Brisbane POTN: General Ramblings Thread

[Meaty0]

I'm A grade but I'm first to admit that I only shoot to AB grade level if that. I'm hoping they might shift me down one.

Greg_C shoots A grade but isn't in a club....yet...but I'm working on it.

[Greg_C]

Greg_C shoots A grade but isn't in a club....yet...but I'm working on it.
Thanks for the ego boost Paul:oops::oops:, I'm please you think so:lol:. Sometimes for me it feels like I swing from stunning mediocrity to dismal failure. Swings and roundabouts I guess, some days are good and some not so good. Best thing about not doing this for a living is nothing really depends on those not so good days. Phew...... and am I glad about that.;)

I do plan on joining BCG, probably in the next month or so. Gotta fit the meeting into the family schedule.

[Andrew Carpenter]

Congrats to all those in camera clubs collecting all those awards. Paul like you I was really happy with my graveyard shots and think there's plenty more there. We've done a lot of day trips as a family over the Easter break, went to a look out in laidly it was really nice,................ here's a shot.

[catsith]

yep, lovely country out that way, and i have never yet photographed it!

[Meaty0]

Oooh nice Andrew. Is that looking towards Cunningham's Gap?

[BelgianPhil]

Hi,

I'll be spending a month in Australia from next monday onwards. (3 weeks Brisbane - 1 week Gold Coast)

Since it will mainly be a holiday for me i will have some time to work on my photography skills.

Any recomendations on the use of specific filters for Australian conditions?
I recently bought a 17-40 (77mm) and i have to replace my circular polariser.
Not sure whether i should go for a screw in type or go for a lee or cokin type system.

Cheers,
Phil

[Andrew Carpenter]

Paul, the look out is called Cunninghams Crest, and I think it's looking towards Cunninghams Gap. There was a whole lot of information up there, but I'm not big on details.

[Meaty0]

Hi,

I'll be spending a month in Australia from next monday onwards. (3 weeks Brisbane - 1 week Gold Coast)

Since it will mainly be a holiday for me i will have some time to work on my photography skills.

Any recomendations on the use of specific filters for Australian conditions?
I recently bought a 17-40 (77mm) and i have to replace my circular polariser.
Not sure whether i should go for a screw in type or go for a lee or cokin type system.

Cheers,
Phil

Hey welcome to the forum AND to Australia...when you get here.

Brisbane typically has a VERY bright sky compared to the northern hemisphere. When you're taking landscape shots, it can be very difficult to expose both sky and land correctly. So a Graduated Neutral Density filter can be useful and a good Circular Polariser. I have just bought the Cokin filters and they seem very good so far. (The P or Z series depending on which lenses you are going to use.)

[Greg_C]

Hi,

I'll be spending a month in Australia from next monday onwards. (3 weeks Brisbane - 1 week Gold Coast)

Since it will mainly be a holiday for me i will have some time to work on my photography skills.

Any recomendations on the use of specific filters for Australian conditions?
I recently bought a 17-40 (77mm) and i have to replace my circular polariser.
Not sure whether i should go for a screw in type or go for a lee or cokin type system.

Cheers,
Phil
Welcome to POTN Phil.

I second Paul's comments on the brightness of the sky! A good CP is very useful as is a UV. If budgets allow:D , something like the 10-22 is fantastic for the large vistas you see here in Oz.

If you keep intouch with us here we maybe able to meet up. A number of us from here in Brissie meet quite often on the weekends. We have several things being planned for over the next month or so. Also ask away when it comes to the tourist attractions on the Gold Coast or else where. Most of us will have been to the major ones in the last year or so either as a group or with our individual families. Living here in Brissie we are blessed with a large variety of attractions both man made and natural within a short drive from the City.

[Andrew Carpenter]

Took the little guys for an early morning skate, to beat all the bigger kids, had fun with the light that was in the skate park, was happy with the shot, then Justin did an edit on it and made it even better, here's both.

[Greg_C]

Wow awesome shot Andrew, and an very nice edit by Justin also. The edit/crop works real well, but I'd clone out the spec on the ground behind your son.

[-Pleiades-]

I think I'm going to cry..... But it's my own fault!

I had a whole lot of photos open in photoshop that I was editing last night. I got tired so I just thought I'd finish today and I didn't save any of them....

My computer decided to update and reboot itself overnight and I lost all the work that I had done yesterday :cry:

[wakko]

I echo Greg's comments! great shot and great edit!

kinnon!!! DOH! :( that's unfortunate...

[lycan]

Hi all.

In the next few weeks i will hopfuly be buying a new lens. Looking at aound $3000.
But i would like to know type of lens other people would but, i need 1 that is usefuly for sports photography ans studio work, i would love to buy a IS L some thing??

[wakko]

Hi all.

In the next few weeks i will hopfuly be buying a new lens. Looking at aound $3000.
But i would like to know type of lens other people would but, i need 1 that is usefuly for sports photography ans studio work, i would love to buy a IS L some thing??

hmmm.... i'm no expert, but those two are vastly different in terms of requirements. I suppose it depends on what sports too... indoor, outdoor etc...

I was about to say 70-200 f/2.8 L IS or the f/4 IS, but then noticed you had a 90-300 already.... so didn't know what you were doing with your old lenses...

you could also go the extra reach (again it all depends on what sport you were interested in) and go a 100-400 or similar.

