Southern Ontario POTN Meet - Post your Pics!

[jfrancho]

I'll get the ball started. Let's play "spot the sensor goober."

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69395724-L.jpg

[MagentaJoe]

It was great to meet everyone. I'm sorry I had to leave early but I did get a few shots. I'm sorry I missed lunch!

http://ceretti.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10787&g2_serialNumber=1

http://ceretti.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10790&g2_serialNumber=1

http://ceretti.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10792&g2_serialNumber=1

http://ceretti.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10794&g2_serialNumber=1

[jfrancho]

Joe, that first one is great. It really challenges you to look at it.

[tomvill]

I,ll post a few i,m still learning photoshop and I,m trying to get beter but the pics aren't that bad considering the resising involved.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1093/finished34cm.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3449/finished58va.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/835/finished29uu.jpg

[Rubi Jane]

Some nice shots!
Frenchie, I see your goober...blends in quite nicely ;)

These shots are from Tews Falls. I'll admit I was too lazy to drag my tripod out of the Jeep so the first shot (1/4th @ f/22 Iso 200) showed evidence of camera shake. However I liked the motion over the rock and around the twig I had to do something with it. After a little playing I get a crop that looks somewhat like a painting. The more I look at it the more I like it.

http://www.photodump.com/direct/Rubi%20Jane/IMG_4870-web.jpg

http://www.photodump.com/direct/Rubi%20Jane/IMG_4880-web.jpg

http://www.photodump.com/direct/Rubi%20Jane/IMG_4886-web.jpg

[annab_99]

Nice pictures! I just wish I joined the forums a few days earlier so that I could come out too. :lol:

[mrclark321]

Had a great time today and it was great to meet everyone. We will have to do another meet soon. :)

Dan

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/mrclark321/IMG_1828.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/mrclark321/IMG_1748.jpg

Igor this was with your Sigma macro(they turned out nice)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/mrclark321/IMG_1815.jpg

[jfrancho]

Just finished this one:

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69436019-L.jpg

[schmoelzel]

Looks like a great place and I am disappointed that I couldn't make it!! (thanks Dan for the late reminder!!). The guy with the sun blazing off this head can only be one man......unless Dante drove all the way up from CA to shoot with you guys!! Post some more pics and let us know who is who in the pictures since it's always nice to put a face to a name!!

[RAitch]

Here's a couple I got to... won't have much time to edit some for a while... but I'll do some more.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8509.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8518.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8518BW2.jpg

[mrclark321]

Great shots everyone!!

[photosytes]

Haven't had time to do much more than do a quick download to the computer and a sneak peek. There are some great shots taken by everyone!! Nice to see everyone's perspective and choice of composition. Amazing how we can be in the very same place and the pictures all look a little different.

I'll post some soon.

[RAitch]

Here's another shot. I posted some colour... some B&W... let's call this one a mixture.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8539.jpg

[jfrancho]

Now there is some judicious use of selective desaturation if I ever saw it. That's pretty cool.

[Rubi Jane]

Rich, did you blend 2 images to create that image? It looks like the wall from the lookout but the falls from the park area - creative! ;)

[RAitch]

I desaturated the image using a plugin I have. Then it looked too bland... so I wanted a warm vs. cool look to it. I added a curve to the image to warm up the rocks and masked off the rest. Then I added another curve to cool down the water and copied the inverse of the previous mask.

Then I noticed that the grass and background were too bland, so I copied the original layer and switched to colour blend mode... masked it off... then painted back some original colour in the grass and background.

So... "technically" it wasn't selective desaturation (I desaturated everything) it's more of selective colour application (or something like that).

That's taken from the bridge that crossed over the river... and it was a single image... only tone PP done.

Thanks guys. I've got some more... just haven't had time to PP them. They'll be coming I hope.

[jfrancho]

I have some more, too. This weekend was a blur: Canada, the Gaylord shoot, circus on Sunday, still working on product shots of pottery...

