jamesgysen

<p>Not as big as Randall's machine but this is where all the drivers seem to start out. From this past weekend, my son Eric finally got to take part in a karting experience day which he has been begging for since my nephew started in the sport. He found out that these little suckers move quite well and he had a great time (except for a hairpin turn which had his number all day!)</p>

<p>Fantastic shooting this week. Spencer C - that jaguar photo is outstanding, great colour.</p><div></div>

<p>Neat idea and overlay Charlie, I'm going to steal that one too.<br>

-James</p>

<p>Not to drag this off-topic or hijack the thread but could someone give me a clue as to why this effect is seen so pronounced in the blue LED (and in some of my photo's skies) and not usually in the other color spectrum's such as the fellows face in the red LED side of the photo.</p>

<p>Thanks, James.</p>

<p>Jean, is there one example photo in the link you are particularly trying to copy so we can narrow down the 'look' a little bit? The photographer has a few different ideas going on there and you need to give us more of a target to shoot for.</p>

<p>Surely these techniques could have been accomplished in PS (or any number of programs) using various processes however I have accomplished many of the same designs in Lightroom with simple preset conversions (i.e. sephia tone) and then adding grain. What software are you using for your PP? </p>

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<p>This is exactly why I took out a very good insurance rider on my gear. Inexpensive, no deductible and it covers any fumble-finger moments I might have.</p>

<p>+1 to Sarah's comment - Canon service has been very outstanding in my case as well (fixed a worn button issue during a servicing - I didn't even know there was a problem).</p>

<p>Some interesting points here. Everything from the strict, linear approach to what I perceive as more organic (e.g. John A. and Brad)</p>

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<p>...one should start by drafting a mission statement about what the folio will be about and what the story the photographer is trying to convey. </p>

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<p>A very focused method here Richard, I know this would be more difficult for me to follow (as my nature is to not be that focused). Half the time I am literally "just going out to shoot", while on certain occasions yes, I am looking to a very specified location and subject in the hopes of finding some strong or interesting image to capture. I suppose that's the reason for the post in the first place.</p>

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<p>"Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream." I combine that notion with my usual hangouts, dive bars, and a love of film noir to create a variety of series.</p>

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<p>Jeff, you must indeed lead a very interesting life (cool image BTW). I sometimes wish that my local environment displayed the sort of colourful characters you find and depict. I am personally more comfortable with non-human subjects. </p>

<p>It seems everyone so far has been published (books) in some aspect or another. Was that the original intent when you started or just a great thing that happened at the end of the journey?</p>

<p>Just for curiosity sake, I wonder how others view the idea of a "project" (or series/theme if you wish). Does it have a defined start point ("I'm going to shoot ____ now"), or do you just recognize a trend in your photography and decide to follow a certain path. How long does a series take you or is it ever really complete? (if you prescribe to the idea of a timeline at all) Do you go from one project to the next, to the next -or- do you have a bunch on the go all at the same time?</p>

<p>While you professionals are most likely dictated by your client's wants for the paying portion of your photography, how about your personal shooting. All stories, experiences and views are most welcome and appreciated.</p>

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<p>Really some great images this week everyone. So far my favourite has to be Jeff Palmucci's B&W, very nice lighting, you'll have to let us know how you did on the assignment </p>

<p>Not this week however stumbled upon a completely covered marker under a tree while out shooting in a local cemetery (nope, didn't see Jeff Spirer! it being daytime and all). I don't think anyone had seen this little guys grave in some time, made me want to capture an image although I'm not sure what I'll do with it.</p><div></div>

<p>Very nice shots this week everyone, my personal favourite is Adrian K's - very different and love the texture.</p>

<p>Trying different POVs from under an old retired CN caboose serving time as a display (and target for anarchists evidently!) Been trying new things in post and really like adding grain to desaturated shots for a moody effect (if that makes any sense).</p><div></div>

<p>Kelly, I'll throw one more point in the mix here - If you can fit it into your budget I would recommend going with soft boxes over umbrellas. Not that umbrellas are horrible (they are what I chose) but the soft boxes allow for much more control of the light in a confined studio (i.e. light spill). </p>

<p>I too use flash with RC triggers and have had little issue with power, this however will depend on your requirements. </p>

<p>Good luck, James. </p>

<p>David, a bit more info required. By close are you talking regular photos such as portraits but at a closer focal distance? -or- do you wish to see tiny things in a larger than life format such as Macro? </p>

<p>There would be many possible suggestions for either however the learning tab here on PN has some good tips. A very good place to start would be visiting your local camera store and either just trying some lenses there or better yet renting a couple of sets of glass prior to shelling out the $$.<br>

Regards, James</p>

<p>Jeremy, cool indeed! Is your next hurdle a manner in controlling motorized panning and tilt? That PVC tubing mount would easily hold some light electronics with some form of small battery source placed lower (off-setting ballast) and a small solar cell trickle charger (weather proof) on the rear deck hatch for longer journeys. </p>

<p>I smell a marketing option on the horizon ;)</p>

<p>The credit is all yours, hope she enjoys the gear and has fun shooting.</p>

<p>Regards, James.</p>

<p>Tom, obviously no response from the lens doesn't sound good but here are a few things to look at before deciding weather or not you will need to take it in for servicing.</p>

<p>1. With no lens on - have a freshly charged battery in and check to see if any of the camera menus come up on the LCD, can you access any/all functions on just the body?</p>

<p>2. If you seem to have function with the body only, mount the lens after checking all of the connecters that sit between the body and lens - should be clean and appear non-damaged. In an auto mode, check to see if the lens will auto focus on any subject. Also you should put the lens in MF (manual focus) and rotate the focus ring and also the zoom - listen for any heavy grinding and feel for any resistance.</p>

<p>Depending on the lens, it may very well be more economical to purchase a new or lightly used item; some of which can be very inexpensive (basic 50mm). <br>

Others will have to chime in regarding service details and they will most likely need more details reference the equipment (type of lens) and your location.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>Interesting. I had to go to a small Mom&Pop camera shop to get mine done (had a bit of a Pawn store feel to it IMO), as you have run into, none of the big store names would do it. Not sure what makes one qualified to appraise camera gear. </p>

<p>The insurance rider is well worth the hassle. Keep up the hunt and maybe look to some of the surrounding cities if you happen to be going on a trip soon. </p>

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<p>I am going through the same process right now and found out a couple of things. While almost any store in my area will appraise for 'replacement cost' (current market equivalent for older gear), not everyone will actually give you a dollar value for the equipment itself which is what the insurance co. wanted. For that I had to track down a specific used camera store in my area and for $25 CDN they would do the appraisal. </p>

<p>I suggest you confirm exactly which dollar figure your insurer wants and just query the local shops in your area - if they don't do it, they'll know who does.</p>

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<p>The only thing I see that would help more, is post processing info. Tho I would imagine that others, like me, don't remember exactly what steps in what order the processing was done on any particular photo</p>

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<p>Patrick - Since I started looking more to PP over the past months, I have found the Wedding & Social forum to be one great place to check out. There is a weekly photo critique thread by Nadine Ohara which often has posters tweaking photos and showing interesting photoshop results, plus most will list some of the steps taken. Worth checking out wish there where more like it.</p>

<p>P Net has many great sources for people who are open minded and wish to learn.<br>

James </p>

<p>Natalie - I have been using the non-VC for about the last year now and have been very happy with the performance. There has been the odd time when it searches for auto focus however that is most likely my own fault or the cameras. The Non-VC issue rests totally with how you shoot. I tend to be able to keep the shutter speed up so I haven't had any issues. A darker venue for a wedding in your case may prove a bit more of a challenge.</p>

<p>Overall, great bang for your buck, sharp and now sits on my 40D for about 75% of the time (walk around). Hope you enjoy it.</p>

<p>Another this week from the water - Wabamun Lake, Alberta with my thirteen year old son Eric. <br /> James D - Amazing hive photo, are you sure you don't have some National Geographic blood pumping through your veins ;)<br /> Arie - superb job on the northern lights, brings back some memories.</p>

<p>*Edit - photo info auto filled on me; should be f/7.1, ISO100, 1/800 sec - not that it matters much</p><div></div>