The Maryland Meetup Thread

[milleker]

Edited for current events:

● None Scheduled at this Time.

-John

[Jon]

Aside from the Chinese New Year parade and we try to get together for a few hours on a week day during peak Cherry Blossom time, I think we're pretty much open to suggestions. I'm pretty well booked thru March, but April's a possibility.

[CoolToolGuy]

Its still a way off, but if you like cars (especially Porsches), the largest Porsche-only Swap Meet in the World is in Hershey, PA on April 28:

http://www.cpa-pca.org/swap/index.html

Officially it is a swap meet (auto jumble to the Brits) where folks sell parts and other stuff for Porsches, but there is a special parking area for Porsches, and a "People's Choice" competition. There are Porsches from the early 1950's to the present, and most of them come shined up and ready.

Depending on the weather, the regular parking area has some fairly interesting cars as well - this is a well-known event among the sports car crowd.

I usually set up as a vendor, so my photo time is limited. I'm beginning to make preparations now.

Just a thought.

Have Fun,

[Jon]

Got our Peke club picnic that weekend, and I have to give a presentation on how to photograph your dog (all levels of skill and camera), expanding on an article I'm writing for the newsletter. That leaves me out on that one.

[milleker]

Sounds like fun Jon! I had to look up Peke though to see what you were talking about.

The Porsche show sounds like fun too, I'll have to see about taking a drive when April gets closer.

[CoolToolGuy]

Got our Peke club picnic that weekend, and I have to give a presentation on how to photograph your dog (all levels of skill and camera), expanding on an article I'm writing for the newsletter. That leaves me out on that one.

Since you mentioned it (dogs, that is), we have a new member of the family - Gracie, a miniature Dachshund, joined the family just before New Years. Born at the end of October, she is a little more than halfway to her target weight of 12 Lbs.

In your presentation you may want to make a mention of expanded DOF when photographing the "weiner dogs." :rolleyes: :lol: :lol:

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Just out of curiosity, how in depth do you get into dog portraiture seminars with the point and shoot crowd?

[Jon]

Less portraiture (for which I expect they'll come to me) than family pictures. Pekes and small children don't mix well, so most owners don't have small child digital experience either. A lot on cutting down shutter lag, dealing with/dodging red-eye, basic camera settings and the like.

[mike_dunphy]

Guys I am new to this forum but keep me posted if you get together.... I would be interested!

Thanks, Mike

[jsimon724]

Camping in Harper's Ferry or Gettysburg combined with meeting some fellow photogs sounds like a great weekend to me. I'm also in Baltimore (Hamilton area), those are 2 places where we like to go for family weekend getaways, and always good photo opportunities. Something in the spring maybe?

Jim

[Blue S2]

Another note... The Porsche Swap meet in Hershey has been rained on for the last few years in a row! It seems rain and big organized Porsche events go hand in hand for some reason. (this includes 944 fest and others...) Doesnt stop most though. Get there early!

[keenasmustard]

Hi guys. I only recently moved to the Southern Maryland area. I would be interested in any sort of shoot you think of doing! Keep me posted.

[CoolToolGuy]

Another note... The Porsche Swap meet in Hershey has been rained on for the last few years in a row! It seems rain and big organized Porsche events go hand in hand for some reason. (this includes 944 fest and others...) Doesnt stop most though. Get there early!

The weather definitely affects the turnout, but there is a large core of folks and cars that show up rain or shine. Several years ago I invested in a 10x20 foot canopy with sides, and it was a great investment - in addition to me and my stuff staying dry, I had lots of folks coming in just to get out of the rain - and most of them bought something (good for adding to my gear list). But the point is that I can provide dryness for POTNers if it rains, and shade if it is sunny. :D

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Bah! We'd only scare away your customers! ;)

But the point is that I can provide dryness for POTNers if it rains, and shade if it is sunny. :D

[milleker]

Mike, welcome to the forum!

Jim, I love Gettysburg but never been there for photography. The ghost tour would be fun to do as a group of photogs.

[milleker]

Yikes, when did you move here? It gets warmer.. We promise.. :)

Hi guys. I only recently moved to the Southern Maryland area. I would be interested in any sort of shoot you think of doing! Keep me posted.

[Stefan A]

I will keep checking this thread to see what's going on. If I am available, I would like to attend.

Stefan

[jsimon724]

John,
Maybe as the weather warms up we can look further into a camping trip, not sure how many members in this area camp, but I always look forward to a weekend away.
Thanks,Jim

[milleker]

Sounds like fun Jim, its been awhile since I camped last time. I can only imagine the ghost stories photographers would tell around the campfire. Tales of Error99, uncharged batteries and bad blocks on memory cards.. Eeek!

We stay at KOAs most of the time which are easy - the one in Harpers Ferry is nice, located right next to the Harpers Ferry National Park. Theres also one in Hagerstown on a quiet little creek in a town called 'Snug Harbor'. Its tiny though with great nature but quiet.

We'll have to throw out a date when the weather breaks and see who is interested in coming.

John,
Maybe as the weather warms up we can look further into a camping trip, not sure how many members in this area camp, but I always look forward to a weekend away.
Thanks,Jim

[l3it3r]

how about a trip to DC for the Cherry Blossoms?

[Jon]

We did a midweek shoot there (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135846) last year for those who could get away - during the weekends will be mobbed. It'll be a bit before we can have a better idea when they'll be out. Bloom Watch (http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-cherry-blossom-page.htm) will start posting updates in late Feb. to early Mar. Festival's Mar. 31-Apr. 15.

[Village_Idiot]

I live about 15 minutes from Harpers Ferry. It used to be a great place to shoot at whenever I got bored and didn't have anything to do. Lately they're been charging and outrageous amount to park in a dinky parking lot where you're garanteed to get door dings...makes me kind of mad.