The trip up to Spencer Gorge was a welcome retreat from all this. It really meant the world to me to meet you guys.

So the big question, no one got a shot of me skidding down the gorge with my camera and tripod?

[mrclark321]

I have some more, too. This weekend was a blur: Canada, the Gaylord shoot, circus on Sunday, still working on product shots of pottery...

The trip up to Spencer Gorge was a welcome retreat from all this. It really meant the world to me to meet you guys.

So the big question, no one got a shot of me skidding down the gorge with my camera and tripod?

I didn't :rolleyes:, I think all the cameras were trained on the bikini clad models under the falls....LOL...That was hilarious

[jfrancho]

As soon as the models disrobed, all the big white lenses spun 90 degrees to the left!

[photosytes]

Speak for yourselves!!! I should have been shooting the drool from some of you guys!!! :lol: I was waiting for some shoots of either the photographers or the "models" to come crashing down from their slippery perch! Which of those two guys thought that the slimmy backdrop would make for a good "sexy" picture?? Just a thought.

[photosytes]

Here are a few pics. Chose them specifically so that I wasn't repeating others already posted.

[RAitch]

I have some more, too. This weekend was a blur: Canada, the Gaylord shoot, circus on Sunday, still working on product shots of pottery...

The trip up to Spencer Gorge was a welcome retreat from all this. It really meant the world to me to meet you guys.

So the big question, no one got a shot of me skidding down the gorge with my camera and tripod?
I got a couple "before" shots and some "after" shots of you coming down the hill. Missed the shot where all I saw were your boots and tripod legs floating above the hill.

Send me your email in PM and I'll get you a zip of the originals if you want them.

[RAitch]

Come on Igor... I know you took some pictures of the "models." You better post them.
Maybe those shots will show up in the glamour section. Was that guy shooting Canon?

[tomvill]

So the big question, no one got a shot of me skidding down the gorge with my camera and tripod?


No but I saw it I was to busy going Ohhh Crap... :shock: I thought that nice setup of yours was going into the dirt but you saved it pretty well.. I was impressed by the save.. :mrgreen:

[mrclark321]

Here are a few pics. Chose them specifically so that I wasn't repeating others already posted.

Very nice Tricia. :)

Dan

[photosytes]

Hey Dan, didn't check... did you already update your gear list?? ;)


Here are a couple more both using the fence for 'framing'.

Lots of great pics already posted!! We'll all have to try this again and maybe even get a few more people from the area to make it out!

[Rubi Jane]

Great pics & interpretations of the area. It's quite neat to see a group of people shoot the same area and come up with a variety of images either from subject, angles or even presentation after PP.

I agree, we'll have to find another time & location to get together again.

[jfrancho]

Since we've got some nice monochrome, here is a sepia toned HDRI.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69778497-L.jpg

[RAitch]

Nice shot John... did somebody spit on your lens? ;) (that smiley is just for you!)
Actually, those dots help keep the eye in the image after falling out the bottom.

That ND filter does a great job! I love the slow water effect... you're nailing it.

Nice shots here... lets keep them coming everybody!!

[jfrancho]

Thanks! I have to give this a second effort. The blowout on the lower right is proving unmanageable using just Photomatix. I may have to do some blended action on this. The 17-40 doesn't usually give up this much flare, but then again there is a lot for the light to reflect off. Sometimes I like flare, but this time it's just peculiar.

[mrclark321]

Since we've got some nice monochrome, here is a sepia toned HDRI.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69778497-L.jpg

John this is a great shot, well done!

Dan

[RAitch]

To be honest, I like these blowouts. Remember, your eye is drawn to the brightest parts... and that helps move your eye down the fall.

