Queensland Au

[pwen watkin]

Who here lives somewhere in Queensland, Australia?

Brisbane? Ipswich? The Gold Coast? Anywhere?





I'm in Ipswich myself.

[Greg_C]

Brisbane boy here - there is a a few of us here.

[tag141]

Was over your way last week for a holiday. Went to the Sunshine Coast and very nice it was too. Didn't get to spend any time in Brisneyland but the city looked OK out of the plane window!! Tell me something. I was coming in towards the bridge at about 4pm on Friday and the traffic was horrendous and it wasn't even rush hour, why? It was backed up well passed the airport turn off. If it's like that at 4pm what's it like at 5 or 6?

[shayb]

Also from Brisbane.

[HelenThura]

I am Brisbane as well.

[Greg_C]

Was over your way last week for a holiday. Went to the Sunshine Coast and very nice it was too. Didn't get to spend any time in Brisneyland but the city looked OK out of the plane window!! Tell me something. I was coming in towards the bridge at about 4pm on Friday and the traffic was horrendous and it wasn't even rush hour, why? It was backed up well passed the airport turn off. If it's like that at 4pm what's it like at 5 or 6?

hi tag141, sounds about usual for the Gatway Bridge. Usual thing is a accident somewhere will start the backup. In the last 6-12 mths the gov have just approved to duplicate it to the west. Be years before it's in service though. The money the managers and gov get from tolls must be huge.

[muggah]

I'm on the Gold Coast, good to see there's a few SE Qlders here!

[catsith]

:D ipswich for me

[catsith]

hey helen, it says you joined in 2005, and only 4 posts!! talk to us!:D

[Meaty0]

Lived in Brisbane 49 years! Phew! Time for a move? Naaaaaah :-)

Perhaps we should organise a photo day somewhere?

[Greg_C]

Lived in Brisbane 49 years! Phew! Time for a move? Naaaaaah :-)

Perhaps we should organise a photo day somewhere?
Been thinking the same thing for a little while. This thread will form the basis of a list that we can send PMs to get interested people.

What events have we got coming up? This is what I've turned up with a quick search of OurBrisbane.com (http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/events/index.php)

1. Skyfire - 2 September 2006 I usually have access to a special location:wink: for this event. Here's a shot of the F111 afterburner from 2004 SkyFire (Http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image906.jpg).
2. Valley Fiesta 2006 -weekend long celebration of live music. 15 - 17 September 2006
3. West End Fire Fest - West End Fire Fest is a gathering of fire spinners from around Brisbane. It's held on Thursday nights at Orleigh Park, and starts from 6:30pm. 6 July 2006 - 25 October 2007

Any other ideas anyone?

[catsith]

hey greg, that's a great shot of the afterburn. Special location huh? hmmm. I am heading off to riverfire, but i get to southbank early and set up my chair to mark my spot! Last year i had front row, and intend to have the same this year. It will be my first time trying to photograph fireworks (and i will try the city lights whilst i am there too). The westend firefest sounds interesting. Would love to meet and have a photo day. Not sure where though. Maybe could meet at southbank, hop on a cat and get off anywhere and shoot. Some nice shots can be got from the boat too.

[Greg_C]

hey greg, that's a great shot of the afterburn. Special location huh? hmmm. I am heading off to riverfire, but i get to southbank early and set up my chair to mark my spot! Last year i had front row, and intend to have the same this year. It will be my first time trying to photograph fireworks (and i will try the city lights whilst i am there too). The westend firefest sounds interesting. Would love to meet and have a photo day. Not sure where though. Maybe could meet at southbank, hop on a cat and get off anywhere and shoot. Some nice shots can be got from the boat too. Thanks Tina,

Can I make you insanely jealous by saying we walk to our spot at about 7pm?:p, also parking is never a probelm for us either, though I must admit getting out can be.

Sounds like we have three people interested in a Brisbane POTN meet. Probably need to let this thread float around for another few days and see who else replies. Then see where / when's good. I'm certainly keen. Citycat idea sounds good.

[Nick C.]

Oooh, I just saw this thread.
I live about 20km north of the CBD - have done for every year of my 24 years of life.

We've moved twice in the last 10 years. The second home was about 5km from the first. The current one is about 400m from the second. Eventually we'll just move next door. :)

Where else but Queensland indeed. Why would you want to live elsewhere? Water, maybe. Eh, it's gotta rain eventually.

A get together sounds like a great idea.

[Greg_C]

Oooh, I just saw this thread.
I live about 20km north of the CBD - have done for every year of my 24 years of life.

We've moved twice in the last 10 years. The second home was about 5km from the first. The current one is about 400m from the second. Eventually we'll just move next door. :)

Where else but Queensland indeed. Why would you want to live elsewhere? Water, maybe. Eh, it's gotta rain eventually.

A get together sounds like a great idea.
Hi Nick,

Cool to have another interested. I'll post a Brisbane POTN meet thread sometime over the next few days.

I've done much the same move wise here on the south side of Brissie. Basically lived within 2km of where I went to Primary School for 32 years, three diff houses in that time. Need to get out and see the world some more don't I:wink:

[Meaty0]

I've done much the same move wise here on the south side of Brissie. Basically lived within 2km of where I went to Primary School for 32 years, three diff houses in that time. Need to get out and see the world some more don't I:wink:

Why?? :-D

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

I'm not too far from Brisvegas ... 2.5 hours drive I guess.
I'd be keen for a get together :)

[Nick C.]

Why?? :-D
My thoughts exactly!

[catsith]

anyone done the boondall wetlands? someone suggested that to me the other day, as i love to photograph wildlife (and flowers). I have never been there, and wondered if it was any good.
Look forward to you starting the thread greg for a meet. I have a couple of saturdays i have to work, but sundays are free.

[Meaty0]

My camera, lenses and I have been there twice recently, at dawn, to try for the ellusive bird photos...no luck so far, but I'm always willing to try again. I've had more luck with bird photos at the Fisherman's Island Visitor's Centre.