What's fun to do is to sneak in at night during the summer (since it supposed to be closed to vistors after dusk) and get some great night shots. I'm going to check it out when it gets warmer, but my car and my bike both have loud exhaust on them, so it might end up being a nice hike to get into the park. Should be fun though...

edit: Another good idea would be a monthly dinner/meet if there's not one already. Something were people can hang out and get to know each other so they'll have some kind of photography aquaintances...

[CoolToolGuy]

I'm putting together plans to go to Williams Grove Speedway on March 4. That is their season opener, and one of only a few race dates that occur during daylight - most races there are on Friday and Saturday night.

I've never shot Sprint Cars - I want to test out some new (to me) lenses and work on my composition and technique in daylight - then go one night during the season (when it is warmer).

Anyone that is interested, please let me know.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Rick, I may be interested. Will have to see how that weekend pans out. Theres also another track in Hagerstown that is closer and still nice (http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com) as well as Capitol Raceway for Drag racing (http://www.capitolraceway.com). Dont forget the Maryland International Speedway (http://www.mirdrag.com).

The only problem with those dirt tracks - rocks. Last time I was at Hagerstown I was in the stands and getting hit with lots of rocks and dirt clumps. Make sure you have lens protection in place.

I'm putting together plans to go to Williams Grove Speedway on March 4. That is their season opener, and one of only a few race dates that occur during daylight - most races there are on Friday and Saturday night.

I've never shot Sprint Cars - I want to test out some new (to me) lenses and work on my composition and technique in daylight - then go one night during the season (when it is warmer).

Anyone that is interested, please let me know.

Have Fun,

[CoolToolGuy]

Rick, I may be interested. Will have to see how that weekend pans out. Theres also another track in Hagerstown that is closer and still nice (http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com) as well as Capitol Raceway for Drag racing (http://www.capitolraceway.com). Dont forget the Maryland International Speedway (http://www.mirdrag.com).

The only problem with those dirt tracks - rocks. Last time I was at Hagerstown I was in the stands and getting hit with lots of rocks and dirt clumps. Make sure you have lens protection in place.

John,

My daughter goes to college in Mechanicsburg, so that is one reason to go to Williams Grove. I'll go up early, and we'll go to lunch before I head over to the Speedway.

Good point about the flying debris - I have filters on every lens that will accept them. I'll have to wing it with the big glass.

Have Fun,

[l3it3r]

MIR is a great track for photogs, they just have you sign a paper and you can go damn near anywhere

[Jon]

Suzy and I've been talking following up on this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2731712&postcount=41). How about Udvar-Hazy (Air & Space at Dulles) on Mar. 17?

[CoolToolGuy]

Suzy and I've been talking following up on this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2731712&postcount=41). How about Udvar-Hazy (Air & Space at Dulles) on Mar. 17?

I might be interested. . .

Have Fun,

[milleker]

I'd be interested in doing it again - thats the one in Chantilly (and not DC) right? Just did that one a few months back but theres way too much to photograph there that you could do in just a day. Count me in!

I might be interested. . .

Have Fun,

[Lea]

Hi. I'm new. I live in north Baltimore County. I'd sure enjoy a meet up if you plan one!

[SuzyView]

Jon suggested the 17th and that is doable for me, I think. My kids have a chess tournament, but I think I can get my hubby to cover that. I love the A&S because the lighting and subjects are fantastic. Hard to take a bad picture. I haven't tried my 5D there so I am very interested. I hope to get amazing shots with the 5D 17-40 combo. May not even need it. The 24-70 is really great there, but I worry about the DoF. Anyway, there is a cafe there for snacking and parking is the only fee.

The other choices sound interesting. The blossoms are my favorite and midweek, like we've been doing, is really the best. I recommend planning it so we can walk around and get several different angles. I'm thinking about bringing just the necessary gear for that one. It was almost perfect the last time.

I'm also game for Mount Vernon as it has been completely renovated and wonderful.

[DizzyV6P]

I'm game for a meet as well. I work in downtown DC so a midweek cherry blossom meet would be convenient ;)

Dizzy

[Jon]

We've got a Cherry Blossom thread going. Current target's the 11th in the morning.

[Lord_Malone]

Sorry, man. I'll be at Fort A.P. Hill for a training event. Can't make the 11th or the 12th. We'll all meet up at Jon's house the last weekend in April and throw a kegger.

[Jon]

Sorry, man. I'll be at Fort A.P. Hill for a training event. Can't make the 11th or the 12th. We'll all meet up at Jon's house the last weekend in April and throw a kegger.
You're in luck, man - current date (check the DC Cherry Blossom thread here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=287107)) is the 4th in the morning.

[Jon]

Sorry, man. I'll be at Fort A.P. Hill for a training event. Can't make the 11th or the 12th. We'll all meet up at Jon's house the last weekend in April and throw a kegger.
It'll be outside then; as noted earlier in this thread I'm off at our Peke group's picnic (with my gear, so no use hoping, guys) then. And Rick's at a car show/swap meet.

[milleker]

I've got two guys out of town this week so It'll be darned near impossible for me to take the day off of work.

Would anyone be interested in a Maryland Zoo meetup sometime in May? I have a membership that'll get us something like 25% off a ticket if I recall correctly.

[Lord_Malone]

You're in luck, man - current date (check the DC Cherry Blossom thread here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=287107)) is the 4th in the morning.

I'll be working all day on 4 April. :(

[Village_Idiot]

Would anyone be up for a night shoot in DC when it warms up some. Safety in numbers right?

[milleker]

I've been wanting to do Annapolis one night - as for DC.. I don't even like traveling to DC when its light out.. :D


Would anyone be up for a night shoot in DC when it warms up some. Safety in numbers right?