Here's another shot I just finished.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8579.jpg

[RAitch]

Here's "Super-John" holding on for dear life... and a model headshot at the bottom for memory sake.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Posted/IMG_8593.jpg

[RAitch]

Another one that's a little funky. Check out my signature if you want to know what's going on here.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Landscape/IMG_8558.jpg

See Tricia, I told you I was pretty good at "shooting from the hip." Not too bad for a full arm extension and taking a shot at 90 degrees eh? By the way, clean that lens will you! ;)
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/houtbyr/Posted/IMG_8738.jpg

[Rubi Jane]

Since we've got some nice monochrome, here is a sepia toned HDRI.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69778497-L.jpg
Excellent!! I like a lot. Certainly has a historic feel.

Just wondering if the flare is 'orbs' ;) Perhaps some fair maiden (with a family name of Webster) threw herself over the falls after her love was killed by her furious father! :eek: There's numerous haunted falls in the area, perhaps Webster's is one of them. LOL

[jfrancho]

That's a cool shot, RAitch. I have a shot of you next to that mini-falls that I'm still working. Here is my favorite from that day, so far.

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69995739-L.jpg

[jfrancho]

Excellent!! I like a lot. Certainly has a historic feel.

Just wondering if the flare is 'orbs' ;) Perhaps some fair maiden (with a family name of Webster) threw herself over the falls after her love was killed by her furious father! :eek: There's numerous haunted falls in the area, perhaps Webster's is one of them. LOLThanks. Now that is some freaky stuff. It's a funny coincidence that my hometown is also Webster - Webster, NY that is. :) I think it was named for Nathaniel Webster.

[RAitch]

That's a cool shot, RAitch. I have a shot of you next to that mini-falls that I'm still working. Here is my favorite from that day, so far.
Without a doubt! That's fantastic! You have the nice warm vs. cool thing going on there... which I'm liking!

Man... did you say that was a 4ND? I love the slow water effect you can get with those.

[jfrancho]

Thanks, man. That's the shot I "fell" for. That was the Hitech 1.2 ND (4-stop) plus a Cokin 121 .6 Grad. I oriented the Grad so that the left side of the frame was getting a full 6-stop light reduction. The cool/warm-ness was a pair of levels adjustments with inverted layer masks, and yes, I actually hand painted them!

[Rubi Jane]

Webster's was a busy place for shooting as seen by the gathering at the base of the falls.

http://www.photodump.com/direct/Rubi%20Jane/IMG_4842-web.jpg

I also got a few of the models - I shot across the gorge ;)
Have to laugh how both photographers look like they are checking out the bikini clad model as she negotiates the slippery & slimey climb up the rock in bare feet :rolleyes:

http://www.photodump.com/direct/Rubi%20Jane/IMG_4854-web.jpg

[mrclark321]

Not sure how many others saw the gravestones on the opposite side.

Dan

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/mrclark321/IMG_1778.jpg

[jfrancho]

Nice. More documentation of my misguided persuit of "the perfect falls shot."

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69833005-L.jpg

[RAitch]

Nice catch Lindsey! Hey John, I think the "dressed" model is checking out your butt!!
I loved how that guy behind you just walked up right beside the model as the guy was shooting and then stopped to set-up his tripod right in the shot. The guy only took about 20 minutes to set the shot up. No biggie!

[jfrancho]

Yeah, I helped that dude get down the steep section. I was sort of expecting he return the favor, but he just took off, probably looking for a better angle on the 'undressed' models.

[photosytes]

Excellent shots from everyone! I love all the stories that go along with them.

Hey Richard, did you spit on my lens when I wasn't looking??:lol: Surprised I even got a shot off with all that on the lens. Must have picked some of it up along the way. Let's hope!

I love your sephia pic, John. Haven't played too much with mine, but have a few that I think would really turn out good in either B/W or Sephia.

It's amazing how quickly the bottom of the falls filled up. Says something about trying to get to a spot early in the day.

I wished we could have made it over to Tews Falls as well. I think I'll probably head up there this summer, do some more falls, the botanical gardens, etc... Maybe even the Lion's Safari. Anyone else want to go?? And drive?? :lol: I like my wipers and mirrors where they are!! Maybe a plan old zoo would be safer for my vehicle.