[catsith]

oh dear, i've lived here so long, and never heard of the fisherman's island visitor center! what did u manage to get there? or see at any rate:)

[shayb]

anyone done the boondall wetlands?

I've been out there a few times lately. There is some wildlife out there. I've noticed one eagle that I've been tring to photo.

This is my best photo to date: (best doesn't mean it's any good :) )
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/_shay/IMG_7715mr2.jpg

[Greg_C]

Why?? :-D Probably because my wife is in New Zealand on a business trip this week and I'm jealous. Doing the single dad thing for a week:wink:. Would have been nice if we could have been organised enough to meet her after work for a few days hols over there.

anyone done the boondall wetlands? Never been here, I'm keen.


I've had more luck with bird photos at the Fisherman's Island Visitor's Centre. Never been here either, I'm keen.

I go to Karrawatha Forest quite a bit, mostly because I'm very local. Saw a Wedge Tail Eagle there 3yrs ago! - that was BC (Before Camera). But haven't seen it since. Karrawatha is good for Aussie bush scenery, plenty of birds but hard to find. Wallabies, but these scare easily. Do you guys have Google Earth? If you do you can cruse by and check out the size of Karrawatha. See if you can see the Virgin Blue jet in flight over the forest.

There is also a reserve down Beenleigh way that is very popular with the Photogs. It even got a mention in the Courier Mail a few months back. I can remember the name of it though.:oops:

To build our confidence and make sure we have a good time I'd vote for somewhere where we are more likely have lots of success.

[HelenThura]

hey helen, it says you joined in 2005, and only 4 posts!! talk to us!:D


Lol Tina, when it comes to message boards I sometimes totally forget about a message board and then some time later some link or something ends me back up at the MB and I go oh, I remember this place!


I can't wait for Riverfire! I like to set my self up along the walkway near Customs House. Get there nice and early in the arvo and have a nice relaxing day. I have even ordered a new lens for it (sigma 12-24mm) which should arrive today or the next day.

I am all for a get-together :)

[catsith]

oh dear, i am at it again. Where is custom's house? and karrawatha forest? It's not till i got my camera that i have really started to take notice of places to shoot. Good luck to all going to riverfire, don't forget to post your photos. For those who don't have a particular spot, and would like to join me, pm me, i will be setting up early at southbank.

Shayb, that's not a bad shot, heaps better than i've done! Tried to get some kites in flight in darwin, just couldn't do it. Got some nice ones sitting on a branch though. Just posted them recently.

[Greg_C]

Hi again,

I've been doing a search for the reserve down Beenleigh way. It could be Eagleby Wetlands.
In the process I turned up this page here, Birds Queensland gazetteer (http://birdsqueensland.org.au/bq-gazetteer-seq.html) It has heaps of locations with good directions and list birds found there.

Tina, Karrawatha Forest is over Stretton / Calamvale way. Customs House is at the top end of Queen St about 200m before the Story bridge.

[Meaty0]

oh dear, i've lived here so long, and never heard of the fisherman's island visitor center! what did u manage to get there? or see at any rate:)

It's actually the "Port of Brisbane Visitor Centre and Lake". It has a coffee shop and cafe there too :-D

Here's the link.http://www.portbris.com.au/environment

The bird life there is pretty run-of-the-mill...you know...Pelicans Swans Seagulls, Waders etc.

[Meaty0]

WAIT A MINUTE! Who says we have to get pictures of birds anyway? We could always meet somewhere "scenic" or interesting. Old railway yards, outdoor car displays etc. or even the Riverwalk?

[Greg_C]

WAIT A MINUTE! Who says we have to get pictures of birds anyway? We could always meet somewhere "scenic" or interesting. Old railway yards, outdoor car displays etc. or even the Riverwalk?

The railway workshop / yards at Redbank had a a few old loco's and old brown carriages (remember these?) last time I was up that way (18mths ago). All with the usual graffiti. One of my favourite sites is the Kangaroo Point cliffs early morning or on sunset. Till now I've fixated on the city scape but I'm getting into candids more now so the rock climbers could be fair game.

Maybe if we are all so keen we need a calendar of activities.:lol: Do we need a poll just to make up our minds?

[catsith]

meatyO, bird talk was a side issue, i was gathering information, and thanks to all for the links, i will spend ages checking them out later. I still think meeting at southbank and hopping on a cat and getting off at different spots to see what we can shoot there is a good idea. (bad idea if there is nothing to shoot though!) I was driving home along kingsford-smith drive the other nite, and there is a lovely view of the city across the river. I think the hamilton jetty is the closest. Not sure how it will look in the daylight, but it was very pretty at night. I was by myself, so wasn't too keen on stopping and walking back and setting up the tripod. From the cat there are great views of the city, storey bridge. There are some nice parks along the way too. With a day pass we can get on and off where we please.

[Nick C.]

Maybe if we are all so keen we need a calendar of activities.:lol:
Don't jump too far ahead. We may all find each other repulsive the first time we meet. ;)
You will all have a far better idea on where to shoot than I will so I'll leave it up to you to decide. I'm happy to shoot just about anything.

Greg, with your candids do you have any problem with people asking you what the hell you're doing taking pictures of them? I like the look of a lot of the candids shown here and I've thought of spending a few hours around the city to see what I can come up with. But I'm hesitant about people not liking the idea of being photographed by some hobo they don't know.

[Greg_C]

Don't jump too far ahead. We may all find each other repulsive the first time we meet. ;)
You will all have a far better idea on where to shoot than I will so I'll leave it up to you to decide. I'm happy to shoot just about anything.

Greg, with your candids do you have any problem with people asking you what the hell you're doing taking pictures of them? I like the look of a lot of the candids shown here and I've thought of spending a few hours around the city to see what I can come up with. But I'm hesitant about people not liking the idea of being photographed by some hobo they don't know.

