geodar

I went for the macro lens first, sigma 105mm. 105mm over the 60mm as you don't have to be as to close to the insect (subject, so I was told). once I started I could not put it down, on a warm, still, bright summers day the world of insects is amazing. seeing things that you never see when just looking with the naked eye. one day I spent 3 hours just photographing insects & plants in a 100 yard stretch of wild verge. if I needed some light I used a little bright torch which fitted in the bag with no probs and cost wise was next to nothing. I now have added to my kit a nissin ring light, I have not been out in the field with macro & light yet, tried it in the garden when I first got it with mixed results, not used to settings on light was the problem. I used the light for portraits more than macro, but then again the weather has not been that great to get out and shoot macro wildlife. once you do get into macro (focusing is the key and you will get many out of focus shots) I think you will love it, this side of photography is really interesting and fascinating. geoff

That's Odd! geoff (25/6/15)

thanks to all who voted geoff

The challenge this week is to produce a creative image of any piece(s) of clothing. Take and upload from now until Monday 29th June Voting from Tuesday 30th June - Friday 3rd July Thinking caps on and good luck Geoff

Fox Cub geoff

seems so, it will be like an echo geoff

i'm going to wait a few months for 10, get them to iron out any probs first. there is a link to desk top on the apps page already, because i'm not sure what they do that's why I don't use it, like the desktop as it is something i'm used to working with. geoff

took me ages to get used to it. ok now. I never use the apps page so always stay on the desktop. left right click on the windows icon, goto shut down/sign out then click on shut down, easy peesy. geoff

ok for me geoff

booked for 12. don't forget some change for car park. i'll be there around 10.30ish (at car park) and then go for a wander then can meet up. i'll be the one in the trunks and life jacket (you never know). geoff

Hi Leon, if you are thinking of buying pi insurance, it may be a thought to see if you can get it just for the day when your on a shoot. it would be cheaper (in the short term) than a yearly thing, so if you only now and again do the shoots (2-3 times a year) then your covered, if you have a regular type of contract then yearly cover would work out cheaper. You can get one day's insurance cover for cars, travel etc so why not for personal insurance. my gear is insured (through my home insurance) if away from home for up to £2500, I never carry that amount anyway. remember there will be an excess to pay as well if you need to claim. if the equipment fails then his is why you carry several cards & batteries and carry (or keep in the boot) a spare body or some sort of quality small camera (and extras). with covering your type of sport (fast moving cars), what would happen if you were hit by one of them or one of the cars lost control and you were involved in an accident? any insurance that you have for yourself, personal insurance may not cover you (check this out) as you put yourself into a possible dangerous situation, as for other peoples cover, do you have situations where people are possibly in danger that is caused by you or your equipment? Geoff

try to get it right this time. geoff

12 o'clock trip fine for me. if weather forecast pants re-do visit for later in the month. haven't got a badge so got a red carnation geoff

any boat for me will do geoff

I'm easy, a few tigers, couple of bears and some kangaroos would be interesting. if you let me know what I owe for trip i'll settle up when we meet, been to the farnes only once many, many years ago (teenage days), don't forget a hat. been to rest up the coast many times, so anything does. geoff p.s. do you have plans on where we are meeting first?

I could be up for this, let me know details when sorted, just up the road for me (about an hour or so anyway) geoff

who put the 'DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS' sign up! or WOW! that new diet works fast geoff

Epson for me, use a4 for prints, a3 for prints and a4 wi-fi for everyday stuff. geoff

hi leon, when it is duskish try using a flash, lowish setting should 'pop'/'boost' the green grass if you are finding them dark. geoff

looks like a photo sharing/selling site. search crowdmedia and see what you think. geoff

CS2 is a good place to start. don't be put off by what it can do or all the icons. pull up a photo press Ctrl (&) L and you will get levels, Ctrl (&) C will bring up curves (more advanced type of levels). move sliders or graph lines if in curves, and see the difference. hover the mouse pointer over the icon and they tell you what they do, try, try and try some more and see what happens, make notes if you want to as to what each function does. there will be a lot that you don't use but the basic ones you will use most of the time can make a big difference. basic ones are - levels (& curves) - saturation - crop - straighten tool - spot healing & clone tool to remove unwanted items or to clean up an image. it's all down to practice and remembering what does what. Have fun. Geoff

The butterfly had no chance against the spider. Geoff

had a look on their site. dose it not mean for racing or is it to cover you if you are hit while you are photographing?? geoff

I would have thought, that if you are just taking a few personal shots then no, but if you are being paid and the shots and they may not be as good as you said they would be and the payee decides to sue, using a tripod where someone could trip over it, or even your bag of gear. If you are setting up a make shift studio that may collapse onto someone etc. A strong flash may cause some short blindness or a migraine and a person might blame you and try it on. Depending on cost of the insurance, would it be worth it for more access? Not sure if any good for other events if you are attending as a public member just taking photos. Interested any others thoughts.

me too, I see the difference, prefer the 1st one, warmer and more pleasing to my eye. but I suppose you could play around and alter in software anyway. geoff