[photosytes]

That's a cool shot, RAitch. I have a shot of you next to that mini-falls that I'm still working. Here is my favorite from that day, so far.

http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69827058-L.jpg
Nice shot, John. I didn't get the chance to get that close to the falls. Too much glass in the way. I definitely need a wider angle lens to be doing these kinds of shots. Maybe a 17-40 is in my future. Hmmm.... money, money, money.

[Rubi Jane]

Hahaha...I was going to offer to drive you open-air in the Jeep so no windows obstruct the shots but I don't think that would be a real smart idea. LOL! We could take my husband's daily driver, he's looking for a reason to ditch it for a 'Stang ;)

I took some shots of the RBGs in January indoors but plan to get into the gardens this summer also. I'm always game for more falls. There's so many in the area.

[RAitch]

Hey Richard, did you spit on my lens when I wasn't looking??:lol: Surprised I even got a shot off with all that on the lens. Must have picked some of it up along the way. Let's hope!
I cloned out most of the huge dust spots... that's just what's left. I wanted to leave some in for realism. At least it's not band sweat!

Where are the rest of the pics? Are people holding out on us?

[jfrancho]

I have pics of Rich and Dan, is it OK to post or should I send them directly?

[mrclark321]

I have pics of Rich and Dan, is it OK to post or should I send them directly?

Go a head and post mine John :D

[tomvill]

I haven't posted much since I,m still planning and taking care of details for a uk trip .. I have to say i love some of these pics.. Those pictures you posted jfrancho make me want to go out and buy all those filters and the holder.. I missed the small cemetary also and the bikini models. :(

[RAitch]

You can post a pic of me as long as I don't look like ass John.

[DocFrankenstein]

I wanted to gooooo... it looks so fun. :(

[jfrancho]

RAitch: "Am I in your shot?"
Me: "No you're fine. Hold perfectly still!"

I'd say he did a good job posing for the 6/10 s. exposure.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69985492-L.jpg

I'm sure I said something stupid like, "Say cheese!" to get this one. Welcome to the jungle, Dan.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69985547-L.jpg

[jfrancho]

And a few more.

Selinium look:
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69985530-L.jpg

HDRI:
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69985676-L.jpg

Best single exposure for comparison.
http://plan-b.smugmug.com/photos/69985562-L.jpg

[BottomBracket]

Wow, looks like you folks had a great time. If ever I pass by the area (perhaps August?) I hope to meet some of you :)

[jfrancho]

BB, if you're ever in my neck of the woods, DO NOT hesitate to look me up!

[RAitch]

RAitch: "Am I in your shot?"
Me: "No you're fine. Hold perfectly still!"

I'd say he did a good job posing for the 6/10 s. exposure.

Well, I wanted a close shot but didn't want to walk into your shot... then you told me to get in there... so I did as I was told.
"Yes boss!"

BTW, I got a shot of you taking that selinium shot. It's funny how we could daisy-chain some images. Tricia got a shot of me taking a shot too... which made me realize how "girly" my little backpack looks.

[photosytes]

"Girly" that's the word I was looking for!!!! :lol: Just giving you a hard time, RAitch!

[jfrancho]

Well, I wanted a close shot but didn't want to walk into your shot... then you told me to get in there... so I did as I was told.
"Yes boss!"

BTW, I got a shot of you taking that selinium shot. It's funny how we could daisy-chain some images. Tricia got a shot of me taking a shot too... which made me realize how "girly" my little backpack looks.I've got some where you're hiding behind the tree, but your little "raver-chick" backpack sticks out from behind the tree. What do you keep in there anyway? Kit lens? :lol:

[photosytes]

Okay, here are a couple of more...


I need to start uploading my pics to a webpage instead of attaching them!!

[RAitch]

I've got some where you're hiding behind the tree, but your little "raver-chick" backpack sticks out from behind the tree. What do you keep in there anyway? Kit lens? :lol:
NOICE!
Nah, have a 70-200, 420EX, lens hoods, 30D batteries, AA batteries, chargers, cables, hyperdrive, extension tubes, 2-way radios, 50 1.8, manuals, plastic bag, shutter release.
I think that's about it... gave my kit lens away when I sold my XT... don't consider the 50 a lens, but it's in there anyway.
Next time I'll buy one of those pink school-yard Barbie packs.

You never know, maybe I'll copy Dan-o and buy a 1D2 and will need to buy another bag so it'll actually fit. Sorry Igor, looks like you missed out buying that beautiful 30D!! ;)

[RAitch]

Okay, here are a couple of more...


I need to start uploading my pics to a webpage instead of attaching them!!
LOL, so THAT'S what you were doing when you hiked halfway across the field with your 70-200.... you sneaky girl you!

My 70-200 never saw daylight... it's a shame!

[RAitch]

I don't know John, I think I like your non-HDRI better... maybe you could add a contrast curve or apply a softlight layer on it or something... seems to lack some contrast that I enjoy in that other pic. I know since it's HDRI that there IS (by definition) less contrast... but maybe a general S-curve can give it some punch. Just a thought.

[jfrancho]

I don't know John, I think I like your non-HDRI better... It could use an S-curve for sure. I prefer the single exposure to the HDRI for on screen viewing as well, so I'll leave the HDRI alone. It's when these get printed that they really shine. I haven't really processed these with the goal of web display - just a resize and highpass for the web - since I'm going to try to squeak these in to my show next month. What I do like about that one is that I was able to keep the saturation under control. It's real easy to go overboard with the color when you are working in 96 bits. I think that one feature (saturation) alone is what get overused when doing HDRI. I see quite a few that look as though the scene only has about 6-7 stops of light. A 50% fill mask for dodge and burn should be enough to handle that. Or a blended exposure. Anyway, HDRI is just plain different, and it is one of those tricks that if not used judiciously, can really mess up a good scene. Be on the lookout for weird halos at high contrast areas and you'll see what I mean.

[jfrancho]

Okay, here are a couple of more...


I need to start uploading my pics to a webpage instead of attaching them!!I really like the "frame in the frame" that the tree creates in the first picture. You have a lot of this in your other pics as well. I'll have to keep that in mind while composing - I really like the look of it.

[photosytes]

Thanks John. I try to use several techniques but one often leads to others and does create a type of 'theme'. Webster Falls had quite a few places that easily lead me to use framing.

I sure do wish I had a wider lens that day though. I like my 28-135 for general, walk around type photography. It has IS and macro, so it's very versitile but will definitely have to start looking into maybe getting a 17-40. Seems to be a popular lens, for obvious reasons.

I'm looking forward to our next POTN get together. We should definitely try to plan something, maybe in the summer. It was a lot of fun and it's nice to put a face to a name/screen name. That was probably one of the first times I spent a day with other photographers. Usually it's me taking all the pics and everyone asking for copies. Then, in the end, not one of me. If a photographer goes on a trip with friends and doesn't get in a single picture, was the photographer actually there??? Hmmm.... food for thought?

[jfrancho]

The 17-40 seems like a relative bargain, even though it's the most expensive lens in my stable. It's really that versatile. I brought other lenses, but I didn't feel like I was restricted, and forgot about changing lenses. I do regret not slapping my 35 f/2 and see what it's really made of. I've only used it in low light and urban walk around settings.

I know what you mean about being the only photographer - I got a huge kick out of the pictures of me.

I like this latest picture you posted as well. It has a "from a child's POV" feel to it.

[IanD]

Lots of nice shots here folks, but I have to ask.
"Where are the ducks?"

[photosytes]

I don't even think I saw a duck, Ian. Saw a few swans from a distance and a couple of other birds I didn't get good shots of.... but here they are anyway...

