Red-Ringed Tupperware Party with (ineffective) Tin Foil Hats

[Woolburr]

Not a good one if you are a Carolina fan....which...I might add...I am not.

[Permagrin]

Man...this football game just took a turn...

Nobody liked my bands?

The game has really stunk until NOW....who are you rooting for Wool?

Your bands were funny :)

[Permagrin]

NIght Wu :)
Try to get rested!

[Woolburr]

Happy dreams Wu.

[Woolburr]

The game has really stunk until NOW....who are you rooting for Wool?

Your bands were funny :)

Note the post directly before yours....hehehe ;)

[Permagrin]

Note the post directly before yours....hehehe ;)

I saw that....I really like the eagles but I can't stand Jeff Garcia (not since he was at SF and said he was every bit as good a quarterback as Steve Young and Joe Montana...) He's rather overrated, in his own eyes anyway...

[liza]

Wow, a woman.....I achieved womanhood on POTN ;)....(somehow I thought there'd be less people around when IT happened) :lol: :lol:

I'm so very proud of you. :)

And thanks to Wu, I can't get that Sly and the Family Stone song out of my head now. I better put some Clapton on to change that.

[Woolburr]

I saw that....I really like the eagles but I can't stand Jeff Garcia (not since he was at SF and said he was every bit as good a quarterback as Steve Young and Joe Montana...) He's rather overrated, in his own eyes anyway...

I don't care for either team...I like Donovan McNabb...but since he is hurt...nobody else on the Eagles does much. The Panthers do have Julius Peppers and Steve Smith...I guess I just watch certain players.

[Permagrin]

I don't care for either team...I like Donovan McNabb...but since he is hurt...nobody else on the Eagles does much. The Panthers do have Julius Peppers and Steve Smith...I guess I just watch certain players.

Julius Peppers is excellent. He's the only player I like on Carolina.

I like Donovan McNabb and Michael Westbrook, Jermiah Trotter....so many of the Eagles. Plus I like their coaching staff, for the most part.

Yes, Liza, I've got one of Wu's ear worms now too :)

[Lightstream]

We did. A really nice time. Froze but enjoyed bird watching...and sky watching. A little sore from working out though...I had the camera on the tripod the whole time because my limbs decided they'd had absolutely enough work today. :)

If you were on a tripod, why not shoot ISO 100? I have the "C" function on my dial set to ISO 100, RAW, MLU, timer, f/8 (default) aperture priority.. I flip to C whenever I shoot low light landscapes. LOVE that setting!!

Geese...there were hundreds and hundreds that flew by in intervals....I took some shots but I haven't looked at them yet. I put that one on my desktop. (I think I'm a noise-freak...)

So am I, hence the ISO 100.. btw ISO 50 loses dynamic range since it is a software 'pull', rather than native sensor capability.

Permie's a woman now!! hooray!

I'm still waiting for my womanhood rofl

I've never shot a duck with a camera. I thought that was part of the requirements. :)
Or am I missing something else, here?

Oh dear.. what has the duck done to you to deserve that!! :p

Cool....that light really does cast an interesting light on the picture....and needs to be the focal point. I think you might end up with a great print.


Thanks, I think so too. Off to badger the inkjet again...

[Woolburr]

Most of the games I watch feature guys that played college ball at Syracuse...I wonder why?

[Permagrin]

Most of the games I watch feature guys that played college ball at Syracuse...I wonder why?

I never follow college, so I didn't know that....
did you attend Syracuse? Or is this some weird paradigm?

[Woolburr]

Some of my studies were done at SU...some at Oklahoma State.

[Permagrin]

Some of my studies were done at SU...some at Oklahoma State.

:lol: I was rather hoping for the paradigm. After all, a good shift now and then keeps things interesting!!!

[Woolburr]

I shifted 4 times in college...started at Alfred State...then Corning Community College, SU and finally OSU.

[Permagrin]

I shifted 4 times in college...started at Alfred State...then Corning Community College, SU and finally OSU.

um....did these "shifts" have anything to do with "excessive partying" (that wouldn't qualify for paradigm) Well, actually it would...in a weird way...

[Woolburr]

I have been know to party to excess at times...but no...the shifts in schools were based more on shifts in studies....started in civil engineering...went to fire protection technology...some work in criminal justice...and finally fire protection engineer.

[liza]

I have been know to party to excess at times...but no...the shifts in schools were based more on shifts in studies....started in civil engineering...went to fire protection technology...some work in criminal justice...and finally fire protection engineer.

I shifted my studies, too. Started out as a Spanish language major, but ended up with a degree in Criminology with a Sociology minor. Then I returned many years later for my teaching certification.

[Woolburr]

I don't often mention exactly how long my education took. hehehe

I also spent 6 years in the Navy...and during that time...I studied Oceanography....that comes in real handy here in the mountains.

[Permagrin]

I don't often mention exactly how long my education took. hehehe

I also spent 6 years in the Navy...and during that time...I studied Oceanography....that comes in real handy here in the mountains.

I'm sure it does....the great eastern tree current alone could keep you busy for years.

[Lightstream]

UGH...must stay away from the Dante King influence!! :p

His 2.8 and faster glass fetish is having bad influence on me!! That blasted 70-200/2.8 ISL is calling me again!

[Permagrin]

UGH...must stay away from the Dante King influence!! :p

His 2.8 and faster glass fetish is having bad influence on me!! That blasted 70-200/2.8 ISL is calling me again!

