NC Photogs - Anyone interested in meeting up near the Charlotte area?

[In2Photos]

I have been hoping some other photogs in the area were interested in getting together sometime to go out and shoot (as well as put a face with a username), but nobody has posted a thread so here it goes.

I don't have a lot of ideas about where to shoot (another reason to get together) nor when might be a good time. So hopefully others have some ideas and we can figure something out. Surely there has to be enough of us in the area to make something happen.

First I think we should see who is interested. Once we have a few interested members we can start discussing dates and places.

Any takers?

[dwarfmcdougal]

Gotta get real creative with photography in North Carolina.

[Chip Payet]

Hi Mike, we sent a couple messages back and forth while back. Sure -- sounds interesting to me, and as I recall, we're not that far apart, either. I might get my Dad interested when he's in town (not very often), but he's down in Ballantyne.

[In2Photos]

Gotta get real creative with photography in North Carolina.
:lol: Yeah but between all of us there has to be something to shoot. Any ideas?
Hi Mike, we sent a couple messages back and forth while back. Sure -- sounds interesting to me, and as I recall, we're not that far apart, either. I might get my Dad interested when he's in town (not very often), but he's down in Ballantyne.
Hey Chip. Yes I remember our conversation. Any ideas?

[Chip Payet]

Nope, Mike, no brilliant ideas here, I was hoping you have some since you brought it up. ;)

You know of any good spots around the lake that would be good for sunrise/sunset shots?

[In2Photos]

Nope, Mike, no brilliant ideas here, I was hoping you have some since you brought it up. ;)

You know of any good spots around the lake that would be good for sunrise/sunset shots?
No, but I know someone that might.

As far as ideas go we could go to places like the Carolina Raptor Center or the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, or wait for the Renaissance Festival. I will try to find some more ideas as well

[Medic85]

Don't forget there is a lot of activity uptown, espically on the weekends most of the time. I don't know what you're interested in shooting but from what I see on a regular basis, uptown would give you plenty of opportunities. Just don't act suspicious about anything;)

[Chip Payet]

I've been to the Ren Fest a couple times, but never quite seem to find any really interesting shots. Still developing the "eye" for seeing pics, though, so doing a group thing would help me see stuff I'm missing.

Downtown.....I guess you're mostly thinking about people? Again, I haven't seen much interesting down there, but once again, perhaps I'm just not looking right, plus I don't know much about low-light shooting, so my attempts have come out poorly in the past.

[Medic85]

I agree with you on the group thing helping your "eye". There's a lot of stuff downtown if you look for it. I prefer the urban stuff myself but there are still some old buildings or at least the remnants of them;) Seriously though, people are always up there and it seems like in the spring and fall, they have things going on up there a lot. For instance, the greek festival was up there this week...well, maybe not uptown but close to it. It was just a suggestion. I can't think of much else around town to shoot anyway.

[Sp00ks]

I may be interested if you guys come up with something worthy of a 3 hr drive :D My sister lives in Charlotte now, so I imagine I could go visit her as well.

[Togra4]

I'll be shooting the race in charlotte come october...lol.I dont get down that way but every couple months and havent really had a chance to explore much. I have friends in huntersville and drove by lake Norman but didnt really see too much from 77.....I sure hope you guys find a way to get together. I'd love to see what you get.....

[Medic85]

There's also the McGill rose garden uptown, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Gaston County, all of the stuff Mike mentioned up in the north end. I'll look for some events and such coming to town too and hopefully have some other ideas to post soon.

Mike, let me know when you're trying to get something like this going so I can make sure it's on a weekend off.

[Thomas Hopkins]

I'm about 2 hours from Charlotte and I'd be interested in meeting up.

[In2Photos]

There's also the McGill rose garden uptown, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Gaston County, all of the stuff Mike mentioned up in the north end. I'll look for some events and such coming to town too and hopefully have some other ideas to post soon.

Mike, let me know when you're trying to get something like this going so I can make sure it's on a weekend off.
I definitely think we should check out the events coming up and try for one of those. I know the Ren. Festival is late fall but other than that I don't know what type of community events are going on. Perhaps I need to be more in tune with my community. :confused:

As for a date, I am open to just about anything, but I think it will depend on the location/event planned.

[Medic85]

Ok, let me look around for something interesting. I guess people need to decide if we want to do like some people watching, specific event photography or what ever else.

We're usually notified when something even reasonably significant is going on in town so I'll do some snooping around the office when I go back this weekend. I'll let you know what I come up with.

[jtalerico]

I am new to these boards but would love to meet up with some members and learn!

Keep us udpated on details!

I will have my cam early October (that is the plan at least :))

[Discordia]

Sigh, all of you are in Charlotte and beyond, lets get all the East NC people togeather =D

[MagicNikon]

The aviation museum nea the airport is cheap...and pretty cool. You can shoot the planes taking off as well as lots of cool old aircraft.

[Medic85]

Sigh, all of you are in Charlotte and beyond, lets get all the East NC people togeather =D


I think there are a lot of folks on here who live/work in Raleigh and east of there who have a thread somewhere on here about just that. I think that's why Mike started this thread. Gas ain't cheap anymore. ;)

[Chip Payet]

The aviation museum nea the airport is cheap...and pretty cool. You can shoot the planes taking off as well as lots of cool old aircraft.

This sounds like fun -- never tried something like that before. I've always wanted to learn how to pan properly to achieve that crisp subject and blurred background. Anyone else interested in this?

[Medic85]

I am but I have to tell you, unless you have a long lens, you'll have some trouble getting in tight to see anything landing or taking off.

[MagicNikon]

I am but I have to tell you, unless you have a long lens, you'll have some trouble getting in tight to see anything landing or taking off.