[Chris R/T]

Just posting in this thread to (a) say hello and (b) to keep up with when meets may take place.

I've never been to the Cherry Blossom Festival, whats it about/like?

[milleker]

I've never been either Chris, too bad its my busy season at work.. :(

[Chris R/T]

What do you do for work?

Go O's! :)

[milleker]

Computer support for a worldwide distributor up in Timonium.

If the O's continue this losing streak I'm going back to my Ravens avatar.. :)

[Chris R/T]

Sorry, I'm not a Ravens fan :( However, the O's will turn it around! :)

Is there a way to get up to the top of TV hill? I'd like to shoot from there, down 83 towards the city.

[milleker]

Ya know Chris, I never tried. Should give it a go one day - Lots of sights around here though, I work in Timonium but live in Glen Burnie. Its about that time when the weather gets nicer and I started bringing my camera to work with me.

[Chris R/T]

I can't bring my camera to work, because of where I work. However, my S.O. lives on Girard, right by TV Hill. I've oft thought about heading up there to see if I can capture a good shot.

[milleker]

That's no fun, where do you work that you can't bring a camera?!

I can't bring my camera to work, because of where I work. However, my S.O. lives on Girard, right by TV Hill. I've oft thought about heading up there to see if I can capture a good shot.

[Chris R/T]

APG, Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

[Ultra]

I was at the Blossoms early Tuesday morning and wow were there a lot of other photogs. I'll probably go again sometime next week/end when the weather is warmer.

Has anyone suggested an official meetup date?

(answered my own ?) I see there was a meet from http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135846

[Village_Idiot]

APG, Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

I'd like to get a job in that area or around rockville. I'm going to start looking soon. More money would be nice.

[Chris R/T]

What do you do? If you let me know, i'll keep an eye out.

[Village_Idiot]

What do you do? If you let me know, i'll keep an eye out.

Almost anything IT.

Network Admin
Software Development
Hardware and Software Troubleshooting
Running Network Cables
DB programming
SAN Admin
SAN Repair
etc, etc...

I'm only making $45k a year in the Eastern Panhandle of WV, I'm going to start looking for a job that's atleat $60k a year in MD as I have 3-4 years of practical experience and some schooling. I can do pretty much anything asked. It's one of those if I don't know it, I'll find out things.

I have a friend that lives in Bel Air so I figured northern B-more would be a good place to look for a job. Rockville too as it's some what close and I could always move out that way. I'm not going to find much out here that pays $60k a year or more and I'm just going to end up getting stuck out here. I have a clearance and work as a contractor for the ATF, so I figure that will help a little bit.

I was kind of going to wait until Oct 1 to officially start looking as I need to take close to 80 hours of leave the last two weeks of September for a friend's wedding (in Havre de Grace) and vation for a week. Trying to drive from there to WV and back 3 days straight, for the wedding, is not going to happen.

[Chris R/T]

Wow, I live in HarCo, about 10 minutes from Bel-Air. I work for a defense contractor, and if I see anything come open, IT wise, I'll let you know.

[davemac1]

I'm new to Canon and to the Forums. Thought I'd say "Greetings from Maryland" and hoped to hear from others in the state. I've been working in Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick, Brooms Island, and the Solomon's. They have many things to shoot down there including using a kayak to get around in.

So if a Marylander reads this thread how about a reply?

Dave

[CoolToolGuy]

I'm here - Closer to Baltimore. Welcome to the forum. I hope you will learn a lot here, and have some fun along the way.

Have Fun,

[jsimon724]

Dave,

Welcome! I'm in Baltimore also, but will be spending the weekend of April 20-22 at Point Lookout State Park with my family. PM me if you will be in the area and I can give you my cell #. Also, if anyone else will be in the area that weekend let me know, I'd love to meet some of you. Unfortunately, I probably won't have alot of time for a dedicated photo get-together, as I need to spend time with the wife and kids, but you're all welcome to spend some time by the campfire if you'd like.:lol:

Jim

[song4themoon]

I am in Glen Burnie.. so just by Baltimore as well

[Jon]

Kensington - we have an ongoing "Maryland Meet-Up Thread" going; we include VA, SE PA and DE in the pool as well.

[elader]

Germantown here. Sitting home cause its flipping like January outside.

[joshandlauri]

Dundalk, Md here. FYI the golden eggs are in essex, The wind blows the essex smell toward dundalk. Dundalk/Essex joke.

[davemac1]

Jon has told me about this thread and I wanted to say Hi to all from Edgewater, MD. I am new to Canon Photography and to this web site. Looking forward to joining different shoots in and around Md and DC. Is there anything being planned in the near future?

[milleker]

I'll be attending this event on Saturday. Good opportunities here, very photographer friendly people. Feel free to visit my gallery (link in signature) as I have a section dedicated to two past Wild Images events.

Spring Wild Images

Date: Saturday April 14, 2007
Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Cost: $10.00/per person
Location: The Carrie Murray Nature Center
Address: 1901 Ridgetop RD.
Baltimore, MD. 21207

Contact: Lloyd O. Tydings, Naturalist
Phone: (410)396-0808

Description Of Event: Bring your camera and come photogragh our resident crit-ters in real outdoor settings. Featured animals will include hawks,owls,a raven and several reptiles and insects.

No pets please!

[milleker]

Welcome to the group Dave! Theres an event coming up Saturday that I'm hoping we can get some POTN'ers to visit. Other than that I'd love to get a Maryland Zoo event started sometime in May.

Edgewater is in my neck of the woods, I'm in the Glen Burnie/Pasadena area.

-John

Jon has told me about this thread and I wanted to say Hi to all from Edgewater, MD. I am new to Canon Photography and to this web site. Looking forward to joining different shoots in and around Md and DC. Is there anything being planned in the near future?