2.8 is nice...and if you've got the money, I'm sure it's worth shelling it out. Do your research on the lenses (Snir just did this and found which three he wanted, sold or is selling his others to get them...makes sense to me, except that I don't want to sell any of mine to get the others I want :)!

I have slower zooms and fast primes...both work pretty well for me (although I would dearly LOVE to have a FAST 100-400L).

[liza]

UGH...must stay away from the Dante King influence!! :p

His 2.8 and faster glass fetish is having bad influence on me!! That blasted 70-200/2.8 ISL is calling me again!

Faster glass is better, IMO. I found that out shooting sports and other low light/fast action subjects. That's why I shoot mostly with primes. Low cost, better quality, good performance in low light. Works for me. :)

[Woolburr]

You don't want a 70-200 f/2.8 IS....they take crappy shots like this...
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/67794537.jpg

[Woolburr]

I'm sure it does....the great eastern tree current alone could keep you busy for years.

Not to mention the effect of the trade winds on the current.;)

[Lightstream]

2.8 is nice...and if you've got the money, I'm sure it's worth shelling it out. Do your research on the lenses (Snir just did this and found which three he wanted, sold or is selling his others to get them...makes sense to me, except that I don't want to sell any of mine to get the others I want :)!

I have slower zooms and fast primes...both work pretty well for me (although I would dearly LOVE to have a FAST 100-400L).

Snir is also having his influence on me. I would love to streamline my gearlist and use less lenses for more occasions, which would also help me get my $$ worth. The bad thing is, when I held the 72 2.8 ISL at the shop that day, I remarked "It doesn't feel that heavy". Uh oh. Trouble starting.

Faster glass is better, IMO. I found that out shooting sports and other low light/fast action subjects. That's why I shoot mostly with primes. Low cost, better quality, good performance in low light. Works for me. :)

True.. very true.. that's why you hear me asking about things like the 85/1.8, because I am planning to go one of two routes: my f/4 zooms (I need them for events when focal length is unpredictable) backed up by the occasional fast prime when I need light, OR a 72 2.8 ISL be-all-end-all.

You don't want a 70-200 f/2.8 IS....they take crappy shots like this...
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/67794537.jpg


Yes very! (*lies to self that the photo sucks and therefore I don't want the 2.8*) :p

[Woolburr]

And you certainly wouldn't want to take any pictures like this.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/66973383.jpg
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

[Lightstream]

Of course not! :p

[Woolburr]

Yes very! (*lies to self that the photo sucks and therefore I don't want the 2.8*) :p

Well...it is a crappy shot of sorts...after all...it is an outhouse! :p

[liza]

And you certainly wouldn't want to take any pictures like this.
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/66973383.jpg
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Oh, Wool! That's beautiful. I love to shoot butterflies.

[Woolburr]

Then you might like this one...also with a 70-200 f/2.8 IS
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/67116479.jpg

[liza]

Lovely! I enjoy the butterfly conservatory in Indianapolis. Lots of great opportunities there.

[Lightstream]

Wool...any reason that could not have been done with f/4?

The reason why I am looking to f/4 zooms is that they are good for extended carry in the field.. I don't shoot a lot of low light sports either and low-light events are becoming rarer these days.

[Woolburr]

The last shot is on display in a gallery show this month. They could be done with f/4....not sure you would get the same bokeh.

[liza]

Here's one with the 100mm macro lens:

http://static.flickr.com/66/192322699_56cefe88ee.jpg

[Lightstream]

Wool: Ahh yes, the famous butterfly from your sig.

At those working distances you shot them at, f/4 would probably be sufficient. Incidentally, your EXIF, a dead giveaway, indicates you shot them at f/5.6 :p

For bokeh I would probably choose a prime. Had some talk with PG about replacing the Sigma with the famed 200/2.8 prime. Liza probably knows this one well :D

Liza: That is very nice.. the butterfly and flower really pop out of the image!

BTW, how's your 200/2.8?

[naqs]

You don't want a 70-200 f/2.8 IS....they take crappy shots like this...
- PIC DELETED -


theres nothing wrong with the 70-200 f2.8L but in respects to that photo it is all in the user :D

[liza]

Wool: Ahh yes, the famous butterfly from your sig.


For bokeh I would probably choose a prime. Had some talk with PG about replacing the Sigma with the famed 200/2.8 prime. Liza probably knows this one well :D

Liza: That is very nice.. the butterfly and flower really pop out of the image!

BTW, how's your 200/2.8?

OMG, that 200mm lens is probably the best piece of glass I've ever owned. I didn't understand the significance of an L prime until I took my first shot with that one. It's comparable to the 135L.

[Woolburr]

Yoda....yes...those were stopped down...plenty of light that day...I am sure I have some at 2.8....just a question of finding them...

[Woolburr]

That is a great butterfly Liza.

Anyone care for a Bloody Mary...just whipped up a batch.

[Claire]

Oooh, nice butterflies!

[liza]

Here's another butterfly:

http://static.flickr.com/122/314706649_d81b7326b8.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/122/314706649_d81b7326b8.jpg

[Lightstream]

OMG, that 200mm lens is probably the best piece of glass I've ever owned. I didn't understand the significance of an L prime until I took my first shot with that one. It's comparable to the 135L.