Mmmm I haven't worked up to candids around the city yet. I find its a confidence thing. I spent the day at the Medieval Fair over at Musgrave Park a few weeks ago. Nice thing about this is the people kind of expected to see you taking photo's. Hard to be descrite with a 70-200 IS. Once I got into the groove it became easier. I'm hoping to slowly expand into this area, been reading here a lot.

Maybe its a safety in numbers thing at first - though I'd probably be more scared by a huge mob of camera weilding photogs.

[Nick C.]

...Maybe its a safety in numbers thing at first - though I'd probably be more scared by a huge mob of camera weilding photogs.
LOL
No doubt you're right about it being about confidence. When you mentioned discretion with a big white lens I was thinking the fact that you are so overtly taking pictures could be a good thing. I'd imagine if you look like you're trying too hard to be inconspicuous it may draw more suspicion than if you simply walk around with a camera to your face. That's my thought anyway. Only time will tell, I guess.

[Greg_C]

LOL
No doubt you're right about it being about confidence. When you mentioned discretion with a big white lens I was thinking the fact that you are so overtly taking pictures could be a good thing. I'd imagine if you look like you're trying too hard to be inconspicuous it may draw more suspicion than if you simply walk around with a camera to your face. That's my thought anyway. Only time will tell, I guess.

Hey your avatar just changed! Gotta revise mine sometime

[catsith]

do you guys have to change your avatars? :confused: I am just getting used to who is who by their avatar! and i loved the cat in dacks.
Maybe now we should start to narrow down a date. Any sat or sunday is fine with me, except sat 23/9. How about a week or fortnight after riverfire, so we can chat about how our shooting went?

[Greg_C]

Sunday 10/9 would work best for me. any takers???

[Nick C.]

I've got no problem with that. I do however work every Sunday morning 'till 10am so if you're going to get an early start I'll just catch up when I finish, if that'll work.

[350Dave]

annother brissie member here.

[catsith]

We may all find each other repulsive the first time we meet.

If we don't like you we could throw you overboard.:p OOps, but if u don't like me, you could throw me overboard!:lol: :lol: I guess we'll just have to like each other, or a lot of us could be swimming.:D
10/9 works for me too. Nick, do you work close to town? Would you prefer a saturday, and greg, could you do a saturday?

[Nick C.]

If we don't like you we could throw you overboard.:p OOps, but if u don't like me, you could throw me overboard!:lol: :lol: I guess we'll just have to like each other, or a lot of us could be swimming.:D
10/9 works for me too. Nick, do you work close to town? Would you prefer a saturday, and greg, could you do a saturday?

I'll be sure to pack my floaties. :D

I work Saturday mornings too but only until 8:30am. It's part-time/casual work so sometimes I do work back on the Saturday. Honestly, I would just organise a time that suits all of you and then I'll try to fit in when I can.
Oh and work is about a 4 minute drive from where I live so it would be about a 30-40 minute car/train trip into the city.

Do you have an idea on what time you would want to meet up and head off?

[Greg_C]

I have stuff on that Saturday arvo/night not sure of the exact time yet. What ever day on the week end I'll drive into town and park at my work - which I can only do after hours.

Time wise - what ever suits the group. Tina do you want to start early or late. Nick, I guess it would be 11am before you could get into town/sothbank?

[catsith]

okay, let's make it 10/9 then. Nick, where do you live, maybe we could end up closer to you. Normally i would say an early start is good, (don't they say morning light is good?), but i don't think in this case essential. If Mat comes, it's a long drive for him too. So is the city cat then ok?

[Nick C.]

okay, let's make it 10/9 then. Nick, where do you live, maybe we could end up closer to you. Normally i would say an early start is good, (don't they say morning light is good?), but i don't think in this case essential. If Mat comes, it's a long drive for him too. So is the city cat then ok?

I live at Warner (Pine Rivers area) so I doubt you'll end up near me.

Do you intend to make a full day of it? As Greg said I won't be in there until about 11, so if you do then I could give one of you a ring and try to find you. I'll wait to see what you all decide and then I'll figure out what the best way for me to join you is.

[Greg_C]

I'd like to make a day of it if we can. Just need a starting time???

City Cats operate from 5.50am until 10.30pm every day. The daily fare will be $5.20 and this will include buses or trains inside zone 2 so if we wanted we could get a connection to MT Cootha or the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.

Here is the ferry zone map.. (http://www.translink.qld.gov.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/ReferenceLookup/FerryZoneMap.pdf/$file/FerryZoneMap.pdf)
And here is the bus map.. (http://www.translink.qld.gov.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/ReferenceLookup/TransLinkBusZoneMap.pdf/$file/TransLinkBusZoneMap.pdf)

[catsith]

your right nick, i don't think we'll end up near u!:) Anytime is a good time for me, but if all day, maybe 9? or would you prefer earlier greg? Need to get some feedback from the others.. meatyO, helen, dave and mat. Think i will start a new thread, as justin hasn't responded to this thread and he lives in brissie. Nick, i'll pm you my mobile no. Any of you own a potn hat?

[Greg_C]

9am will work ok for me. I don't have a POTN hat or strap.

[Nick C.]

I don't have a hat either. In fact I haven't worn a hat since primary school. :oops:

If we can get the 10th September set as a sure thing by Wednesday/Thursday of next week then I'll see if I can get the morning off.

I was just thinking - will this be the first ever Australian POTN meet?

[catsith]

that would be good nick. Have no idea if it is the first, i have only been a member since early this year.

[Greg_C]

I don't have a hat either. In fact I haven't worn a hat since primary school. :oops:

If we can get the 10th September set as a sure thing by Wednesday/Thursday of next week then I'll see if I can get the morning off.

I was just thinking - will this be the first ever Australian POTN meet?

I always wear a hat now days - bald on top and you DO NOT want a sunburnt head.:cry:

Carzee would know for sure but I think there has been some POTN get togethers done Sydney way.

[Greg_C]

S%#t, S%#t, S%#t, just looked at some paper work. The event I thought that was one the Sat maybe on the Sun. Have to wait until I can contact my events director (wife) later tonight to be sure.