[CoolToolGuy]

Dundalk, Md here. FYI the golden eggs are in essex, The wind blows the essex smell toward dundalk. Dundalk/Essex joke.

Is that a Giant Boobs joke? :lol:

Have Fun,

[Jon]

Have to see what descends on me between now and then . . .

There's always something.

[milleker]

Welcome Dave! Everyone I've met from POTN is quite nice. I've had the pleasure of meeting Rick and Jon. Might be able to make it north to meet Jim on the weekend of the 21st and thanks to the snow haven't met Song even after about half dozen attempts.. :)

Song, this Wednesday (April 11th) is a program by John Holt a Baltimore Forensic Photographer at the Arundel Camera Club. If anyone else is interested, the Arundel Camera Club meets every Wednesday night (when Anne Arundel County schools are in Session) from 7:30pm until around 9pm at the Severna Park High School. Great club, reasonable dues, two contests a month, field-trip once a month. Excellent group of people.

That is, if it doesn't snow again on Wednesday and they close schools. It was 32 this morning when I left for work. What have we done to deserve this freezing weather after a week of 80's?

Rick, I like your new avatar, is that the singing box of candy from the old drive-in movies? I suddenly have a craving for some snow caps. ;)

[davemac1]

Lloyd is a neighbor of mine in Edgewater. I did call him and I'll be at the location on Saturday. I'll probably get there around 9-930am. Do you want to meet in the parking area? Let me know......
Dave

[milleker]

Dave, the last two times I arrived late due to unexpected circumstances. I will attempt to make it there by 9:30am but I just might not be able to break tradition - I'll just wear a bright orange coast guard hat and will be shooting Canon gear (what else?). Will have two maybe three other shooters with me, one is a Nikon shooter - so yaa'l leave her alone.. :D

Lloyd is a neighbor of mine in Edgewater. I did call him and I'll be at the location on Saturday. I'll probably get there around 9-930am. Do you want to meet in the parking area? Let me know......
Dave

[genericoffset]

Hi all. I just joined the forum about a month ago. Just found this thread and figured I'd say hi too. I'm in Severna Park, 10 min north of Annapolis, 20 min south of B-more.

[Formulated_One]

Hanover area here - Near Arundel Mills Mall..
Milleker - that Camera Club sounds very interesting, that is something I have to keep in mind..I might head down and check that out..Gonna be busy for the next week or so, but maybe Wed. the 18th..

There is so much to photograph anywhere in Maryland..So if anyone wants to get together, lets post it up..

[CoolToolGuy]

Rick, I like your new avatar, is that the singing box of candy from the old drive-in movies? I suddenly have a craving for some snow caps. :wink:

John,

My avatar was given to me by the "Title Fairy," and it relates to my title (unless I've been assigned a new one. . .)

Have Fun,

[milleker]

A ruler? BORING! ;)

Lets go out to the lobby and get ourselves a treat.

[Jon]

John,

My avatar was given to me by the "Title Fairy," and it relates to my title (unless I've been assigned a new one. . .)

Have Fun,
Not yet . . . or are there any more recent rash comments we should know about?

[CoolToolGuy]

Not yet . . . or are there any more recent rash comments we should know about?

Well Jon, as you well know, action by the Title Fairy is unpredictable, so you never can tell when your "nom de keyboard" will be changed. I'm fairly content with mine at the moment.

Have Fun,

[l3it3r]

Hope the weather is nice on thursday for the O's game. Want to bring my camera! Will be on 1st base.

[milleker]

Two days off! I'll be somewhere behind the O's dugout in section 26 tomorrow night.

(And yes, I'm going to be layered up.. This cold weather isn't making me very happy..)

Hope the weather is nice on thursday for the O's game. Want to bring my camera! Will be on 1st base.

[davemac1]

Thanks Jon!

[dingster1]

Another Germantowner here. Newbie with an S3. Gotta figure out how to resize pics to post here.

[milleker]

Welcome Ding!

The current rules are no bigger than 800 pixels on the longest side. No more than two attachments per thread, eight linked images per thread.

Not a rule (a guideline?) that you also want 72dpi of course, usually 8, 80, or 80% JPEG compression (depending on how your photo program designates JPEG quality).

Sorry Jon, stole your thunder.. ;)

Another Germantowner here. Newbie with an S3. Gotta figure out how to resize pics to post here.

[Jon]

Another Germantowner here. Newbie with an S3. Gotta figure out how to resize pics to post here.

Welcome Ding!

The current rules are no bigger than 800 pixels on the longest side. No more than two attachments per thread, eight linked images per thread.

Not a rule (a guideline?) that you also want 72dpi of course, usually 8, 80, or 80% JPEG compression (depending on how your photo program designates JPEG quality).

Sorry Jon, stole your thunder.. ;)No problem guv.

Wot 'e sed, mate. Actually, I use Irfanview to resize and compress; resize from the RAW and keep reducing the compression until the image gets below 100 K so I get the least compression possible. File size in KB only applies if you're posting an attachment which will be stored here. If your embedded image is hosted somewhere else, there's no actual KB limit, just we'd prefer it not be too big. DPI's generally irrelevant since not many browsers even care about that.

More on how, when and where of posting here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=290249).

[l3it3r]

irfanview? ugh.. never been a fan of that app.

milleker, it's been about 7 years since I've been to the Yards, are there any cool spots for photos?

[milleker]

I was behind the dugout last night, about 10 rows back. Got some nice images which can be seen here (http://flickr.com/photos/johnmillekerphotography/tags/orioles/). Normally I'm right behind the rain tarp in the second row but the last time I had those seats I didn't have the reach that I have now. The images posted in that link above were with the 70-200mm 2.8. I enjoyed it so much that I'm really restraining myself from just calling up B&H and placing the 400mm L 2.8IS on plastic. I figure the 400 plus 2x extender (takes it up to f/5.6) and the 1.6x crop factor.. 1280mm. Tasty! 900mm at f/4 with the 1.4x extender.. That lens is sooo mine! Maybe I'll save the money for a few months. Plus I've got some old lenses that need to go - this will encourage me to find them new homes.

It was so cold that I pretty much stayed in my seat last night. At Ripken stadium I usually get tickets for right behind home plate - great pitcher shots there but not good for home plate action besides a scoring play at the plate. Maybe one day I'll get the access to actually sit in the photo box to one of these games. Wonder who I gotta bribe to get that honor? :)

Anyone else in for Saturday at the Carrie Murray Nature Center?

[jsimon724]

John,

Saturday at Carrie Murray sounds like fun. I'm going to try to make it if at all possible. (I've got a wife and 2 boys, so things can change at any moment - Maybe if I get out early)

Anyway, I'll be shooting for 9:30 and looking forward to meeting some others.

Jim

[CoolToolGuy]

John,

Nice shots.

They let you in with a white lens? Okay! I don't go to Camden Yards too often, but that might spur me on. I never even tried, because I didn't want to have to walk back to the car if they refused to let my camera and kit through the gates.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Jim, I hope you can make it to Carrie Murray - you'll certainly get some great shots. Thanks to the birds being pretty tame they'll let you get up and close. A few of my shots on the gallery were taken within inches of the creature.

Thanks Rick! According to the rules on the website (and perhaps the ticket itself - didn't look) they allow Camera bags and have no limits on what kind of lens or body that I've found. As long as it fits in a 16x16x8" box.. But actually, I went to the turn style with my bag unzipped and ready to be inspected and I didn't even see the ticket taker glance down to it...

Now the Ravens stadium, I hear they won't allow a 'pro looking camera' inside. Viva la point and shoot.

[Stefan A]

The one time I was at Ripkin stadium, there were balls whizzing right by me practically every inning. I don't think I would want to have my camera with me - maybe my glove :). Yeah, according to the Camden Yards website, there is no restiction on what kind of camera you can bring in. But my worry was that if they saw a "pro camera", they would say you can't bring it in. That happened to me at a concert at the Patriot Center where cameras were specifically allowed. I got to the gate and they decided to add to the rules - no pro cameras. But good to know they just let you right in.

Stefan

[davemac1]

John -

Plans change quickly, I will be in Brandywine tomorrow morning working if I can get done around 1pm, I hope to race up 301 to Carrie Murray. I just won't be there at 9.30 as was planned. No matter what time I get there, I will be looking for the Orange Hat.

Dave

[SuzyView]

Driving through Delaware to celebrate with my family. I would love to meet with you guys next time. I wish we could get into the Wizard's playoffs game, but they are losing so badly, I'm afraid I'd just waste my money. :( Still, not too bad a drive for me. Jon always comes down this way so I can at least go north a couple of times year.

[milleker]

Dave, thats too bad. You might want to call the center before you make a trip and make sure they're still showing off birds, I never remember the event going all the way until 3pm.

[l3it3r]

John, I think I saw you last night, I was literally a couple rows back and to your right, had my 30D and the 28-135. I'll post a couple photos later tonight. That lens looks great..

But more importantly, how about that reporter ;)

[milleker]

I wasn't at the game last night, but thats odd - a friend at work said he saw me at the Wednesday night game - I wasn't at that one either (thankfully, what a miserable finish). I think someone with a white lens and nice seats is impostering me.. :)

What happened with the reporter?

John, I think I saw you last night, I was literally a couple rows back and to your right, had my 30D and the 28-135. I'll post a couple photos later tonight. That lens looks great..

But more importantly, how about that reporter ;)

[l3it3r]

oh, well then I saw someone with that same lens in that same section!! haha, no, just a REALLY good looking reporter.. kept hanging out right there!

[Village_Idiot]

I'd really like to come Saturday but I don't think I can make it. I'll "host" a Harpers Ferry / Antietam shoot when it gets a little warmer out. I'm less than 30 minutes from each and know some other good spots to shoot at.

Plus you can get some great shots from on top of Jefferson's rock at HF

[CoolToolGuy]

This is not too early, so there is time to plan for it -

http://www.gorace.com/jefferson500/main.html

The Jefferson 500 is a vintage sports car weekend at Summit Point, WV.

Go for your ears as well as your eyes. May 18,19,20.

They run all of the classes on both Saturday and Sunday, so if you can only make one day you can still see it all.

I'll be there on Saturday testing out my new (to me) FD400 f2.8L along with perfecting my techniques. I'd love to see a group of POTNers there.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

Ah Geez Rick, that 400 2.8 would be mine if I was sure the woman wouldn't kill me for buying it. Worst thing I've ever done was explain the significance of the white lens/red ring. I should have told her that white means a cheap knockoff version.

I've been scheming though - I plan on renting the 400 next time I go to an event and with my fingers crossed get some spectacular shots. I've also been saving my eBay money and still need to sell off a bunch of old photographic stuff.

[l3it3r]

Worst thing I've ever done was explain the significance of the white lens/red ring. I should have told her that white means a cheap knockoff version.



SOOOOOO True.. can't get anything past my wife anymore :confused:

[Jon]

Ah Geez Rick, that 400 2.8 would be mine if I was sure the woman wouldn't kill me for buying it. Worst thing I've ever done was explain the significance of the white lens/red ring. I should have told her that white means a cheap knockoff version.