Very cool....I might think about it if I ever get into sports. Right now the only thing I shoot is horse showjumping, and when I am stopping my Sigma 70-200 down to f/4, and still getting 1/4000 sec at ISO 200 (minimum the 1D can go without software pulling and loss of dynamic range), that's not too demanding as apertures go. At one event I saw another pro (definitely paid.. though I was not competing with him, I was only 'following' one person and not shooting anybody else), 100-400 on what I think was a 20D with grip. Not exactly the fastest telezoom in the land ;)

BTW Wool.....Sigma HSM's are quite OK on the ears so that has never been a problem :D

[Woolburr]

Here is one at 2.8
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/68125770.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

I have found that all lens look good when they are stopped down. Most lens look different when they are used wide open.

[liza]

Oh, sh!t. Now I'll have to go looking in my sports galleries to see if I can find one with the 200L.

[Lightstream]

I have found that all lens look good when they are stopped down. Most lens look different when they are used wide open.

Very true. The test of a GREAT lens is one that delivers wide open.

At f/8 I can even get nice results out of the kit lens :p (distortion notwithstanding)

[Woolburr]

Another at 2.8
http://www.pbase.com/woolburr/image/68126973.jpg

[Lightstream]

I notice the vast majority of f/2.8 users are sports shooters....

For indoor events things are more forgiving, I can nail people at 1/60 (and even at 1/15 - skill, timing, and luck works when you are caught short with a 17-85 IS at the long end) and typically do not need 1/500 to freeze action. And when all else fails bust out the flash gun and let 'em 'ave it!

[Claire]

I feel left out now.*runs to get photos to post*

[liza]

Here's one:

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/90886712-L.jpg

[Woolburr]

I notice the vast majority of f/2.8 users are sports shooters....

For indoor events things are more forgiving, I can nail people at 1/60 (and even at 1/15 - skill, timing, and luck works when you are caught short with a 17-85 IS at the long end) and typically do not need 1/500 to freeze action. And when all else fails bust out the flash gun and let 'em 'ave it!

Using a flash at a football game here would get you lynched....amazing how people react to flash.

[Woolburr]

That one is from a 200L?

[Lightstream]

Here's one:

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/90886712-L.jpg

That's a good one..

Using a flash at a football game here would get you lynched....amazing how people react to flash.

Entirely possible... but I don't even watch football, much less shoot it..

[liza]

I notice the vast majority of f/2.8 users are sports shooters....

For indoor events things are more forgiving, I can nail people at 1/60 (and even at 1/15 - skill, timing, and luck works when you are caught short with a 17-85 IS at the long end) and typically do not need 1/500 to freeze action. And when all else fails bust out the flash gun and let 'em 'ave it!

I never use a zoom or flash for indoor sporting events. I find that my results are much better using a prime and ambient light.

[liza]

That one is from a 200L?

Yep. I checked the exif. It's the only 200mm f/2.8 lens I owned at the time.

[Woolburr]

The only indoor sport I have shot with digital is basketball. I use my 85 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.4 for that...

[Lightstream]

I never use a zoom or flash for indoor sporting events. I find that my results are much better using a prime and ambient light.

I gotta try that - hence the thought of the 85/1.8 going with me to my next corporate event. With controlled use of bounce flash, one can get very good results, but I have always liked ambient light - sometimes there is no substitute.

One of the problems I previously encountered with poorly-lit venues and flash is that the background always looks like a black hole, because the lens simply does not suck in enough ambient light - this is where a large aperture lens would help. The flash properly exposes the foreground but not much can be done about the background apart from using fast glass.

[Woolburr]

Pay no attention to me....I answered my own question....

[liza]

I love this one. This kid had been suspended for four games and had just been allowed to play again. He promptly ran a 74 yard touchdown! And this was shot with the 200L at ISO 3200.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/101745336-L.jpg

[liza]

The only indoor sport I have shot with digital is basketball. I use my 85 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.4 for that...

Hey, now you're speaking my language. I'm the basketball queen in these parts. :lol:

[Woolburr]

I use the 50 on my MKIIn and the 85 on the 20D....Just swap back and forth depending on which end of the court. I have debated trying the 70-200 in some of the brighter gyms....but just haven't gotten around to it yet. I know it will work...just don't know if I can get enough shutter speed.

[Lightstream]

Decisions decisions.

Think I'll just buy the f/4, save a HUGE chunk of change ($600 is not trivial - the price delta here is far worse than in the US).. and keep my Sigma 70-200 for the days when I absolutely NEED the firepower. The Sig was less than $600 too.. WAY less. (correct: not a price that you would generally expect to be able to get, new or used!). I'm not a paid professional - although I wouldn't mind if my shots sold.

However, all probabilities considered, the 17-40 or the 24-105 will be the ones which land the sellable shots. The tele's somehow never yield very good rates of return in my hands.

[Permagrin]

Well after seeing all these photos and reviewing everything from today, I'm ready to sell my whole kit. AUUUGH.

[liza]

I use the 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, and sometimes 200mm for indoor sports with a 20D and the school's XT. I tried the Sigma 70-200 tonight, and it didn't look bad on the chimp screen. I haven't processed the pics yet, though. I did manage to get 1/400 with the zoom but really prefer to use 1/500 to freeze action.

[Lightstream]

Well after seeing all these photos and reviewing everything from today, I'm ready to sell my whole kit. AUUUGH.

Hmmm....dibs on 135/2L! :D

No, just kidding. Sounds like it's been one of those days again?

[Woolburr]

Decisions decisions.

Think I'll just buy the f/4, save a HUGE chunk of change ($600 is not trivial - the price delta here is far worse than in the US).. and keep my Sigma 70-200 for the days when I absolutely NEED the firepower. The Sig was less than $600 too.. WAY less. (correct: not a price that you would generally expect to be able to get, new or used!). I'm not a paid professional - although I wouldn't mind if my shots sold.