Studios would primarily be indoor and most studio shooters would use a prime yeah? like a 50mm prime or a 85mm prime... i'm not 100% sure cos I don't do a lot, but I have a 50mm prime for that.

*Shrug*... let one of the pros inform you ;)

[Greg_C]

Hi Luke,

With that sort of money to drop on a lens I'd go for the 70-200 F2.8 IS. I love this lens and have had it for almost 12mths myself. It is nice for studio work provided you have the room and also works well enough for sports. It could be a little on the short side for sports stuff though. I use this one for a lot of outdoor candid and portrait work, but you have to watch the trap of always using it wide open. It's sharp at F2.8 but the Dof is paper thin here. I bought mine through D-D photographics in Sydney, you will get mixed reviews about them depending on who you ask. You won't believe the difference between 70-200 and the 90-300.

Then you move to the 100-400 IS which has a better reach for sports but isn't as fast. I use this one mostly for birding and nature but have done a tiny bit of sports. Ask me again in a few weeks when my sons soccer starts up. My dream would be to have a 400 F2.8 or a 200 F1.8 but it's only a dream - these are for to expensive for me and at this stage I wouldn't get the use out of it. I suppose a lot will depend on the type of sports you plan to shoot. Neither of these will suit for sports like basketball or volley ball. Here you are better off with a relative cheapie in comparison such as the 85 F1.8.

Another way to go could be a 24-105 but this one would be a bit more limited for sports. It does work well for Portrait stuff though.

Hope this helps.

[catsith]

kinnon, oh no!! I would definitely cry!! I feel for you! The only think i can think of to help you feel a bit better of sorts is go have a glass of wine, and some hot s*x. Did I make you smile? i hope so!

Hi phil, would be nice to meet you when you are here, I had a belgian student live with me for a year, and went to belgium last year. we are a friendlfy crew here, can give you lots of tips on local stuff. I can't help with filters though.

[-Pleiades-]

lol, nice one Tina. Aaron is sick at the moment so I might have a hot bath instead!

[catsith]

and have 2 glases of wine!:)

[-Pleiades-]

I think I'd rather the whole bottle (or 2) at the moment.

I've got another potential buyer in the business who wants to deal outside the real estate agency, and so do I because it will save me $4400 but I can't because of the contract, but the agency have been slack and not doing their job properly or really anything at all so I don't see why I should have to fork out $4400 when I've done all the work.....geh, my head hurts.....

[catsith]

i'll keep my fingers crossed!

[lycan]

Thanks all
I was thinking of the 70-200 F2.8 IS + extender EF 2X II. I will be doing a lot of hockey shoots.

I also would love a 600 as well but at $15+. I was looking at the canon lens book and found a 1200m lens but no price. I bet i cost a few $$$

[lycan]

Here is the canon 1200mm lens:eek:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://k43.pbase.com/o5/33/205833/1/67739895.rANtdvik.Canon12002a.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pbase.com/image/67739895&h=368&w=550&sz=106&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=C5WAWReRx4tY1M:&tbnh=89&tbnw=133&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1200mm%2Bcanon%2Blens%26svnum%3D10%26 um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DGSPA,GSPA:2005-41,GSPA:en%26sa%3DN

[catsith]

i found this in the local mag, and this is the web site. I have sent an email to see if we can shoot there, will let you know what they say, if you are interested.
http://www.skysisters.com.au/contacts.php

that's on next w/e (not this one). It's in my backyard so to speak, so i think i'll go and check it out. How about sat 21st? They are planning (i think) a world record for the number of female jumpers to form in the air, or something like that. Could be some soc. doc shots maybe?

[wakko]

Luke... what about this one? :D

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030805sigma200500mm.asp

Sigma APO 200-500 f/2.8! :D hehehe

[lycan]

Luke... what about this one? :D

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030805sigma200500mm.asp

Sigma APO 200-500 f/2.8! :D hehehe

lol..... that is a beast what price??

[Meaty0]

Kinnon I'm working on a bunch of images from nephew's wedding two weeks ago. You've convinced me to back them up...now! A lesson for us all I think.

Luke The 70-200 f:2.8L is an awesome lens, but so is the 100-400 IS. I think the later might be the way to start for sports photography.

[wakko]

hahaha... I dunno... it's quite new I think...

I'd hate to think of the cost... :D but I mean... it'd be cheaper than the 1200L :D heheheh

[justin carpenter]

I would of cloned out that spot but i didnt even see it :p . It was a quick 2 minute edit before i had to go to work :lol: .

[lycan]

Kinnon I'm working on a bunch of images from nephew's wedding two weeks ago. You've convinced me to back them up...now! A lesson for us all I think.

Luke The 70-200 f:2.8L is an awesome lens, but so is the 100-400 IS. I think the later might be the way to start for sports photography.


what lens would be sharper?? and if a put a 2x on the 70-200 would there be any or much loss is sharpnes?

[-Pleiades-]

Definatley Paul. Usually I'm really good with that sort of thing because Aaron has a few fish that get very excited when he feeds them and they splash everywhere. There's been a few times when I've been on the computer minding my own business playing with my photos then everything goes black.

I guess I was just too tired last night to think straight. Learnt my lesson now tho!

[BelgianPhil]

Thanks all for your replies.

Just bought a lee starter kit and a CP. Won't be able to experiment with it untill i get to Brissie.