I've been scheming though - I plan on renting the 400 next time I go to an event and with my fingers crossed get some spectacular shots. I've also been saving my eBay money and still need to sell off a bunch of old photographic stuff.
So when she's finished exploring the Peleng, start her on teles. You should get at least a few chances to use it during the course of a shoot.

[milleker]

Hahaha Jon, she sure does like the Peleng! Standard and zoom lenses don't do anything for her, I figure if I have a chance at buying a lens she'd like it would probably be the Canon tilt-shift. It has to be something that looks completely different from the human eye - thats what she likes photographing. When the mood strikes her for regular photographin' she uses my 50mm 1.4, I have an old Canon 24-85mm that I bought for her to use so I could get my fifty back.

So when she's finished exploring the Peleng, start her on teles. You should get at least a few chances to use it during the course of a shoot.

[Jon]

TS-E 24 on FF, or maybe the MP-E 65?

[Village_Idiot]

Hahaha Jon, she sure does like the Peleng! Standard and zoom lenses don't do anything for her, I figure if I have a chance at buying a lens she'd like it would probably be the Canon tilt-shift. It has to be something that looks completely different from the human eye - thats what she likes photographing. When the mood strikes her for regular photographin' she uses my 50mm 1.4, I have an old Canon 24-85mm that I bought for her to use so I could get my fifty back.

I was debating on wether to buy the peleng 8mm and the Canon 10-22 or just the Sigma 10-20 since it has a fish eye effect at 10mm because of the barrel distorion...the sigma would be cheapest....

[Village_Idiot]

And I might hit up Harpers Ferry today. Those bastards at the park service now charge $6 to park downtown at the train station, when it use to be free.

[jsimon724]

Well, I managed to make it out to Carrie Murray this morning. Got to meet John, his friend Kathy, and a few members of the AA County Camera Club. Several birds were brought out to be photographed, most actually seemed to enjoy their time in front of the camera. Still have to download and PP, but will try to post a few of the keepers later tonight or (probably) tomorrow.

Anyway, it was nice to finally get out and meet someone from the forums and I look forward to doing it again sometime- hopefully soon.

BTW, the folks at Carrie Murray indicated they'll be hosting similar events in July and sometime in the fall, IMO well worth the $10 donation.

Jim

[milleker]

It turned out to be a great day - it was certainly wonderful meeting you Jim! The Fall Carrie Murray event is a good one too - lots of foliage colors.

I went to the game tonight and was cold and wet and miserable all night. Though I kept my camera dry (thanks to my Shutter Hat - developed and sold by a Maryland photographer!). Here's a shot of Gomez's grand slam home run that won the game for us.

http://www.johnmilleker.com/content/photography/images/gomezgshr.jpg


I'll get some Carrie Murray shots up soon, Baseball is going to come first over any silly owls.. :)

[jsimon724]

OK - here's a couple from Carrie Murray.

Most were shot with the 300/4, a couple with 100-300/4.5-5.6.

Hope you enjoy!

Jim

[jsimon724]

2 more

[jsimon724]

OK a couple more

[jsimon724]

Alright - I'm allowed 8 - right?

[jsimon724]

Oh, BTW great capture on that grand slam, John and thanks for the help.

Jim

[milleker]

Jim - thanks and great images! When you link images you can use eight but when attaching them you can only do two. May want to wipe out a few before the mods do.. :)

Kathy went through hers last night and send a few to the printers. Maybe I'll talk her into putting hers online and I'll share them. She had the camera set at 1/60 f/16 ISO 800 though on an 100mm lens. She took the camera as soon as I put the lens on so while I do feel bad for not checking her settings, she rushed me.. Lots of great images with that 100 though, and she's sure got a steady hand to get anything decent on that type of focal length on 1/60th of a second.

[jsimon724]

Yeah,
Jon already PM'ed me to let me know about that (sorry, Jon:oops:). Anyway, looking forward to seeing some of Kathy's pics - that's got to be some depth-of-field in those shots. Oh well, you got her interested in shooting, she'll pick up the technical stuff later.

Jim

[Stefan A]

Jim

Your second shot is great - with the tree sort of wrapped around the owl.

Stefan

[jsimon724]

Stefan,
Thanks for the compliment. I took almost 300 shots (never would have done that with film!). I tried to look for a few with some different angles. Also, used the 430ex on high-speed sync to pop a little catchlight in the eyes on some of them.
Anyway, it was alot of fun to get out and shoot.
Jim

[davemac1]

Jim the owl shots are great! All the shots were wonderful. I hope to be there next time but work kept me in Brandywine.

Dave

[jsimon724]

Dave'
Thanks, much appreciated! Sucks about work, I think you would have enjoyed yourself. I'll look forward to meeting you at a future date.

Jim

P.S. Hey John, when are we gonna see a couple of your shots from Saturday;)?

[milleker]

I finished prepping the baseball images today, might get to browse through them tonight or at latest tomorrow.

[davemac1]

Come on John and get those photos posted - they may be my only time to see the O's for this year!

Dave

[Wreck96]

John-
Love the shots of the Os on your site. Tell me, what ARE the rules at Camden yards on bring my "real" camera (as I descrobe it to my girlfriend). Where do you usually sit in the stands, or do you have a press pass or something? How big a lens would you recommend?

[milleker]

Wreck, thanks! There are two 'sets' of images. The 4/10 images I was right behind the O's dugout about ten rows back. The 4/14 images I was in section 16 about three or four rows back. No pass - I'd love to see what is necessary to get one for a game or two. I had the 70-200mm lens on most of the time. I did use the extender but it really hindered my shutter speed (since it kills two stops of light). So I stayed at 200mm f/2.8. Both were night games, I suspect I can get away with the extender during a day game.

On the 4/14 game I had my monopod which really helped. Not sure what the 'official rules' are if I were to contact a PR person, but theres nothing about cameras anywhere on their site. Just no video cameras. And I've got to think the everyday ticket taker might not understand the difference between still and video. Either way, my camera bag (filled with two bodies, 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 50mm, fisheye, extender and support goodies) never gets a second glance. Even the second game of the season when I had a very wicked looking beatin' stick (manfrotto monopod).

Now I have not gotten up and moved around yet since I've had great seats. I don't know what an usher would say, would I be allowed to camp out at the wall in the aisle? Would I be able to do this without hindering another fans' view? I don't know. Ushers sometimes 'run' people that blatantly get up and move to vacant, closer seats. Especially in the few 'exclusive' sections. Either way, official or not (unofficial at this time) I would hate to have some photographer with a big head and big lens blocking my view so making sure I don't cheese off some fan is #1 in my mind.

I *Suspect* that if you were courteous and asked an usher first they would allow you to occupy a vacant seat - granted it doesn't block any views.

If you go, please share your experience. I'd be interested in hearing outcomes if you have any photo related interaction with the staff.

-John

John-
Love the shots of the Os on your site. Tell me, what ARE the rules at Camden yards on bring my "real" camera (as I descrobe it to my girlfriend). Where do you usually sit in the stands, or do you have a press pass or something? How big a lens would you recommend?

[davemac1]

John -

Unless the ushers have changed, if you speak with them before the game that you would like to get closer during the game to take pictures, some of the ushers will help you move forward. They have even let a few people stand in the section entrance to take some shots. It just depends on the nature of the usher at that game thAT DAY OR NIGHT. Your shots on your web site are wonderful and I can hear those Red Hot and Cold Beer calls as I close my eyes. Thanks,

Dave

[Wreck96]

Seems like the hard part is getting good seats to begin with...

[milleker]

Anyone interested? My local camera club talked about going to this one too - not sure if it made it into the newsletter or not, a couple issues have gone AWOL. I'll be going plus one, maybe two.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland, April 28, 2007
http://www.cssm.org/index.php?festival

If anyone wants to meet up let me know and we can figure out a general area to meet at.

[milleker]

I'm still a slacker on the Saturday shots, but I have a legitimate delay. My CS3 Suite came in and I'm treating my laptop to a fresh load before I install it.

Darn Windows Updates are taking forever.

P.S. Hey John, when are we gonna see a couple of your shots from Saturday;)?

[CoolToolGuy]

Just a reminder for the motor heads, the Porsche Swap Meet is this Saturday in Hershey, PA:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2680498&postcount=3

If the weather is nice, it might classify as one of the largest gatherings of Porsches in the World.

I'll be there, selling some tools to buy more camera stuff.

Have Fun,

[Blue S2]

The weather is always rain for the swap meet. Its awesome anyways though!

[Village_Idiot]

I'm probably going to Harpers Ferry area this weekend if the weather is as currently shown 67-70 and no rain Sat and Sun.

Any one else in the area? Plus I may do a little "urban exploration" later that night.

[davemac1]

John -

Your owl shots are wonderful at your main gallery. Some of your shots looks as if they posed for you. Your shots even made the Turkey Buzzard look good. On some of the pictures it looked as if you had young owls with the mature owls?

Dave

[CoolToolGuy]

The weather is always rain for the swap meet. Its awesome anyways though!

I don't know - as of now (Tuesday) Weather.com says it will be 64 degrees, partly cloudy, and 10% chance of rain - it sounds like a great day to me! :D

Have Fun,

[Blue S2]

I wish I could go, especially since its looking to be nice finally! I've missed the last 2 or 3. I have major work to get done again this year. We have a swap meet for our local PCA region in the fall. It's not nearly like the Hershey one...but what swap meet is?

[milleker]

I did some of the 3D Stereo Shots from Carrie Murray first. They can be found here:
http://flickr.com/search/?w=31492176%40N00&q=3D+Murray&m=tags

[davemac1]

John -

Are you planning on going to the Celtic Festival on Saturday?

I'll be in the Solomons early morning working and thought I could meet up with you at the Festival later that morning.

Dave

[milleker]

Dave, I'll certainly be there. It was a tough call between that and the Ravens spring football festival. Planning to get there at 10am when it opens. I'll wear my bright orange hat, that always helps when I plan to meet up with someone. So look for that and a blue POTN-like camera strap (though mine has no lettering on it).

Anyone else in?

-John

[jsimon724]

John,

Hope you had fun at the Celtic Festival. Sorry I couldn't make it. The last few days have been unbelievable here (and not in a good way:rolleyes:). Anyway, looking forward to seeing some of your shots.

Hopefully Dave made it out as well (?)

Maybe I'll get out to the next one.

Jim

[davemac1]

Jim -

Son and his family arrived Saturday and I hadn't seen the grand kids since January so needless to say, I never made it to the Celtic Festival. I did let John know on Friday night but I beleive he was going one way or another.

We will get our chance on the next outing.

Dave

[milleker]

Bay Bridge Walk this Sunday, May 6th.. Anyone interested in going? I'm going to attempt to make it there for some photos.

Edit: Ugh, talked to Kathy and she wants to walk it.. I wonder if they'll keep the bridge open for the twelve hours it would take me to walk the 4.5 miles it takes to get across the bridge? Pack light, 4.5 miles plus camera gear will be grueling.

[Village_Idiot]

A shot from last night. I was board and looking for something to shoot.

Any one ever been to the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/479413506_05eac936cd_o.jpg

[davemac1]

If the walk won't kill you, the traffic jam seems to finish one off. John, Good Luck and we'll be thinking of you!

Dave

[Wreck96]

Anyone know how the view from Section 60 at Camden Yards is? Should I bother bringing the 100-400, or no camera at all?
-C

[Stefan A]

I passed by the bavarian inn once and my wife and I have talked about going there. Nice shot.