However, all probabilities considered, the 17-40 or the 24-105 will be the ones which land the sellable shots. The tele's somehow never yield very good rates of return in my hands.

The f/4 will work well for a lot of people....especially those that choose to work with it. Certainly IQ won't be an issue...but motion blur might be...just depends on the circumstance.

[Lightstream]

I use the 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, and sometimes 200mm for indoor sports with a 20D and the school's XT. I tried the Sigma 70-200 tonight, and it didn't look bad on the chimp screen. I haven't processed the pics yet, though. I did manage to get 1/400 with the zoom but really prefer to use 1/500 to freeze action.

Cool, let me know your impressions and how you feel about it. IMO it's a compromise, but it is a reasonably OK alternative to Canon's Big Whites.

[Woolburr]

Well after seeing all these photos and reviewing everything from today, I'm ready to sell my whole kit. AUUUGH.

Now why on earth would you say that?

[liza]

I love this one that I took with the 85mm 1.8. It doesn't look as good resized, though.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/58415017-M.jpg

[Lightstream]

The f/4 will work well for a lot of people....especially those that choose to work with it. Certainly IQ won't be an issue...but motion blur might be...just depends on the circumstance.

Yup.. I have no worries about IQ or IS. In fact the day I shot the 70-200/4, I did not take home images on my CF card because I am THAT confident of its optical performance. I will pixel-peep my personal copy that I'm buying just to ensure it is functional and then leave it.

Motion blur.. guess that's where I will have to step in and do what I can to minimize it. Notice I said indoor events, not sports - people tend to move a lot slower. I understand that sports shooters need everything they can get, my decision would be totally clear cut if I fit that profile.

[Permagrin]

Hmmm....dibs on 135/2L! :D

No, just kidding. Sounds like it's been one of those days again?

I just cannot get "results" with the 1-4...don't know if it's the lens or the operator. I mounted the whole thing on a tripod tonight and nothing....it's been like that the last dozen or so times I've gone out. I'm frustrated to say the least.

[Lightstream]

I love this one that I took with the 85mm 1.8. It doesn't look as good resized, though.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/58415017-M.jpg


Love the expression on the guy's face! You even caught the ref running into the frame.. perfect!

[Lightstream]

I just cannot get "results" with the 1-4...don't know if it's the lens or the operator. I mounted the whole thing on a tripod tonight and nothing....it's been like that the last dozen or so times I've gone out. I'm frustrated to say the least.

What are you trying to shoot? Don't tell me you have been kicking yourself over the little uncooperative birdies again?

BTW, disable IS on the tripod. My newer-gen lenses have tripod detection but the 1-4 does not. (I spoke to Canon back home and they confirmed the 17-85 and later have tripod detection even though this is not stated in the manual - experience bears it out). The 1-4 carries a specific warning to switch it off.

And don't feel bad. Only ONE of my tele shots has ever been rated "GREAT" instead of just merely 'good'.. you should see all the WA zooms and their rate of return that totally STOMPS all the tele's (one more reason why I am not keen on buying more tele's)

[liza]

Here are the identical twin brothers of that player. They were freshmen in this pic, but they played varsity with their big brother. All three were on the floor at the same time. It was great to watch.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/58416464-L.jpg

[Woolburr]

It's a family affair...........

[Permagrin]

What are you trying to shoot? Don't tell me you have been kicking yourself over the little uncooperative birdies again?

BTW, disable IS on the tripod. My newer-gen lenses have tripod detection but the 1-4 does not. (I spoke to Canon back home and they confirmed the 17-85 and later have tripod detection even though this is not stated in the manual - experience bears it out). The 1-4 carries a specific warning to switch it off.

And don't feel bad. Only ONE of my tele shots has ever been rated "GREAT" instead of just merely 'good'.. you should see all the WA zooms and their rate of return that totally STOMPS all the tele's (one more reason why I am not keen on buying more tele's)

You know...I did NOT disable the IS...my other lenses have the tripod detection and I completely forgot that the 1-4 did not. Heavy sigh. And yes, it's the birds...when I die from all the blasted stress of weeding through thousands of blurry photos, you can tell my husband to have "done to death by birds of prey" written as my epitaph.....

[Woolburr]

I just cannot get "results" with the 1-4...don't know if it's the lens or the operator. I mounted the whole thing on a tripod tonight and nothing....it's been like that the last dozen or so times I've gone out. I'm frustrated to say the least.

Perhaps the problem is the whole "results" thing. Why not try a few static shots....around home...just to get a feel of what it can and can't do. Then go back and just have fun shooting without thinking "results"...you might just see a big change.

[liza]

You have a great deal more patience than I, Permie. I couldn't shoot wildlife to save my soul.

[liza]

Basketball is the only thing I can shoot worth a darn.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/58425560-L.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

Very true. The test of a GREAT lens is one that delivers wide open.

At f/8 I can even get nice results out of the kit lens :p (distortion notwithstanding)

I did wonder about the kit stuff. My camera can't take it (not with out mods) so I really can't test it. Ohh well never mind I like the kit that I got. I just wish I had the nerve to shoot some field sports. I would like to give my zoom a good run at something rather than motorsports.

anyway I have to get the camera back from canon first.

[Permagrin]

Perhaps the problem is the whole "results" thing. Why not try a few static shots....around home...just to get a feel of what it can and can't do. Then go back and just have fun shooting without thinking "results"...you might just see a big change.

