure for night shots, it all depends on the effect you are after. The effect I like the most is when the shots are actually over exposed by a couple of stops.

[Moppie]

Good experence, something was missing....umm maybe a 10-20 Sigma :lol:



I seem to remember seeing one of those being used this weekend, its a great little lens, I recomend you buy one.

[forsaken]

how was the jousting?

[weka2000]

Moppie I think when I buy glass from now on I buy 2. Start a hireage service
:lol:

[dgcorner]

Duncan, nice pics... I just hope those buggers didn't deface the street mural...! I also wanted to try my hand at PSing the pic but I'm still on dial up!!!

Tony, that "flat & uninspired" feeling hits us all every now and then... sometimes I wonder whether that has to do with the heat... or lack of caffein, V, Red Bull or something... like age ;-)

Matt, do share what you did. If it were me, I'd probably copy the original and lighten it up using levels, then merge/blend it with the original... but I guess it is easier said than done :-)

Moppie, how did the jousting go!?!?

[MattL]

I only spent 1 minute on it. I converted two different versions from the raw file, one that had the foreground nicely exposed, the other for the tower.

Copied one onto the other in PS, created a layermask, and used a very big brush at 0% hardness to show the pier through.

Then A hue / saturation adjustment layer for the buildings, masked out the sky and the tower and the reflections.
Another hue/saturation adjustment layer for the sky, just to make it a bit poppier. I masked out everything apart from the sky here.
+1 on a contrast/brightness adjustment layer
Slight levels change (again on an adjustment layer)
A slight colour balance shift, added a tad more blue to make it a tiny bit colder. (again adjustment layer)

Then a USM, and save for web.

All in about a minute.

Duncan, if you would like the PSB to see what im talking about, i can upload it for you.

[FlyingPete]

Moppie I think when I buy glass from now on I buy 2. Start a hireage service
:lol:

Funny you should say that, I have an idea...

[joeseph]

if you would like the PSB to see what im talking about, i can upload it for you.

PSB? I think I'm going to need lessons... :D

[NordieBoy]

If anyone wants to have a go at PS the second skytower to bring out the pier in the forground withought blowing out all the lights, please feel free, I'd like to see it.
raw file here, (for awhile- only 128K upload speed too, third world Telco...)
http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/potn/temp/img_0032.cr2

My version HERE (http://fran.orcon.net.nz/testing/joeseph2.jpg).

Damn jpeg compression...

[FlyingPete]

...raw file here, (for awhile- only 128K upload speed too, third world Telco...)
http://joebloggs.servebeer.com/potn/temp/img_0032.cr2


Woohoo, 95% download complete, only three days to go :rolleyes:

[MattL]

PSB? I think I'm going to need lessons... :D

PSB is Photoshop CS's 'Large Document Format'

I have given 2 photoshop lessons already last month. Perhaps if there is enough interest here I could run a class.

[joeseph]

Woohoo, 95% download complete, only three days to go :rolleyes:
It's all Teresa's fault! sorry!

[FlyingPete]

It's all Teresa's fault! sorry!

Did I ever tell you she was my manager way back in 1996 before her sudden climb to CEOship...

Yes I too have worked for the third world Telco, and like you involuntarily :rolleyes: (i.e. they bought the company I worked for).

[joeseph]

PSB is Photoshop CS's 'Large Document Format'


of course it is. I must have been drunk...

I'll have a go & see if I can get something close to what Matt's done - learning as we go.

thanks Matt & Nordieboy!

[NordieBoy]

I took a copy with the background stuff the way I wanted it and added a layer over top the same with the exposure upped to show the pier better.
Masked off the peir and removed the background then adjusted the transparency of the top layer to show the pier better but not so it was out of place.

It also worked with just adjusting the transparency of the overexposed layer without cutting out the pier but then the sky wasn't as good.