Stefan

[CoolToolGuy]

Anyone know how the view from Section 60 at Camden Yards is? Should I bother bringing the 100-400, or no camera at all?
-C

IIRC, the Orioles Web site can show you the view from any section - but that was a couple years ago.

Have Fun,

[milleker]

That they do Rick, go to the site, Oriole Park, Seating & Pricing.

My best photos are pretty much in the same area as section 60 but the other side. I only had the 70-200 2.8 though - the 400mm would be perfect. It was nice having the 2.8, at f/4 you'll be looking at ISO 800-1600 for a night game.

How was the show Rick? Anyone else go - where are the photos? :)

[CoolToolGuy]

How was the show Rick? Anyone else go - where are the photos? :)

The day was nearly perfect - no rain, partly cloudy, upper 60s. I was there mainly to sell, so I didn't have much time for pictures. The few I took are still in the camera - I'll get them loaded in the next couple days.

No one came up to me and mentioned POTN, but there were plenty of Canon DSLRs there. The Porsche-only parking area looked to be nearly full, so it may rank as one of the largest gathering of Porsches in the world. Unfortunately, there is no vantage point that I can get to that would let me get a shot of the whole show, but the club has taken pictures in the past from the speaker tower, so they may show up soon.

Have Fun,

[discoverBaltimore]

Hi folks, first post here. I'm a newbie to photography living in Towson. I stumbled upon this forum looking for Canon's plans for an embedded GPS capable camera and saw a link to this thread in a signature.

I'm a web developer(programmer not a designer) who was given a colleague's old 300D with a kit lens and an el cheapo Quantaray tele zoom about a year ago when he switched back over to Nikon.

I started a couple of local websites (http://www.discoverBaltimore.org/) once I got this awesome gift and I can now be found shooting more and more in an effort to create an extensive library of MD images, 8k so far. I've just recently purchased my first lens, a Sigma 10-20mm, to help me get shots of buildings without power lines, trash cans, light poles, and similar obstructions. Needless to say I've developed a bad case of photography fever and I can see myself slowly upgrading my gear over time to L glass and a 5D once my skills develop to meet the quality of the gear.

Anyways, I would be very interested in a meetup somewhere in the Baltimore area. IIRC someone mentioned a May trip to the MD Zoo. I would love to tag along as it is one of a few major attractions in the area that I haven't gotten to yet.

Happy shooting,
Jason

[jsimon724]

Jason,
Welcome to the forum. Took a few minutes to look at your local photos - nice work, you've got a really nice eye for street photography. Have you really only been shooting for a year? Or is that when you got into digital? Either way, you've got a nice body of work already.
Sweet deal, by the way. I wish I could find somebody looking to dump a nice Canon body and a lens or two;)!
This Maryland group is actually pretty active. Feel free to make suggestions as far as get-togethers.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Jim

[milleker]

Welcome Jason!

I am still looking to visit the Zoo soon. Bay Bridge Walk was canceled due to high wind. Recently I've been hiding in the house trying to avoid the record amount of pollen. I'm giving it another week or two.

Been hurting to get back to the ballpark but we're down two people at work and its been quite busy. Grrr.

-John

[discoverBaltimore]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

@ Jim - Thanks again for the compliments. The first time I picked up a camera since I was in the Navy using a p&s (c1997) was at last year's Cruisin OC event which was almost a year ago. I am starting to take more time for composing shots now and being more selective (after devouring lots of books on composition and lighting from the library), but for awhile I was using the old Soviet model of defense strategy, quantity over quality.

@John -You have my sympathies with the pollen, its something that has gotten worse and worse for me each year. Coincidentally I will be taking my first trip with a camera to The Yard for tonight's game. I'm just taking the body and the ultra wide angle to get some usable photos of the ball park for my local site. I only hope the construction of the Hilton hasn't destroyed the view from inside the ballpark. The in game action shots on your gallery are quite impressive especially for (I assume) being in the stands. I tried getting similar shots at a Shorebirds game last season with so-so results.

Anyways I am looking forward to meeting up with some of the members on here, I go shooting with the person who gave me the original gear quite frequently and that's always a good time not to mention educational.

-Jason

[CoolToolGuy]

This is not exactly a meetup post, but the audience is the same.

A friend of mine is looking for a camera/photo club in the area that concentrates on nature photography. He belongs to a club in Frederick, but he says their focus is more artsy. I'm not a camera-club-kinda-guy, so I wouldn't have a clue.

Any ideas? He lives in the Mount Airy area.

Thanks in advance.

Have Fun,

[CoolToolGuy]

Just a reminder that the Jefferson 500 Vintage Sports Car Races are next weekend (May 18-20) at Summit Point Raceway, in Summit Point, WV.

http://www.gorace.com/jefferson500/main.html

I'll be there on Saturday with all of my long glass. If you want to see how good an image you can get with 20-year-old FD lenses on a DSLR catch up with me and we'll mount one up for you so you can take a few shots.

Have Fun,

[davemac1]

Rick - Not sure if this will help your friend but there are about 1100 photography somethings up in Frederick, Mt Airy and Hagertstown. I found them under Photography, MT Airy. He could call a few shops to find the club he needs.

Dave

[milleker]

Rick, Anne Arundel Camera Club will be having Tony Sweet as a guest speaker - I *believe* the night of the 23rd of May (Wednesday). Tony is a big name nature photographer, your friend will probably recognize his name. As for the club itself, no focus on nature, however our field trips usually have a nature theme during the warmer months.

No joining necessary to visit the club on a meeting night. About 45-60 minute drive for your friend depending on traffic (from Mt. Airy) but should be a great presentation.