Well, I use it for all my big game shots with pretty good success...then again, most of the time they are relatively frozen hoping the carnivorous bipeds will pass quickly and let them get back to their cosy, private lives....but you're right....I'm not having fun. (well, I have fun seeing the birds but I'm not having fun with photography right now) Maybe I need a new focus group. (There's just this stubborn side of me that has to "take that hill"...)

You have a great deal more patience than I, Permie. I couldn't shoot wildlife to save my soul.

I love to shoot wildlife....except birds. Hate to shoot birds now....:lol:

[liza]

I did wonder about the kit stuff. My camera can't take it (not with out mods) so I really can't test it. Ohh well never mind I like the kit that I got. I just wish I had the nerve to shoot some field sports. I would like to give my zoom a good run at something rather than motorsports.

anyway I have to get the camera back from canon first.

Hey, it never hurts to try. Give it a go sometime and see how you do.

[Permagrin]

Basketball is the only thing I can shoot worth a darn.


You do really well with football too...and haven't you posted a couple of your senior portrait shots at different times?

[theflyingkiwi]

Hey, it never hurts to try. Give it a go sometime and see how you do.

I will have to at some point. I find that I am a bit shy at first, always worried what people will think, carrying around a big camera etc.

[liza]

You do really well with football too...and haven't you posted a couple of your senior portrait shots at different times?

Thanks. Sports is my first love. But I make more money shooting these:

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/110875907-M.jpg

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/110887149-M.jpg

[Maureen Souza]

Well after seeing all these photos and reviewing everything from today, I'm ready to sell my whole kit. AUUUGH.
I have days like that Lisa. Darn, I have been SO busy this past week, I haven't had time to sleep much! But I did manange to take a few photos yesterday...to keep my sanity. I haven't looked at them yet....maybe in a day or two. Work has been hectic, then I spent the weekend decorating and shopping for Christmas (yuck!) Oh yeah...and taking care of the grandson;)

[liza]

I will have to at some point. I find that I am a bit shy at first, always worried what people will think, carrying around a big camera etc.

Who cares? Just go out, shoot, and have a great time.

[Lightstream]

You know...I did NOT disable the IS...my other lenses have the tripod detection and I completely forgot that the 1-4 did not. Heavy sigh. And yes, it's the birds...when I die from all the blasted stress of weeding through thousands of blurry photos, you can tell my husband to have "done to death by birds of prey" written as my epitaph.....

Sounds like you need a hug.. can I give you one without puddle giving me a black eye? (and I don't mean the 'hitting on ya' kind of hug either)

I know I probably have something to do with this. As a beginner 100-400 user I turned in decent shots of the little birdies.. but you realize - I have many months of prior experience tracking the metal birds on all kinds of zooms, down to the substandard ones that are so bad you'd prefer manual focus. And plenty of experience shooting this white horse jumping ALL over the shop as fast as possible...

Give yourself some time (now you know why I keep alluding to the 'time' thing - IT MATTERS).. nobody is a hero overnight, whether in birds or chicks.

I did wonder about the kit stuff. My camera can't take it (not with out mods) so I really can't test it. Ohh well never mind I like the kit that I got. I just wish I had the nerve to shoot some field sports. I would like to give my zoom a good run at something rather than motorsports.

anyway I have to get the camera back from canon first.


Go for it.. :) What happened to your camera? Hope Canon sorts it out for you soon!

[Maureen Souza]

Nice portraits, Liza. The backgrounds are great, too!

[liza]

Nice portraits, Liza. The backgrounds are great, too!

Thanks. Backgrounds were courtesy of Mother Nature. :)

[Claire]

http://www.nounaandersson.com/website%20images/partillecup4.jpg

http://www.nounaandersson.com/website%20images/partillecup12.jpg

[Claire]

Liza, how much do you really charge for a senior portrait?

[theflyingkiwi]

Go for it.. :) What happened to your camera? Hope Canon sorts it out for you soon!

In short the camera lost the abitly to focus. The photos were sharp at 300mm but soft at 100mm. Got the same results on 2 lens and one of them was the 100mm macro. Which we all know to be sharp as a tack. (I tested the lens on my brothers camera and it was fine)

Thanks. Backgrounds were courtesy of Mother Nature. :)

I must say I like the 2nd photos background a great deal.

[Woolburr]

Well, I use it for all my big game shots with pretty good success...then again, most of the time they are relatively frozen hoping the carnivorous bipeds will pass quickly and let them get back to their cosy, private lives....but you're right....I'm not having fun. (well, I have fun seeing the birds but I'm not having fun with photography right now) Maybe I need a new focus group. (There's just this stubborn side of me that has to "take that hill"...)



I love to shoot wildlife....except birds. Hate to shoot birds now....:lol:

Unrealistic expectations have destroyed more than one budding career. It is time to quit worrying about the perfect bird shot. Some day...it might happen. Your birds are my people....I hate shooting portraits...they never look right. Send me to the race track and I will nail 200 mph rockets consistently....Send me to do a portrait shoot....and make sure I have a pad and crayons with me....because the results of my drawings will look better than my photos.

[Maureen Souza]

Unrealistic expectations have destroyed more than one budding career. It is time to quit worrying about the perfect bird shot. Some day...it might happen. Your birds are my people....I hate shooting portraits...they never look right. Send me to the race track and I will nail 200 mph rockets consistently....Send me to do a portrait shoot....and make sure I have a pad and crayons with me....because the results of my drawings will look better than my photos.
And I am just the opposite;) ;)

[Woolburr]

I will have to at some point. I find that I am a bit shy at first, always worried what people will think, carrying around a big camera etc.