[catsith]

LOL, we'll wait to hear from you. If no good, the 17th is fine with me.

[Nick C.]

Nooooooo!
I must have jinxed it when I spoke of setting the date as a sure thing.

[Greg_C]

Yeh I had to wait until then to go searching for something else on the table. Oh well better to know now that on the day. Just when Tina had posted the other message. Doh!

[HelenThura]

The 10th is the day before my birthday so I am tied up with birthday festivities. In general though Sundays are better than Saturdays for me as I work all day on Sat.

Re: the ferry fare, since it is on a weekend you can get an off-peak saver which covers all day travel on weekends - $3.90 for adults compared to the daily for $5.20 (2 zones)

[mc41]

Gold Coaster here

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

The 10th is unfortunately no good for me (I'm in Brisbane on the 9th for the rugby, then I really have to be back in Kingaroy on the 10th), so I'll have to try for next time.

The 10th is the day before my birthday so I am tied up with birthday festivities. Nice ... more than 1 day of festivities? I need to introduce that concept to my friends and rellies too I think :D

[catsith]

okay then guys, how about the 17th?

[Greg_C]

The 17th is better for me. Events director is now home from her NZ business trip and has decreeed that day is free. I even got a pressie - a stress ball.

[Meaty0]

Never mind the date...what time of the day is this happening? (Remembering that the best photographic hours are around dawn and sunset. :-D )

[catsith]

I even got a pressie - a stress ball

lol, i could do with one of those!

MeatyO, we can start as early as you want. Those who don't want to be there early can catch up. Hey, your cat in dacks is back! Mind you, i like the cat and the mouse one too, clever.

[Meaty0]

lol, i could do with one of those!

MeatyO, we can start as early as you want. Those who don't want to be there early can catch up. Hey, your cat in dacks is back! Mind you, i like the cat and the mouse one too, clever.

I put karate kitten back because everybody liked it better. I lost my cat and mouse avatar:cry:

Okay. Here's what we seem to be doing so far.

We meet at Southbank Ferry Terminal 1 or 2 on Sunday the 17th September.

We meet at sometime between 6.00 and 9.00 a.m. (I'm an early morning person, but I don't really mind.)

We wear a POTN hat? (I think we'll recognize each other by the camera gear :-D )

We board a City Cat and buy a Daily 2 Zone ticket (Cost is $5.20).

We get off and on and "do our thing" at various locations.



Okay...some unresolved issues.

1. Do we go for just a morning, all day, 'til lunch?

2. Do we "lunch/breakfast" together somewhere? If so, where? Bookings?

3. Which stops do we get off at? [HERE IS A MAP OF THE ROUTE] (http://www.translink.qld.gov.au/qt/TransLin.nsf/ReferenceLookup/FerryZoneMap.pdf/$file/FerryZoneMap.pdf) I guess what we really need is a list of known good shooting locations. I can think of three or four just from Southbank round to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Ummm. I think that's all I have at the moment.

I also think a separate thread should be started once we get everything sorted...with a cutoff date for those going so if we have to book anywhere, we know numbers. Okay?

Please add/subtract/ignore altogether the above suggestions as you see fit. :-)

[Nick C.]

Alright people, now I know a few of you mentioned you'll be shooting the Riverfire display so I'm hoping for some input or advice, particularly from those who have done it before or know more about the event/area than I do. (That's probably all of you - it's not hard to know more than nothing :rolleyes: )

I don't know the city too well so I went for a drive today to have a look a round and see where I could shoot from (and how to get there). I liked the look of this spot at the top of the Kangaroo Pt cliffs:

105043

Now I am assuming that there is no such thing as an unpopular area along the river on the night so I would appreciate any advice you can send my way. For instance what sort of time would I need to get there to maximise my chance of getting a spot to set up. Any other areas you can recommend? Any other tips?


As for the meet, that's a pretty comprehensive post, Paul. I believe we were looking to an all day thing but obviously that will depend on how many places/things we find to shoot and when we start. Incidentally, I'm an early bird too, so if I manage to get the morning off I'd be happy to show up as early as you want.

[Greg_C]

Count me in as a early riser also, so an early is ok for me.

You can get some great early more shots of the city if the conditions are right. This was shot pure luck and good timing - Feb this year at about 5:45am.

http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image8642.jpg

[catsith]

Nick, i can't comment on the area you have chosen, but i think it is a good one, as i have driven past as well., but i have only ever been to southbank for the fireworks. I would get there by lunch if possible, and set up a chair or 2 to mark your spot, that way you can go for a wander. I will be at southbank a bit later than hoped, but it will be just after one, so should still be okay. Last year i got front row, and there was nothing between me and the fireworks. Hope to be lucky again this year. I always take a couple of chairs and a rug to set my spot, and then go wandering around the markets, coming back everynow and then to check my chairs are still there. The crowd is unreal though, hope it is better where you picked. The traffic when it is finished is horrendous. I usually wander to west end for a gelati, as i HATE sitting in a traffic jam! I don't think there is anything close for food where you are, unless a van sets up, so make sure you bring your coffee etc, company or a book to read. You won't want to have to hop in your car to get something to eat, your space will be gone as quick as look at it.

[catsith]

thank god is is only early summer, i think sunrise is about 6.30? I know i get up early but.... anyway, you guys choose the time, i'll be there. How about terminal1? I have no idea what is where, but in that could be the challenge, looking for what to shoot in different areas. I think we should not book anywhere for lunch, there won't be too many of us i think, and we can eat when we feel hungry. I will need my morning coffee if it is an early start, and have lunch wherever we find ourselves. and i think we can keep going until we've had enough and want to go home. Does that sound okay?

[Greg_C]

just did a quick check, on the 17/9 sunrise will be 5:44am. Terminal 1 is ok with me. I agree with the lunch idea - I'll take what I can get where ever we happen to be at the time. Tina all of your other stuff sounds ok to me also.

[catsith]

5.44!! OMG!