200mm or less on a 1.6x crop factor sensor is plenty. The aviation deck is nice and elevated...there is a very nice view of the airportand the deck can accomodate several shooters at once.

Taken with my D200...
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON D200Exposure Time0.0015s (1/640)Aperturef/8.0ISO400Focal Length165mm (247mm 35mm)
http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/128245517-L.jpg


CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON D50Exposure Time0.0006s (1/1600)Aperturef/7.1ISO200Focal Length145mm (217mm 35mm)
http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/88646146-L.jpg

If you get tired of shooting planes in the sky....you can shoot the ones on the ground.

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/128245578-L.jpg

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/86433861-L.jpg

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/86531201-L.jpg


http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/88646914-L.jpg

IMO, this is one of Charlottes best kept photography secrets. Everyone knows about Daniel Stowe Botanical gardens and the Raptor Center...but the Carolinas Aviation Museum is special also.

[jtalerico]

^ This looks like a fun event... When and where are we meeting?

[Medic85]

Cool, I thought the museum was further away from the runways than that. Just goes to show you how often I get over to that side of the airport!

I'm interested in giving it a whirl. I'd love to get by there when we could see that monster Lufthansa take off or land.

[Medic85]

^ This looks like a fun event... When and where are we meeting?


Next weekend is great for me! Just need to know what time so I can make sure the wife doesn't have somthing more pressing for me to do:cry:

[MagicNikon]

I'm interested in giving it a whirl. I'd love to get by there when we could see that monster Lufthansa take off or land.

You can occasionally get a nice shot of the Airforce Reserves C-130's.....they are quite loud.

I think that admission is $8. Totally worth it, IMO. Some of the docents, are real characters too...

This guy was a bombardier in WWII, his name is Theodore Theavaos. He's a regular in the hangar.

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/128245355-L.jpg

This is June, with his favorite fighter, the Tomcat. He's Korean War vintage. He loves to tell you stories about all of the planes.

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/149721765-L.jpg

[In2Photos]

So how many people are interested in the Aviation Museum? While it isn't something that I would probably do on my own I think that it would make a great meeting place if everyone likes that idea. And for most of us it will probably be something new to shoot.

[Erinlaneconrad]

Hey count me in.

I would love to get some pointers from everybody!!

Charlotte is only about 40 min from me. Even though I live in SC near Rock Hill.

[Chip Payet]

I'm in depending on the date/time. Weekends definitely work better for me, sometimes Friday evenings. Otherwise during the week, no way, just 'cause of the commute, work, family.

[crznlow]

I would like to get together and shoot. Is there anything in the planning stage? There are a lot of waterfalls in NC and I would like to shoot some of them. I am in Winston Salem. Stan

[jtalerico]

crznlow - If you want to get some awesome waterfall shots you should come a bit west to Western Carolina. I could show you some awesome places in Panthertown and other great hiking places around here.

I will not have my camera by next week, but I am very interested in meeting you guys and maybe getting some pointers. I should have the camera by October 6th, if everything goes as plans!

[Attached] A waterfall in Panthertown

[MagicNikon]

Pisgah Nat'l Forest has an awesome waterfall that you literally can drive right up to and park. Its practically at the entrance to the park.

[Medic85]

We still need to figure out when to do this avation shoot. Somebody pick a date. Next weekend is good for me.

[In2Photos]

We still need to figure out when to do this avation shoot. Somebody pick a date. Next weekend is good for me.
Not good for me, wife's birthday. But of course if everyone else wants to do it then, go ahead. Don't let me stop you.

[jtalerico]

It works out for me, but just about any weekend (except the weekend of October 6th) works for me.

Nikon -
You must be speaking of Dupont? There are some awesome waterfalls out there!

Attachment 1 - Waterfall at Dupont
Attachment 2 - My hiking mate at Dupont

[MagicNikon]

Nikon -
You must be speaking of Dupont? There are some awesome waterfalls out there!


I was thinking of Looking Glass Falls actually... Its really easy to get to.

[Chip Payet]

Yeah, but with the drought we've been having, are the waterfalls even there this year? :cry:

I think next weekend works for me, too.

[DavidEB]

crznlow -

lotta good waterfalls near WS. check out hanging rock park, 40 min drive north of you. 1 (http://www.pbase.com/davideb/image/65094691) 2 (http://www.pbase.com/davideb/image/65094696) 3 (http://www.pbase.com/davideb/image/65094703)

[Medic85]

Not good for me, wife's birthday. But of course if everyone else wants to do it then, go ahead. Don't let me stop you.


Ok, if that one doesn't work for you, when can we get this going? I'd hate to get everyone together when the person that started this thread can't even attend! Mike, you know how my schedule goes. If you want to pick a date, go ahead. I'm off this coming weekend and you know where it goes from there. Don't have any overtime planned for my next weekend off. Or, ya'll just go on and schedule it how you want to. If I can attend, I'll go, if not, I'll catch you all on the next one. I'd love to do the waterfalls too.

[jtalerico]

Medic -
I am good for this weekend. If are all still planning on doing it.

As far as the waterfalls go:
http://www.dupontforest.com/
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/panther1.htm
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/barbara1.htm

This past weekend I hiked about 6mi of the Appalachian Trail. There are some beautiful picture opportunities out there.

Like always here are some pictures...

Image1 - Just a nice view of the mountains
Image2 - Me

[In2Photos]

Alright so we need to here from everyone if they are OK with the Aviation Museum and then pick a date. I think there are a handful of people that want to go so far and it is the most response we have received for a location.

So now the question is when. As I said before I can't make it this weekend but if everyone else wants to do it this weekend then go for it. If not then I know Chris (Medic85) is available that first weekend of October, the 6th and 7th. What does everyone think about that date? Speak up folks, I don't want to be the only one there. ;)

[jtalerico]

ln2 - The weekend of October 6th is when I will be picking up my camera. So that would be a no go for me.

