Great Kiwi POTN Shooting expidition! (expressions of interest)

[Moppie]

Im not a huge poster here, but I am a very avid reader, and amongst all the great advice, dry humour and general good times I have noticed that is an ever growing number of fellow Kiwi photogs.
Iv also noticed that most of us live quite close to each other, close enough that is really no excuse for not meeting and taking a few photos.


So, I would like to propose the "Great Kiwi POTN Shooting expidition!".

Basicly get as many of us together on one weekend as we can, and spend at least one day out shooting this pretty little country. Prehaps Tim could even make it from Wellington and join in.

I have access to a large 7 seater Toyota Granvia Van with a moon roof and lots of glass for spotting potential subjects.

I would like to propose a date sometime in early-mid september when the air is usualy its clearest, and there is in my experiance lots of good light.
We could start early one morning, and try and include in a days touring: Auckland City, the Northern Waikato and the West Coast.
We could make it a day trip, or if members come up from else where in the country we can make a full weekend of it, and prehaps find an event to shoot.


Please post any interest, ideas, etc here and we can mull it over, refine it, then start another thread to finalise it and make it happen.


I Look forward to meeting you!

[Wazza]

How odd.
An hour ago, when you posted this, I was sitting in my car at Auckland Domain and had the idea of doing something like this.

I've actually already got time off from 10th - 25th September, doing a South Island photo tour. I'm hoping I can get a few decent prints to sell.

At the moment, I'm doing this trip with my best mate, forum member here, Rendezvous, currently in Palmerston North.
I was looking at getting out of Auckland ASAP, and going into Wellington on 10th Sept, staying the night, and catching an early car ferry across.
So basically, I'm no good for the weekends of 10/11, 17/18, 24/25.. :rolleyes:

3rd and 4th I could make myself available, and even first weekend of October.
If not possible, I'm still willing to meet photogs one on one. Met a guy at the airport the other day.. Rob. Happens to be a lesser known forum member here also. ;)

[Moppie]

I thought I would put this up early so everyone gets a chance to plan for it, and to find a date that suits as many as possible.

I'm free all of september.

[Wazza]

Isn't it odd no other kiwis have replied?
Come on slackers, just because there is a long Queens' Birthday weekend presently... Get back here. :D

[Moppie]

Hmmmm, very disapointing.....

[RockOne]

I'd be in it if I we're a bit closer !. It's a really photogenic place !

[Moppie]

It's a really photogenic place !

I just wish I could convince a few other Kiwis of that.

I took a drive down to Te Awamutu the other week, went down and back via some of the back roads and saw some fantastic changing of the season scenary.
Come september it will all be changing again with Spring, and should yield some fantastic opertunities.

[Wazza]

Have you PMd any of the regulars? Seems a bit odd, with no response.

[Moppie]

Iv PM'd nzl-g3user, if you know of any please PM them, Ill try and PM Pete, and Tim, but I havn't seen either for a little while. :)

[tim]

Thanks for the PM, I had't spotted this thread, i've been away and busy! I like the idea in principle, but i'd have to work out dates a little closer to the time. I might be out of the country some time September, or I might not. Let me give it some thought. Getting to Auckland isn't an issue.

[Rendezvous]

I should read the general forum more often.
I'll be up for a get together and shooting spree, Canon type.

[Wazza]

Don't forget I can't change my Sept 10th - 25th. I'm touring South Island, and you're coming. Or if not, I'm by myself. :p
I'm thinking how long outside in minus temps before the Canon fails. :eek:

[joeseph]

I'm in! sounds like a lark....
now to 'fess up - I've NEVER read any of the general chat section so not suprising I missed this!

[theflyingkiwi]

I am interested. I didn't find this post untill last weekend, and I have tried a number of times to respond to this post.

I am keen and it would be good if we choose a day where it doesn't rain in auckland. :)

[Moppie]

Ok, thats 6 interested, including myself.
That means room for one more in the Van :)

Since Wazza ane Rendezvous away for much of september, how about either the first weekedn of September 3rd/4th, or a weekend in August?

Throw some dates out there and we can pick one we are all free.

And, if anyone has seen Pete, please let him know about this.

[tim]

The PSNZ (Photography Society of NZ) central region convention is on from 2-4th September in Wanganui, i'll most likely be going to that. If the meet is a date that i'm not previously booked there's about a 70% chance i'll come up for it :)

If we're going for landscape type photos the best times are sunrise and sunset, I don't shoot so much during the middle of the day, and it's very rare that i'm up for sunrise! We should have a plan for good subjects for the middle of the day.

I can't remember the name of the guy in upper hutt, can anyone remember?

[Wazza]

Cool stuff guys.

I've made several new friends just recently, just by having a camera at the airport. :p

People often talk to you, when you have a funny looking 400mm lens. :lol:

[MattL]

Im keen! give me a bit of time to get that next bit of glass!

I dont really get out much further than the garden, so this has to be a good excuse to get some photos of more than my backyard.

Timing is pretty diff, i work strange hours at short notice and all sorts of weird stuff.

Could we each list a weekend we would prefer?
then ill pick the one that suits me best :P

Matt

[Moppie]

Could we each list a weekend we would prefer?
then ill pick the one that suits me best :P

Matt


Welomce along!


Well it looks like anytime in September is out, so Im free anytime in August, is there a date there that dosn't suit anybody?

[joeseph]

Any weekend in Aug is fine for me (at the moment!) which is more than we can say for todays precipitation...

[CyberDyneSystems]

I just wish I could go.. :(

[Moppie]

I just wish I could go.. :(


For the cost of nice really nice "L" Glass you could be on plane and here in about 18hours :)
The rest is easy to work out, worry about it when you get here :cool:



I should add, if anyone does come from overseas , or is thinking of taking a holiday in this part of the world speak up, and we will make room for you :)

[MattL]

Gah! I was hoping for a nice sunny day today! no such luck tho, its all overcast and wet :(

Ill try and keep my august weekends responsibility free.

If we are away for the weekend im gonna need more than one 512 card.
Wheres cheapest in NZ for CF cards?

[Wazza]

Just make say the last weekend of August free. Both Saturday and Sunday available, I can do that. And depending on weather, or peoples requirements, we can do that. Even if it involves 2 vehicles. We don't have to be limited to just one van. The more the merrier. I'll give my dad a 350D, and he can take some in his SS Commodore. :lol:

[Wazza]

www.flashcards.co.nz

I bought two 1Gb Lexar 80x pro cards for $418 together.

[MattL]

Ill have to stop eating lunch for a while :S.

Sorry for the OT post, but I was just discussing the quality of some prints i did the other day. where do you fellow kiwis get yours done, and how much do you pay?

[tim]

Last weekend of August should suit me. I usually rent a car when i'm in Auckland, I could rent something bigger than normal to put a few people in.

I buy my CF cards from B&H in New York, it's cheaper even if that's all you buy, and if you buy other stuff the shipping cost per item's pretty low :) It might not be worthwhile for small memory cards, I tend to buy 2Gb cards at the moment.

[Wazza]

I print at digitalmax.co.nz

But I hardly print images.
Out of 32,000 shots with 20D, I've only had 30 prints done.

[theflyingkiwi]

I print my photos at home. I have found that most people can't see the difference including me. I have got the canon iP4000, which also prints on dvds/cd etc. The good thing about this printer is the colour cartridges are all separate :)

I just today got a paper catalog from B&H, which is good because I wonted to order a couple of a filters that the local shops couldn't/didn't wont to order for me.

[theflyingkiwi]

I print at digitalmax.co.nz

But I hardly print images.
Out of 32,000 shots with 20D, I've only had 30 prints done.

You better watch out, they might start saying the photos look to professional and stop printing them ;)

[Wazza]

My mate Daniel uses them too. They're just fairly cheap, and we already have the upload program. However, last time Daniel printed, the comments on the side were "don't touch the levels"

I wish I had done that too.
One of my favourite images, a Bethells Surf Rescue tower silhouette, they lightened it up a lot, making the black silhouette more brown/grey. Was not very happy.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/bethells_tower.jpg

I was thinking of entering that image to a photo contest closing this Friday. Better hurry up, and work out what A3 matt board really means.

[tommykjensen]

Wow, that is a beautifull photo, why didn't You enter that in the landscape / cityscape contest ?

[Wazza]

I was going to.

But a couple of people I asked preffered the sunrise/seagull bird. As it was cool, but I disliked it for the sunflare. :)

[MattL]

Im gonna give these guys (digitalmax) a try. they have a store 2 minutes from my house, so thats gotta be a good thing.

Im going for the largest print ever from my camera, 12x8inch. See what it looks like. $12.50, which sorta works out a bit less than that if i use a prepay card.

[Moppie]

That is a really great shot Wazza!


Iv been getting cards from a www.trademe.co.nz seller called nzseeman http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/show_member_listings.asp?member=612089
And odd name, but great prices, some were cheaper than www.flashcards.co.nz


Prints? Well Iv only down 3 for purpose of actualy hanging on a wall, and all were done at one of those simple Kodak Kiosks. I just tweak and crop my photos, save to the right ratio for the print I want, then save with the ICC profile. The kiosks have some simple editing tools on them, but the screens are NEVER calibrated.

[FlyingPete]

And, if anyone has seen Pete, please let him know about this.

Yep, just saw him, down in Hamilton at the moment :D

Man I have had a real busy few weeks, working at customer sites without a web conection, almost missed this one!

Hope I didn't miss out!

[tim]

Nice photo Pete :) I print most things at digitalmax, but for wedding photos i'll send them to a pro lab, who won't mess with the shots. I also did an A1 inkjet print at frogprints, which is pretty good for $60 or so. The photographic A1 print at ImageLab came up looking quite a bit nicer though. I'm definitely going to try these guys (http://www.elcocolor.com/hot_internet_only_specials.htm) for an A1/A0 print in the near future, of this photo that I took in Chch. I printed it A4 at home on my ip5000 and it looks pretty good, but anything I put on the wall I like to be A1.

http://mrwild.co.nz/unprotected/potn/boat_at_sunset.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

Yep, just saw him, down in Hamilton at the moment :D

Man I have had a real busy few weeks, working at customer sites without a web conection, almost missed this one!

Hope I didn't miss out!

You haven't been shooting the field days?

[FlyingPete]

You haven't been shooting the field days?

It was on the 'to 'do list, but I got stuck at a customer site the whole weekend, have to go back to seem them tomorrow, and another customer just heard I am down here, so have to see them too!

Had some awesome shooting oportunities comming into the Waikato with all the fog, but had neither my camera or the time to do anything about it :(

[Wazza]

Very nice shot Tim. That has to be the best landscape shot I've seen from you. :)

[tim]

Very nice shot Tim. That has to be the best landscape shot I've seen from you. :)

Thanks! I don't do landscapes much, I have a few more good ones from that trip that i'll put on my website when I get around to it. I just processed 300 photos from a party last night! I have to take less photos, it makes for less processing and less disk storage - 1.5G last night alone!

[Wazza]

I've just returned from the airport, where I did mostly aircraft, and a few nice landscapes. There was nice low evening light, rain and rainbows in the distance. Pretty nice. And then two aircraft were going to fly 50 metres high through it, BUT, they had to close runway for 10min as there was something on the runway. So just as the aircraft came back through, the rainbow had just faded. :(
I shot full 2Gb today. About 1000 shots.

[theflyingkiwi]

Gee I am starting to feel a wee bit guilty, I have taken the camera out for any serious shooting in at least 2 months eeek.

I have however tried to take some photos for the PTON contest #26 Tasty :)

[Wazza]

Nuaghty naughty. If you have spare camera gear, I can certainly keep it used well.

I'm looking through all the shots I did with my 400mm today. Not liking it. The images are very mid ranged in exposure, very limited banding, lacking contrast, and out of focus on many. I need a better lens, which isn't my broken Sigma 70-300. I love the 400mm range, and 100-400 would be good, but if they're upgrading it soon, I'll have to wait around.

[theflyingkiwi]

well if you wont I can help you spend your money. I know that my canon 90-300 needs replacement.

I was looking at:

Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM, with a 1.4 you can get 420mm at F5.6
&
CANON EF 70-200MM F2.8 L USM and with the 1.4 you can get 280mm @f4 :)

nothing like spending someone else money.

[Wazza]

I wasn't going to be spending my own money.

It's my banks money. And I will pay them back next year sometime. :rolleyes:

[MattL]

Im trying to plan my next spend, either the 50mm 1.8 or the 580ex. Not sure which yet - thats ok tho, i wont be able to afford either for a while anyway.

[tim]

The 50mm F1.8 isn't worth it's small price, I recently sold mine, the 1.4 is much much better - I get far more keepers. I'd get the 580EX over the 50mm. I'll bring most or all my gear to Auckland, so anyone can try it out.

[MattL]

This looks like it could be a very good weekend. What is happening at end of August we could shoot?

[Wazza]

Anything you like.

Beaches, sunsets, zoo, girls... I mean.. yeah, whatever you want.
:)


And there is no comparison between a 50mm 1.8 and a flash unit. Get the flash, it's needed more.

I need one, but also need a good telephoto first.

[theflyingkiwi]

Im trying to plan my next spend, either the 50mm 1.8 or the 580ex. Not sure which yet - thats ok tho, i wont be able to afford either for a while anyway.

I got the 50mm before I got the flash, as I had more use for this lens than I did for the flash. But then it is cheaper and if you are running on a budget then this might be the better choice.

What you have to figure out is what is more important, and work from there.

[Rendezvous]

I'd go for the second half of August, I should be in Sydney the first week or two.

[Moppie]

Hope I didn't miss out!

There you are!

There will be enough room, even if we have to take a fleet of cars :)

[Moppie]

OK!


So, it looks like everyone will be around on the last weekend of August, thats the 30th and 31st?

Thats as close to the start of spring as we are able to find a weekend, is there anyone who can not make the 30th and 31st of August?

[tim]

October would give us nicer weather... but who says we can't do 2 trips? ;)

btw, in your sig, do you say "girl fiend" deliberately, or did you accidentally miss an R out? :p

[Wazza]

Im in for as many trips as possible.

I pretty much make my own personal trip every few days, especially when Rendezvous is living locally.

How else would I have been all around the North Island in under a year, with my Sony V1. ;)

http://wazz*****scity.com/photography.htm

Auckland, Wellington, Ruapehu, Rotorua, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Islands, Coromandel.. everywhere. Well except East coast such as Gisborne and Napier, where I haven't been in about 4 years.

Daniel and myself were even planning a random overnight trip to the Cape. We were a bit afraid about sleeping in the car up North. Wouldn't wanna offend anyone by saying we're on their land.

[MattL]

OK!


So, it looks like everyone will be around on the last weekend of August, thats the 30th and 31st?

Thats as close to the start of spring as we are able to find a weekend, is there anyone who can not make the 30th and 31st of August?

Err, has my PDA been on the drugs again? or is the 30/31st August at Tuesday/Wednesday?

I make the last weekend of august to be 27th/28th.

But then again, perhaps is me who has been on those drugs :S

[tim]

The 30/31 of August looks like a weekend to me. Check the year on your PDA.

[Wazza]

Looking good for that weekend.

Whose bringing the models?
Is CharlesU coming?

[Moppie]

The 30/31 of August looks like a weekend to me. Check the year on your PDA.


Nope, it looks we're both on the same drugs.

Matt's PDA is correct, the dates are the 27th and 28th :o

[Wazza]

I thought a weekend lasts 5 days, from the 27-31st. Unfortunately, work would never get me those days off.

[tim]

Stupid windows calendar!

[Wazza]

What year were you on? :p

[tim]

Right year, no idea what it did.

[Wazza]

Typical Windows.

They should call it Door.
So thick you can't get through it.

Although a window is rather transparent, and can see the silly brain inside. :rolleyes:

[MattL]

Right, well ive put that date into my PDA, ill attempt to get around all my various employers over this week and tell them im unavailable for that weekend.

How old are you guys? Im 18.

[tim]

Late 20s.

[Moppie]

Late 20s.


Ditto.

[MattL]

Ok thats cool.
Im off to port waikato tomorow to have a go at shooting some friends surfing. Never tried anything like that before, ill be using my 90-300.
Hopefully its a sunny day.

Anyone got any pointers for surf shots they'd care to throw in?

[Wazza]

68 years old

[Wazza]

Ok thats cool.
Im off to port waikato tomorow to have a go at shooting some friends surfing. Never tried anything like that before, ill be using my 90-300.
Hopefully its a sunny day.

Anyone got any pointers for surf shots they'd care to throw in?

Being on the West Coast, if you leave it till late afternoon, they'll be backlit, and you'll get shocking photos, unless you can time it to sunset, and get some silhouettes, as they're jumping off the wave. :p

[MattL]

Leaving 8am to be there at 9, returning home after lunch at 1.

[MattL]

68 years old

You know for someone who looks 22 in their avatar, you had mee fooled.;)

[tim]

You know for someone who looks 22 in their avatar, you had mee fooled.;)

I assumed that was your pic too! Not that it matters.

[FlyingPete]

Right, well ive put that date into my PDA, ill attempt to get around all my various employers over this week and tell them im unavailable for that weekend.

How old are you guys? Im 18.

..and I would be 31 next week! (Married, house kid etc).

[FlyingPete]

There you are!

There will be enough room, even if we have to take a fleet of cars :)

Yep, got lost somewhere along the line (must be all the fod in the Waikato), just got home!

[Wazza]

Damn, you got me.

Myself and Daniel are both 22..

:)

[Wazza]

Re: Port Waikato:

http://wazz*****scity.com/southhead.htm

Those are a few shots I got when I was with Daniel, on a small day trip we did a year ago or so. Used my Sony V1. :)

[MattL]

nice. I love that last one of the traffic, and the one above it, 6288 i think.

[Wazza]

6288 has to be my worst shot :p

Straight into the sun, and camera has max shutter speed of 1/1000th, yet this shot was at 1/1250th! Must have a safety net. I'm glad the 20D can do 1/8000th.

[tim]

I quite like 6288 Wazza :)

I have a similar shot, done at Kare Kare beach near Auckland, done with my A70. Directly into the sun, massive flare, but I love the shot, and at the moment it's the background on my phone :)

Pic1 (http://www.mrwild.co.nz/PhotoGallery/2004/AucklandTrip/KareKareBeach/slides/KareKareBeach06.html)

I have a similar one that affected the camera so badly it turned out black and white! I've no idea why. Still the A70. Any explainations welcome. Happily, I can see a massive improvement since then, and actually every month since I got my SLR I can see improvements.

Pic2 (http://www.mrwild.co.nz/PhotoGallery/2004/AucklandTrip/AroundAuckland/slides/Bay2.html)

[Wazza]

Cool shot. Some of my best shots, are the ones where it is against photography rules, such as directly towards the sun (except where it's a silhouette, and it works everytime :p)

[Moppie]

I love shooting into the sun with my A80, there is something about the design of the A series that I think lets them get away with it more than you would with another camera.
It might be a combination of lens design, and the very very small apature created by such a small lens.

[theflyingkiwi]

When it comes to things like photography, I think the rules should thought of as glide lines. Something you use when starting out and then when you understand the basics then you can let go and experment and see what flys :)

[Hailaz]

I've only just seen this thread - I'm up for it too. I live in West Auckland too and am free alternate weekends all year round. I'd love to meet some fellow kiwi photographers :-)

[Wazza]

Soon we're gonna have to hire a Robbie's Double Decker Fun Bus.

:)

Lot's of participants.

Keep on coming everyone.

[MattL]

I agree, the more the merrier!

Looking forward to it.

[akiwi]

Gidday, I would love to join you guys, but will be in Italy that weekend.
I will probably be in New Zealand in Feb, so if you are planning another trip then I might be able to join you.
I currently live in Munich fo if you are interested.

[FlyingPete]

Gidday, I would love to join you guys, but will be in Italy that weekend.
I will probably be in New Zealand in Feb, so if you are planning another trip then I might be able to join you.
I currently live in Munich fo if you are interested.