[Meaty0]

Which means setup time will be 5.30....no worries :-D

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

17th is no good for me either, unfortunately .... I'll have to make it to version 2 :)
5:30am is when I normally start work ... heh. Beautiful time of the day, once you actually get out of bed! :D

[catsith]

sorry to hear that mat. we'll think of you.:D

[Meaty0]

17th is no good for me either, unfortunately .... I'll have to make it to version 2 :)
5:30am is when I normally start work ... heh. Beautiful time of the day, once you actually get out of bed! :D

C'mon Mat. The mines won't go broke if they give you a Sunday off...we need your expertise...and your lenses! :-D.

Don't forget everybody..the Riverside Markets are on Sunday...could be good or bad, depending on which way you look at it. Even at 5.30, they're setting up...do we avoid that spot or not?

[catsith]

i have never been to the riverside markets! As you said, could be good or bad, but i'm thinking along the lines of skipping it, less people around all the other places so that will make it easier to shoot. However, doesn't eagle st pier have a good view of the storey bridge?

[Greg_C]

I'm ok for a 5:30 start. I havn't been to the markets for a little while but I don't expect the crowds to gather until a little later in the morning. If we're there early we can get set up shots and such. Doesn't worry me what we do. The walkway down that end of town does have a good view of the Story bridge but you'll need the wide angle lens as you'll be very close to it.

[catsith]

5.30!! Oh man, that means i have to leave home at 4.30!! Just promise me a coffee stop early!! I have a wide angle lens.

[Meaty0]

5.30!! Oh man, that means i have to leave home at 4.30!! Just promise me a coffee stop early!! I have a wide angle lens.

The Sydney Street end of the floating walkway has a very good view of the Story Bridge as does a little park on corner of Moray St and Bowen Terrace. Definite wide-angle territory!

[HelenThura]

Ohh I like how this is all sounding. 5:30 is fine for me. Anyway that gives us about 1hr before the first cats/ferries leave as well.

[catsith]

Hey helen you've almost doubled your posts!!:lol: However, i must admit i am thinking 6am is better! Sunrise is all well and good, but morning light will last a little while. Helen, r u saying the first cat is about 6.30? is that for sunday or weekday?

[Nick C.]

Thanks for the feedback, Tina. Appreciate it.

5:30 sounds good. I don't mind either way but I agree that booking for lunch shouldn't really be necessary. At the moment I count just the 5 of us. And that puts us on the clock too. We mightn't want to pull ourselves away from where we are when lunch time comes around. I think it'll give us more freedom to move around through the day if we just find lunch near where we are at the time.

Oh, and seeing as we'll meet up before ferry services start we may need to rethink where we meet. Especially if you want to get some shots as the sun comes up from the Eagle St area or further round near New Farm

[shayb]

This sounds really cool. I'll be there to make up the numbers.

[catsith]

that's great shayb, i'll pm you. By the way, u need to post more!

sigh! i guess 5.30 it is:) . Next good question...where to meet...no good answer yet! I'll think on that one nick.

[Nick C.]

Good to here from you again shayb. Glad to see your interested.
My count now moves to SIX.

[HelenThura]

lol Tina :) I think it it will take a while till I have anything close to the posts you have ;)

First cat is about 6:30 on the weekend and first ferry is about 6:20 (same timetable weekdays and weekends).

shayb :) welcome

[Greg_C]

Do we want to meet at the Riverside markets at 5:30 then? This will give a little time (not much) to walk to the locations nick mentioned if we want.

[Meaty0]

Do we want to meet at the Riverside markets at 5:30 then? This will give a little time (not much) to walk to the locations nick mentioned if we want.

Hmmm. Then parking can be a problem. Here's a suggestion I'm just throwing in for consideration. The first ferry leaves QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY at 5.57 a.m. Parking at Q.U. at that time is free and plentiful. Anyone for starting from there?

The other place to meet could be New Farm Park. The first upstream ferry to leave there is 6.01. Parking again is free.

But then...the best shots at that time of day are around the Kangaroo Point Cliffs area...hmmm...getting confused now...I'll just leave it to you guys :-D

[catsith]

qld uni would get my vote

[Greg_C]

I'm happy to meet everybody in town - I've got parking at my work.:grin: Hadn't though about anyone else yet - sorry:oops:.

I suppose the only hassle with either UQ or New Farm park is the timing for sunrise if anybody wants to try for the sunrise shots.

Do you want to park at the base of the Kangaroo Point cliffs? Not a lot of parking ther but at this time should be enough.

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

C'mon Mat. The mines won't go broke if they give you a Sunday off...we need your expertise...and your lenses! :-D.
Dang, I knew it was all about the lenses ;)

Hehe, I will actually be in Brisbane that weekend, so there's a chance I might make it for a while, but it all depends on the night before. I have other stuff on the Sunday, but not until late morning.

I'm rating myself a slim chance at this stage, but I'll keep watching this thread :)

[Greg_C]

Hehe, I will actually be in Brisbane that weekend, so there's a chance I might make it for a while, but it all depends on the night before. I'm rating myself a slim chance at this stage :)

Mmm sound like public transport is a good idea!!

[catsith]

just had another thought, the ferry might leave q.u. at 5.57, but it goes to southbank before going further on, so we may as well meet at southbank if we are going to catch the cat. Parking at k.p. cliffs is okay for me too. If it gets too complicated, then i think we should meet at southbank for the first ferry.

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

Mmmm sound like public transport is a good idea!!
Heh, only due to fatigue ... I'm just not sure what's planned for that night (I'm down there as part of a somewhat large get together, but I'm not involved in any of the organisation for it).

Southbank would be OK ... lots of parking, and I might be staying somewhere near there, hehe. That big underground carpark at southbank is free if you get your docket validated by one of the shops there, isn't it??

[catsith]

i only know that the resteaurants do matt. I usually park along musgrave park. But getting there earlier, i can park closer.

[-Pleiades-]

Just found this thread, I'm from far north coast of NSW, about 2hrs south of Brissy.

I would love to meet up with people sometime, only thing is I work 6-7 days a week, and if I have a day off it's usually monday :( I could organise a saturday off if there is ever anything happening of a Saturday.

Anyone thought of coming south of the border? :P There's some beautiful places around here!

[catsith]

Pleiades, the date has now been set, but maybe next time could be a sat. U work 6-7 days?? what do u do? That's too much work, u need time to play.

[Greg_C]

Just found this thread, I'm from far north coast of NSW, about 2hrs south of Brissy.

I would love to meet up with people sometime, only thing is I work 6-7 days a week, and if I have a day off it's usually monday :( I could organise a saturday off if there is ever anything happening of a Saturday.

Anyone thought of coming south of the border? :P There's some beautiful places around here!
Welcome to our little SE Qld gathering Pleiades, even if you can't make it to our day out.

Where abouts in northern NSW are you? I regularly stay down at Pottsville.

[Sharnbrook]

Hi all,

Greg has just PM'ed me, drawing my attention to the post, which I had not seen. Happy to be part of the party on the Sunday 17th, or whenever, and at whatever time the majority decide on. I live in Brookfield (behind Kenmore), and I don't work on Saturdays or Sundays, so can easily get in by 0530 if that's the time set. Look forward to meeting you all.

[catsith]

hi mike, that's great. It is definitely the 17th. Time and place to be confirmed, but at this stage, southbank, in time for the first cat, unless we catch sunrise, but being in the right spot with parking etc might be a hassle. Brookfield is a lovely place to live, u should have lots of birds there!

[-Pleiades-]

Oh no Tina, I wasn't suggesting on changing the date at all, but I'd be definatley be keen in the future.

I own a mobile dog grooming business, and I run that tuesday through to saturday and on sundays I work at Bunnings. So monday's are usually my one day off, but that's usually taken up with business stuff. But the good thing with being my own boss is I can usually schedule time off when needed.

I wish I had more time to play! Whenever I get the chance I go out with my camera. The sad thing is the only time when business is quiet is when it's pouring rain, so not real good for exploring with my camera :(

I live in Lismore, so a little bit further south than Pottsville, but I often venture out around the area, especaially north.

Anyway, I'll frequent this thread for future dates! Cheers!

[Greg_C]

Hi all,

Greg has just PM'ed me, drawing my attention to the post, which I had not seen. Happy to be part of the party on the Sunday 17th, or whenever, and at whatever time the majority decide on. I live in Brookfield (behind Kenmore), and I don't work on Saturdays or Sundays, so can easily get in by 0530 if that's the time set. Look forward to meeting you all.
Glad you can make it Mike.

[Albyalbatross]

I am here in Warwick and also Kingaroy. Work Work Work. But you gotta love the Great south east.

[catsith]

greg, i was just scrolling back thru the posts, and re-saw your photo of brisbane dawn. That would have to be one of the best photos i've seen of the brissie skyline! Absolutely stunning.

Nick, how did u go with the fireworks??

Anyone else, how did it go?

[Greg_C]

thanks Tina, that was actually the first photo that I ever received money for!

[mojo73]

G'day all,
Not to hijack a thread of course, but just to point to some of my pics of Riverfire last night, i have a thread here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=211040)

My first time trying to shoot fireworks, so go easy on me:oops:

[catsith]

stewart, u have to join our group outing on sunday now. It will be the first time we have got together, so the more, the merrier!

[Nick C.]

... Nick, how did u go with the fireworks??

Anyone else, how did it go?

Don't ask. I ended up working all day Saturday. :( I didn't get off 'till 3pm so I didn't think there'd be much point in me carting my stuff into the city trying to find a decent setup spot at 4 or 5 o'clock. After all the prep work I did too. I made 3 trips into the city to check out different spots and was all planned to set up along the New Farm stretch of the river. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to enjoy everyone else's posts and wait until next year. Pretty disappointing though!

[catsith]

nick, u silly moo. U should have my mobile no and called me. I did say in an earlier post if anyone wanted to join me they could!! and here i am thinking of u up on the cliffs. Never mind, there will be next year! Unless u are prepared to do new years of course. But i don't think it is as good as riverfire. Mind u, i can't say that for sure, is i have never done new years, but from what i can gather, riverfire is the best.

[wasssup]

Hey I was just pointed to this thead (thanks tina) a meet sounds pretty cool. I cannot confirm yet as i dont return to Brisvegas until this coming weekend, but I should be able to make it.

[catsith]

hi wassup, that'd be great!

[wasssup]

Sorry, I guess I should introduce myself to everyone.

Everyone... Im Jade :)
Im a male also, but dont hold that against me, not that it makes a difference, but so many people assume Jade is purely a female's name. :)

glad to be here.

Cheers,
Jade.

[justin carpenter]

hey everyone I should be able to make it, thanks Tina to pointing this thread out to me. There is a grand final footy game that day that I might have been shooting but this sounds too good to miss. I should be there (along with my dad). Although he isn't a potn member he still loves using his Olympus snapshot and would love to come.

[HelenThura]

Hi wassup, I like you name :)

How many does that add up to now?

[catsith]

hi helen, i've lost count, 9 or 10. Did u shoot any fireworks?

[HelenThura]

Hi Tina, I did go and take photos of the fireworks and in fact have just posted a tiny selection in the travel and landscape forum (I think it was that one). It is actually the first time I have ever posted photos on a message board before!

I am having fun looking at the riverfire threads I come across when I am having a browse of the boards (when I really should be studying :))

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

OK, it looks like I should be right to come along too, but I'll only be able to stay until around mid afternoon.

Is it 5:30am at Southbank somewhere?


Cheers,
Mat.

[Nick C.]

For numbers, here's a list of the people (usernames) I understand are coming:

catsith
Greg_C
HelenThura
Meaty0
shayb
Nick C.
Sharnbrook
justin carpenter + dad
Mat Fitzsimmons

And maybe?:

wassup
mojo73

Now it looks like we've got a darn good get-together organised. Well, semi-organised. Mat makes a good point - we've not yet really settled on time and place.
Most people seem happy with 5:30. Let us know if you're not.
Ferry terminal at Southbank?

[Greg_C]

Boy with those numbers we're going to look like a roving band of Paparazzi.

[catsith]

nick, the first cat leaves at 6.22, so if we are to meet early, it's not much point being at the cat terminal, so either we meet there later, say 6.00ish, or we meet somewhere else.

[catsith]

and i think it's terrific we've got so many coming

[justin carpenter]

5.30 sounds great! I am really looking forward to this. I dont have any idea on the meeting place, whatever gets decided on, I'll be there. I don't really know these places your talking about but when it is decided, I will tell dad as he is the driver and he will know. Wherever we meet, I would love to go to that spot that is good for the morning sun on the city, that is awesome! (that might already be the plan, im not sure).

[catsith]

Lucky dad!! glad u can come justin, and i like your idea too. One other was sunrise on the cliffs, but as i don't know too much about sunrise in brisbane, i'll leave it for the others to decide.

Maybe if we met at southbank, and then walked museum way, and past it, that might get us sunrise on the city?

[Meaty0]

If we're going to meet at (before) sunrise, let's not waste that beautiful morning light. Can we decide on a subject and precise location to meet for our first photo of the day?

May I suggest we meet somewhere at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, unless someone knows a better vantage point?

Maybe we should wear nametags (I know that sounds dorky, but I'm gonna have trouble remembering who everyone is otherwise.) Just a suggestion mind you.

Paul

[Nick C.]

nick, the first cat leaves at 6.22, so if we are to meet early, it's not much point being at the cat terminal, so either we meet there later, say 6.00ish, or we meet somewhere else.
Yeah I just thought it was an easy to find and conspicuous spot for us to meet.
But I'm happy with meeting at the base of the cliffs.

Can you pick a landmark for us, Paul. Or anyone for that matter.

[Beeclose]

Edmonton, outside of Cairns, EW.

[catsith]

hi beeclose, guess you won't be joining us:lol: But i travel a few times a year to cairns, would love to hear where u think are good spots to photograph!

Okay guys, how about we meet under the storey bridge at 5.30 (ugh!!), at captain burke park, holman st. There should be enough parking there, given it is a public park with bbq and playground.i don't there will be too many others nuts enough to get there at that hour! From there we can either catch a ferry back across the river to a city cat terminal. If we get off at mobray park, can we see the storey bridge from there? Next stop is new farm, not sure what is there (apart from the park and an old house?), but if they have cherry trees in bloom, you won't be able to drag me away!! From hamilton jetty, we can walk back towards the city on kingsford smith drive a little way, there is a good (i hope) view back across the river with the city in the background. This would be a good night shoot, and if anyone is interested in doing that one night, let me know, i am not keen on doing it on my own. I don't think there is that much heading up river.
How does that sound?

Paul, i have a name badge!!

[catsith]

actually, i had better clarify that we are photographing the cliffs on the city side of the storey bridge and oppposite the park i mentioned? If you mean the cliffs on kangaroo point side opposide the botanical gardens, then we could meet at the botanical gardens. Plenty of parking there early in the morning.

[justin carpenter]

Ok so we are either meeting under the storey bridge or the base of kangaroo point cliffs. If we meet under the storey bridge are we still going to go across the river to the base of kangaroo point cliffs for that morning light on the city spot?

[Meaty0]

Under the Story (note...no 'e' ;)) Bridge at the park on the Kangaroo Point side sounds fine to me. Should be able to find a good vantage point there somewhere.

Edit: Ooooo and when we come back, the Story Bridge pub is just up the road!

[Nick C.]

... Edit: Ooooo and when we come back, the Story Bridge pub is just up the road!
Haha, priorities - I like that. :)

Captain Burke park gets my vote too.

[justin carpenter]

haha oops I didn't even notice I wrote it like that. Well I am about to go the digital meeting for the Brisbane Club. Are we still shooting from bottom of cliffs ?

[Greg_C]

Captain Burke Park Ok for me too.

http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/POTN Meeting Place.jpg

[catsith]

okay guys, that's a wrap!! Under the "story" bridge it is. God, how long have i lived here?? and spelt it wrong:o :lol: oh well.

[catsith]

justin, that was where i was getting a bit confused too. To me, the kangaroo point cliffs are on the north(city) side of the river, opposite kangaroo point, and i don't know what access there is, and you can't photograph the cliffs if you are right under them. But then there seems to be cliffs that are opposite the botanical gardens. However, one can walk towards these cliffs from the park under the bridge, and maybe get a nice sunrise over the city.
I won't mention that i am buying an opposition camera, or i won't be allowed to come!:p :lol: :lol:

[Meaty0]

haha oops I didn't even notice I wrote it like that. Well I am about to go the digital meeting for the Brisbane Club. Are we still shooting from bottom of cliffs ?


Hey! I've just come back from the meeting of the Brisbane Camera Club...I didn't see you there:( but the meeting was pretty good wasn't it? Are you going to join?

[justin carpenter]

yes the meeting was good and I think I might join. I did have two photos in the "showing of digital photos" at the start. I didn't see you there either but it was a good show.

P.S did you see how many canon users there are :)

[justin carpenter]

Ok I just thought that from the bottom of the cliffs, pointing at the city in the morning, the sun would be hitting the buildings, just like in the photo that has already been posted.

[catsith]

justin, u should be able to get a nice photo over the city from where we are. If photographing the cliffs, we will probably be on the right side of the park, but u should be able to get the city from the left side.

[justin carpenter]

ok, i think i will just meet you under the story bridge and tag along lol. so is it 5.30 under the story bridge?

[Meaty0]

Great! We've got a date, time, place, and a rough idea what we're doing. Do we start a new POTN Brisbane Meeting thread, or just keep this thread going?

Paul

[justin carpenter]

i think the potn brisbane meeting thread is a good idea because we have sorted out what is going on.

[Nick C.]

I've started a Brisbane POTN meet thread but I've referenced back to this one for any questions etc. That way we will all still be in the one place.

P.S. Greg, I borrowed your map, hope you don't mind.

[Sharnbrook]

Hi there all,

Just to confirm that I shall be there, under the Story Bridge at 0530, on Sept 17th, with name tag, camera bag full of goodies, and a tripod, and I don't care what we photograph, or where we go, up river, down river, north of the river, south of the river, into the city, over to the cliffs, or what have you. Let's not take it too seriously, just have a good day out, and if we enjoy ourselves, we can do it again. If not, then what is one day in a lifetime? I can tell you that I shall enjoy myself.

Look forward to the day, and to meeting you all.

[Sharnbrook]

Hi Again,

Just so that no-one is confused, the Cliffs are all on the SOUTH side of the river, basically under the Mount Olivet Hospital area (see map on post 129 on page 9 of this thread). They are not on the north side of the river, opposite the east or west side of Kangaroo Point, but on the west of Kangaroo point itself. From there at sunrise, there will be good shots of the city, but the Cliffs will be in shadow. I hope this doesn't cause any disappointment, but that's the way it is. I have mentioned, north, south, east, and west in this post, which is in itself confusing, but as the river meanders so much at this point, it IS confusing. As long as we meet in the park under the Bridge, we can't go wrong. See you there!!

[catsith]

[QUOTE] Let's not take it too seriously, just have a good day out, and if we enjoy ourselves, we can do it again. If not, then what is one day in a lifetime? I can tell you that I shall enjoy myself.

Look forward to the day, and to meeting you all.
[QUOTE]

hi mike, looking forward to meeting you. I agree with above, let's have fun photographing whatever we come across, and enjoy each others' company. Thanks for solving my confusion, but i have another question, what are the cliffs called on the north side?

[Meaty0]

Hi Again,

Just so that no-one is confused, the Cliffs are all on the SOUTH side of the river, basically under the Mount Olivet Hospital area (see map on post 129 on page 9 of this thread). They are not on the north side of the river, opposite the east or west side of Kangaroo Point, but on the west of Kangaroo point itself. From there at sunrise, there will be good shots of the city, but the Cliffs will be in shadow. I hope this doesn't cause any disappointment, but that's the way it is. I have mentioned, north, south, east, and west in this post, which is in itself confusing, but as the river meanders so much at this point, it IS confusing. As long as we meet in the park under the Bridge, we can't go wrong. See you there!!

Hey Mike, which lenses are you gonna bring?

[Sharnbrook]

Good Morning Tina,

I'm afraid that I don't know the name of the cliffs on the north side of the river, but last time I went there, it was being used for storage of building materials, and/or a Govt workshop area. That was many years ago though, and I don't know if you can gain access. If I have time, I may try to check it out, but I doubt that I shall get there before next week.

Meaty0 asked which lenses I was thinking of bringing. Well, if I bring them all, my bag will weigh over 7 kilos, which is a lot to drag around. Maybe we could each bring our standard lens(es), and those that have them, bring a specialty lens which we can mix and match, and swap around. I'm happy to do that, others may not want to lend their lenses to people they don't really know, and that's fine by me. I haven't yet looked to see who is coming and what lenses they own, but I may do that, and try to work out what's available. Maybe we could get some feedback from those coming, as to whether they would be happy with the idea of swapping lenses, and which lenses they have?

EDIT On reflection, it may not be a good idea to suggest swapping lenses, as some people may not like the idea at all, but nevertheless feel very uncomfortable about saying "No". I shall withdraw the suggestion, but if on the day it seems OK, then that's up to the individual.

[Meaty0]

EDIT On reflection, it may not be a good idea to suggest swapping lenses, as some people may not like the idea at all, but nevertheless feel very uncomfortable about saying "No". I shall withdraw the suggestion, but if on the day it seems OK, then that's up to the individual.

So throw me a bone here! :-D Which lenses do YOU plan to take with you for the day? Specifically, do you think you'll need your wide-angle or macro or 100-400?

I was thinking about the 17-40 f/4 and the 28-135 IS, (and maybe the 70-200 f/2.8 although this is a heavy beast) + 20D.

[catsith]

:cry: i only have the s2, couldn't lend a lens if i tried!! However, I have ordered the new rebel,:D but i doubt i will have it in time.:cry: However, i intend to learn as much as possible from you guys!! the good thing is i don't have to decide which lens, and realise i left the one i want at home:p but, i do have a wide angle and teleconverter, and i intend to bring both. Wouldn't photos of the city look good with the wide angle?

[Sharnbrook]

I think probably the 12-24, the 18-55, the 28-80, and the 100-400IS. Maybe chuck the 50mm in as well, as it weighs only a few grammes. Won't bother with the flash, macro, tubes or the 75-300.
Tina, if I taught you all I knew, you wouldn't be much wiser, so don't come with too high hopes, and you won't be disappointed.;)

[Meaty0]

Thanks Mike! Anyone else want to tell us which lenses they will take?

[Nick C.]

This is my thinking for the moment:
Definitely the 17-40 for the morning and any other wider-than-tele shots. I'm looking to probably keep the 70-200 on the camera most of the day. I'll probably bring my macro as well for any smaller subject we come across. I do enjoy putting that lens on the camera.

Is anyone going to spend the whole day with their tripod?
I'm still deciding which bag to pack. I would prefer just to bring the shoulder (bit more comfortable and easier to access) but that would give me no option but to leave the tripod in the car.

[catsith]

I am bringing mine. Nick, i'd like to see that macro lens. Would u like to borrow my monopod? Or share my tripod, i have a spare mount that u can put on your camera and we can then just swap over. Ony thing is that i only have a regular tripod, not a heavy duty one.(giotto)

Mike, can i be a pain, and ask u to bring a tube? I will happily carry it for you. It's just that i have never seen one, and only just heard about them, and would like to see how they work. Never having operated a dlsr before, everything will be new for me, so just watching u guys change a lens will be a lesson for me!! (unless my xti turns up in time!)