[Croasdail]

For those of you who love planes, the Thunderbirds will be at Pope AFB the weekend of Oct 6th. I am taking my little one so I will be there regardless. But I hear it is a good show. For what it is worth.

[DrPablo]

Guys,
Look for opportunities to take long nighttime exposures of planes taking off. I made it a bit of a pastime of mine when I was in Boston. If you can get this close to the airport in Charlotte then I may give it a shot there as well.

http://www.pbase.com/drpablo74/boston_airport

As for venues in Western NC, I've really come to enjoy Linville Gorge. It's not quite the 'grand canyon of the east' that everyone makes out (there are deeper gorges in New Hampshire -- just cut by glaciers and not streams), but it is very scenic and dramatic.

At some point I want to head to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Wilderness, which is way out in the Nahantala national forest. It's completely virgin forest that has never been logged, and there are 300-400 year old trees there.

More central, I've also come to enjoy Jordan Lake, down rt 751 near Chapel Hill. Great birding there. I've heard that there are about 60 bald eagles there, though I've never seen one.

[jtalerico]

DrPablo -
Take a kayak out on Jordan lake to one of the islands out there. You will be able to grab some images of bald eagles. Though they do hiss and get pretty upset if you get too close to the island!

I will have to check out Joyce Kilmer this weekend! That is if we do not do the Charlotte thing.

[Medic85]

Pope isn't too far from Charlotte and I've never seen the Thunderbirds. What do you think, Mike? Roadtrip on the 6th?;)

According to Google Earth, it's only about a 3+hour drive from the neighborhood.

[Chip Payet]

Paul, those pics from Logan Airport are really cool; can you tell a bit more about your exposure times for those? Lenses, camera......

[In2Photos]

Pope isn't too far from Charlotte and I've never seen the Thunderbirds. What do you think, Mike? Roadtrip on the 6th?;)

According to Google Earth, it's only about a 3+hour drive from the neighborhood.
Let me do some kissing up and I will see what I can do if you are serious.:lol:

[shannyD]

Gotta get real creative with photography in North Carolina.

historic buildings, military bases, lakes, streams, farms.
man i wish i still lived there. granted i was in eastern NC 20 mins from topsail. but i would give my right arm to be there again ( well maybe my left arm) ;)

[jdizzle]

WOW! Lots of peeps here from NC! I'd like to do something together. I'll have to work something in advance around my work schedule. I'm up for anything and let's all get together people. :)

[Medic85]

Let me do some kissing up and I will see what I can do if you are serious.:lol:


Yeah, I'm serious. You're talking to the guy who drove to DC and Norfolk just to see an airshow. Call me later today.

[In2Photos]

For those of you who love planes, the Thunderbirds will be at Pope AFB the weekend of Oct 6th. I am taking my little one so I will be there regardless. But I hear it is a good show. For what it is worth.
Which day are you going? I think Chris (Medic85) and I are going to try and come after all.

IS anyone else interested in going to the Air Show? Here is the website:

http://www.popebraggopenhouse.com/index.html

[crznlow]

I would like to go to the tbirds. anyone around winston insterested in going?

[Chip Payet]

Any more details or a link about the Thunderbirds airshow? That could be fun to bring the family, although we'd probably leave the baby with my folks. I'll talk it over with my wife, but details would be helpful.

There's even a place here in town where I might be able to rent some L glass to try out.

[Medic85]

Any more details or a link about the Thunderbirds airshow? That could be fun to bring the family, although we'd probably leave the baby with my folks. I'll talk it over with my wife, but details would be helpful.

There's even a place here in town where I might be able to rent some L glass to try out.


There's a local place to rent lenses? Where? I'd love to know. Send me an email with the link. Canon.ocd@gmail.com

[In2Photos]

Any more details or a link about the Thunderbirds airshow? That could be fun to bring the family, although we'd probably leave the baby with my folks. I'll talk it over with my wife, but details would be helpful.

There's even a place here in town where I might be able to rent some L glass to try out.
Chip, here is the link to the show site.
Which day are you going? I think Chris (Medic85) and I are going to try and come after all.

IS anyone else interested in going to the Air Show? Here is the website:

http://www.popebraggopenhouse.com/index.html

[In2Photos]

There's a local place to rent lenses? Where? I'd love to know. Send me an email with the link. Canon.ocd@gmail.com
Yes! Where? !

[Chip Payet]

I can't tell y'all that! I'd NEVER be able to get one again! LOL Maybe after the airshow...... :D

[Medic85]

Oh, it's like that?;)

[In2Photos]

I can't tell y'all that! I'd NEVER be able to get one again! LOL Maybe after the airshow...... :D
WHAT! Holding out is morally wrong. You could get in big trouble for that. :evil: I will leave your sentencing for a much higher power. ;)

[Chip Payet]

Well, especially since my wife just said that we can go......but we have to go on Sunday the 7th (my birthday, #36), as there's no way we could get there and back in time to get our daughter to her cheerleading event by 5pm Saturday. They have both a 70-200 f2.8L IS and a 100-400mm for rent.....I'm calling to reserve whichever they have tomorrow. THEN I'll tell ya. ;)

[In2Photos]

Well, especially since my wife just said that we can go......but we have to go on Sunday the 7th (my birthday, #36), as there's no way we could get there and back in time to get our daughter to her cheerleading event by 5pm Saturday. They have both a 70-200 f2.8L IS and a 100-400mm for rent.....I'm calling to reserve whichever they have tomorrow. THEN I'll tell ya. ;)
Ah! You are killing me!

[Medic85]

I'm still trying to figure this one out;)

[MagicNikon]

I'm pretty sure Biggs rents.