I'll check this thread to see what's happening and i'll try to catch some of you at one of the events.

Edit:
Just got the filters and they are HUGE! Can't wait to get off the plane and start shooting!

[Meaty0]

what lens would be sharper?? and if a put a 2x on the 70-200 would there be any or much loss is sharpnes?

In my (brief) experience with both of these lenses, the 70-200 f/2.8 is the sharper lens. Anectdotally, I have read that the 2X causes some loss of sharpness, but I don't have one so I don't really know.


There's plenty of opinions and reviews here http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=119&sort=7&cat=31&page=1

[wakko]

Thanks all for your replies.

Just bought a lee starter kit and a CP. Won't be able to experiment with it untill i get to Brissie.

I'll check this thread to see what's happening and i'll try to catch some of you at one of the events.

Edit:
Just got the filters and they are HUGE! Can't wait to get off the plane and start shooting!

Excellent! :) Have a good flight then! :)

[catsith]

have a good flight. i'll pm you my number should you feel like phoning.

[kendickson]

Kinnon,

What a bummer - I had a near scrape one time with my backup disks playing up and it scared the life out of me. I have since worked out a double backup scheme.

[justin carpenter]

I made this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPIInkAd6vM) the other night.....enjoy!

[Meaty0]

I made this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPIInkAd6vM) the other night.....enjoy!

Excellent Justin,

Good choice of music too. What did you use to make the AV? Are you entering it into the Brisbane Camera Group AV competition?

[Greg_C]

what lens would be sharper?? and if a put a 2x on the 70-200 would there be any or much loss is sharpnes?

Popular opinion is that the 2x tele is not as good as the 1.4x one. Thing is this will only get you to about 300. My guess is that the 100-400 would still win out compared to the 200 with the tele.

I think that the 70-200 is probably a bit sharper than the 100-400. Maybe, I don't know, I don't pixelpeep. The constant F2.8of the 70-200 is a very big attraction though.

[wakko]

that's a great clip Justin...

I agree with the fixed f/2.8 of the 70-200 being the winner for me....

[shayb]

70-200 2.8 IS is going to be my next lens. i've already started saving, so i should have it around June 2060.

[Greg_C]

Nice work on the clip Justin, my only comment is the changing styles of your water marks detracts from it a little, it would be better if these were standard throughout.

[wakko]

shay... me too... cept I haven't started saving... I'm sure mine will be an impulse buy... although I have a couple of people I can borrow it off so that makes it a bit easier :)

I'm tempted to buy a ring light though for my macro :) and someone had a MPE-65 (I think that's the code) for sale... *sigh*... if ONLY I had the money :|

[::John::]

In my (brief) experience with both of these lenses, the 70-200 f/2.8 is the sharper lens. Anectdotally, I have read that the 2X causes some loss of sharpness, but I don't have one so I don't really know.


There's plenty of opinions and reviews here http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=119&sort=7&cat=31&page=1

Popular opinion is that the 2x tele is not as good as the 1.4x one. Thing is this will only get you to about 300. My guess is that the 100-400 would still win out compared to the 200 with the tele.

I think that the 70-200 is probably a bit sharper than the 100-400. Maybe, I don't know, I don't pixelpeep. The constant F2.8of the 70-200 is a very big attraction though.

I have the 100-400 and the 70-200 (non IS) as well as 1.4x and 2x converters. I had lent my 100-400 to a forum member for his African safari so I used the 70-200 with a 2x converter at an airshow - the results were really bad - soft, dull - not at all like an image from the 70-200

As for comparisons, I find the 70-200 really sharp - the 100-400 is not as sharp but it is still pretty good. Sharpness does vary from lens to lens, though. I think I was just lucky.

Sample 100-400:

http://www.kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/big/IMG39316.jpg

Sample 70-200:

http://www.kiwi-in-oz.com/pictures/photos/big/IMG_3504.jpg

Both images handheld.

[Nick C.]

Hello all, haven't checked in for a while. I see everyone here's been keeping busy though.

Welcome to all the new folk!!

I like the clip, Justin, but I do agree with Greg about the 'watermarks'.

Luke, as another option, if you're leaning more toward sport shooting consider the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8. I've been considering picking up one of these as an alternative to the Canon 300. From what I've seen/heard it comes close to the Canon in IQ and AF speed, has the versatility of being a zoom but does lack IS. It's a bit heavier than the 70-200 but not ridiculously so (like the 600!). Apparently it takes the 1.4x (f/4 @ 420mm) very well and will even produce respectable images with the 2x (f/5.6 @ 600mm).
If the bigger lens doesn't interest you then the 70-200 f/2.8 IS is certainly a staple lens in the Canon line-up and one that you would definitely never regret buying.

[Greg_C]

Hi all,
Took a few shots this arvo out at my parents place. They are here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3038931#post3038931).

[HelenThura]

Get that 1DsMII +600mm that you have always been wanting :) for a whole lot less than retail price.
It may not take photos though :)
!http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Canon-EOS-1Ds-Mark-II-EF-600mm-F-1-4-IS-UMS-1-6-Model_W0QQitemZ250104363803QQihZ015QQcategoryZ4345 4QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Greg_C]

Get that 1DsMII +600mm that you have always been wanting :) for a whole lot less than retail price.
It may not take photos though :)
ha ha, I noticed that the buy it now price is US$109 for the 1/5 scale model. So does this mean I can now buy the full scale version for US$536?;)

[Meaty0]

I believe the "full size" model comes complete with divorce papers.

[catsith]

I believe the "full size" model comes complete with divorce papers
:lol: :lol:

[Greg_C]

I believe the "full size" model comes complete with divorce papers.

yeh, but what happens if you are both togs. I guess it would be even worse as then you'd argue over it, but then at this price you could buy one each!:D

[catsith]

nice work justin, only just now have had time to have a look. I have just bought proshow gold, got to give it a whirl.

[wakko]

How was everyone's weekend?

I'd LOOOVE that little model :) hehehe..

I went out playing with the macro lens again yesterday... and came up with this... C&C would be appreciated... ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3043358

Well??? Come on.... :) I showed you mine... :) now show me yours :)

[Kelsey-Lee]

Had heaps of fun at the spit today. Although, I think I was in more pictures than I mangaed to take.

;) And Paul, that was my first paid modelling job. lol, I did it for fun, and the cash was a total surprise for me.

Lots of post processing for me to keep myself busy with.

And are we still organising an Australia Zoo outing?

[Meaty0]

Had heaps of fun at the spit today. Although, I think I was in more pictures than I mangaed to take.

;) And Paul, that was my first paid modelling job. lol, I did it for fun, and the cash was a total surprise for me.

Lots of post processing for me to keep myself busy with.

And are we still organising an Australia Zoo outing?

I just started reviewing my images before converting them all from RAW to DNG files. Quite a few excellent shots of you there KL.

Are you sure Dad's feeding you enough? :-D

[wakko]

I _MAY_ be going to AU Zoo sometime... either 27th or 28th (Fri/Sat) as I have some friends coming over from NZ... Might have to borrow a lense or three...

Would a 70-200 be suffice, or should I see if I can wangle a 100-400?

[Greg_C]

Had heaps of fun at the spit today. Although, I think I was in more pictures than I mangaed to take.

;) And Paul, that was my first paid modelling job. lol, I did it for fun, and the cash was a total surprise for me.

Lots of post processing for me to keep myself busy with.

And are we still organising an Australia Zoo outing?
I had lots of fun also. Culled the shoot down to about 200 shots. I've edited a couple so far and I'm pleased with the results. :D

No.1
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image20084.jpg

[Kelsey-Lee]

Are you sure Dad's feeding you enough?

Haha. :p You'd be scared by how much I eat compared to my size. I just play lots of sport and have good genetics. :)

[Greg_C]

Here's another from the beach today. This time a plain old seagull soaring (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=304864). The background almost looks fake in this one but it's real.

[Kelsey-Lee]

I just started reviewing my images before converting them all from RAW to DNG files. Quite a few excellent shots of you there KL.

Ooh, show!

Nice shots Greg! That one of Emily is stunning!

[catsith]

wow greg, that is ace, emily will be very pleased with that one. That must go into her portfolio! Gosh, she is so photogenic.

[wakko]

Great shot Greg!!!! she's gorgeous! :) (and so is the shot ;))

[Meaty0]

Ooh, show!

Okay...here ya go! I didn't know if I should title this image, "The Sneaky Peak" or "Hey What're You Doin' Saturday Night?"

EDIT: Hmm...Please excuse the slight red cast in this image.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/5963/bcgspitshoot057tw8.jpg


And the title of this one will be...."Ummm....No I Can't Go Out Saturday. We're Having A Lamb Roast!"

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2271/bcgspitshoot056ht5.jpg

[Greg_C]

thanks for the comments guys. Em is sure one attractive young lady isn't she! Em attracted a LOT of attention from the locals - both good and bad. 20 year old guys in cars driving by or even stopping and making inappropriate comments. D!ckhe@ds! She took all of this in her stride and just continued to work. Quite a few people asked us what the shoot was for. I have heaps of good shot of Emily and not many of the other models. I think it's because I know her already and find it easier to communicate. Plus with the other models there were always 10 others shooting at the same time. Late in the arvo we went to the seaway while all of the others headed to the beach (I think at least). So for these shots we had Emily mostly to ourselves.

The light was just fantastic late in the arvo over by the seaway. A great place to shoot and I'll certainly be going back there.

[Kelsey-Lee]

Haha, Paul you always come up with the best titles.
I found it funny that Peter (the guy) made even me look tan.

[Greg_C]

Great work Paul. Looks like he did get caught.:oops: :oops: I love the second one.

Another one from yesterday. I wish I had asked for some names and contact details??? I didn't see much of this girl or many of the others. I wish I had of walked around a little more.

No.1
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image20087.jpg

[Meaty0]

Greg I think that's Mark Harrison's Daughter. I can't remember her name but Mark attends our Brisbane Camera Club meetings regularly. He has a Photographic Internet business CLICK HERE (http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/). You could contact him for her email address or speak to him at the next meeting. (He has a table full of goodies at each meeting.) He was the one who suggested The Spit for a location. Hey his prices aren't bad either and he gives TOP service.

(Greg...on my monitor, her skin looks a bit plasticy...might be the monitor though.)

[Kelsey-Lee]

No, that's not Brooke, I think that's Tania/Tanya.

And her face looks a little over-processed on my monitor...

[Greg_C]

Greg I think that's Mark Harrison's Daughter. I can't remember her name but Mark attends our Brisbane Camera Club meetings regularly. He has a Photographic Internet business CLICK HERE (http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/). You could contact him for her email address or speak to him at the next meeting. (He has a table full of goodies at each meeting.) He was the one who suggested The Spit for a location. Hey his prices aren't bad either and he gives TOP service.

(Greg...on my monitor, her skin looks a bit plasticy...might be the monitor though.)
Cool, thanks for that. On the skin it probably my PP'ing. Doh! Working on another at the moment that's more than likely going to be a reject. Just not happy with the way it's going. The girl had a lot of fake tan and she keeps comming up orange!


New trick, New trick. Well it is at least for me. When doing skin and revealing or hiding with a layer mask, you know after you have done the blur and are fine tuning it. Change the blend mode to screen!!! You get an instand version of your mask as you paint it on. So much easier to see. When you are finished just change it back to normal blending mode. This has probably been covered by someone else I guess, but I was happy to discover it myself.

[Greg_C]

Well at least these ones doesn't have any skin!!:p :p :-P
No.1
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image20090.jpg

No.2
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image20083.jpg

[Kelsey-Lee]

Here are the two that I've finished...

"On Top of the World"
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/Loquaci/KingoftheWorld-PeterontheSandDunes-.jpg

"A Pretty Girl Wearing A White and Red Bikini at the Beach" :p
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/Loquaci/AttheBeach-UnknownModel-Sunday15thA.jpg

[Meaty0]

No, that's not Brooke, I think that's Tania/Tanya.

And her face looks a little over-processed on my monitor...


Ooops...my bad. Greg, I'm pretty sure John sends out an email with images of all the models and their contact details so we can send them copies of our pix. I'll send it to you when I get it..if you aren't already on his email list.

[Greg_C]

Ooops...my bad. Greg, I'm pretty sure John sends out an email with images of all the models and their contact details so we can send them copies of our pix. I'll send it to you when I get it..if you aren't already on his email list.
Thanks, I'm on the email list so I should get it.

[wakko]

i have so much to learn. :|

[Greg_C]

Here are the two that I've finished...
"A Pretty Girl Wearing A White and Red Bikini at the Beach" :p

Kelsey, I like the processing on her skin, but it looks like she has been plonked onto a different background. My guess is you played around around with levels or curves to adjust her differently from the background along with some layer masks? The transition between her skin/hair and the background is a little too sharp. I underexposed all of my shots of this girl :oops::oops: and haven't done anything with them so far.

How to do it differently? Now that's a hard one. I cheat and use something like Fluid Mask. (http://www.vertustech.com/fm_overview.htm) It seems to treat edges better than the straight select and feather. You can then use the cut-out as a Alpha mask. But all of this still doesn't help does it. Sorry:cry:

[catsith]

feng,i have a lot to learn too!! I have a great suggestion, since i am such a dunce at masking etc. I vote we go to greg's place for a lesson on how to mask and do all that stuff he does!!
Great piccies again greg and paul. Kelsey, i have to agree with greg, wonderful piccie of the girl, but it looks fake with the background that way. Nice modelling too.
Suggestion, we could book emily ourselves for a shoot! Only us shooting too. Even though i am not a portrait shooter, i'd love to have another go at Em.

[wakko]

yeah sounds like a plan... /me hits greg up.

alternatively, if you like, you're all (within reason of course) pop over to my place (greg with LT in hand) and I'll make us all coffees :)

[Greg_C]

I don't mind if you all gather here. Just give us some time to put the place into some sort of order! I've done the laptop thing in my pergola before so that could be a good place. Once you start to understand masking your photoshop work will just change forever. I rarely use a selection tool these days, it's all layer masks. The Katrin Eastman book Photoshop Masking & Compositing (http://www.photoshopmasking.com/) is my bible and a great addition to you post processing library.

Problem with this is we miss out on Feng's coffee and coffee artwork.

Thanks for the comments.

[Kelsey-Lee]

:o That would be cause it is fake and I couldn't be bothered to blend them properly. Lol. The piccie of the girl turned out really nice, but the background was beyond repair. Ah well, I'll fix it up later.

[justin carpenter]

I didn't get to edit many photos last night and no way did I have a chance to do any skin smoothing. Greg, you culled your shots down to 200 and i only shot about 150! Maybe I'll have to start clicking a bit more :lol: Some great photos Greg and Paul. Paul, I think I might be interested in hiring that studio out. Here are some photos that I got to edit last night, I will try a bit of skin smoothing tonight but I need practice and it gets very frustrating :lol: so I will see how I go.

1. I forgot this model's name..

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/459855405_fc29fae98d_o.jpg

2. And the next 3 are Emily.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/459855421_91d497650e_o.jpg

3.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/459855427_67131bded2_o.jpg

4. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/459855431_d554733be8_o.jpg

[Greg_C]

Nice work there Justin. No2 on Em is my fav.

Here's another from the forest series. PS I know about the sig in the lower right. My web script just puts it there automatically.

http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image20102.jpg

[Kelsey-Lee]

Nice piccies guys.

Justin, the model in your first photo is Brooke - she was who Paul was talking about before. She's the Junior National Champion in some type of gymnastics.

[wakko]

great pics.... where did you guys go to take these? (someone slap me if it was discussed in depth?)

[Greg_C]

All right guys, photoshop tut day has to be organised. We now have a venue - my wife's office. They are moving in 2 weeks from South Brisbane to Moorooka. So can I suggest early June , say Sunday 3rd? Good thing about this will be access to a projector and a screen and a properly set up lecture room. :)

[Greg_C]

great pics.... where did you guys go to take these? (someone slap me if it was discussed in depth?)
Brisbane Camera Group had a model shoot down on the Spit at Southport on Sunday. It may have been very very very briefly mentioned here, or maybe not mentioned here at all.:D There was about 16 models and 80 photographers so it was a bit of a struggle to get the models eyes looking into your camera. A good learning experience, with experts on hand to offer help.

[wakko]

Oh sounds good greg... about the lecture that is ;) I never thought of doing it at work... spose it's hard being in the middle of the industrial area in lovely down town Wacol :)

oic ic... always seem to miss this sorta thing :) hehehe but yeah... i would've been stuffed to have been able to make it down there :) definitely great shots... you'll all just have to pass on your newly aquired knowledge :P

[Meaty0]

great pics.... where did you guys go to take these? (someone slap me if it was discussed in depth?)

You'll just have to join Brisbane Camera Group won't you..only $50 per year.:D

[Meaty0]

Extra good shots Justin and Greg. Don't forget to email them to Emily.

[Greg_C]

Extra good shots Justin and Greg. Don't forget to email them to Emily.
Just got emails back from both Emily and her mum and both were very happy with the results.:D:D I'll be sending through a CD in a week or so, after I've finished working on a few more.
Thanks Paul

[justin carpenter]

Thanks Paul, just waiting on the email from John with the models contact details.

[Kelsey-Lee]

I went back and did this image again...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/Loquaci/Model1.jpg

[catsith]

hmmm, not sure i like that kelsey. I also think you should crop her just a smidgen from the bottom, i keep expecting to see a bit more than what one should, it is so close. Closer to her bellybutton would be better (i think).

cool greg, it is booked into my diary!! rock on june! I am actually going to ralph's on thursday to get a crash course on masking.
cool shots guys.
kelsey, post your original shot, want to see what was so wrong with the background. Maybe one of us could give some suggestions.

[Kelsey-Lee]

I'm just going to scrap this one. Here's the original (I know it was really over exposed, but I wanted to see if I could rescue anything from it/I was bored);

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/Loquaci/ResizeWizard-1.jpg

[lycan]

i think you did great IMHO.

[Meaty0]

I thought I might have a go at photographing the ANZAC march in town on Wednesday. Anyone else interested? Anybody know any good locations to shoot it from?

[-spam-]

I was thinking about going in and doing that. No idea where to shoot it from though.

[Meaty0]

Okay fellow POTNers,

Here's the info on the ANZAC day march from the RSL website.

Quote:

Brisbane March
When: 10.00am
Where: Starts Cnr Queen St Mall and George St

Route: the march will proceed along George Street, right into Adelaide Street, right into Creek Street, and disband at the corner of Creek Street and Queen Street.

Transport: Council buses will run from Ann Street outside Central Train Station to William Street, in order to join the march. After the march, Council buses will collect from the corner of Elizabeth and Creek Streets and the corner of Wharf and Ann Streets.

END QUOTE.

I think I might try to find a high spot in KG Square overlooking George Street. (Have to get there early.)

[Carjo]

Paul, You can count me in. :)

All of the photos from the spit are great. Portraiture isn't my thing but they're good to look at nonetheless.

@ Kelsey - what did you meter off when you took that shot? Or did you use manual?

Were they using grey cards or anything similar there? Would have liked to go myself but I had work. :(

[Carjo]

Another thing Kelsey - have you heard back about what grade BCG have given you?

[-Pleiades-]

Guess what everyone....... THE BUSINESS HAS JUST SOLD!!!! It's taken 8 months and a few false alarms but it's finally happened!

In a couple of weeks time I will be unemployed :D YAY!

I'm really going to pursue photography now and get all that happening. I can't wait! :D :D :D

[shayb]

Kelsey-Lee, I think the crop is good up the back ground colour is over powering. maybe something not so bright?

[catsith]

kelsey, did you shoot raw? I read somewhere about making a couple of exposures in raw, and then processing them in photoshop using masking and layers etc, working on the different copies, and then merging them. I thought maybe you could rescue it, since the girl came out beautifully in your posts. What about a small gaussian blur on the background, once you have some colour in it?

[catsith]

woohoo kinnon, that is great!
hey paul, i may be in that, will get back to you. I think i would prefer to be in the marshalling area, or the breakup area, to get a few portrait like photos.

[Meaty0]

Great Tina,

The marshalling area is top of the Q S Mall near George St. I've seen photos done from a high point along George Street near the King George Square and they come out pretty good.

[kendickson]

Tina, Justin

Congrats on getting you shots into the POTN Book in the birds section.
Nice shots all round.

[Nick C.]

Nice portraiture people!

Congratulations, Kinnon! Happy to hear it.

[catsith]

thanks ken, i also made nature and landscape!:D :D

[Kelsey-Lee]

The ANZAC day march sounds like a good idea. Would have to get there quite early to set up in the best place, then make sure no-one gets in the way.

I was using manual, but forgot to adjust the settings as I'd just gotten the camera off Dad.

And I haven't heard back about my grading yet, no. :( I think it'll be done by next competition though.

A very big congratulations Kinnon!

I'll have a go with a softer background... and maybe a little higher crop (if it works).

I really don't think I can save the background at all. It's just too blown out.

[Greg_C]

I'm keen on the ANZAC day shoot. I did a dawn service in a small town last year and got some moving shots like these. I MIGHT try to do the dawn service in town.

http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image10896.jpg


http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image10895.jpg

PS Congrats on the Business sale Kinnon. Now you move don't you?

[-Pleiades-]

Thanks everyone :D

Greg, not right away. It will probably be about another 6 months or so
before we make the move.

[Greg_C]

Hi All,
So who is going to be there at the Roma St Parklands on this Sunday? Where are we going to meet? What Time? What is the meaning of life? What is the answer to life the universe and everything? ;)

[wakko]

hahah Greg... you crack me up. I'm not sure yet... what time are we meeting again (I have a memory like a sieve).

42 (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=answer+to+life+the+universe+and+everything&btnG=Google+Search&meta=)

[Carjo]

Hitchhiker's is such an awesome movie :D Until that point I had been unable to find a movie that matched my sense of humour that well :)

[catsith]

i didn't think sunday was going ahead, as i have only received replies as who couldn't. I have since found out that i need to put my entries into the ipswich art awards on sunday, but i can always get someone to do it for me if necessary. Just a reminder that the skydivers are out in force at toogoolawah this w/e if you are interested, I will be there on saturday at this stage, but can also go sunday if you guys want to go there instead.
here is the link

http://www.skysisters.com.au/contacts.php

nice shots greg

[-spam-]

With any luck i will be at the ANZAC parade in the city next week. Moslty to test out our new piece of L glass (only a 70-200 f4 but an L all the same). If Im not in town, ill be covering the local parade.

Funny story there actually. My dad bought the lens for me and him to use and when i brought up the idea of me using it in town, he said that he would be using it at the local parade. Only thing is, as far as my mum is concerned, he shoots pentax and i shoot canon (he has both while i only have the 400d). So if he rocks up to the parade with "my" camera while im supposedly using it in town, my mum will start getting a bit suss. Long story short, i should get to use the new lens next week :D

[catsith]

i am hanging out for my 100-400L. Rock on late july!

[shayb]

Ha Tina you've been hanging out for a while now!

i am hanging out for my 70-200 2.8 IS. Rock on 2060!

[Carjo]

I think I'm where I want to be with lenses at the moment... there's not much I want in that regard. When I do get a dslr I'll still use the 18-55mm, I think I can use the extra 10mm. Though it's not something I desperately require. Filters on the other hand... :)

[Greg_C]

I think I'm where I want to be with lenses at the moment... there's not much I want in that regard. When I do get a dslr I'll still use the 18-55mm, I think I can use the extra 10mm. Though it's not something I desperately require. Filters on the other hand... :)
What! No lust after L

[catsith]

i am hanging out for my 70-200 2.8 IS. Rock on 2060!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[-Pleiades-]

Excuse my ignorance, but was there some kind of meet happening this sunday?

[catsith]

a couple of flowers
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=307040

not really kinnon, i suggested roma parklands, but i then suggested the skydivers out toogoolaway way, but no takers. Not sure what is happening.

[-Pleiades-]

rightio then, I'll keep my ears/eyes out for anything because so far I'm free this sunday

[catsith]

and some bird photos

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=307043

[Carjo]

What! No lust after L

"at the moment" is probably most easily read in terms of "what I can afford" or even better, "what I'm better off saving up for once I finish uni and actually have a better paying job". :p

My sister and I have an arrangement with our aunty in which we will buy my grandmother's car when the aunty believes it is in my grandmother's "best interests" to give up driving. So that's my/our main priority. We also have to get our licenses first, but that's another story. :lol:

But when I am willing to pay $1k+ on a lens... I, naturally, have a list. :)

[-Pleiades-]

I posted my first picture in the people section and I would love some thoughts on the photo as it's not usually my type of thing and for the actual picture I'm rather biased!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=307083

Cheers :D

[wakko]

Tina... I don't think I can make anything on Saturday. Sunday there's a possibility... wouldn't have minded going down the gardens somewhere and playing with flowers in decent light... but I'm easy either way :)

[catsith]

feng, the best time to shoot flowers is either early or late. (or under an umbrella!) You guys decide, if you want to meet at the parklands, i'll be in it, i just need notice as i have to organize getting my piccies delievered to the art awards office on sunday. We could meet at 9 or 10, and stay for lunch or whatever. paul/greg/nick/shay etc, what are your plans for sunday?

[-Pleiades-]

I'm up for a parkland meet. I have to be back in Lismore for dinner (about 7) for a friends birthday so I'm good for a morning/lunctime shoot/meetup.

[shayb]

i should be there but i'll know more on saturday.

Anyone know which shops stock kenko (or some other third party) extension tubes?

[-spam-]

Anyone know which shops stock kenko (or some other third party) extension tubes?

photocontinental had some the last time i was in there.

I may be able to make it on sunday now as well. Work is having some budget issues and they cant afford to pay me this sunday :confused:

[shayb]

photocontinental had some the last time i was in there.

yeah thanks i tried there the other day, they didn't have any

[Greg_C]

I'm still keen for Sunday at the parklands, say 9am.

Shay, have you tried Rainers or Teds in Adelaide st?

[catsith]

okay guys, it's official then, 9.00am at the parklands, somewhere around the duck pond. I'll make a day of it, and have lunch there, or where-ever we decide to go to next.
Feng, you MUST turn up with family! Shooting bubs obligatory!
kinnon, c u when u get there.

justin, change the front page please with sundays outing.

[Nick C.]

Have to count me out for Sunday, unfortunately.

Like the new hat, Shay :)

[-Pleiades-]

Rightio, so my next question is.....where are the parklands?

[-Pleiades-]

and the duck ponds too for that matter!

[Meaty0]

Oh dear! I just finished having a long chat to a wedding photographer for a bit of brain picking. (Hers not mine!) She takes on average 700 images per wedding and often does two weddings per weekend. She has to PP all 1400, or so, images over the ensuing week and usually has them ready to send to the lab for proof prints by the end of the week. Also she has them all loaded onto disc to show the B&G before they come back from honeymoons...usually two but sometimes one week. She also has to reprocess prints chosen by the B&G to prepare them for full size prints and organise mounting the prints into wedding albums. (I take an hour to process one image sometimes.)

She also does work for the AIPP and enters photos into their competitions "in her spare time". And her husband wonders why he doesn't see much of her.

Who'd be a wedding photographer?

[shayb]

link to roma st parklands website (http://www.romastreetparkland.com/gettingThere.asp)

[shayb]

Paul funny you should say that....

I shot my first wedding on the weekend, at coincidently, Roma st park-lands! been PPing tons of photos, and yeah it talks me ages too.

here are a few.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/_shay/IMG_2861.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/_shay/IMG_2744.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/_shay/IMG_2763.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v731/_shay/IMG_2690.jpg

[-spam-]

Wow, great shots. I honestly cant wait to shoot my first wedding (had a chance a month ago, but had to decline due to some thing in the family)

I hope you dont mind, but i just quickly played with the last one, tried to lighten it up a bit without losing the sky. Just a quick edit. Could probably go a bit lighter again.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j166/curry_of_doom/IMG_26901.jpg

[-Pleiades-]

Cheers Shay.

Does anyone live on the southside of brisbane who is going on sunday? I am absolutley hopeless with getting anywhere (I've lived in the one town my whole life and I still get 'disorientated') and I can see myself getting lost, especially with city driving.

Maybe someone who is going I can meet them somewhere? Or even carpool, I'm happy to pick people up on the way.

[-spam-]

Im sort of south west, but will be catching the train into roma street. Given the station is a minutes walk away :)

[shayb]

I hope you dont mind, but i just quickly played with the last one, tried to lighten it up a bit without losing the sky. Just a quick edit. Could probably go a bit lighter again.

thats cool, acutally they were a bit brighter but got dark when i saved them with 'save for net' in CS2. the other thing i'm noticing is that the colours of my photos change heaps between Photoshop and other programs like ZoomBrowser. i edit them in CS2, but the next time i look at them in zoombrowser everything is way over saturated. maybe i have to do that colour calibrate my monitor thingy.

[Meaty0]

Paul funny you should say that....

I shot my first wedding on the weekend, at coincidently, Roma st park-lands! been PPing tons of photos, and yeah it talks me ages too.



Wow Shay!

You're brave. I couldn't handle the stress! You know...get it right first go or else. I like the ones you got though. Post some more when you finish them please??

My wife's nephew let me do a few shots at his wedding and the official photographer didn't mind, but I don't have time to process them all.

Here's a couple from that wedding...

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/993/waynemargieweddingphototq5.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8397/waynemargieweddingphotoqf5.jpg

[shayb]

yeah Paul i was a bit nervous but i know why they take so many photos at the wedding, i took well over 600 shots in a 5 hour period. i ended up taking 6 or 7 shots of the same thing (time permiting) at different setting and there would always be 1 person that blinked :( in the photo. the other thing was that i thought i wouldn't need any more CF cards since i had the epson P2000 but i was wrong! you just don't get time to download them, i was juggling a 1G and a 2G extremeIII in and out of the epson like a circus clown.

[Meaty0]

Whew! Had to shoot another semi-formal shot in between coming home from work and going out for dinner...

Here's one of the shots (it was at Victoria Park Golf Course with the City in the background).

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1217/stefsemiformal10xn4.jpg

[catsith]

gee kinnon, are you sure you want to drive all that way?

[Greg_C]

Cheers Shay.

Does anyone live on the southside of brisbane who is going on sunday? I am absolutley hopeless with getting anywhere (I've lived in the one town my whole life and I still get 'disorientated') and I can see myself getting lost, especially with city driving.

Maybe someone who is going I can meet them somewhere? Or even carpool, I'm happy to pick people up on the way.

Hi Kinnon, I live at Runcorn on the Southside. I'd love a lift into town also, and to sweeten the deal I can offer free under cover parking in the city about 10min walk from the Parklands.

Nice shot Paul. Attractive girl too. :D

[HelenThura]

My plan at the moment is to get into the city (well the park at new farm that looks out to the Story Bridge about 6am as sunrise is shortly after that and then maybe have a short stop in the Botanic Gardens before heading over to the Roma St Parklands for some fun and meeting you guys round 9am (which is rather late lol). Anyone who wants to feel free to join me :)