Hmmm Italy or an adventure with some most excellent locals, let me see what would I do?

[theflyingkiwi]

Hmmm Italy or an adventure with some most excellent locals, let me see what would I do?

In that case then I vote for a trip to Italy :)

[MattL]

Anywhere other than auckland right now. This weather is so bad! Theres only so many things you can photgraph in your home!

[FlyingPete]

I've just picked up another potential shooter, friend of mine (doesn't like web forums) has just got a 350D, sepnds most Saturdays at the Airport at the moment, wanting after some longer glass (200mm doesn't quite do it down there!).

I know Wazza hangs out at the West Coast alot, but there are some awesome shooting oportunites out there, as for the rest of this city (Auckland), not really that much happening, unless we wait until summer?

[tim]

I'm not sure more people is better, if we're all in one place. 20 people with large camera and lenses would be pretty funny to see, and i'd probably take more pics of the group than of wherever we are! Plus 20 guys in one place means it's pretty likely that someone will be in the way of your shot, unless we all stand in a line ;)

An alternative is to go to an area with plenty of potential shooting areas, and split into small subgroups.

[Moppie]

The more the merrier!

We might have to take two cars though, however it will make getting in places a little bit easier :)

If we start in the central city I know a few potentialy good spots, but we can take a ferry to devonport which offers some nice views from the water and some shots from the top of Mt Vic.
Then theres Mt Eden and One (no) Tree Hill.
I think you will find that people devide up a little anyway, and we shouldn't have problems with people getting in others way.

There is in terms of activities the Zoo, Kelly Tarltons (although its a little small and limited), the Maratime mussem, the War Memorial Mussem, and as we head out North there is a classic car collection at the end of the motorway, and then the spectacular west coast.
On the Sunday there will also be Blokarting usualy in Papakura or at one of the west coast beachs, which is lots of fun to photograph, and have a go at (and its free).

Auckland is busy happening place, we just have to stop thinking like we live here, and new things will show up.
There are markets in South, West, and North Auckland, which would offer some interesting people shots, Mission bay is always a happening place, and if you stop in the central city and look at whats going on, instead of being part of it, it becomes a subject smorgasbourd.

[joeseph]

Definately no shortage of subjects, and some of us have company cars... :-) I've a Vectra hatch at the moment but they're planning on changing it to a Mondeo Wagon in the next few weeks. Could do a lot worse.
If on a Sunday, might be worth a visit to Ardmore to get a couple of Warbirds shots in...

[Wazza]

Remember, Daniel is also a pilot, with his commercial licence.
We could fly in a Piper Seneca.....
:lol:

Well even if we have these numbers now, 6-10 people, some could cancel closer to the time, seems we would definately have 5-8 people, and that's fine I believe.

Of course, shooting in August, AND Summer would be great. There is no real limitation to how many get togethers we do.

[Moppie]

Remember, Daniel is also a pilot, with his commercial licence.
We could fly in a Piper Seneca.....
:lol:



Gt Barrier anybody? :D :D :D :D :D :D


Last time I was flying a Piper Cherokee could be had for about $80-100 an hour, a Seneca would be a bit more, but split between 6, any idea of cost?

[Wazza]

300-400 an hour at a guess, being twin engined, and fuel prices also on the rise.

But I have no idea, the feasibility of this. Do we TRUST him?
Wait, I have 4 times already. :rolleyes:

[FlyingPete]

Remember, Daniel is also a pilot, with his commercial licence.
We could fly in a Piper Seneca.....
:lol:

Well even if we have these numbers now, 6-10 people, some could cancel closer to the time, seems we would definately have 5-8 people, and that's fine I believe.

Of course, shooting in August, AND Summer would be great. There is no real limitation to how many get togethers we do.

Hmmm, 20 guys in a piper, could be a new world record, not going anywhere though :lol:

[joeseph]

I've held the stick on a Harvaard for 20 mins - someone else could work the pedals...

[FlyingPete]

I've held the stick on a Harvaard for 20 mins - someone else could work the pedals...

I've also flown a helicopter once, but it is not in everyones best interest that happens again!

[Wazza]

Well if we wait a few more years, I'm sure Daniel can pilot Peter Jackson's private jet, whilst we're in between scenes doing the stage/set photography. :D

[Rendezvous]

Wait, what. I'm getting chartered to fly a plane around now? Well uhh ok. How do I take photos at the same time?

[Wazza]

You don't sucker. We would have already stolen your gear. Especially once you get your 500 f4 IS soon, and your 1DMkII

[tim]

Lets try and avoid standard touristy photos, one tree hill was pretty boring last time I was there, I think I went to Mt Eden, it was similar. The zoo might be interesting, I never took a pic with a good camera there, and west coast pics would be great, especially later in the day so we can get sunset pics. Well, 4pm perhaps ;)

I wouldn't be on for chartering a plane, but I will have a rental car, if someone else gets one we could find an empty beach and race them ;) I'll also have a hotel somewhere in the central city, which could be a convienent meeting place.

[akiwi]

Hey, As I said, I'll be in North Italy then and it's Summer.
Just upgrade that plane thing to a small rocket, I have a camper & there's realy tons to see there.
Verona, Venice, Lake garda which is the windsurfing mountain biking and climbing mecca of central Europe, so good sports photography potential.

Think about it!:lol:

I think other places for photo ops would be the yacht harbour, or boats, or fishermen, or go Grunge (How do you spell that?) industrial. There must be an old factory somewhere, and bad weather & lighting add to the atmosphere.

[Wazza]

Yeah, seriously, a chartered plane would never happen.

But I like the idea of a Zoo trip, as I also haven't done shots before. It then gives the option for photogs to go off and do their own thing, but I'm more than happy to stay with everyone, and scare the lions with 10 L lens pointing at them. :D

And a West Coast sunset to finish it off. That could be nice. :)
And then why not a drive back into the city, and some night shots, with people/architecture, and whatever else. :p

[tim]

Yeah, night shots are cool. I think we may need a small truck following us around with all the gear - if everyone brings tripods and a good portion of the gear what's in the boot will be worth quite a lot more than the car!

[Wazza]

My gear is going backwards. I'll see tomorrow if I can exchange my Sigma 70-300 as it broke. Let's hope they can accept it without receipt.

[Rendezvous]

Yes that's right, Wazza last his receipt...

I'm finished with exams now. Does anyone have any ideas of good places to shoot around Palmerston North?

[theflyingkiwi]

My gear is going backwards. I'll see tomorrow if I can exchange my Sigma 70-300 as it broke. Let's hope they can accept it without receipt.

Where did you get it from? Wazza.

I am looking at upgrading to the 70-200 F2.8 L so the zoo would be a good place to test it out. Then perhaps from there some people if they wish to move to shooting a sunset ?

[tim]

I haven't used my 2.8 IS much, the zoo would be a good place to give it a go. Then a west coast sunset would be cool.

[Wazza]

I returned lens today. They didn't care I lost receipt, and they even remembered me from 4 months ago. Now that is good customer service.
(Auckland Camera), in Morningside.

They're sending it back to whereever, and will call me if there's any problems.

Anyway, I accomplished two things today.
Returning lens, and then they recommended me visit this shop called ummm (Tayles ?) on Stoddard Road. Right next to QMB computers, (who I also use for pc stuff). Got 5 matt boards cut up perfectly to size. Another $63 on top of $62.50 for the prints at 12x8"..

Here is the finished product.

I dropped them off at 4pm exactly. The cut off time. I was REALLY pushing for time, and literally ran through downtown Auckland to the Viaduct.

http://wazz*****scity.com/temp/tourism_prints.jpg

[Wazza]

Where were you in the storm today?

Anyone capture a tornado on camera?!!!!

I was at the airport, and man it was WILD!

Airport was in fact closed for about 45min, whilst no one braved to land. At one end of runway, it was reported at constant 30knot winds, and gusting a LOT faster, and the other end of runway, had the wind running other way!

I didn't brave getting out of the car though, as it was soooo wet, and would have most definately ruined my 20D, like dunking it in a bucket of water.

[MattL]

Was inside and warm all day. Went to a mates 21st tonight tho, took the cam with me. I love spew shots :D

[FlyingPete]

Where were you in the storm today?

Anyone capture a tornado on camera?!!!!

I was at the airport, and man it was WILD!

Airport was in fact closed for about 45min, whilst no one braved to land. At one end of runway, it was reported at constant 30knot winds, and gusting a LOT faster, and the other end of runway, had the wind running other way!

I didn't brave getting out of the car though, as it was soooo wet, and would have most definately ruined my 20D, like dunking it in a bucket of water.

Nope missed that one, street was flooded, couldn't get out!

[Wazza]

Yeah, I was maybe going to this 21st, at my old mates place.

But then didn't. I was at airport all day, and was exhausted. Had to pick my mum up, and then got home, just in time to watch the delayed TV3 rugby coverage.

Sad, you couldn't get out Pete.

[Wazza]

Thanks for making my day.
I'm already feeling sick. :(

Now you can post them on hall of shame, and teach them right, for drinking themselves silly. I hardly ever drink, as I much prefer to drive people around. For one, I don't trust anyone else's driving. And I can get car sickness.
:p

(and plane sickness.. .Just ask Daniel/Rendezvous) :rolleyes:

[joeseph]

words fail me! :rolleyes:

[Moppie]

Matts showing his age :rolleyes:

[Wazza]

Hey Matt, I just suggest you take some photos of this beautiful day, like myself.

I'm going to Piha I think. By myself. Got no one around. :(

Wish I had company.

Anyway, share some mature pics, and regain your respect. ;)
(remember, I'm just older than you.. )

Have fun

[MattL]

Id love to get out and take some photos, unfortunately tho im stuck somewhere i dont want to be doing something i don't want to do :(

gah!

[Wazza]

heh,

Just as I was leaving, my cousin text me, asking if I wanted to go to Muriwai, and meet her friends cousin from England.

I did, and he had a small digital, and a Nikon film camera. The shots on his digital were AMAZING. He's not a photographer, but had the great composition sense, and wonderful photos in his 13 weeks in Asia.
It's really made me want to go there now! :)

[tim]

I returned lens today. They didn't care I lost receipt, and they even remembered me from 4 months ago. Now that is good customer service.
(Auckland Camera), in Morningside.

They're sending it back to whereever, and will call me if there's any problems.

Anyway, I accomplished two things today.
Returning lens, and then they recommended me visit this shop called ummm (Tayles ?) on Stoddard Road. Right next to QMB computers, (who I also use for pc stuff). Got 5 matt boards cut up perfectly to size. Another $63 on top of $62.50 for the prints at 12x8"..

Here is the finished product.

I dropped them off at 4pm exactly. The cut off time. I was REALLY pushing for time, and literally ran through downtown Auckland to the Viaduct.

http://wazz*****scity.com/temp/tourism_prints.jpg

Those are beautiful photos :) Nice matts too.

Matt, do everyone a favour and delete that attachment will you?

[Moppie]

Matt, do everyone a favour and delete that attachment will you?


It would make page 5 a little easier on the eyes :)


Ok, I talked to the van rental place aka, my father, and he's ok'd lease of the van providing we don't damage it. We, or should I say I, buy it if we do.

That seating for 7, plus gear for at least that many.

If we don't get the van, then we will have to take a convoy of cars, not really a problem.



Im hoping we get a really really clear day, like today.
You could see the manukau heads clearly to the west, and Gt Barrier and the Coromandal to the east/north.
The air is so clear and the light so low and soft that anywhere in the city looks great, but there are little places that you can get to, that I bet most of us don't that make for great photos.

If we do get a really clear day then I can lead a people to a few hidden spots I know, along the tamaki estuary, and out past Whitford.
Or, we could head out towards the Manukau heads, or prehaps out west past Kemeu, then North a little way, after spending a day in the central city.
We can cover anywhere from the Grafton gully cemetry, to the end of the Onhunga warf, from the top of Hillsbourgh road, to the top of the Bombay hills.

Then a sunset on the west coast, and some night shooting/pub.


On the sunday, providing theres some wind I can find out where the Blokarts are racing, these things are fantastic fun to shoot, and we can probobly all get a turn each in a Kart :D



So, to get an idea of what we want to shoot, and where we can go, how about we all list what styles we like to shoot, and any places we can think of.


Im limited by my equipment, so tend to stick to landscapes/cityscapes, and people. Sports however pose a real challange. I also love shooting cars, if we can find a car show on that weekend I would love to be there.

I know lots of Locations, Iv spent a large chunk of proffesional life driving around most of Auckland and its out skirts, but they tend to be good for land/cityscapes and still life type shots.

[tim]

I suspect we'll split into subgroups based on interest. For example, I have very little interest in cars, planes, or sports, more in landscapes, people, cityscapes, and night shots.

I'll have a large rental car, as I need to get around Auckland by myself too, so I don't need a space in a van.

[MattL]

I think the blokart idea is great - i managed to snap one in half in strong winds once.
Would be great fun to shoot.

Tim, what sort of people shots would you like to do?

[tim]

Tim, what sort of people shots would you like to do?

Preferably of blonde models ;)

[MattL]

I work with alot of student actors. Perhaps some would require headshots for their cv / whatever?

[tim]

I was kidding! You need more time for model shoots than I suspect we'll have available, and I prefer to do them one-on-one, not with a pack of photographers scaring the model :)

[MattL]

Im not sure I get you? You *dont* want to photgraph pretty girls? ;)

heh.

Something ive always wanted to do is walk the railway track south from ellerslie - theres some amazing indrustrial type places litered with graphitti. Anyone know what i mean?

[tim]

Im not sure I get you? You *dont* want to photgraph pretty girls? ;)

I won't have time to do it well, and I probably won't bring all the equipment either - flash brackets are kinda bulky, the lightsphere might come with me though.

[theflyingkiwi]

a question for the auckland people. Are there any Auckland gardens? For those that are interested in marco photography and flowers etc this also is the possibility. I guess it comes down to the day, the weather and how many hours we will all have.

abit of model photography would be good, but it comes down to having a studio or location that will work and then every one getting a good turn.

[tim]

a question for the auckland people. Are there any Auckland gardens? For those that are interested in marco photography and flowers etc this also is the possibility. I guess it comes down to the day, the weather and how many hours we will all have.

abit of model photography would be good, but it comes down to having a studio or location that will work and then every one getting a good turn.

Sure there are flowers in Auckland, the question is are there any big gardens, and are there any flowers open this time of year. Macro shots might not be a good group shoot, to do it well you need time, tripods, and interesting subjects.

In my experience and opinion, model photography isn't practical for this, it's really a one on one thing that takes time. The model has to get used to the photographer and relax, and vice versa. Lines of photographers having a quick shot wouldn't work.

[theflyingkiwi]

In my experience and opinion, model photography isn't practical for this, it's really a one on one thing that takes time. The model has to get used to the photographer and relax, and vice versa. Lines of photographers having a quick shot wouldn't work.


That is ture, I am sure the model doesn't wont to be photo raped :) the model might not wont to share the photons anymore :lol:

[Moppie]

There are lots of gardens in Auckland, the Botanical gardens on the domain at the most obvious.

Shooting a model would be very cool, but prehaps best left for only a small group.
As Tim said I can imagine all of us together being quite a scary proposition!

[tim]

Any flowers in the gardens during winter moppie? We could just drive around a suburb, looking at peoples gardens. Imagine being inside minding your own business, seeing a van full of guys pull up, jump out with big cameras and huge lenses, take some photos pile back into the van, and take off again!

[Moppie]

ROFLOL!!!!

In Auckland you would either get; Sued, Bitten by a dog, of offered a cup of tea.

Well the Gardens in the Domain are called the Auckland Winter Gardens, so they should have something to look at :)

There are some in Mankau somewhere as well.


The idea of having the van though is so we can just drive around, looking down on the all those lesser members of society in thier cars, and simply stop if we see something photo worthy :cool:

[Wazza]

I still don't see the need to break up into split groups.

We can easily agree on something together.

Seems everyone has an interest in landscapes/nightshots/wildlife/plants - all my strong point. I suck at people shots, and don't wanna drag some girls around.

So if we could agree on maybe a zoo trip, then covering Auckland Domain, and a beach perhaps, and then back to the city, for night shots, and traffic trails, building reflections. Sounds like a great 12 hours shooting.
Does everyone have that much battery life?

:p

So just as a wild example.

6:30am, meet up before sunrise at say Westhaven Marina. Catch the sunrise, and then warm up with a coffee, a good sit down chat.
Then along to the domain or the zoo, for opening at 10ish, have lunch, then out, flower gardens, or Western Springs for a 20min stroll...

There's plenty to shoot in a day, just as long as it's not RAINING heavily. A cloudy showery day, can still make for some fun shooting.

;)

[Moppie]

Sounds like a great 12 hours shooting.
Does everyone have that much battery life?


I'll run out of card space before I ever run out of AA batteries! :p:p:p:p:p


I would love to fit in a sunrise shoot, I know a fantastic spot just off College hill road with a view out over the city, and the sun comes up behind the skytower (at least it did several months ago, it will moved a little north since then).


I don't think everyone here will be up for getting up that early, so prehaps a small group for the sunrise shoot, then into the city and the Domain to meet up with the who ever wants to sleep in.
A tour of the city and its out skirts then off to the west coast for a sunset, before heading back into town for a drink and some night shooting.

Sunday we can go blokarting :)

[tim]

Wazza's plan sounds good to me, not sure if i'll make the sunrise though. Given we'll all be in a pack we're going to have near identical shots anyway, so i'll just copy some and call them mine ;)

[Wazza]

Not before I punch you in the face, and steal your gear.

j/k mate. :)

Although, a nice 580 flash looks nice, as does a 50 1.4, and a 100mm macro...

[Moppie]

Shooting opertunity this weekend


Theres a National Korfball tournament this weekend in the Tamiki Recreation center in Tamiki College.
Details can be found here, including a map and playing times: http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~korfball/


Ill be helping out/photographing/videoing the nationals on sat morning, then playing sat afternoon and sunday.
If your keen theres a function with open invites at the Cock and Bull in New Market, $30 gets you in plus a two course meal :)


The Sport is lots of fun to play, and real challange to shoot, the court is roughly basketball shaped, and its inside, but during the day so light won't be tooooo bad. :)

I hope to see some of the Auckland folk there, the club needs some photos for the website if your feeling generous. Im sure the club could swing you a free lunch, or maybe entry into the function afterwards, and I know you would get a fee drinks :cool:

[Wazza]

Unfortunately, I think I'm busy.

Definately a good mates 21st this weekend. And then perhaps on Saturday, may be travelling to Tauranga for another 21st. :rolleyes:
(well I was kinda attaching along, with the hope to get some sunrise photos on the Sunday morning), as my last sunrise photos on a single overnight trip came out pretty good.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/mount_sun3.jpg

It's not confirmed or anything, but definately I'm at the party in Newmarket Friday, and I'm also supposed to be working 9:15-1:15. May get someone else to cover me. I don't know if I'll be seeing double vision still at 9am.

[Moppie]

I don't know if I'll be seeing double vision still at 9am.

After a 21st I should hope so ;)

[MattL]

I could probably bring along an inverter, which means we could all charge up while in the van.

I like the idea of a sunrise shot, would be a good excuse to get out and try it.
I too would definatly run out of CF space, ive only got one 512 card.
Does anyone have a laptop with a cd burner? Then i could unload onto CD's during the day (ugh)

Second thoughts that would be extremely slow and annoying :(

[Wazza]

I would probably jump home for 10min on the way out to a beach or something, and copy my 2Gb across.

Of course, I may also try and borrow my uncles 350D, and his 512 card.

[MattL]

I live out pakuranga way. its a bit far just to nip home :(

Now, where did i put that winning lotto ticket?

[Wazza]

I'm hiding it from you. ;)

Basically any West Coast beach, coming from the city, you have to pass within a couple km of my house. I live just off Lincoln Road in Henderson.

[MattL]

that new pack n save on lincon road has the best hot fresh bread for $2.99 :)
Seriously tho, the best blend of garlic, herbs and cheese ive had for a long time.