[In2Photos]

I'm pretty sure Biggs rents.
They don't list the 100-400 on their site though and only the 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS. :( We will figure something out though. :)

[Medic85]

Biggs has very, very limited options for rentals...I've looked into it recently.

[Chip Payet]

Dang, you guys figured it out. LOL Yeah, Biggs is the only place in all of Charlotte that I've found rents Canon lenses, and their selection is truly limited. Only a couple L lenses, and they're apparently spoken for much of the time.

Samys.com has a much better range of lenses for rent, you just have to fill out a bit of paperwork. I haven't actually tried them yet, though. Anyone else found any online places to rent lenses?

[Medic85]

Not like there are is an abundance of choices around here either;)

[Tonyp884]

I have been hoping some other photogs in the area were interested in getting together sometime to go out and shoot (as well as put a face with a username), but nobody has posted a thread so here it goes.

I don't have a lot of ideas about where to shoot (another reason to get together) nor when might be a good time. So hopefully others have some ideas and we can figure something out. Surely there has to be enough of us in the area to make something happen.

First I think we should see who is interested. Once we have a few interested members we can start discussing dates and places.

Any takers?
Hey Mike,
I'd love to get a couple guys together in Charlotte area. I live in Unionville, NC (Monroe) , bought a 40D last week (LOVE it!).
If you like SPORTS, lets go to the NC Whitewater Rafting Center. I shot over 400 images today, got some GREAT shots!
Tony Powers
704-493-4528 cell

[Tonyp884]

Add me to the NC photographers group!
Tony Powers
Monroe, NC
40D
207809

[Tonyp884]

Forgot to mention, I took over 400 photos today with my new 40D at the NC Whitewater Center in Charlotte, good place for us to meet!
Tony P

[Chip Payet]

Hey Mike,
I'd love to get a couple guys together in Charlotte area. I live in Unionville, NC (Monroe) , bought a 40D last week (LOVE it!).
If you like SPORTS, lets go to the NC Whitewater Rafting Center. I shot over 400 images today, got some GREAT shots!
Tony Powers
704-493-4528 cell

Hey, now there's an idea! I bet that would be a lot of fun. 400 images?!?!? WOW!

I am so psyched, too! My wife just agreed to let me buy a 70-200mm f/2.8 L (no IS, couldn't convince her on the extra $600 right now, but that's ok -- I'm getting my first L!).

[Medic85]

Hey Mike,
I'd love to get a couple guys together in Charlotte area. I live in Unionville, NC (Monroe) , bought a 40D last week (LOVE it!).
If you like SPORTS, lets go to the NC Whitewater Rafting Center. I shot over 400 images today, got some GREAT shots!
Tony Powers
704-493-4528 cell


Hi Tony. You're not too far from Mike and I. Maybe about a 15 minute drive, if that. I'm sure that there are some nice landscape places we could find around Union county. I'm thinking of the farms and such. I'd love to find some ponds and things like that to go hunting anyway so maybe we would be able to stumble upon something.


As for the Whitewater center, don't you have to pay just to get into the gates? I've only been there on calls so I don't know but I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to shoot some great shots there. Congrats on the 40D too.


Oh yeah, welcome to the Forum!;)

[Chip Payet]

I thought Mike lived on the north side of town, in Mooresville? I'm in Huntersville, so both the whitewater rafting and the aviation museum are close to me.

We're heading to the airshow on Sunday next week as my daughter has cheerleading for Pop Warner football on Saturday. Anyone else interested in meeting on Sunday for that? Either meeting there or caravaning?

Hehehe......and I'll have my new lens and TC by then, too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

I don't think you have to pay to get into the whitewater center.......just if you want to actually do any of the activities.

[MagicNikon]

I thought Mike lived on the north side of town, in Mooresville? I'm in Huntersville, so both the whitewater rafting and the aviation museum are close to me.

We're heading to the airshow on Sunday next week as my daughter has cheerleading for Pop Warner football on Saturday. Anyone else interested in meeting on Sunday for that? Either meeting there or caravaning?

Hehehe......and I'll have my new lens and TC by then, too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

I don't think you have to pay to get into the whitewater center.......just if you want to actually do any of the activities.

I am interested in going to the airshow on Sunday. The whitewater center is free for gawking. The food at the WWC restaurant is pretty good, so I would recommend lunch there. One word of caution, do not make any effort to pass out cards or offer your photos to the rafters. They are very serious there about protecting their ability to shoot and sell pics. They have a few staff photogs floating around and they will question if you even look like you're going to hand out a business card.

I have a friend who has been harassed twice there already...mainly just for wearing a t-shirt that advertised his sports shooting biz. Just a word of caution.

A 70-200mm is plenty at the WWC...you can get right up to the edge.

[Chip Payet]

Well, the good news is that I"m not a pro, so I have no plans to hand out any cards. Well.............maybe.......if anyone happens to chip a tooth, I'd be glad to give them my card so I can fix their smile! :lol:

[Medic85]

I thought Mike lived on the north side of town, in Mooresville? I'm in Huntersville, so both the whitewater rafting and the aviation museum are close to me.

We're heading to the airshow on Sunday next week as my daughter has cheerleading for Pop Warner football on Saturday. Anyone else interested in meeting on Sunday for that? Either meeting there or caravaning?

Hehehe......and I'll have my new lens and TC by then, too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

I don't think you have to pay to get into the whitewater center.......just if you want to actually do any of the activities.


Not unless he moved in the past couple of minutes. I'm like 4 driveways down from him:D

[MagicNikon]

I wanted to also mention that the Carolina Raptor Center will be holding a Fall version of their annual PhotoWild event. I believe its Oct 20 and 21. I have gone the past two years (in the Spring). It's a lot of fun. Two of my images are on the 2006 and 2007 photo contest winners page also ;)

http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/photo_wild.php

[Medic85]

Cool, thanks. I think a lady I work with does some work with those folks up there too. I'm game......as long as I'm off!