The first and most important thing is to forget about what you think that people think. Most people don't notice or even care about a person with a camera. Go out...take pictures and hone your skills. The only way any of us ever grow as photographers is by shooting. Reading and talking might help...but the real skills come from practice, practice and more practice.

[Claire]

Unrealistic expectations have destroyed more than one budding career. It is time to quit worrying about the perfect bird shot. Some day...it might happen. Your birds are my people....I hate shooting portraits...they never look right. Send me to the race track and I will nail 200 mph rockets consistently....Send me to do a portrait shoot....and make sure I have a pad and crayons with me....because the results of my drawings will look better than my photos.

Absolutely opposite for me!

[liza]

Liza, how much do you really charge for a senior portrait?

It depends on what they want. I have a session fee and price prints in both packages and ala carte. I also offer framing and canvas. Recently I started selling CD's of images at a premium price, and have actually been selling them. I'm sizing an order right now for a CD customer.



I must say I like the 2nd photos background a great deal.

I liked it, too. That park was absolutely beautiful and the girl was just naturally pretty. Almost every one of her proofs was good. I ended printing out fifteen pages of thumbnails!

[Lightstream]

My favorite place is on location with my ultrawide.. landscapes - no people. :)

[Woolburr]

And I am just the opposite;) ;)

Absolutely opposite for me!

My point exactly...everyone of us has strong suits to our photography and areas in which we could improve...not to mention the areas that some folks just have no interest in at all. :D

[liza]

My favorite place is on location with my ultrawide.. landscapes - no people. :)

People are my favorite. I don't even own a lens wider than 28mm.

[Lightstream]

28 on a crop camera too! :D (44mm effective)

On crop cameras my choice is 10-22, on FF it's 17-40. Just goes to show the diversity amongst photogs, their subjects, and the strength of the Canon system being able to support all of us on one platform.

One of my favorites, sadly gone.. prize winning lens too. Sure, it's the operator they say, but I could never have landed that shot without a 10mm.
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/aap.sized.jpg

(oh, that reminds me.. product photography too, generally small immobile items that are amenable to sitting on a table)

[theflyingkiwi]

I have tried the 17-40 on a 5D and I must say that I was impressed by that. Shame I don't have a need for a 5D, but it was the first time I had ever seen how wide 17 really is

[Lightstream]

Yup.. 17 on FF (or film) is absolutely breathtaking, however there are some who feel it is 'too wide', I can respect that though. I seem to have an odd knack of being able to 'see' in ultrawide.

Most of my expedition to the Great Ocean Road hinged on the 17-40. Some days that is the only lens I need.

[Claire]

I like shooting people. People are fun. :) I like trying to catch the beauty of a person in one of my shots. I love it if their friends and relatives say "Omg, you've captured her!"

[Woolburr]

17 is pretty crazy wide on a FF camera. I never went wider than 28mm back in the film days...got a 17-40 to use on my 20D....thought that was a sweet set-up...then put it on my 1Ds and wow...pretty insane. I would never have a use for a 14mm or one of the fish eye lenses...they just have no appeal to me.

[Woolburr]

I like shooting people. People are fun. :) I like trying to catch the beauty of a person in one of my shots. I love it if their friends and relatives say "Omg, you've captured her!"

The only way I capture people is with a big net. Like I said earlier...some people have a knack for shooting other people...

[Lightstream]

I start balking only at the Sigma 12-24 on full frame.. now that is one WACKO lens! I've shot it before and very few people are able to master that lens.

As Canon's EF Lens Work III book warns, you must be careful to avoid trying to pack everything in, because you may then end up being subject-LESS. Ultrawides shrink details, and they work in reverse to telephoto lenses, I use UW's to 'throw' background objects backwards. (tele's compress perspective). I have made places look huge.. when they really aren't ;)

You also need a very strong foreground and background. Too little of each, say, if I shot just a beach with the sky and the sea, it would appear largely featureless (subject-less too). Most certainly, not everybody's work is suited to UW.

[liza]

Landscape photography is a skill in which I'm seriously lacking. I see some of the beautiful stuff some of you guys do, and I'm envious. I just don't have the eye for it.

I did, however, develop a fascination for an old tree out in the middle of a field across the road. Did a whole series of it over a period of time with various effects.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/98175680-L.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

I have found the best way of getting to know a lens is to take that one lens somewhere. Which forces one to see how the lens sees. This way you can also get to know what it can do and what you can get out of it. I had taken the 50 1.8 to a car show and got some really nice shots out of it.

[Lightstream]

What do you folks think of this image? (might be a bit dark - I believe I pushed it a bit more in PP after uploading this copy)
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=592&g2_serialNumber=2

30 seconds, f/4, MLU, ISO 400 - that's how dark it was. Yes, those are stars in the background. This is the 17mm look-n-feel that characterizes quite a bit of my UW work.

[theflyingkiwi]

Landscape photography is a skill in which I'm seriously lacking. I see some of the beautiful stuff some of you guys do, and I'm envious. I just don't have the eye for it.

I did, however, develop a fascination for an old tree out in the middle of a field across the road.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/98175680-L.jpg

that's a very stunning shot. that would be nice printed big

[Lightstream]

Landscape photography is a skill in which I'm seriously lacking. I see some of the beautiful stuff some of you guys do, and I'm envious. I just don't have the eye for it.

