Hampshire (UK) Hogs group & groupies ensemble

[Vulcan58]

Seeing as there appears to be a few of us on here in the Hants & Wilts area especially, (Artyman, Madweasel, Lowner etc) & that there are several other 'locale' type threads, I thought I'd start one dedicated to our area - although not exclusive (all welcome of course for inane postings, pic sharing, general banter etc).

Perhaps meet up for the odd day out snapping new topics / subjects that we wouldn't normally do or just general banter & photography chat.

Just a suggestion, so hopefully this won't fall by the wayside.

What you 'hogs' think then?:cool:

[Madweasel]

This is me publicly sigining up - good idea Vulcan. Come on chaps, join in!

[Vulcan58]

Welcome fellow Hog.:lol:

[artyman]

Yep sounds like it could be a good idea share ideas and things with like minded folk.

[Loz Green]

I'm a member of the SE thread though just over the border in West Sussex :)

[artyman]

How are the Pergrines at the Cathedral doing, is there much activity worth photographing yet?

[Vulcan58]

Yep sounds like it could be a good idea share ideas and things with like minded folk.

Welcome on board artyman.

I'm a member of the SE thread though just over the border in West Sussex :)

Hi Loz, still welcomed to post on this thread too if you wish.

How are the Pergrines at the Cathedral doing, is there much activity worth photographing yet?

Would be interesting to see if the web cam is running this year - the last link I had for it appears to be 'off line'.

[Jonathan]

Best of luck with the thread :-)

Was there any reason you did not feel like being a part of the existing SE thread?

[Lester Wareham]

Good idea Vulcan, thanks.

[Vulcan58]

Best of luck with the thread :-)

Was there any reason you did not feel like being a part of the existing SE thread?

None at all, It just seemed to me to be more london / kent based, and seeing as there appears to be several others in this particular area I thought it would be a good idea to have something a bit closer to home that's all.:cool:

Good idea Vulcan, thanks.

Hi Lester, thanks for replying.

[Loz Green]

How are the Pergrines at the Cathedral doing, is there much activity worth photographing yet?

Not at the moment, went through it the other day to have lunch with my GF in the gardens and thier wasnt much activity. I remember last year their was a lot of telescopes in one of the internal courtyards.

[Vulcan58]

There is Goshawk activity on the New forest web cam
(Have just started a thread in talk about birds forum).

http://www.newforestgateway.org/Nestcam/Live/tabid/117/Default.aspx

[artyman]

Went out today, heard a woodpecker, saw a wren, but it left before I could focus, and got questioned by the Police, what was I doing... erm haven't you noticed my great big telephoto!!! I thought they were supposed to be observant :D

[Vulcan58]

Spent nearly 2 hours stood under some trees trying to get one of a pair of green woodpeckers but they kept hiding the other side of the tree trunk. (Did get half of one LOL).
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/woodpecker.jpg
Had 2 visits by the Heron this morning already, but nothing worth posting (OoF - shame, as one of it taking off from behind looks like it's wearing a tutu).

[artyman]

Just had a heron down eyeing up the neighbours pond, trouble was it was getting dark, 1/8 @f6.3 with a 500mm lens ISO- 1600, talk about pushing the limits :D havent uploaded them yet will do so tomorrow.

Where was the woodpecker?

[Loz Green]

Heres some bluebells from West Sussex (Couldnt find any on the Hampshire side - Back road from Chichester to Havant - going through Funtington) My GF said there used to be loads around Rowlands Castle but the woods were fairly bare of em.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dF1IPQ7gd6o/Ses7GG85U_I/AAAAAAAAOyk/XrLEFTYswgM/s640/april_0037.jpg

And from a while back I spotted this little chap down at Chi Marina, must to the disgust of a couple of Birdwatching friends:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dF1IPQ7gd6o/SbZS5LbTqTI/AAAAAAAANrQ/kMY_kBqrdOo/s640/March%202009-5%20copy.jpg

I'm told its a Bar Headed Goose.

[Vulcan58]

Arty - The woodpeckers are about 5mins walk from my house, but they're really timid & finding them so hard to capture.

Loz - I don't know if you've tried Brandy hole lane in Chichester for Bluebells, or perhaps Stansted park also?

Re the Bar headed goose - I was working at Walton Hall, Warwickshire a couple of years ago, and there was one there that had paired up with a canada goose - they were pretty much inseparable.
Pic here - I knew I had one somewhere.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/goose2.jpg

[Loz Green]

not been to brandy hole yet, The woods near stansted park were bare of em. which surprised my GF as she says the woodland floor normally covered in em.

At the time we had a car full of shopping so couldnt stay out and play too long coz of the cold stuffs

[artyman]

There are usually a load of bluebells up between Stoke and Lavant, I haven't been out there yet this year, I've been allocated garage clearing duties today :(

[Nevtiger]

One more for Hampshire (and Wilts!)

Big display of Bluebells in Bently Wood south of Winterslow as well.

Nev

[Loz Green]

Well I'm going to take the long route home from work on the push bike, (12 miles rather than 0.6). I have my camera with me so will detour by Brandy Hole to see if there are any down there :)

[artyman]

Spent the last two days clearing my garage so no photos and tomorrow I need to sort out paintings for an exhibition. Did you get any bluebells Loz?

[Loz Green]

Spent the last two days clearing my garage so no photos and tomorrow I need to sort out paintings for an exhibition. Did you get any bluebells Loz?

Didnt see many down at Brandy Hole, but their were loads on the way up toward goodwood racetrack..

I took off my grip and went out with just the nifty fifty in my Camelback

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_dF1IPQ7gd6o/SfHuu61GFgI/AAAAAAAAO0g/5fF6G5LeJBE/s640/Agm%2009_010.jpg

[Vulcan58]

Thanks for sharing the bluebells Loz - I went right past Brandyhole on the way home from Arundel wetlands centre today (had a day off and spent over 4 hours watching & taking crap pics!! - Swear I have a back focussing prob).

We did see a huge carpets of bluebells between brandyhole &the left turn to Fishbourne roman palace - the only trouble is, nowhere to park.
I might try to get back over that way again tomorrow (weather consdering) & try get some pics - I also noticed a sign for a nature reserve.

Hope you've finished your garage clear out Artyman??

[artyman]

Yep, garage cleared it's all at the tip, apart from my son's old bike which I have to shift. My brother wants me to help with the mast on his cruiser at the weekend, plus I've an art exhibition to visit, then deal with the rewiring the garage, watch F1, get some paintings done, etc, etc. Not enough hours in the day. :lol:

[Loz Green]

Thanks for sharing the bluebells Loz - I went right past Brandyhole on the way home from Arundel wetlands centre today (had a day off and spent over 4 hours watching & taking crap pics!! - Swear I have a back focussing prob).

We did see a huge carpets of bluebells between brandyhole &the left turn to Fishbourne roman palace - the only trouble is, nowhere to park.
I might try to get back over that way again tomorrow (weather consdering) & try get some pics - I also noticed a sign for a nature reserve.

Hope you've finished your garage clear out Artyman??

go further down, dont turn towards the palace I found a spot just oustide East Ashling- 1st pics were taken there

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Funtington,+Chichester,+West+Sussex,+United+King dom&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=12.761835,39.550781&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FQY0CAMdotPy_w&split=0&ll=50.857557,-0.817301&spn=0.006651,0.019312&t=h&z=16

under the B2178 is a small road leading south, I parked on the verge of that drive, if that helps then head west, you can miss em :)

[Madweasel]

Heres some bluebells from West Sussex (Couldnt find any on the Hampshire side - Back road from Chichester to Havant - going through Funtington) My GF said there used to be loads around Rowlands Castle but the woods were fairly bare of em.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dF1IPQ7gd6o/Ses7GG85U_I/AAAAAAAAOyk/XrLEFTYswgM/s640/april_0037.jpg



Very nice. That's where I took some a few years back, when I was still using that old-fashioned film stuff. I might give it a shot this weekend if I can find the energy!

[artyman]

Another likely place is just north of Wickham on the A32, just past the "Roebuck" I think it is on the west side a road called Kingsmead, just after it turns right park up and on the right there were some bluebells there last year. The Old Meon Valley Railway line, now a walk passes nearby.

[Vulcan58]

Decided to take a look at Brandy hole copse this morning - very sparse indeed!!
Stopped off at the spot I described yesterday (private land) & took a few pics of the carpet of blue.
Thought we'd make the most of it, so had a good jolly around the back roads to Marden etc.
Here's a couple from this morning
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/bluebellwoods2.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/bluebellwoods.jpg

[artyman]

I ended up deleting my Photo folder last night, Fortunately I hadn't reformatted the card in the camera so was able to download the RAW files again. Now I have to reprocess the lot! Aaaargh.

[Loz Green]

Decided to take a look at Brandy hole copse this morning - very sparse indeed!!
Stopped off at the spot I described yesterday (private land) & took a few pics of the carpet of blue.
Thought we'd make the most of it, so had a good jolly around the back roads to Marden etc.
Here's a couple from this morning
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/bluebellwoods2.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/bluebellwoods.jpg

Nice! Looks very like where I went :)

I ended up deleting my Photo folder last night, Fortunately I hadn't reformatted the card in the camera so was able to download the RAW files again. Now I have to reprocess the lot! Aaaargh.
DOH! and Phew! least you still have the shots.

[artyman]

Off to visit Mother in law tomorrow, so may stop off at Chichester on the way back to see if the Peregrines are about at the cathedral.

[Vulcan58]

The chicks have now hatched, if you weren't aware.

News article from the BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/puffbox/hyperpuff/audiovideo/england/8017273.stm

[buzzyrabbit]

Hi all. How about a bluebell from Sheffield park, Sussex

[artyman]

Went to Chichester, it was overcast and starting to spit with rain. Talking to the RSPB guys the male does a feed first thing then dissapears for the day as the chicks aren't eating that much at the moment. She doesn't leave them at all whilst they are still so young. Due to be ringed in three weeks and then another three weeks before seeing more activity. So a revisit I think. The wife ended up in the shops :(

[Vulcan58]

Very blue indeed buzzyrabbit - thanks for sharing.

Cheers for the Peregrine info Arty' - Will have to take a look in the near future when there's more aerial activity then.

I discovered a blue tit nesting in an old boiler pipe at work & keeping my eye on the activity (or lack of it). She's been quite busy in and out nest building, but sporadic movements at the moment.
I'd love to get a shot of the fledglings when (if) they emerge - Knowing my luck they'd fledge at the weekend when I'm not there!

[artyman]

Can't you do some overtime :D

[Vulcan58]

Not likely on a weekend Arty - I enjoy the time off too much.

[Madweasel]

Another likely place is just north of Wickham on the A32, just past the "Roebuck" I think it is on the west side a road called Kingsmead, just after it turns right park up and on the right there were some bluebells there last year. The Old Meon Valley Railway line, now a walk passes nearby.
Bang on Artyman. I went there today and got some good shots. Before that though, the morning sun gave me an appetiser by shining through the little clump I have n my own garden:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1-5964.jpg

This evening I went up by the Roebuck, as directed:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1-6026.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1-6033.jpg

I put a few more in the landscapes forum. Thanks Artyman for the steer!

[Vulcan58]

Great to see the Bluebells have had a good year in some places.
I think they're pretty much coming to an end now, although still a few 'fresh' ones have appeared here n there, and a lot of white ones too - funnily enough I couldn't find any when I'd had my camera with me.

[LL01773]

If this thread really starts to take off then we should organise a bi-annual (or more frequent if successful enough) shoot-out between you lot and the SE UK thread. Could be fun. ;)

[artyman]

What's this then, telephotos at dawn :lol:

[Vulcan58]

LLO1773 - Would love it to become as popular in this region as the SE thread.
Don't know if us lonely (at the moment) 3 or 4 strong gang could compare with your lot tho' - but would be a fun meet I'm sure.

Meanwhile, I hope the location sharing here can go on for a bit yet, and maybe organise our own meet up for a day out. (Wives /GF's etc welcome too - getting it in the neck here from own GF who want's to be included on a "jolly" somewhere).LOL

[LL01773]

LLO1773 - Would love it to become as popular in this region as the SE thread.
Don't know if us lonely (at the moment) 3 or 4 strong gang could compare with your lot tho' - but would be a fun meet I'm sure.

Meanwhile, I hope the location sharing here can go on for a bit yet, and maybe organise our own meet up for a day out. (Wives /GF's etc welcome too - getting it in the neck here from own GF who want's to be included on a "jolly" somewhere).LOL

I'm sure that we could loan you a few of the guys who posted here who could qualify for both groups. ;):lol:

[artyman]

Not sure my missus would want to traipse anywhere :lol:

[jack lumber]

"Hampshire born Hampshire bred, tick in the arm and tick in the head``.
However I now live in Canada, will check in from time to time looking for pics of some of my old haunts.

[artyman]

Anywhere in particular you want ? :)

[jack lumber]

Anywhere in particular you want ? :)

I used to fish the basingstoke canal ,would love to see what shape its in 30yrs on. Grew up in Crookham, so anything from that area, Fleet pond, old barns, farms the mummers, anyone got shots of the donkey derby held in Farnborough?

[Lester Wareham]

I am in Fleet Jack.

The whole area is a lot bigger than when you were here I would guess. I have only been here 11 years and we have had two new housing estates and another on the way.

Fleet Pond, the canal and NNR/SSI like Yatley and Thursley commons are great for wildlife.

I don't know if they still do the donkey derby in Farnborough though.

[Lester Wareham]

Just got around to processing a few bluebell shots from last week, 'twas a bit sunny.

http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Landscape/Landscape%20Bluebell%20Wood%20L2%20003-04%20020509%20HDR%20D1.jpg

http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Landscape/Landscape%20Bluebell%20Wood%20J%20002%20020509.jpg

And another favorite sign of spring, Snakes's-head Fritillary

http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Flora/Flora%20Snakes's-head%20Fritillary%20B%20007%20180409.jpg

[Vulcan58]

Thanks for sharing the snakes head, lester - I've never seen one in the wild, only cultivated speciments in nurseries etc.

Haven't had much opportunity to take the camera out (or get on here much the past week), but did manage to get a pic or two of some blue tits that have taken up residence at work in a defunct boiler.
Looking forward to seeing the fledglings.

I happened by chance to stumble on a wildlife centre website that's not too far for a day out - looks quite interesting, and I notice they do photography days @ £97 per head.
I may look at that option later in the year, but can see it being on the agenda for a visit soon.

http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/

[Lester Wareham]

Thanks for sharing the snakes head, lester - I've never seen one in the wild, only cultivated speciments in nurseries etc.

Haven't had much opportunity to take the camera out (or get on here much the past week), but did manage to get a pic or two of some blue tits that have taken up residence at work in a defunct boiler.
Looking forward to seeing the fledglings.

I happened by chance to stumble on a wildlife centre website that's not too far for a day out - looks quite interesting, and I notice they do photography days @ £97 per head.
I may look at that option later in the year, but can see it being on the agenda for a visit soon.

http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/

I did a trip there last year as an ordinary joe public. No problems getting good views and shots (particulrly at feeding time), so I am not sure what extra access a private session would give. It is well worth a visit.

A few shots from that day to give you an idea:
http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Captive%20Animals/Captive%20Fox%20A%20003%20280708.jpg

http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Captive%20Animals/Captive%20Otter%20B%20084%20280708.jpg

http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Captive%20Animals/Captive%20Polecat%20A%20007%20280708.jpg

[Vulcan58]

Cheers for the pics Lester - The only thing I can see from the website 'blurb' is that you get to go behind the wire in some of the enclosures to get unobstructed views.

Still looks like a nice place to go, plus Hever castle is only just up the road from there as well.

[Lester Wareham]

Cheers for the pics Lester - The only thing I can see from the website 'blurb' is that you get to go behind the wire in some of the enclosures to get unobstructed views.

Still looks like a nice place to go, plus Hever castle is only just up the road from there as well.

I would ask what enclosures you get to go in.

The otter and polecat did not have a fence, just a low wall. The fox was through a fence (200mm @ f2.8 ).

Animals that would benefit from being in the enclosure may be too shy (Wildcat, Red Squirrel), it might help with some of the birds but I got good shots of a Buzzard, Snowy Owl and Kestrel through the fence.

Look at http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/Gallery/Photos/Captive%20Animals/index.html, everything shot on 28-07-2008 is from there. It was a really great day.

[jack lumber]

Here sleeps in peace a Hampshire Grenadier,
Who caught his death by drinking cold small Beer,
Soldiers be wise from his untimely fall
And when ye're hot drink Strong or none at all.

An Honest Soldier never is forgot
Whether he die by Musket or by Pot.

Great shots Lester! and thanks for the update on the Fleet area.

[Vulcan58]

I discovered a blue tit nesting in an old boiler pipe at work & keeping my eye on the activity (or lack of it). She's been quite busy in and out nest building, but sporadic movements at the moment.
I'd love to get a shot of the fledglings when (if) they emerge - Knowing my luck they'd fledge at the weekend when I'm not there!

Not been peering too close as I don't want the Tits to abandon nest, but noticed a lot more activity this week with both birds in & out the pipe with a nice selection of caterpillars etc - obviously she laid eggs and they must have hatched.

Managed to get a few pics of the birds in & out of the pipe, and one I am so peeved about as that was lucky, but OoF.


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/IMG_0688.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/IMG_0710.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/IMG_0718.jpg

[Lester Wareham]

That first pose is super, what a shame about the oof, I hate it when that happens.

[artyman]

Anyone going to the Eastleigh 100 event at the Eastleigh Locomotive and Carriage works this weekend. I have to be up at some unearthly hour to catch the train as have an early bird ticket. :(

[Vulcan58]

I did look at the webpage for the Eastleigh 100, but OH not that keen on going, so it looks like the possibility of the wildlife centre.
Look forward to seeing your pics Artyman.

[Madweasel]

I was tempted by the night photo session on Saturday night, but it was £35 and I just never made my mind up in time. I might possibly visit on Sunday, but I've had a busy week and I might well just veg in front of the telly for the Monaco Grand Prix.

If the weather's up to it I'm planning to go up to Santa Pod (Northamptonshire) on Monday for some drag racing: http://www.santapod.co.uk/e_main.php
I've not been for ages and they're faster still now (0-300mph in 5 secs). Anybody fancy it?

[artyman]

I've not been for ages and they're faster still now (0-300mph in 5 secs). Anybody fancy it?What are the brakes like :D

[Vulcan58]

How did the Eastleigh event go, Arty?

Nice to see we have traditional bank holiday weather today - was rather hoping to go somewhere nice for the day.

[artyman]

Ok sorting out the pics watch this space :D

[artyman]

Steam locos on their way to Eastleigh, behind a diesel, Oh the shame :D

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/artymanphotos/Photography/Eastleigh100/IMG_6781c.jpg

Some shots from Saturday.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/artymanphotos/Photography/Eastleigh100/IMG_6813c.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/artymanphotos/Photography/Eastleigh100/Img_6891.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/artymanphotos/Photography/Eastleigh100/Img_6841.jpg

[Madweasel]

Nice shots Arty - how come there's no public in the shots? I thought it would be heaving. Either you rushed in and got them first, or there must have been cordons keeping folk back.

I'll post some of my drag strip shots tomorrow.

One other thing I've been meaning to mention here: the buttercups are out everywhere, but I saw a particularly thickly-filled field with a public footpath through it (i.e. therefore good access) just to the immediate western side of the A32 at Meonstoke. I got some there a fortnight ago and will post them tomorrow too.

[Vulcan58]

Nice pics there Arty' - I'm pretty sure that last Diesel came down on a low loader, as I passed one on the M3 last week.
As Madweasel points out - no public in your shots, so I guess that earlybird ticket of yours was well & truly early!

Re the Buttercups - I've been pretty much taking them for granted as the fields behind me are full of them - must get some pics up then.

[artyman]

I had to wait for some of them, a crowd of us standing back to get the shots, and there's always some plonker walks in front with his little P&S then puts it on wide so he can get it all in!! There were a lot more people swarming round the place at 10am when the cheap tickets were let in :D My feet were killing me when I got back home, could have done with somewhere to sit down at my age rather than being on my feet all day.

[adrian5127]

Thought I would say hello, currently living in Bromley having spent over ten years living in and around Southampton. Saw artyman's pics on another thread making think of Lovely Hampshire making me feel nostalgic and stumbled across your thread.

[Vulcan58]

Sounds like you had a long ol' day Artyman - Least you got to see some trains - I only got to see inside a Camera shop.;):lol:

Welcome adrian5127 & thanks for dropping in to say hello 'ampshire.:lol:

Almost forgot to mention the Blue tits at work - Both parents were busy this morning (early) in & out of the pipe - by the time I got the chance to try getting some pics of the fledglings, they'd gone!
Been so looking forward to seeing them, and that's it - over!:(:(

[Madweasel]

Well I switched my drag racing day to Sunday as the weather forecast was so much better. Here's a handful of my best from 574 shots on the day.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/IMG_6486aweb.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/IMG_6685aweb.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/IMG_6634aweb.jpg

And this last one shows just how much stress these 8000hp engines are under - when bits inside manage to get out!
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/IMG_6576aweb.jpg

And finally my buttercup field:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1small-6292.jpg

All the drag shots were with the 100-400L, the buttercups with 17-40L.
EDIT: Obviously the close-up car pic was also 17-40L!

[Vulcan58]

OMG! Those are massive bikes to say the least Mw' - Yet alone how the guy sees out the windscreen with that supercharger thing poking out.

Looks like you win hands down with the buttercup field - here's my handful.:lol:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/buttercups.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/buttercups2.jpg

And for the cute factor......

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/maypole_photos/jazzbuttercups.jpg

[artyman]

Impressive buttercups, that drag racing looks like it presented some great photo opportunities, how many fps do you need :D

[Madweasel]

It was great fun - I found through a solid day of shooting my panning skills improved a great deal. For most shooting a high fps is not necessary, but with that blown engine I could see problems coming so I just fired away at full speed on the 40D until he lost all drive. The whole sequence looks good - I'll try and make a montage. In that bright light I was really impressed with the AF and the speed of the camera. Of course it's still very hit and miss - the action is so fast. Even my first editing pass I deleted about 350!

[adrian5127]

Love the drag racing shots, where was that?

Went to Port Lymphe today which is a widlife park ( far East Kent ), will I am downloading them now and once I have sorted the wheat from the chaff will post some

[Madweasel]

The drag racing was at Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire. I put a link to the website in post #60.

[Vulcan58]

Got the day off today and off to Monkeyworld in Dorset.
Hopefully get some nice pics of my relations!:lol::lol:

[artyman]

I went there many years ago, just watch your eardrums if a chimp screeches in it!

[Lester Wareham]

Got the day off today and off to Monkeyworld in Dorset.
Hopefully get some nice pics of my relations!:lol::lol:

Post some pics and let us know what it's like from the photographers perspective.

[artyman]

Steam loco Oliver Cromwell 71003 is coming through Eastleigh tomorrow en route for Poole and Bristol.

[Madweasel]

I didn't realise that. Thanks. I know Tornado comes through Eastleigh, Fareham and Havant on 21st.

[Vulcan58]

Post some pics and let us know what it's like from the photographers perspective.

Well, things didn't quite work out to plan - We got on the M27 and heard about accident on the A31, and knowing how bad that road can be, made an instant decision to do Marwell instead.

Bad mistake, as it was the last day of half term, and the place was absolutely
heaving with screaming kids.

Also disappointed that it appeared to have a lot of animals missing & empty enclosures - nonetheless we still spent over 4 hours walking about.
Came home with a lot of rubbish pics & a nice tan.:lol:

On to the trains then - any idea of the times for Cromwell this weekend, and Tornada through Havant later this month?

[artyman]

Check out this site for trains and schedules www.uksteam.info/tours/trs09.htm

I see from the A1 Trust website she is doing a Hants Sussex tour on 15th August

[Vulcan58]

Check out this site for trains and schedules www.uksteam.info/tours/trs09.htm (http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs09.htm)

I see from the A1 Trust website she is doing a Hants Sussex tour on 15th August

Thanks for the link & the info Arty' - That's my Birthday!:cool:

[artyman]

Couple of days before me then :D

[Lester Wareham]

Well, things didn't quite work out to plan - We got on the M27 and heard about accident on the A31, and knowing how bad that road can be, made an instant decision to do Marwell instead.

Bad mistake, as it was the last day of half term, and the place was absolutely
heaving with screaming kids.

Also disappointed that it appeared to have a lot of animals missing & empty enclosures - nonetheless we still spent over 4 hours walking about.
Came home with a lot of rubbish pics & a nice tan.:lol:

On to the trains then - any idea of the times for Cromwell this weekend, and Tornada through Havant later this month?

Sorry to hear that, better luck next time.

Marwell is normally a great little zoo if it is not too busy, they have improved it a lot recently.

[Donk]

Was down at Milton-On-Sea this evening (staying in the New Forest for a few days) when some peeps turned up with Canon cameras shooting pics of the coast. One of you dropped a Canon front lens cap which I've picked up. So if it was someone here let me know.

[artyman]

Went out and shot the moon last night Sigma 150-500 with 1.4 TC remote wireless release 1/60 f13 ISO-100 on 350D

http://************/c3whur/Img_7211c.jpg

[adrian5127]

Lovely shot, I don't know why but I always thought you would have to attach your camera to a telescope to get a decent picture of the moon but this definitely disproves my theory on that.

[Vulcan58]

Good Moon shot Arty'.

[artyman]

Thanks, got some odd looks from the neighbours :D

[artyman]

Got some new toys today Extension tubes, posted a few on The Macro thread.

http://************/c3whur/Img_7245c.jpg

[Loz Green]

NICE!

[Vulcan58]

Good one Arty' - Is this a first attempt? (Goes off to Macro to check other pics).
Tried some cheap n nasty tubes once, but they wouldn't come off the camera easily so that idea went out the window.

[artyman]

NICE!
Well it is if you like spiders I guess :D

[artyman]

NICE!
Well it is if you like spiders I guess :D I gather it has a thing for honey bees so since they are in decline could be considered public enemy No 1.

[Lester Wareham]

Great macro shot artyman, very nice crab spider :)

[artyman]

This is a photo of my latest painting just need to think of a title for it now.

http://************/2s5hpn\framed\surfshore.jpg

[Madweasel]

I don't see a pic arty?!

[Vulcan58]

Cool pic Arty' - How about "breaking surf"?

[artyman]

Someone elsehas suggested adding some distant gulls, but not sure.

[artyman]

Went to the NT place at Mottisfont yesterday, it's the Rose season there if anyone wants to photograph some roses as they have a huge selection.

[Vulcan58]

Thanks for the info Arty - Have never been, so one place for the future.
Don't forget Exbury gardens also = The Rhododendrons & azaleas are pretty much at their peak now (I think).
Re your painting - I think leave it as it is, as it shows the desolation and birds added to it would take that loneliness away from it - IMHO.

[Madweasel]

Am I the only one who can't see the painting? Where is it?

[Vulcan58]

This is a photo of my latest painting just need to think of a title for it now.

http://************/2s5hpn\framed\surfshore.jpg


Post #97 Madweasel - can you see the pic now?
Perhaps you may need to download an active X type thing to see it??

[artyman]

Haven't been to Exbury for a few years certainly since going digital.

[Vulcan58]

Thought of another place to go on the To do list for this year - Brownsea Island.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-brownsea_island/

And also, noticed from the ferry link, they do 'bird' tours too.

http://www.brownseaislandferries.com/

[Lester Wareham]

Went along to Longleat today.

The Lions were showing particularly well.

Ever wondered how wide a Lion can open its mouth?
A: Wide enough....

[Vulcan58]

Good captures Lester.

Guess she doesn't need any fillings this visit.:lol:

[Loz Green]

nice shots!!

[adrian5127]

Great pics, it is not easy to get good sharp images through car windows. I went a couple of months ago and my big cat pictures were s****. They were not performing at all.
This was my favourite shot of the day.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3442682525_9b5de8f87f.jpg?v=0

[Vulcan58]

Good job we took our buttercup pics when we did - Farmer has mown the fields for Hay.
All gone, as is the chance for the Gatekeeper butterflies to lay their eggs.

[artyman]

Some shots of the Round the Island Race at the weekend

http://************/c3whur/Img_7708.jpg

http://************/c3whur/Img_7728.jpg

http://************/c3whur/Img_7770.jpg

[adrian5127]

Nice shots. I take it you were out on a boat yourself

[Madweasel]

Nice shots. I take it you were out on a boat yourself
Just what I was thinking!

[artyman]

Went out on my brothers motor sailer. The wind was a bit fitful, just after we packed the sails away, the wind filled in again. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

[artyman]

Quiet in here isn't it :D

[Vulcan58]

Quiet in here isn't it :D


Sure is arty'.

Haven't been snapping anything,despite the light being great at the moment & long evenings.

Just been too busy with work & other things to have been able to get on here really - guess everyone else must be the same at this time of year.

Could have kicked myself Sunday morning - took the dog out for a nice gentle & unhurried stroll around the seashore / fields, and a Little Owl decided to show itself (mid morning) - unfortunately for me, it was a bit too far away (I had the 50D & the 100/400 with me, just in case of anything interesting).

Just as I was creeping up on it, watching to see if I could fill the viewfinder with something a bit larger than a blob in the centre, the OH shouted out from further back, that the dog had thrown up - thus causing the bird to fly to I don't know where.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

And still the green woodpecker has been laughing at me from somewhere hidden in the trees - yesterday afternoon it must have been really close to home, as I could hear the damned thing yaffling away from indoors.
Pah!!!

Oh well, that's my input :lol::lol:

[artyman]

You shouldn't let the dog have a curry after a drinking session :D It's a bit too hot to do anything at the moment. I've just looked outside for some stars and there is a haze round the moon, so no good there either :(

[Vulcan58]

That's the trouble Arty - The dog can't hold it's drink (thinks it can still knock it back like she was a pup).:lol:

Can't afford to go, but the Festival of Speed is on at Goodwood this weekend - Just hoping that some of the flying things come over this way so I can take a pic or two.
Will be avoiding Chichester like the plague that's for sure - A27 (road) will be manic as usual for this event.

[artyman]

I'm wondering about going over for the Red Arrows they are scheduled for 15:30, perhaps going up to the Racecourse and shooting from there, the problem there is you would be shooting into the light.

[adrian5127]

I am going on Sunday, have been to the revival a couple of times but this will be my first time to the Festival of Speed

[jack lumber]

Be I Hampshire, be I burgerey, I be from Fareham
my old gal got 12 kids and she knows how to rear um
Be I Hampshire, be I burgerey, I be from Fareham
my old gal wears calicio knicks and I knows how to tear um.

I remember there being a lot of ww11 era gun turrets, bomb shelters,Anderson huts and the like in the Aldershot area, often thouhgt they would make some good HDR b,w shots, anyone?

[artyman]

Found myself a nice field south of Goodwood and shot the Red Arrows from there. I've posted a selection of them here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8223336&postcount=8721

[Loz Green]

Found myself a nice field south of Goodwood and shot the Red Arrows from there. I've posted a selection of them here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8223336&postcount=8721

Out of Curiosity what shutter speeds were they shot at? they look a tad soft. I found at Biggin hill last week ( my 1st time shooting fast jets ,other than red arrows going over my house (in Chichester :) ) ) that I was needed 1/500 - 1/1000 to get a nice sharp image.

[artyman]

They were shot at 1/800 but I think I should have picked a faster speed and upped the ISO, these things go a darn sight faster than birds :D

[Vulcan58]

Well done Arty' - I thought I may have been lucky enough to catch the 'arrows' en route to the show, from my garden, but alas I was informed they were seen heading along the solent before turning inland towards Goodwood.

Didn't even get to see any vapour trails.:(

[artyman]

They'll no doubt be back for the Goodwood Revival Meeting, September I think.

[Vulcan58]

They'll no doubt be back for the Goodwood Revival Meeting, September I think.

Looking at the calendar of events it doesn't show them appearing at GwR.
Listings for Eastbourne, Bournemouth, Weymouth & Cowes week tho'.;)

[artyman]

Looks like it's Cowes Week then, problem is shooting into the sun from Lee, and a tad too far away :(

There is this though :)
http://www.goodwood.co.uk/site/content/revival/The-Action_Air-Displays.aspx

[adrian5127]

I have been to Goodwood Revival for the last two years and the Red Arrows were not there for either

[artyman]

The Red Arrows are at Yeovilton on Saturday, but the weather isn't looking too good.

[Madweasel]

When is Cowes Week?

[artyman]

Always the first week in August, all you need to know here http://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?map=cw09&ui=oberon&style=std&override=&section=home

[Vulcan58]

The Vulcan XH558 was due to appear at Cowes last year but technical issues of some sort meant it never appeared.
I see from the website, that this magnificent bird has just had it's permit to fly updated as of today - Let's hope we get to see her in the skies once more.

http://www.vulcantothesky.org/

[Madweasel]

Well she was flying at Biggin Hill two weeks ago. I photographed her at Farnborough last summer. Great to see. I can remember them in service in the 70s.

[artyman]

I have some old shots of the Vulcan taken on my OM1n at RAF Chivenor back in 1987 somewhere.

[Vulcan58]

I see that it's currently at Yeovilton, and ready to fly today!!
I heard that it's heading in our direction about 12 noon.

[artyman]

Went down to Southsea on Sunday afternoon for an hour, shot a load of the kite surfers. The whole lot, well less the bad ones, are here http://************/c3whur/Eastney/

http://************/c3whur/Eastney/Img_8329.jpg

http://************/c3whur/Eastney/Img_8224.jpg

[Nevtiger]

Is there any one in West Hants or East Wilts that can help me out a little bit with my camera?

I have a 20D wih the 18-55 kit lens and a Canon 55-250. However, i have managed to convince my self that every photo i take is out of focus! I am unsure whether its me being too critical, me being rubbish at taking photos or whether it really is the camera!

Cheers

Nev

[artyman]

Try posting one of your shots here so we can have a look

[Nevtiger]

Ok, here goes.

I shot these last weekend at West Bay. They just dont seem sharp to me, all i have done for here is convert them to JPEG and uploaded to photobucket.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/Nevtiger/_MG_4826.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/Nevtiger/_MG_4831.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh73/Nevtiger/_MG_4843.jpg

So am i being hyper critical? Do i need to learn how to take a photo - seriously?

Nev

[Madweasel]

Well Nev, they do all look a bit flat. Am I right in guessing these are straight from the camera without any processing? As you've got "editing OK" on, I thought I'd do a quick 2 minutes in Photoshop to show you how much more can be made of one of them:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/_MG_4831a.jpg

Obviously it's a matter of taste how you would process it, and I've just done this to show how easily a shot can be lifted with a bit of processing.

[artyman]

In the first shot you have extreme tonal values so the lightness of the sea means the foreground bush is very dark and thus has little detail, what was the focus point, shutter speed ISO lens length. This information enables people to offer better advice. For instance on the West Bay shot you may have been using too slow a shutter speed hand held at 250mm and got very slight camera shake which has degraded the image.

[Nevtiger]

In the first shot you have extreme tonal values so the lightness of the sea means the foreground bush is very dark and thus has little detail, what was the focus point, shutter speed ISO lens length. This information enables people to offer better advice. For instance on the West Bay shot you may have been using too slow a shutter speed hand held at 250mm and got very slight camera shake which has degraded the image.


I am not sure i know how to get the information of the shot across here so i will do it manually.


Photo 1 1/640, f9.0, ISO100, 18mm focal length (18-55) and matrix meter mode - focused on the centre of the frame.

Photo 2 1/320s, f9.0, ISO100, 18mm focal length (18-55) and matrix meter mode - focused at the centre of frame.

Photo 3 1/200, f9.0, ISO100, 232mm focal length (55-250IS canon) and matrix mode - focused on the front of the camper van!


My main worry - paranoia maybe - is the softness of all my photo's. Does the above information help?????

madweasel: Thanks for the PP it has lifted the shot, the day was really yuk with rain and cloud and sun!

[artyman]

The matrix meter mode tries to average the scene to give 18% grey, there is an excellent book called "Understanding Exposure" or a google and some web reading wouldn't go amiss. If you used spot, or centre that would give a reading from whatever you the centre of the viewfinder was pointing at. If you half press to set the exposure to focus and then recompose the reading is based on what you were pointing at previously, for example if a lot of dark tones then you recompose the shot to include mostly light tones then your image will be overexposed. As I said a bit of homework and thought about what processes are going on will improve your shots. Usually a shutter speed of 1/focal length * 1.6 is required to remove camera shake unless you have very steady hands or good technique.

Read and understand the manual for your camera and just keep shooting and experimenting, no one got worse by practising.

[Nevtiger]

Read and understand the manual for your camera and just keep shooting and experimenting, no one got worse by practising.


Very true!

However, do you think the shots are out of focus? What ever i do i can't seem to make the thing take anything approaching sharp photos when compared to my G7.

What i really want to do is try and find some one who will take a photo with my camera but their lens and see the difference between the two cameras. I am convinced there is something wrong.

Cheers

Nev

[artyman]

I could understand it if you had one duff lens, but unlikely that both of them would be faulty. If you fancy a trip down to the coast I live in Fareham.

[artyman]

Hmm..... gone quiet in here

[Vulcan58]

Too quiet in fact, Arty.
Let's make some noise.:p


Been too busy of late to spare much forum time, although have been rather busy with our local scarecrow festival.:mrgreen:

[artyman]

Local scarecrow festival, 'ere you haven't been raiding my wardrobe have you :D

Shot this event standing on a chair in the back bedroom yesterday, not ideal shooting conditions, but the only view I could get.

http://************/c3whur/Img_8656c.jpg