[MagicNikon]

Cool, thanks. I think a lady I work with does some work with those folks up there too. I'm game......as long as I'm off!

Yeah, the CRC is a real 'hoot'!

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/143730133-L.jpg

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/111455249-L.jpg

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/97692311-L.jpg

[Medic85]

Yep, that was enough to convince me to give it a try. Great shots.

[MagicNikon]

Yep, that was enough to convince me to give it a try. Great shots.

The last one took a little bit of PS'ing to get the owl's tether to dissappear, but for the most part, the volunteers do an excellent job hiding their leather leads. This one won Best Personality this year.

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/146714290-L.jpg

You can get really close...this was with a 150mm prime.

[In2Photos]

Hey Mike,
I'd love to get a couple guys together in Charlotte area. I live in Unionville, NC (Monroe) , bought a 40D last week (LOVE it!).
If you like SPORTS, lets go to the NC Whitewater Rafting Center. I shot over 400 images today, got some GREAT shots!
Tony Powers
704-493-4528 cell
Hey Tony, glad you found the thread. As Josh mentions below the WWC is great just for personal shooting but be careful not to ruffle any feathers.

I am interested in going to the airshow on Sunday. The whitewater center is free for gawking. The food at the WWC restaurant is pretty good, so I would recommend lunch there. One word of caution, do not make any effort to pass out cards or offer your photos to the rafters. They are very serious there about protecting their ability to shoot and sell pics. They have a few staff photogs floating around and they will question if you even look like you're going to hand out a business card.

I have a friend who has been harassed twice there already...mainly just for wearing a t-shirt that advertised his sports shooting biz. Just a word of caution.

A 70-200mm is plenty at the WWC...you can get right up to the edge.

I thought Mike lived on the north side of town, in Mooresville? I'm in Huntersville, so both the whitewater rafting and the aviation museum are close to me.

We're heading to the airshow on Sunday next week as my daughter has cheerleading for Pop Warner football on Saturday. Anyone else interested in meeting on Sunday for that? Either meeting there or caravaning?

Hehehe......and I'll have my new lens and TC by then, too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

I don't think you have to pay to get into the whitewater center.......just if you want to actually do any of the activities.
Almost Chip. I live on the southeast side of Charlotte in Union County but my wife works in Mooresville.

[In2Photos]

AIR SHOW PEOPLE:

I think Chris and I are heading to the air show on Saturday and I know Mark (Crosdail) is going to be there as well. Josh are you going Saturday or Sunday? Anyone else going down?

PEOPLE INTERSESTED IN WWC:

Who is interested in the WWC? Any specific dates in mind? I will be quite busy for the next few weeks and don't know when I could get out again after the Air Show but I could at least help anyone set something up if needed.

CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER PHOTOWILD:

I would love to do this but as stated earlier I am quite busy. If I can convince my wife and daughter (daughter easy, wife, another story) to go with me though I would be good. I bet Josh is already going and I wouldn't doubt it if Randy (RandyCanon) was going as well. Chris (Medic85) sounds interested as well. How about anyone else?

[Medic85]

Mike, the raptor center actually will cost us about $85 according to the lady I work with who is about to be working up there some too. I'll call you later today about that. I would love to go though.

WWC sounds good.

We are going to see dad's surgeon this week instead of next week so unless nothing changes, I'm still on for the airshow. I'll let you know ASAP if something is going to change. If he has it done soon, I'll probably put off going to the airshow...for obvious reasons. He just told me he moved the appt up the other day.

[jdizzle]

Hi everyobdy! I guess no one would come around the way in Raleigh?

[In2Photos]

Hi everyobdy! I guess no one would come around the way in Raleigh?
Julian, I remember seeing a thread before about a Raleigh meet but it was some time ago. I am sure the guys in that area would get together again. Also, in the future if we all decide to get together maybe we could find something to do halfway (although the air show is about a 3 hour drive for us in Charlotte). I am confident we can all figure something out eventually.

[jdizzle]

Julian, I remember seeing a thread before about a Raleigh meet but it was some time ago. I am sure the guys in that area would get together again. Also, in the future if we all decide to get together maybe we could find something to do halfway (although the air show is about a 3 hour drive for us in Charlotte). I am confident we can all figure something out eventually.
Cool! I'll keep an eye on this thread. Thanks! :)

[jtalerico]

I am also keeping a eye out on this thread.

Hopefully we can get something setup for the Western part of the state!

[Chip Payet]

Not unless he moved in the past couple of minutes. I'm like 4 driveways down from him:D

LOL! Ain't it the 21st century? You guys live 4 doors down from each other, but you communicate on the web? How funny!

The Raptor Center on either that Saturday or Sunday sounds good to me. Any excuse to get out and use my new lens ;).

I'll double check with the wife about this Sunday and the airshow.

[Chip Payet]

I am also keeping a eye out on this thread.

Hopefully we can get something setup for the Western part of the state!

How are the fall colors in the mountains supposed to be this year 'cause of the drought? Better, worse, same? My wife and daughter have never gotten to see the NC Mountains in the fall with the changing colors, and I'd like to take them for a day trip if they're really good.

Got my new 700-200, and dang, that thing's a beast. Wish I could have swung the extra for the IS.......guess I'll have to either trade up or just buy a second one in a few years when all the school loans are finally paid off. With the Kenko 2x TC on it, you really do need a mono-/tripod or be shooting at higher shutter speeds to stop the shaking. Even without the TC, in low light I can see that I'll have to get a monopod for sure.

[jtalerico]

Chip -

Around here they are already changing a bit. Looks to be a good year for it. Not sure if any better then previous years, but defiantly the same.

I personally plan to hike Pinnacle and get some shots from up there (as soon as I get my camera).

"From its peak is, not surprisingly, an incredible 360° view of the surrounding mountains and valley in which Sylva sits. " From http://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/pinnacle/index.html

[Chip Payet]

Thanks! Any idea when the "peak" colors are supposed to happen?

Bit of a bummer here......my older daughter, Natalie, has become quite sick, so we're not sure if we'll get to make the Air Show on Sunday after all.

Anyone interested in the WWC this coming Sunday, then?

[In2Photos]

Thanks! Any idea when the "peak" colors are supposed to happen?

Bit of a bummer here......my older daughter, Natalie, has become quite sick, so we're not sure if we'll get to make the Air Show on Sunday after all.

Anyone interested in the WWC this coming Sunday, then?
Chip, sorry to hear about your daughter. You do realize the Air Show is NEXT weekend though,right?

[Chip Payet]

What? NEXT weekend, as on October 6-7? DOH! Thanks -- it would have REALLY sucked to get all the way out there and then drive back......

Hmmmmm, we'll have to see, then.

Ok, so anyone up for the WWC on Sunday? :D Or was there something else?

Tomorrow I've gotta run out to get myself a monopod and a circular polarizer for my new lens -- the 2 things I forgot.

Also, anyone have a link on where to learn how to tape the pins on my Kenko TC?

[In2Photos]

What? NEXT weekend, as on October 6-7? DOH! Thanks -- it would have REALLY sucked to get all the way out there and then drive back......

Hmmmmm, we'll have to see, then.

Ok, so anyone up for the WWC on Sunday? :D Or was there something else?

Tomorrow I've gotta run out to get myself a monopod and a circular polarizer for my new lens -- the 2 things I forgot.

Also, anyone have a link on where to learn how to tape the pins on my Kenko TC?
Yup, the 6th and 7th.
www.popebraggopenhouse.com

[In2Photos]

AIR SHOW PEOPLE:

I think Chris and I are heading to the air show on Saturday and I know Mark (Crosdail) is going to be there as well. Josh are you going Saturday or Sunday? Anyone else going down?




Alright folks. The Air Show is only a few days away. I would like to see whom all is going and what date you are going to be there. It would be nice to try and figure out a good time and place to meet and say hi. We don't have to hang out all day or anything, especially since some of us are going with non-POTN friends and family, but since we will all be there we might as well try to be cordial. ;) So who is going and what day? Any ideas on where and when to try and meet?

[Steve Beck]

I am stratingto make weekend trips to different spots around western NC for fall color changes if anyone wants to meet up and make a trip out of it.

[DavidEB]

Steve, I might be interested in a 1 or 2 day weekend trip for fall colors. some hiking would be OK (like Linville falls, etc...). Depends on some work issues. I'm in Carrboro. contact me at eblum@nc.rr.com

[jtalerico]

Steve & David -

I can plan something up here in the Western part of the state. Personally I would wait just a bit longer. End of October, early November. I am going to be hopefully picking up my XTi here in the next couple days. Then I plan to do a hike up on Pinnacle or to Panthertown. To capture some of the color change. Once i get those images I will be sure to post them.

Maybe we should start another thread for Fall Foliage in Western Carolina. And we can coordinate there!

[Steve Beck]

I think it will happen real fast this year because the lack of rain. MIddle of Oct to the last week of Oct. Last year I got my best shots the third weekend of October.

[Coastal]

Just caught word of the local thread... (local enough, im in winston)

Hopefully Ill be able to join in a few trips soon. Ill be up at VIR tomorrow taking a few shots of all the automotive events.

[Medic85]

IS ANYONE ELSE GOING TO THE AIRSHOW IN THE MORNING? I think we'd like to end up meeting up, seeing as that was the whole point of starting this thread to begin with. Mike and I are leaving Charlotte at around 0630-0700 tomorrow.

I'm still trying to figure out how this thread ended up being a discussion on a western NC trip.

[walrus127]

I hope to be going and I was just wondering where you guy's are planning to meet once you get there?

[In2Photos]

I hope to be going and I was just wondering where you guy's are planning to meet once you get there?
You have a PM.

[Chip Payet]

I hope y'all have a great time! I wish I could go today, but at this point, I'm not sure we're going to make it even tomorrow. We've had so many illnesses in the last couple weeks, we may just stay home and rest/recuperate.

If we don't go to the air show -- anyone else interested in meeting at the WWC on Sunday?

[Medic85]

Sorry to hear it Chip. You know we'll be posting pics soon so stay tuned.

[MagicNikon]

Renaissance Festival also begins this week in Charlotte.

http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/

[AnthonyD]

Hi I am new here and I live in Indian Trail NC. Transplanted from NY . If you dont mind having a beginerI would love to meet up . Thanks Anthony

[walrus127]

Hey Mike I really enjoyed meeting you and your father and Medic85 today. I had a good time shooting with you guys. Thanks agian. Keith

[MagicNikon]

My Father in law is an Air Force reservist, and he went to the aair show and had a blast. I would have gone, but I had a wedding. I was planning on going tomorrow, but its a long trip down and back to Charlotte....so instead I may just go to the RenFest. Openign weekend is $16 off a pair of tickets.

[In2Photos]

Hi I am new here and I live in Indian Trail NC. Transplanted from NY . If you dont mind having a beginerI would love to meet up . Thanks Anthony
Where in India Trail? Medic85 (Chris) and I both live in Hemby Bridge!
Hey Mike I really enjoyed meeting you and your father and Medic85 today. I had a good time shooting with you guys. Thanks agian. Keith
It was great meeting you too Keith. Did you get stuck in that traffic trying to get out of there? We waited for 2 hours! for a bus to take us back to our cars. We got home at 11:00 pm. I still had a blast though and I can't wait to do it again.
My Father in law is an Air Force reservist, and he went to the aair show and had a blast. I would have gone, but I had a wedding. I was planning on going tomorrow, but its a long trip down and back to Charlotte....so instead I may just go to the RenFest. Openign weekend is $16 off a pair of tickets.
Josh, sorry you couldn't make it. I too had a blast. There were TONS of people there but there was still plenty of room to watch the show and shoot. It was overcast the entire day until the Thunderbirds came out. It was like the sky parted just for them. I shot almost 7GB! with the 100-400 Chris and I rented, the 70-200 w 1.4 TC, and some shots with the 17-70 Sigma. I can't wait to see the shots in all their glory. The small screen on my Rebel does little justice.


To all those interested in seeing pics from the air show visit this thread in the transportation section:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4078695

[Rock]

Hey all,

I just found this forum and thread. I am a transplant to Charlotte from New Hampshire. Been here about 3 weeks now and still trying to decide on which camera to pick up but leaning toward the 40D. I have been shooting film and some P&S digital for a while but will be going full digital soon.......

Just wanted to say hey and hope to meet some of ya soon.

-Rock

[In2Photos]

Hey all,

I just found this forum and thread. I am a transplant to Charlotte from New Hampshire. Been here about 3 weeks now and still trying to decide on which camera to pick up but leaning toward the 40D. I have been shooting film and some P&S digital for a while but will be going full digital soon.......

Just wanted to say hey and hope to meet some of ya soon.

-Rock
Welcome Rock!

[NC_Photo]

Hi everyone! Just though I'd drop off a "hello" and introduce myself to the fellow NCers. I've been around POTN for a while now with a few posts, but not many images as I've been busy with work. I'm a photographer for a local studio and summer is our busy time here on the Outer Banks, unfortunatly everything I photograph for work are not "my" images and so I can't post them here. I'm looking forward to things slowing down now that its fall and having more time to do some personal work.

[Chip Payet]

Well, looks like I'll have to rely on the pictures of others for the air show.......my wife woke up with a migraine today (extremely rare), and we're not going anywhere. :confused::cry: Maybe I'll get some free time to go to the WWC if she's feeling better this afternoon.

Do they have those airshows every couple years, or is that a pretty rare thing at Pope?

[AnthonyD]

Hi Ilive in Lake Park, feel free to email me if you would like . I know only my family here and girlfriend.

[In2Photos]

Hi everyone! Just though I'd drop off a "hello" and introduce myself to the fellow NCers. I've been around POTN for a while now with a few posts, but not many images as I've been busy with work. I'm a photographer for a local studio and summer is our busy time here on the Outer Banks, unfortunatly everything I photograph for work are not "my" images and so I can't post them here. I'm looking forward to things slowing down now that its fall and having more time to do some personal work.
hi Courtney. Hopefully some NC members can do something in your neck of the woods sometime soon.
Well, looks like I'll have to rely on the pictures of others for the air show.......my wife woke up with a migraine today (extremely rare), and we're not going anywhere. :confused::cry: Maybe I'll get some free time to go to the WWC if she's feeling better this afternoon.

Do they have those airshows every couple years, or is that a pretty rare thing at Pope?
Chip, from what i heard yesterday this is the first air show held there. Coincidentally it will be the last. Pope will no longer be an air force base. It is being converted to some type of use for the Army, but I forget exactly what that is. There are however other shows in the area and we will DEFINITELY go to another one. I am hooked. The rush was amazing watching, feeling, and listening to those planes fly by.

Hi Ilive in Lake Park, feel free to email me if you would like . I know only my family here and girlfriend.
WOW! you are right down the road from Chris and I. Hopefully we can try and get out and do some shoting soon.

[Over Actor]

Welp i live in fayetteville if anyone would like to get together. I'd like to get some tips from people thats been in the game longer than me I picked up a 20d a few weeks ago. Just got back from VIR shooting the gt live event.

[Medic85]

Hi Ilive in Lake Park, feel free to email me if you would like . I know only my family here and girlfriend.


Just down the street from you. I'll send you an email soon.

[Picture North Carolina]

I would also be interested in meets/shoots/get togethers, etc. I'm about 1h45m from charlotte, but travel around the state regularily.

If somebody has started an IM mailing list for sending out batch IM notices via potn, place my username on it. /Dan

[MotoXPunk481]

Wow, looks like there's quite a few NC'ers around here. I guess I'll finally have to leave a post instead of just standing in the corner quietly watching all the fun. I live in Greensboro (moved down from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago) and if you guys are ever planning a get-together, I'd love to tag along.

Jordan

[Chip Payet]

I've been working so hard and running around like crazy for our older daughter's activities, I haven't even had a chance to pull out the camera. Maybe Sunday........andybody up for the WWC?

And isn't next weekend the Raptor Center event? That would be fun, and I'm available on Sunday.

[MagicNikon]

And isn't next weekend the Raptor Center event? That would be fun, and I'm available on Sunday.

Yes, next weekend. I'm signed up for Sunday.

[Medic85]

The raptor center does cost...right?

[MagicNikon]

The raptor center does cost...right?

Yeah check the price for PhotoWild, its on the website.

[crznlow]

are there any specific days and times to meet at the raptor center?

[Chip Payet]

I finally got a chance to use my camera this weekend! Family reunion in Sanford. Not great conditions 'cause of intense sunshine, shade patterns, but just using my new lens was so much fun! I'll just post 1 picture that I took.........not related to anything North Carolina in particular, but she's kinda close to my heart..........this is my TWELVE year old daughter, Natalie:

[MagicNikon]

Nice photo Chip. Great results. 70-200mm?

[Chip Payet]

Yup, here are the details:

30D, 70-200 f/2.8L
1/1000 @ f/2.8
ISO 100
Focal length 200mm, then 100% crop (approx.)

[Over Actor]

We had an auto-x in sanford on sunday. I got some nice pics from it. http://www.putfile.com/flat4nc.com

[MagicNikon]

We had an auto-x in sanford on sunday. I got some nice pics from it. http://www.putfile.com/flat4nc.com

I shoot AutoX down here in the Piedmont occasionally. I will look at your images later. The link seems broken at the meoment, but that just may be my workplaces firewall blocking it. I'll try it when I get home.

[Over Actor]

might have to take out the www.

http://putfile.com/flat4nc
most are un edited I put them up small low res and then if they want a copy i send them the photos edited.

You wouldnt happen to race a miata with thscc would you?

[MagicNikon]

might have to take out the www.

http://putfile.com/flat4nc
most are un edited I put them up small low res and then if they want a copy i send them the photos edited.

You wouldnt happen to race a miata with thscc would you?

I dont race at all. I am friends with some of the CCR guys. I just shoot them cause its fun. Cool pics. Here are a few of mine.

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/129311667-L.jpg


http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/110283467-L.jpg

http://www.iflphoto.com/photos/92917890-L.jpg

[Medic85]

Anyone interested in the Renissance Festival this weekend?

[In2Photos]

Anyone interested in the Renissance Festival this weekend?
I might be up for it. I have been wanting to take the family.

[walrus127]

Hope you guy's fun. I hope to bring back some good shots of the Trucks and Cup cars from Martinsville this weekend. I had a good time in Charlotte last weekend. Only thing is two weeks in a row is tough!!

Jeff Gordon doing a victory burnout!!!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb70/walrus127/Charlotte%20Fall%202007/24Victory600x400.jpg

[Over Actor]

I think my friend dave runs with them he has a dark blue subaru 2.5rs

canned heat wher eyou live? 1.5 hours would put you in my neck of the woods. if you drive east of charlotte
fayetteville

[Chip Payet]

Did anyone make it to the PhotoWild! event this morning? I had wanted to, but due to a number of unexpected expenses this month, that just didn't fit into the budget. I do have a reminder in Outlook to get earlier reservations next year.

It'd be great to see some pics if anyone went.

[MagicNikon]

Did anyone make it to the PhotoWild! event this morning? I had wanted to, but due to a number of unexpected expenses this month, that just didn't fit into the budget. I do have a reminder in Outlook to get earlier reservations next year.

It'd be great to see some pics if anyone went.

Just got back! Two cards full of images to sort out too....

[Fototivity]

Hi,

Ive recently moved to Charlotte from Greensboro and would like to meet up if you all get together.

[MagicNikon]

The Statesville Balloon Festival is this weekend...

RenFest is still going on in Davidson....

There is a Civil War encampment and battle at Brattonsville SC...

Most of this is within an hour or so of driving from Charlotte.

[MagicNikon]

It'd be great to see some pics if anyone went.

This is my only unique shot that I got. Everything else looks like the same thing I shot last Spring.

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/211728400-XL.jpg

[In2Photos]

The Statesville Balloon Festival is this weekend...

RenFest is still going on in Davidson....

There is a Civil War encampment and battle at Brattonsville SC...

Most of this is within an hour or so of driving from Charlotte.
The balloon festival sounds neat. I am booked Saturday though. I just talked to my wife and I think we are going to try and go early Sunday morning. Any takers?

www.carolinaballoonfest.com

[In2Photos]

This is my only unique shot that I got. Everything else looks like the same thing I shot last Spring.

http://jbsteinke.smugmug.com/photos/211728400-XL.jpg
I like that shot Josh, I would clone out the catchlights though and I don't normally say that. Very intense photo.

[MagicNikon]

The balloon festival sounds neat. I am booked Saturday though. I just talked to my wife and I think we are going to try and go early Sunday morning. Any takers?

www.carolinaballoonfest.com (http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com)


I went last year and it was too windy to have the balloons launch. That was too bad, IMO. I have been looking forward to it again all year.

They also have a wine tasting going on throughout the event. There were some great wines there! NC has a great little wine industry.

I am doing the RenFest again on Sunday, so my wife and I will probably go to the Balloon Fest on Saturday.

[Chip Payet]

I'll check with my wife, the BalloonFest sounds cool. If so, probably on Sunday. We've been to the Renfest several times, we're taking a break this year.

Next weekend I'm taking her to the mountains for a short getaway without the kids........just a couple days for the two of us. Fortunately, they say that will be peak colors this year.

[Woolburr]

This weekend will likely be peak colors here in the mountains...the higher elevations are already past peak...colors thus far have been rather drab.

[Chip Payet]

Can't wait! Tomorrow (11/3) I'm taking my wife to Asheville; it's her first time visiting the NC mountains. The Christmas Lights at Biltmore start tomorrow, quite fortunately, so we'll enjoy that and an evening of fine dining at their Dining Room. October was a great month for my practice, so we're going to splurge a bit on a weekend for just the 2 of us. Can't wait! And of course I'll take pictures. I do wish I had a better wide-angle lens (lower f-stop) for inside the Biltmore, as I doubt my 70-200mm will work well, and my Tamron 24-135 only goes down to f/3.5. I guess I'll just have to crank the ISO way up and use some noise filters in my PP.

Any suggestions on shooting indoors with all the lights and candles for best White Balance?

[MagicNikon]

Any suggestions on shooting indoors with all the lights and candles for best White Balance?

Sorry Chip...No cameras in the 'House'. Theya re super strict about it too. You can use your camera out on the terraces to shoot the landscapes...and you can shot outside. But there is absolutley no shooting inside. Bummer huh? Hate to spoil it for you... :(