I believe they are (top left )some type of Warbler, (bottom left ) Baltimore Oriole and (right) a Phobe. I could be wrong, my bird book is packed away at the moment.


Anyone else catch any birds? Closer and with better composition? I would normally never post these kinds of shots. Close enough to identify, but not to print.

[jfrancho]

Come to think of it, I didn't see any Canadian Geese until I got back home by my house!

[Rubi Jane]

Well after all the rain we received this week I decided to take advantage of today's awesome weather and headed back to check out the falls. The flow was considerably elevated compared to last Saturday, seemed raging today. The wind offered a challange today with mist coming at me from all directions but it did lend to a pretty rainbow in the gorge.

Here are a couple from today so you can compare the flow. Unfortunately I couldn't get in close at the base else me & my equipment would have been soaked ;)

[RAitch]

I like that 2nd shot upstream! NICE!
SEE, I told you we should have walked along the river that day! Now I'm going to have to go back.

[Rubi Jane]

Yes, you'll need another visit. As with all falls, recent precip changes things so pick a time after it's been rainy.

Another shot:

[RAitch]

I'm not seeing any half-naked models... perhaps the rainbow scared them away.

[jfrancho]

Those are FANTASTIC Lindsey.

[photosytes]

I agree with RAitch, definitely worth another trip. I know there are quite a few other spots in the area. Would be worth a weekend camping/photography outing!!

Lindsey, I really love that slow exposure shot downstream!!

[jfrancho]

I'm in, as long as by "camping" you mean staying at a hotel. :)

[RAitch]

Those are FANTASTIC Lindsey.
Fantastic is an understatement.

[Rubi Jane]

Thanks guys, glad you like them.
If you want to make a weekend trip to the area & camp I'll host a BBQ to make sure you're well fed. There's some nice spots to camp at in the area which might serve the purpose (http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/parks/outdoor/camping.asp).

[WannaRam]

Here's a couple of mine, both shot with the 50mm 1.8

[jfrancho]

Really nice color in the first one, and I like the angle you took.

[RAitch]

Really nice color in the first one, and I like the angle you took.
Exactly! That's a prime example of why you don't always want to expose to the right. If you did, that colour would have been destroyed and the same with most of that contrast.

[jfrancho]

If you open that one up in PS, you'll see a textbook "hump" histo with balance in every channel. I'm not really big on exposing for technical perfection, but this image clearly shows that proper exposure combined with a good composition will always yeild a superior image. Well done indeed.

[RAitch]

I laugh when I see people saying to expose to the right. Technically, it's a good idea; that's where most of the image data is so you can technically capture more detail.
I always think it best to find the right exposure for the scene itself... which might demand some underexposure... or exposing to the left if you will.

Getting the exposure "correct" is very important IMO. Are any of these images posted here "correct?" Who knows? That's the fun!
You'll never know unless you take 20 bracketted shots like John... Mr click click clicky click. ;)

[jfrancho]

Generally speaking, I do ETTR, but that means a few things that go beyond just getting the preview histo (oh BTW, that histo is based on a jpg thumbnail using in camera parameters) bunched on the right. It definately doesn't mean blowing highjlights. OK, in my case it may mean blowing out highlights. By bracketing the exposures you can use the crop tool in ACR to zero in on the subject, much like a spot meter after the fact, and choose the best overall exposure for that scene, for what you decide to feature. Sorry if this strays too far from the topic. Proper isn't so cut and dry as many make it. I like to start with the images as "proper" as possible to see what parts are usable, and then muck it up to serve whatever personal motive I have for that scene.

[photosytes]

Thanks guys, glad you like them.
If you want to make a weekend trip to the area & camp I'll host a BBQ to make sure you're well fed. There's some nice spots to camp at in the area which might serve the purpose (http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/parks/outdoor/camping.asp).

I would be interested in doing something like this... any one else who might be interested and have time this summer?? Could also bring along family or friends and make it a good time. Just a thought.

BTW, Lindsey, thanks for the offer. :D