I did, however, develop a fascination for an old tree out in the middle of a field across the road. Did a whole series of it over a period of time with various effects.

http://emphotography.smugmug.com/photos/98175680-L.jpg

:shock: Wow....NICE! I really like it, the way it is half hidden by the mist, and the other tree that is behind even more mist.

[Woolburr]

Landscape photography is a skill in which I'm seriously lacking. I see some of the beautiful stuff some of you guys do, and I'm envious. I just don't have the eye for it.

I did, however, develop a fascination for an old tree out in the middle of a field across the road. Did a whole series of it over a period of time with various effects.



That one is a keeper for sure...should make a nice print.

[liza]

that's a very stunning shot. that would be nice printed big

:shock: Wow....NICE! I really like it, the way it is half hidden by the mist, and the other tree that is behind even more mist.

That one is a keeper for sure...should make a nice print.

Thanks. I had fun with the entire series. I may have that one and a few of the others printed.

[Woolburr]

Guess you don't have as big a problem with landscapes as you thought!

[liza]

Does anyone here like to shoot black and white?

[liza]

Guess you don't have as big a problem with landscapes as you thought!

Oh, mine can't hold a candle to a lot of the other talent I see on this forum.

[Woolburr]

Does anyone here like to shoot black and white?

The only b&w I shoot is film...I play around occasionally with desaturating digital color images.

[Lightstream]

Hmm....PG seems to have disappeared... maybe puddle pulled her away from the computer (not always a bad thing)

[liza]

The only b&w I shoot is film...I play around occasionally with desaturating digital color images.

Got any to share? I really like the look of film better, but once in a while I run across a digital one I like. This is a favorite for obvious reasons:

http://static.flickr.com/60/195561816_be947af1f4.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/60/195561816_be947af1f4.jpg

[liza]

Hmm....PG seems to have disappeared... maybe puddle pulled her away from the computer (not always a bad thing)

I wish I had someone who would pull me away.

[Woolburr]

I haven't got any scanned in that are readily available...I will have to look...time for a nap now. See you guys later.

[Lightstream]

I wish I had someone who would pull me away.

:)

While it's nice to be online it's also nice to have valued people to spend quality 'offline' time with too.

[liza]

:)

While it's nice to be online it's also nice to have valued people to spend quality 'offline' time with too.

So true. I spend entirely too much time talking to people online and don't socialize elsewhere as much as I should. The only exceptions are ball games and an occasional date.

[Lightstream]

My good friends whom I've built up over the years are all back home. It will be darn good to see them again... :)

In a little more than a week's time I will be gone... :) :)

[liza]

Sounds wonderful.

[Woolburr]

And the walls come crashing in....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[Permagrin]

And the walls come crashing in....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Everyone finally fell asleep? That's probably a good thing....

[Woolburr]

Yes...it would be nice to cancel the next meeting of insomniacs anonymous!

[Permagrin]

Does anyone here like to shoot black and white?

Dan also likes it to...I did a few series in b&w and like it as well, but I haven't just done one shoot with it. I compiled them into one thread a couple of weeks ago

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2255166&postcount=1

Hmm....PG seems to have disappeared... maybe puddle pulled her away from the computer (not always a bad thing)

Yes, I needed to go to sleep. Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'll go back to photographing what I'm good at for a while and just enjoy watching the birds.

So true. I spend entirely too much time talking to people online and don't socialize elsewhere as much as I should. The only exceptions are ball games and an occasional date.

I don't socialize much either. I mean, we do things with others but I'm a pretty private person, so I don't appreciate it as much as some. I love going out to to photograph but none of our friends enjoy it at all. In fact they hate "traipsing all over, god knows where"....only our daughter and her bf love photography (but they live roughly 7 hrs away). oh and I'm not a craft person either & I don't have young children to take places anymore, like most of the other mothers my age and I don't really like "clubs" (although I've been thinking that I'd like to check out our local photography club)...where I used to live, they had the symphony...I loved to go to chamber music. Miss that...and my friends who loved it too. Anyway, I think that's why I like POTN...lots of people who love photography...and generally, most of them are truly nice people.

[saravrose]

hi PG you've returned.... did you go to sleep?.. So did I. I had plans of getting my voice back so I can go to work this afternoon..wish me luck so far i'm only croaking like a frog and have to yell to get any sound out.. ofcourse this makes me run out of breath and then I wheeze because of it.. sorry shape i'm in. But I feel fine otherwise..

sari

[Permagrin]

hi PG you've returned.... did you go to sleep?.. So did I. I had plans of getting my voice back so I can go to work this afternoon..wish me luck so far i'm only croaking like a frog and have to yell to get any sound out.. ofcourse this makes me run out of breath and then I wheeze because of it.. sorry shape i'm in. But I feel fine otherwise..

sari

How's your tooth?

Yes, I did go to sleep. It was definitely refreshing. Hope Wu got some finally too.

Is your voice loss/wheezing from asthma? Or are you sick?

[saravrose]

How's your tooth?

Yes, I did go to sleep. It was definitely refreshing. Hope Wu got some finally too.

Is your voice loss/wheezing from asthma? Or are you sick?

I get laringitis a few times a year... don't really know why.. My tooth is okay. and no it doesn't really affect my asthma just when I try to scream to be heard which makes me run out of breath which causes me to have some trouble breathing... mostly it's an annoyance because there's no soar throat, fever, or upset tummy to go with it.. My biggest concern is to try to work. Dang embarrassing to not be able to speak to my customers.. I figure i'll go regardless and see what my boss says I emailed her and she said just to come in.... hopefully i'll be slow and it won't matter one way or another...

sari

[condyk]

I think that's why I like POTN...lots of people who love photography...and generally, most of them are truly nice people.

Thanks :D

[saravrose]

Thanks :D

Dave you are a nice guy.... underneath it all...;) ;) ...

[Permagrin]

I get laringitis a few times a year... don't really know why.. My tooth is okay. and no it doesn't really affect my asthma just when I try to scream to be heard which makes me run out of breath which causes me to have some trouble breathing... mostly it's an annoyance because there's no soar throat, fever, or upset tummy to go with it.. My biggest concern is to try to work. Dang embarrassing to not be able to speak to my customers.. I figure i'll go regardless and see what my boss says I emailed her and she said just to come in.... hopefully i'll be slow and it won't matter one way or another...

sari

Well, I am sorry you have laryngitis but am glad that it doesn't come with the other symptoms. You could just have the waiters tell the customers that you're a mute ;) then you wouldn't have to speak. Though, then all the customers would probably speak LOUDLY to you about completely unrelated subjects...(don't know why people do this...but it seems to be the universal response...person 1: "hey, his leg is broken" person 2: "DIDJA CATCH THAT METS GAME TODAY?" or person 1: "he just had a mole removed" person 2 "WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING 27 INCHES OF RAIN")

[Johan Groenewald]

Hi guys and girls, this is the first time Im checking out this thread. Off the topic, Im not sure what the topic is:
Everybody is moving from film to digital, my first slr is digital but now after learning the basics of photography I want to get myself a film camera! Am I crazy or are there other people in the world that is doing the same. Im thinking to get the Canon eos 33v, does anybody know it?

[saravrose]

Well, I am sorry you have laryngitis but am glad that it doesn't come with the other symptoms. You could just have the waiters tell the customers that you're a mute ;) then you wouldn't have to speak. Though, then all the customers would probably speak LOUDLY to you about completely unrelated subjects...(don't know why people do this...but it seems to be the universal response...person 1: "hey, his leg is broken" person 2: "DIDJA CATCH THAT METS GAME TODAY?" or person 1: "he just had a mole removed" person 2 "WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING 27 INCHES OF RAIN")

that is funny.... and my not speaking is almost as bad as the new server from Hungary who doesn't really speak or understand english... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ... we can't understand her the tables can't understand her but the manager who hired her thinks that it adds character... :confused: ..

sari

[Woolburr]

Just add an overdose of make-up and people will think you are a mime!

[Permagrin]

twe can't understand her the tables can't understand her but the manager who hired her thinks that it adds character... :confused: ..

sari

:lol: :lol: :lol: that IS funny!!!!
ON her drink orders you could just eyeball who's ordering and what you THINK they drink by how they look...that could be quite funny too...

[Permagrin]

Just add an overdose of make-up and people will think you are a mime!

oooooooh Wool...no mimes or clowns here..

and Johan Groenewald I have no clue about the camera you mentioned.

[wu_wei0]

Hi guys and girls, this is the first time Im checking out this thread. Off the topic, Im not sure what the topic is:
Everybody is moving from film to digital, my first slr is digital but now after learning the basics of photography I want to get myself a film camera! Am I crazy or are there other people in the world that is doing the same. Im thinking to get the Canon eos 33v, does anybody know it?

Hi Johan- Welcome to the thread. I don't know that camera, but I do know many who enjoy both digital and film work, myself included. I no longer have film cameras of my own, but I have friends who share their 35mm and medium format gear with me on occasion.

~wu

[Woolburr]

Hi guys and girls, this is the first time Im checking out this thread. Off the topic, Im not sure what the topic is:
Everybody is moving from film to digital, my first slr is digital but now after learning the basics of photography I want to get myself a film camera! Am I crazy or are there other people in the world that is doing the same. Im thinking to get the Canon eos 33v, does anybody know it?

Johan...I'm not familiar with that model either...I use the 7NE for my film works. About the only film stuff I do these days is some black and white stuff...just to play purist for a bit! BTW...your question wasn't off topic...we have no topic...just try to answer people's questions and have some fun.

[Johan Groenewald]

Im feeling out here looking at your post counts, sirs

[saravrose]

:lol: :lol: :lol: that IS funny!!!!
ON her drink orders you could just eyeball who's ordering and what you THINK they drink by how they look...that could be quite funny too...

you'd be suprised at how accurate I can guess... been at it for too long.. But, fortunately there's a computer so I get a printout of her orders so I don't really have to talk to her.. The woman still doesn't know how to present a bottle of wine though... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: .. she acts like she's busy and gets me to do it.. but, not tonight no extra anything that requires me to talk.. :p ..

sari

[Woolburr]

Im feeling out here looking at your post counts, sirs

No reason to feel out here...everyone is welcome. And we all had limited post counts at one point.:D

[condyk]

Im feeling out here looking at your post counts, sirs

Post in the gear section and you'll maybe get a useful answer. Good luck. Lots still use film.

[Permagrin]

you'd be suprised at how accurate I can guess... been at it for too long.. But, fortunately there's a computer so I get a printout of her orders so I don't really have to talk to her.. The woman still doesn't know how to present a bottle of wine though... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: .. she acts like she's busy and gets me to do it.. but, not tonight no extra anything that requires me to talk.. :p ..

sari

:lol: :lol: well that doesn't leave TOO MANY options open ;)
Just wear a sign "laryngitis due to communicable disease" You'll be surprised how fast your business will slow down...:lol: