FA+
Shop
Tool Swap
General | Posted 12 years agoAfter three and a half years my workhorse Rebel T1i got sold to give a new photographer 
drakemccloud a tool to enter the world of Digital Photography with.
Since I got the 60D early this year the Rebel has been collecting dust, other then the one time I took it out then letting Drake borrow it for a day to make sure everything was still working spot on.
I'm glad it's getting used in a new home, it was a great camera. While the 60D was a definite upgrade I Ihave a lot of awesome shots I've taken with the camera. Most of the frame prints I have at home came off of it.
To people who knock entry-level SLR gear; don't. I've seen and pulled awesome shots with Rebels/Nikon XXXD and XXXXDs and other comparable 500-1000 dollar cameras. I'm sure Drake is going to be happy.
T1i- you will be missed. Glad you're in a good home.
The trade and cash allowed me to finish my new desktop PC; a nice high end video card and a 25 iinch IPS monitor. The contrast and color for photo editing on the monitor are insane. Those who won't edit with newer monitors and are sticklers to old LCDs and CRTs... don't know what they are missing. Yeah... for a few years monitors kinda sucked and were incredibly overpriced. Which is why I never upgraded. Recently... when you can get a high end high Adobe RGB spectrum monitor for under 250.. yeah. Money well spent.
I also broke down and bought Lightroom 5 Not too dissimilar then 4 interface wise which I am happy with. They merely added features and didn't move around controls or take anything out like in 3 to 4 So my learning curve and changes to my editing workflow are null.
I now have a fully upgraded set of tools from taking the shots to editing. Two years ago I wouldn't have thought it was possible to have the gear I currently have. In spite of this, I have no reason to want to go to the highest end gear; I'm fully comfortable in the mid-range/entry professional range.
For one; I like having gear that is comfortable to carry and hold. Anything higher would be too heavy to be useful IMHO.
But that's a rant for another time. It feels good to have that spark back for my photography hobby again. I almost lost that two years ago. I'm really glad it came back.
Expect more photos on my gallery soon; but for more fresh content check my Flickr accounts. They get updated first :3
drakemccloud a tool to enter the world of Digital Photography with. Since I got the 60D early this year the Rebel has been collecting dust, other then the one time I took it out then letting Drake borrow it for a day to make sure everything was still working spot on.
I'm glad it's getting used in a new home, it was a great camera. While the 60D was a definite upgrade I Ihave a lot of awesome shots I've taken with the camera. Most of the frame prints I have at home came off of it.
To people who knock entry-level SLR gear; don't. I've seen and pulled awesome shots with Rebels/Nikon XXXD and XXXXDs and other comparable 500-1000 dollar cameras. I'm sure Drake is going to be happy.
T1i- you will be missed. Glad you're in a good home.
The trade and cash allowed me to finish my new desktop PC; a nice high end video card and a 25 iinch IPS monitor. The contrast and color for photo editing on the monitor are insane. Those who won't edit with newer monitors and are sticklers to old LCDs and CRTs... don't know what they are missing. Yeah... for a few years monitors kinda sucked and were incredibly overpriced. Which is why I never upgraded. Recently... when you can get a high end high Adobe RGB spectrum monitor for under 250.. yeah. Money well spent.
I also broke down and bought Lightroom 5 Not too dissimilar then 4 interface wise which I am happy with. They merely added features and didn't move around controls or take anything out like in 3 to 4 So my learning curve and changes to my editing workflow are null.
I now have a fully upgraded set of tools from taking the shots to editing. Two years ago I wouldn't have thought it was possible to have the gear I currently have. In spite of this, I have no reason to want to go to the highest end gear; I'm fully comfortable in the mid-range/entry professional range.
For one; I like having gear that is comfortable to carry and hold. Anything higher would be too heavy to be useful IMHO.
But that's a rant for another time. It feels good to have that spark back for my photography hobby again. I almost lost that two years ago. I'm really glad it came back.
Expect more photos on my gallery soon; but for more fresh content check my Flickr accounts. They get updated first :3
Ask me a Question... I'll tell you no lies...
General | Posted 12 years agoBecause I've had a... special start to my work week I'm putting this up.
Yes I know its Wed; not a Tues or Thurs. But TMI time regardless.
Ask away; I'll do my best to answer since I need a diversion right now D:
Yes I know its Wed; not a Tues or Thurs. But TMI time regardless.
Ask away; I'll do my best to answer since I need a diversion right now D:
No more excuses...
General | Posted 12 years agoSo for the past Decade or so I've been struggling to find a pocket sized digital camera I "liked" and was happy with. Before I was able to get an DSLR and really into photography I played around with Digital point and shoots starting with a 1.2 Megapixel POS that I got for free for signing up for Dial Up internet... yeah... that tells you how long ago THAT was... XD
From then I've had a dozen pocket cameras, or so. I've lost two, have had the LCD crack on the back once (leaving it in the car during a really cold day in the winter) and sold or given away most of the rest of them as I upgraded them.
Cell phone cameras... are a joke to me. Always have been, always will be. I once bought a cell phone that at the time supposedly had the best camera, at 5 MP, and the screen flipped over to convert into a actual point and shoot camera. Needless to say I never posted anything from it for a reason.
Back on the point and shoots... To me they were "better then a Cell Phone" but still had limits, and I felt I could only get "good" shots when I was incredibly lucky. The consistency and the controls just weren't there.
My last Point and Shoot, the Panasonic was versatile that it had a good zoom and had "manual" controls. But it had such a narrow range of F stops that it wasn't useful. And it couldn't shoot RAW so when you zoomed in on the images the Artifacting irritated me even if at "Web/small print size" they looked fine. It ended up going to a friend who is very happy that its more versatile then most pocket cameras.
I'm not a stickler on always having to have my DSLR on me, and its quite inconvenient to do so. Last year after
Kurst kinda talked me into it I picked up an Olympus PEN. It gives me the feel of an SLR in a more compact and discreet size, though admittedly because of it its harder to switch on the fly. I shot for a few months with only the Olympus and for the most part, was very happy with it. I still am, and its the camera I will take with me to any conventions I'm not officially doing anything or if I want something a little more discreet for say street photography. I still shoot a decent amount with the PEN and that isn't going to change.
Then I went back to the 60D, big huge right on the very edge of size I'd ever be comfortable carrying around. That being said, the variety in lenses and the ability to control things along with the insanely low noise sensor makes it my current workhorse when I know I'm dedicating myself to photography at an event or nerding it up with other photo geeks.
And still, there was a gap. Sure, I had the waterproof camera, and it takes "okay" photos. It has a decent sensor but crappy glass. And it was pretty much full auto on everything which drives me up... the wall.
The PEN is just a little too heavy to comfortably put on a handstrap. With the Pancake its pocketable, barely- but then you give up the versatility of Zoom. Great for street photography and event photography and landscape... not very multi-purpose without one of the larger lenses on.
I found a solution. There is still a niche class of advanced point and shoot cameras called "Photo Enthusiast" cameras. The kind I always walk by at Best Buy and chuff at because I'm NOT paying the price of an SLR or Micro 4/3 with interchangeable lenses for a pocket camera.
Then I looked a generation back, and found out those were more affordable and the differences between them and the newest generation very slight, except for stupid things like fold out screens (Which is awesome on the 60D but on a pocket camera? It DOUBLES the size which is... useless) and more face detection modes, and maybe a slightly faster burst rate. If I need to shoot burst, I have two cameras much better at doing that as it is.
The price, for Refurbished and New remaining enthusiast cameras was around half of what the current generation, which makes it more appealing. Instead of $500-600 we were talking $200-300. That I can do.
My initial research led me to the Panasonic LX5. It shot in RAW, had a fairly fast lens and was pocketable. I looked at the Canon S95 and S100 and while smaller the glass wasn't nearly as good as the LX5 type class. Cheap glass for a smaller camera. Makes sense.
Then I found the Olympus XZ-1. It came out at the same time as my PEN EPL-2 which meant it was slightly newer then the Panasonic. It was also, at the time slightly cheaper for a refurbished vs used for the Panasonic. My PEN I bought Refurbished and have been happy with the condition it came in... Plus it can use some of the acessories the PEN can including the olympus hotshoe flash. I pulled the trigger, and bought it.
After just a short amount of shooting with it today, I fell in love. The front control dial around the lens mount makes it about as quick to adjust settings as my T1i. It shoots in 1/3rd stop ISO. It shoots in RAW. It has a F 1.8/ F 2.5 lens. The quality of the glass is incredible. The lag between turning the camera on and taking a shot is as fast or not slightly faster then the PEN. Its much quieter then the PEN.
There are, still some compromises. I know there would be some. The sensor while crisp and sharp does have much better noise then any other pocket camera I've used but pales to SLRs or even the micro 4/3rds. That being said, crisp lines without the Chromatic abberation which is much more common on cheaper glass with my 60D compensates for that somewhat.
The minimum aperture no matter where the zoom is at is only F8. Granted, my Panasonic was only F 5.6-F6.3 which drove me batty. That being said, its so sharp that F8 looks like F13 on the PEN. It's just a lot harder to do a long exposure though it does go to ISO 100 where the PEN is 200.
I'm stuck with a 4x zoom range. For a pocket camera for snapshots this is fine. But don't expect me to take this around to a Zoo and try to take photos of the tigers on the other side of the exhibit any time soon.
But in short? The camera is snappy, it gets spot on exposure, vibrant color and sharp images without having to put in much effort. Its what I've been looking for in an everywhere camera in ages... It makes a nice addition to the family. Something I can take out of a pocket, shoot a shot and be happy with the results most of the time while knowing its limitations and place. Its the first pocket camera I've had since I got my first Digital Camera that is really Fun to use. And that of itself is worth it.
No more excuses for half-assed photography. I might as well put tape over the "camera" on my cell phone at this point.
I've posted a sample image at 100% crop in my scraps. Yes it looks a little fuzzy but remeber this is at 100% crop. If I were to show you 100% crop of most pocket cameras... you'd understand why I am so excited at the difference.
I'll be posting some full size photos from it soon. I'm betting it will be really hard to tell what I've shot on my 60D, what I shot on the PEN and what I shot on the XZ-1 when I'm done with my processing- and that's kinda the point :) Consistency in my photography makes me happy. Not going to get that 100%- believe me I take a LOT of really really horrible shots.
Anyways... with that big geek out moment out of the way... to bed!
From then I've had a dozen pocket cameras, or so. I've lost two, have had the LCD crack on the back once (leaving it in the car during a really cold day in the winter) and sold or given away most of the rest of them as I upgraded them.
Cell phone cameras... are a joke to me. Always have been, always will be. I once bought a cell phone that at the time supposedly had the best camera, at 5 MP, and the screen flipped over to convert into a actual point and shoot camera. Needless to say I never posted anything from it for a reason.
Back on the point and shoots... To me they were "better then a Cell Phone" but still had limits, and I felt I could only get "good" shots when I was incredibly lucky. The consistency and the controls just weren't there.
My last Point and Shoot, the Panasonic was versatile that it had a good zoom and had "manual" controls. But it had such a narrow range of F stops that it wasn't useful. And it couldn't shoot RAW so when you zoomed in on the images the Artifacting irritated me even if at "Web/small print size" they looked fine. It ended up going to a friend who is very happy that its more versatile then most pocket cameras.
I'm not a stickler on always having to have my DSLR on me, and its quite inconvenient to do so. Last year after
Kurst kinda talked me into it I picked up an Olympus PEN. It gives me the feel of an SLR in a more compact and discreet size, though admittedly because of it its harder to switch on the fly. I shot for a few months with only the Olympus and for the most part, was very happy with it. I still am, and its the camera I will take with me to any conventions I'm not officially doing anything or if I want something a little more discreet for say street photography. I still shoot a decent amount with the PEN and that isn't going to change.Then I went back to the 60D, big huge right on the very edge of size I'd ever be comfortable carrying around. That being said, the variety in lenses and the ability to control things along with the insanely low noise sensor makes it my current workhorse when I know I'm dedicating myself to photography at an event or nerding it up with other photo geeks.
And still, there was a gap. Sure, I had the waterproof camera, and it takes "okay" photos. It has a decent sensor but crappy glass. And it was pretty much full auto on everything which drives me up... the wall.
The PEN is just a little too heavy to comfortably put on a handstrap. With the Pancake its pocketable, barely- but then you give up the versatility of Zoom. Great for street photography and event photography and landscape... not very multi-purpose without one of the larger lenses on.
I found a solution. There is still a niche class of advanced point and shoot cameras called "Photo Enthusiast" cameras. The kind I always walk by at Best Buy and chuff at because I'm NOT paying the price of an SLR or Micro 4/3 with interchangeable lenses for a pocket camera.
Then I looked a generation back, and found out those were more affordable and the differences between them and the newest generation very slight, except for stupid things like fold out screens (Which is awesome on the 60D but on a pocket camera? It DOUBLES the size which is... useless) and more face detection modes, and maybe a slightly faster burst rate. If I need to shoot burst, I have two cameras much better at doing that as it is.
The price, for Refurbished and New remaining enthusiast cameras was around half of what the current generation, which makes it more appealing. Instead of $500-600 we were talking $200-300. That I can do.
My initial research led me to the Panasonic LX5. It shot in RAW, had a fairly fast lens and was pocketable. I looked at the Canon S95 and S100 and while smaller the glass wasn't nearly as good as the LX5 type class. Cheap glass for a smaller camera. Makes sense.
Then I found the Olympus XZ-1. It came out at the same time as my PEN EPL-2 which meant it was slightly newer then the Panasonic. It was also, at the time slightly cheaper for a refurbished vs used for the Panasonic. My PEN I bought Refurbished and have been happy with the condition it came in... Plus it can use some of the acessories the PEN can including the olympus hotshoe flash. I pulled the trigger, and bought it.
After just a short amount of shooting with it today, I fell in love. The front control dial around the lens mount makes it about as quick to adjust settings as my T1i. It shoots in 1/3rd stop ISO. It shoots in RAW. It has a F 1.8/ F 2.5 lens. The quality of the glass is incredible. The lag between turning the camera on and taking a shot is as fast or not slightly faster then the PEN. Its much quieter then the PEN.
There are, still some compromises. I know there would be some. The sensor while crisp and sharp does have much better noise then any other pocket camera I've used but pales to SLRs or even the micro 4/3rds. That being said, crisp lines without the Chromatic abberation which is much more common on cheaper glass with my 60D compensates for that somewhat.
The minimum aperture no matter where the zoom is at is only F8. Granted, my Panasonic was only F 5.6-F6.3 which drove me batty. That being said, its so sharp that F8 looks like F13 on the PEN. It's just a lot harder to do a long exposure though it does go to ISO 100 where the PEN is 200.
I'm stuck with a 4x zoom range. For a pocket camera for snapshots this is fine. But don't expect me to take this around to a Zoo and try to take photos of the tigers on the other side of the exhibit any time soon.
But in short? The camera is snappy, it gets spot on exposure, vibrant color and sharp images without having to put in much effort. Its what I've been looking for in an everywhere camera in ages... It makes a nice addition to the family. Something I can take out of a pocket, shoot a shot and be happy with the results most of the time while knowing its limitations and place. Its the first pocket camera I've had since I got my first Digital Camera that is really Fun to use. And that of itself is worth it.
No more excuses for half-assed photography. I might as well put tape over the "camera" on my cell phone at this point.
I've posted a sample image at 100% crop in my scraps. Yes it looks a little fuzzy but remeber this is at 100% crop. If I were to show you 100% crop of most pocket cameras... you'd understand why I am so excited at the difference.
I'll be posting some full size photos from it soon. I'm betting it will be really hard to tell what I've shot on my 60D, what I shot on the PEN and what I shot on the XZ-1 when I'm done with my processing- and that's kinda the point :) Consistency in my photography makes me happy. Not going to get that 100%- believe me I take a LOT of really really horrible shots.
Anyways... with that big geek out moment out of the way... to bed!
On Conventions and Event Photography
General | Posted 12 years agoSo this year has been a very busy one for me, not that I am complaining about this in the least. In-fact going into this year I was worried I would be bored/not useful/under appreciated with communities I help support, and glad to see its quite the opposite. I have a better idea of what I can and want to do to help- and as long as I have some sort of recognition I am happy with that.
Let's see here, where do I begin? This year has been a ride already and it's only halfway over. It really started picking up speed around Anime Detour for me; and the reason that I'm thinking about this is I just got back from a different Anime con at the same hotel this weekend (more on that later in this post).
Anyways... at Anime Detour this year I helped out
mouring with the Fursuit photoshoot which evolved into helping out/playing with the Staff photographers at Anime Detour because they were a very busy bunch and needed some extra help from time to time. I brought my own upgraded Studio equipment which I recently purchased just prior to the con and it all worked together with only the minor issue that I had been short-sightened enough not to bring extra fresh batteries for the Radio triggers. Whoops n.n.
From this point forward
mnfurs had a number of other events including a downtown fursuit romp, a bowling event and the Spring Picnic. I was a photographer in some respect at all of these events. I've been a "staff" photographer at an event every month if not more since Anime Detour. I'm getting my money worth out of all my new equipment...
The last few months I went from a total unknown in the local furry community as a photographer to getting enough questions and pokes from many different people that I should be carrying around personal business cards with my FA on it. If I'm around at a local event people assume I'm the event photographer.
My FA went from having nothing but general photography and some Zoo photography that did "okay" to being 90% fursuiting photos within the last few months. I've noticed while I get a lot less Favs on my fursuiting photos directly, I get a lot more comments either from people offline that they like my work, or the suiter him/herself will get a good number of comments/favs from something re-posted from me.
It goes without saying that the fursuiters in the fandom get a lot of attention. Its much much harder to get attention as the one taking the photo directly at times. But when I see people enjoying my work, whether I'm getting direct credit or involvement I'm very happy with this.
I'm also considering looking at a dedicated photo-dump site (Like photobucket or Flickr) JUST for my Fursuit/Con/Event photography.
In two weeks I have another event, though working for a non-profit festival that is not "furry related". This brings me back to three years ago I used to do some volunteer photography for various non-profits abroad including the Alzheimers Foundation and Hennipen County.
I've also been doing a lot of general photography this year when compared to my slump of 2011 and 2012. I'm back to and above my peak of my photography hobby in 2009 and 2010.
I'm not snooty with my photography, and that is what burnt me out about photography in the past. Now I can laugh and shake my head at Professionals who have their heads a mile up their ass.
A lot of Professional or even "Serious Hobbiest" photographers I've met have this huge Ego about needing to have the "best gear" and would never appreciate the work of other photographers because their work is "obviously the best".
This attitude REALLY pissed me off. It still does, but I've come to terms that I am NOT like that. I am out there to have fun, and if I ever do this as a side business; I'd never have this attitude...
The con this weekend overall was Meh. The overall average age was easily 10 years younger then Anime Detour and Furry conventions. It feels a little awkward being a 31 year old man taking photos of a 13 year old in a school girl costume. Yeeeeah. So I stayed away from that...
On the flipside a good number of furs locally were there, and although the fursuiting roaming was a lot more sporadic and less organized then it was at AD I still got some really nice shots; some of which will be posted in the next few days.
So in short, my photography bug has gone into overdrive. I've noticed some of my other hobbies such as Fishing and Gaming at this point have become secondary; While I still enjoy doing these activities if you look at where the bulk of my time has been in the last few months when I'm not working or hanging out with friends; its usually been behind a lens of a camera.
Let's see here, where do I begin? This year has been a ride already and it's only halfway over. It really started picking up speed around Anime Detour for me; and the reason that I'm thinking about this is I just got back from a different Anime con at the same hotel this weekend (more on that later in this post).
Anyways... at Anime Detour this year I helped out
mouring with the Fursuit photoshoot which evolved into helping out/playing with the Staff photographers at Anime Detour because they were a very busy bunch and needed some extra help from time to time. I brought my own upgraded Studio equipment which I recently purchased just prior to the con and it all worked together with only the minor issue that I had been short-sightened enough not to bring extra fresh batteries for the Radio triggers. Whoops n.n.From this point forward
mnfurs had a number of other events including a downtown fursuit romp, a bowling event and the Spring Picnic. I was a photographer in some respect at all of these events. I've been a "staff" photographer at an event every month if not more since Anime Detour. I'm getting my money worth out of all my new equipment...The last few months I went from a total unknown in the local furry community as a photographer to getting enough questions and pokes from many different people that I should be carrying around personal business cards with my FA on it. If I'm around at a local event people assume I'm the event photographer.
My FA went from having nothing but general photography and some Zoo photography that did "okay" to being 90% fursuiting photos within the last few months. I've noticed while I get a lot less Favs on my fursuiting photos directly, I get a lot more comments either from people offline that they like my work, or the suiter him/herself will get a good number of comments/favs from something re-posted from me.
It goes without saying that the fursuiters in the fandom get a lot of attention. Its much much harder to get attention as the one taking the photo directly at times. But when I see people enjoying my work, whether I'm getting direct credit or involvement I'm very happy with this.
I'm also considering looking at a dedicated photo-dump site (Like photobucket or Flickr) JUST for my Fursuit/Con/Event photography.
In two weeks I have another event, though working for a non-profit festival that is not "furry related". This brings me back to three years ago I used to do some volunteer photography for various non-profits abroad including the Alzheimers Foundation and Hennipen County.
I've also been doing a lot of general photography this year when compared to my slump of 2011 and 2012. I'm back to and above my peak of my photography hobby in 2009 and 2010.
I'm not snooty with my photography, and that is what burnt me out about photography in the past. Now I can laugh and shake my head at Professionals who have their heads a mile up their ass.
A lot of Professional or even "Serious Hobbiest" photographers I've met have this huge Ego about needing to have the "best gear" and would never appreciate the work of other photographers because their work is "obviously the best".
This attitude REALLY pissed me off. It still does, but I've come to terms that I am NOT like that. I am out there to have fun, and if I ever do this as a side business; I'd never have this attitude...
The con this weekend overall was Meh. The overall average age was easily 10 years younger then Anime Detour and Furry conventions. It feels a little awkward being a 31 year old man taking photos of a 13 year old in a school girl costume. Yeeeeah. So I stayed away from that...
On the flipside a good number of furs locally were there, and although the fursuiting roaming was a lot more sporadic and less organized then it was at AD I still got some really nice shots; some of which will be posted in the next few days.
So in short, my photography bug has gone into overdrive. I've noticed some of my other hobbies such as Fishing and Gaming at this point have become secondary; While I still enjoy doing these activities if you look at where the bulk of my time has been in the last few months when I'm not working or hanging out with friends; its usually been behind a lens of a camera.
Flickr
General | Posted 12 years agoRecently, the new CEO of Yahoo turned Flickr into something useful. There used to be a painfully tight cap on how many photos you could have unless you paid. Now it's 100 percent free with a 1 TB limit which is pretty much unlimited; its there so people don't start using the service to backup everything.
So with that said, I'm going to be using mine more. It kinda went abandoned and is clear no one is looking at my photos anymore on there: http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/28346338@N07/
I'll still post photography on here; but I will have a larger gallery of my work, past and present on fflickr. I like having a place I can upload an entire set from a trip and not be scolded for flooding.
So Flickr will be my main photo dump area. Right now yeah there is some fursuit photography on there which may or may not get deleted. I kind of want a place that's not we steal babies Facebook where I can dump my photos so family and non fur friends can enjoy my general photography.
So in short if you enjoy my photography here, specially my non-fursuit photography watch me on Flickr. I'll still be posting photos on FA as well, even some of my general stuff. Go visit me on Flickr!
So with that said, I'm going to be using mine more. It kinda went abandoned and is clear no one is looking at my photos anymore on there: http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/28346338@N07/
I'll still post photography on here; but I will have a larger gallery of my work, past and present on fflickr. I like having a place I can upload an entire set from a trip and not be scolded for flooding.
So Flickr will be my main photo dump area. Right now yeah there is some fursuit photography on there which may or may not get deleted. I kind of want a place that's not we steal babies Facebook where I can dump my photos so family and non fur friends can enjoy my general photography.
So in short if you enjoy my photography here, specially my non-fursuit photography watch me on Flickr. I'll still be posting photos on FA as well, even some of my general stuff. Go visit me on Flickr!
Upgrades & Gear for sale
General | Posted 12 years agoWork this week was pretty Hellish, but I just had my first performance review. My manager will be conferencing me to discuss it in person but everything on the printed review was positive. Let's face it... I'm the ONLY technician of my kind the company has in the area. I have NO BACKUP. I am doing a good enough job that they like me and realize they have no one else available to do my job. This is the basis for Job Security. It's something I haven't had since... *blinks* ever. It's a nice thing to have.
So because of this, and since I am still able to live at home I've been able to upgrade most of my photography gear. And my Boat, and my Laptop & Tablet. I may look into investing that extra money into a hobby studio come this Fall which is another discussion all of its own.
So because of this, I'm left with gear I don't really use. It's not "bad" gear infact it was my workhorse for most of my photography 3 solid years.
This would be great for someone who wants to get into photography and doesn't know where to start, or someone who has a camera with the kit lens and wants something different to go with it. The camera has been heavily used but is in pristine condition physically. I take very good care of my gear.
Canon T1I 15 MP Body w 18/55mm IS kit kens, bottom grip and 2 batteries (still hold full charge and can go through thousands of frames without being recharged): $300
Canon EF-S 55-250 IS Lens (compact telephoto- was my workhorse tele for 2 years): $150
Tamron 18-200mm Lens ("walk-around" lens): $100
The whole Kit N Kaboodle: $450 (basically, you'd get the Tamron lens for free by buying everything)
I have the original box for the camera and the 55-250mm lens. I should have the manuals for the T1i as well. If interested send me a PM and I can work out all details there :).
All lenses will come with a UV protective filter on them and have all the caps for the body and the lenses. I'll also throw in an 8gb SDHC memory card with it so she's useable out of the box :)
(Also I have a boat for sale too, though this one is a bit harder to ship n.n If you actually do want a boat and are local... talk to me? But I'm not holding my breath on that one XD)
So because of this, and since I am still able to live at home I've been able to upgrade most of my photography gear. And my Boat, and my Laptop & Tablet. I may look into investing that extra money into a hobby studio come this Fall which is another discussion all of its own.
So because of this, I'm left with gear I don't really use. It's not "bad" gear infact it was my workhorse for most of my photography 3 solid years.
This would be great for someone who wants to get into photography and doesn't know where to start, or someone who has a camera with the kit lens and wants something different to go with it. The camera has been heavily used but is in pristine condition physically. I take very good care of my gear.
Canon T1I 15 MP Body w 18/55mm IS kit kens, bottom grip and 2 batteries (still hold full charge and can go through thousands of frames without being recharged): $300
Canon EF-S 55-250 IS Lens (compact telephoto- was my workhorse tele for 2 years): $150
Tamron 18-200mm Lens ("walk-around" lens): $100
The whole Kit N Kaboodle: $450 (basically, you'd get the Tamron lens for free by buying everything)
I have the original box for the camera and the 55-250mm lens. I should have the manuals for the T1i as well. If interested send me a PM and I can work out all details there :).
All lenses will come with a UV protective filter on them and have all the caps for the body and the lenses. I'll also throw in an 8gb SDHC memory card with it so she's useable out of the box :)
(Also I have a boat for sale too, though this one is a bit harder to ship n.n If you actually do want a boat and are local... talk to me? But I'm not holding my breath on that one XD)
Instant Gratification
General | Posted 12 years agoSo if you guys have noticed; all my recent photos have been on fursuiting at mnfurs events. The reason for this is we've had a lot of events that were fur suit friendly and when I get a set done for one another pops up. So I'very been busting my tail trying to keep up.
A term that a lot of people are familiar with is instant gratification when it comes to Photography. If you can't get your photos up within a few hours of an event your stuff often gets overlooked and put by the wayside. This bugs me.
Truth is I take a lot of photos at events. It takes me a minimum of a couple of days to sort through them all, flag the ones I like and then clean them up in Lightroom; even if its a quick 5-15 min touchup everything I post has been cleaned up and sharpened from the original. Thus I actually spend time rather then just dumping them straight off my camera. II sometimes play with converting photos to Monochrome too. Everything I edit for posting is a piece of art to me; rather then just dumping a snapshot from a smartphone onto the internet.
My workflow generally is to edit an entire "set" of photos rather then just one or two. Last night I had to put that to the wayside and quick edit some picnic photos so I could throw them up before the flood of other people's photos made whatever I post here forgotten because I was "too late" and didn't give people the instant gratification others were.
In short: I threw up a few photos from the picnic last night. If you like my photography PLEASE be patient. I will have the rest of my MNFurs Spring Picnic photos up on the official mnfurs website gallery in a few days. It will be worth it. I pride myself on getting my photography a consistent look, and while I'm not 100 percent there I am working on that.
Quality photography is an art, and good art takes time.
And I apologize, I'm not sure why I'm so riled up about this. I just don't like the concept of being forgotten about because I'm not the quickest up loader in the Furry Fandom.
mnfurs events. The reason for this is we've had a lot of events that were fur suit friendly and when I get a set done for one another pops up. So I'very been busting my tail trying to keep up.A term that a lot of people are familiar with is instant gratification when it comes to Photography. If you can't get your photos up within a few hours of an event your stuff often gets overlooked and put by the wayside. This bugs me.
Truth is I take a lot of photos at events. It takes me a minimum of a couple of days to sort through them all, flag the ones I like and then clean them up in Lightroom; even if its a quick 5-15 min touchup everything I post has been cleaned up and sharpened from the original. Thus I actually spend time rather then just dumping them straight off my camera. II sometimes play with converting photos to Monochrome too. Everything I edit for posting is a piece of art to me; rather then just dumping a snapshot from a smartphone onto the internet.
My workflow generally is to edit an entire "set" of photos rather then just one or two. Last night I had to put that to the wayside and quick edit some picnic photos so I could throw them up before the flood of other people's photos made whatever I post here forgotten because I was "too late" and didn't give people the instant gratification others were.
In short: I threw up a few photos from the picnic last night. If you like my photography PLEASE be patient. I will have the rest of my MNFurs Spring Picnic photos up on the official
mnfurs website gallery in a few days. It will be worth it. I pride myself on getting my photography a consistent look, and while I'm not 100 percent there I am working on that. Quality photography is an art, and good art takes time.
And I apologize, I'm not sure why I'm so riled up about this. I just don't like the concept of being forgotten about because I'm not the quickest up loader in the Furry Fandom.
Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty...
General | Posted 12 years agoo~Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the Girls are pretty.... oh won't you please take me home... yeah yeah~o
Got that song stuck in my head so yeah.
I guess it sorta fits. We had a few days of warm summer like weather. The grass did start turning green and it felt like paradise. As far as the girls are pretty... well I've been solidly striking out on the relationship front... but its still been on my mind. A LOT. Not going to go into it now... but needless to say the quest continues >.>
In other news, I have upgraded most of my photography and studio gear. All mid range stuff for the most part, and I am FINE with that. I can pull off some damn fine shots with this level of gear. I sometimes laugh at how absurd (and how impractically ENORMOUS) some of the high-end professional gear is.... Make it smaller, and more affordable and I'd get L glass. For now... the lenses I have and the body I have takes some damn fine photos and it weighs half as much as the high end stuff; though it still has a decent heft to it and doesn't feel nearly as "cheap" as the entry level stuff does.
I paid off half of my credit debt with my tax refund \o/ Realistically I could pay the rest off now from savings or over the course of the next few months...
But summer will FINALLY come... someday... even if the weather taunts us and is going to get COLD again here *sigh* Eventually the boat will get out, and I still have work I need done on it. I should have it looked at by a fiberglass repair place and see how much it would be to fix a few small plugged holes and cracks. It holds water and doesn't leak at all... but would be peace of mind if they were better more permanently repaired vs just patched. I got the boat for cheap, so if I have to spend a little this year to fix it up I'm willing to do that.
And the other boat I need to fix up, THEN sell it. As is... If I could find a buyer to take it as is (it works, the trailer needs to be re-done and the floorboard too; and its missing the engine cover latch) I would do it and take less for it just to get it away. But realistically... it needs to be fixed up before it sells. Probably get a new starter battery for it too. Hm.
Anyone in the market for a 14' tiller driven fishing boat? D: I have no need for a fleet anymore....
Got that song stuck in my head so yeah.
I guess it sorta fits. We had a few days of warm summer like weather. The grass did start turning green and it felt like paradise. As far as the girls are pretty... well I've been solidly striking out on the relationship front... but its still been on my mind. A LOT. Not going to go into it now... but needless to say the quest continues >.>
In other news, I have upgraded most of my photography and studio gear. All mid range stuff for the most part, and I am FINE with that. I can pull off some damn fine shots with this level of gear. I sometimes laugh at how absurd (and how impractically ENORMOUS) some of the high-end professional gear is.... Make it smaller, and more affordable and I'd get L glass. For now... the lenses I have and the body I have takes some damn fine photos and it weighs half as much as the high end stuff; though it still has a decent heft to it and doesn't feel nearly as "cheap" as the entry level stuff does.
I paid off half of my credit debt with my tax refund \o/ Realistically I could pay the rest off now from savings or over the course of the next few months...
But summer will FINALLY come... someday... even if the weather taunts us and is going to get COLD again here *sigh* Eventually the boat will get out, and I still have work I need done on it. I should have it looked at by a fiberglass repair place and see how much it would be to fix a few small plugged holes and cracks. It holds water and doesn't leak at all... but would be peace of mind if they were better more permanently repaired vs just patched. I got the boat for cheap, so if I have to spend a little this year to fix it up I'm willing to do that.
And the other boat I need to fix up, THEN sell it. As is... If I could find a buyer to take it as is (it works, the trailer needs to be re-done and the floorboard too; and its missing the engine cover latch) I would do it and take less for it just to get it away. But realistically... it needs to be fixed up before it sells. Probably get a new starter battery for it too. Hm.
Anyone in the market for a 14' tiller driven fishing boat? D: I have no need for a fleet anymore....
On a lighter note.... (Meme time)
General | Posted 12 years agoTo get my mind off of more pessimistic things (yes I know I'm a pessimist at times...) 
sujidu did this thing I guess?
Warning: some of you I don't know all that well, and my memory can be a little sparse at times, but I will still do my best to think of answers if I don't XP
Comment here and I will...
1) Tell you something I learned about you by looking at your FA page for 10 seconds.
2) Tell you a color you remind me of.
3) Tell you my first memory of you.
4) Ask you a question.
5) Tell you something I like about you.
6) Tell you the object that is in front of me.
7) Dare you to do this yourself in your own journal!
sujidu did this thing I guess?Warning: some of you I don't know all that well, and my memory can be a little sparse at times, but I will still do my best to think of answers if I don't XP
Comment here and I will...
1) Tell you something I learned about you by looking at your FA page for 10 seconds.
2) Tell you a color you remind me of.
3) Tell you my first memory of you.
4) Ask you a question.
5) Tell you something I like about you.
6) Tell you the object that is in front of me.
7) Dare you to do this yourself in your own journal!
Game of Chess - The Waiting Game
General | Posted 13 years agoSo I was busy....
Then I got sick...
Now I have nothing to do... and Winter continues to task me, making me restless and go batshit crazy. If I could use some of my downtime with a fly rod or cruising around my boat; I wouldn't be nearly as restless right now...
Part of it is that mnfurs went through a transition. Most of my obligations were lifted off my shoulders... and while I still have some influence and have a role I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs as my single bucket right now is pretty much empty; while I watch others try to juggle multiple overflowing buckets at once. I feel kinda bad about this...
Not going into details, but I realized at current I need to sit and play a very very slow game of chess with my involvement in a lot of my volunteer activities. Politics is a very slow game. Wounds need to be licked and healed. Lots of things that both seem to fence me into a very specific role and limit me in the meantime. But *sigh* its what needs to be done.
Now I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs feeling like I'm doing NOTHING. I sit and stare at the PS3 and my photo library, knowing that yes... they can keep me entertained but its hard to touch either so when I'm restless.
I can't go outdoors and fish or do much in the way of photography right now because it is TOO DAMN COLD.
A little here and there with the photography, but it frustrates me that I can't be as active outdoors as I'm used to this time of year.
At the same time last year I was catching Trout in WI. NOT going to happen this year. People will be ice-fishing and freezing their tails off until well into APRIL this year *sigh*
So.... *drums his fingers on the desk* not a lot going on right now... nothing at all until atleast mid April. And I get to watch my friends have the opposite problem. Makes me feel... kinda useless right now :/
Then I got sick...
Now I have nothing to do... and Winter continues to task me, making me restless and go batshit crazy. If I could use some of my downtime with a fly rod or cruising around my boat; I wouldn't be nearly as restless right now...
Part of it is that
mnfurs went through a transition. Most of my obligations were lifted off my shoulders... and while I still have some influence and have a role I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs as my single bucket right now is pretty much empty; while I watch others try to juggle multiple overflowing buckets at once. I feel kinda bad about this...Not going into details, but I realized at current I need to sit and play a very very slow game of chess with my involvement in a lot of my volunteer activities. Politics is a very slow game. Wounds need to be licked and healed. Lots of things that both seem to fence me into a very specific role and limit me in the meantime. But *sigh* its what needs to be done.
Now I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs feeling like I'm doing NOTHING. I sit and stare at the PS3 and my photo library, knowing that yes... they can keep me entertained but its hard to touch either so when I'm restless.
I can't go outdoors and fish or do much in the way of photography right now because it is TOO DAMN COLD.
A little here and there with the photography, but it frustrates me that I can't be as active outdoors as I'm used to this time of year.
At the same time last year I was catching Trout in WI. NOT going to happen this year. People will be ice-fishing and freezing their tails off until well into APRIL this year *sigh*
So.... *drums his fingers on the desk* not a lot going on right now... nothing at all until atleast mid April. And I get to watch my friends have the opposite problem. Makes me feel... kinda useless right now :/
Sinus Infection
General | Posted 13 years agoSo I've been up and down for the last week fighting a sinus infection. Ugh. This is the second, possibly third sinus infection I've had and all three have been around this time of year. I blame the sudden changes in weather but also spending so much damn time INDOORS which likely makes me more prone to sinus colds.
The first one I fought off myself in about 3 days. This one, is a lot more stubborn. It goes through a 2-3 day cycle where it ALMOST gets "cured" and then crashes again. So yesterday I went to the doctor and $100 poorer have antibiotics to help fight it off.
I'll leave the TMI off here, but lets just say the worst part of the day has been waking up :/ It gets better during the day and starts getting bad again in the late evening. I'm HOPING because of the meds this morning is the last "bad morning" I'll have.
One thing is certain: sinus infections suck. They aren't something I'd wish upon my worst enemy (not that I really have any) :/
The first one I fought off myself in about 3 days. This one, is a lot more stubborn. It goes through a 2-3 day cycle where it ALMOST gets "cured" and then crashes again. So yesterday I went to the doctor and $100 poorer have antibiotics to help fight it off.
I'll leave the TMI off here, but lets just say the worst part of the day has been waking up :/ It gets better during the day and starts getting bad again in the late evening. I'm HOPING because of the meds this morning is the last "bad morning" I'll have.
One thing is certain: sinus infections suck. They aren't something I'd wish upon my worst enemy (not that I really have any) :/
Just another day....
General | Posted 13 years agoFirst off... thanks to all that provided feedback on my last Journal. It really helped me see both sides of the argument for a name change. After a lot of deliberation I've decided to stick with Yarrick for now. I couldn't think of a nickname that I liked better; or find one that was as unique or rolled off the tounge easily that wasn't taken.
I've had the name for some time and after doing enough research to find out it is an actual Russian last name. So if people ask where the name came from I can point at that rather then referencing a company with the EA code of Ethics.
I may examine it again in the future... but until a name jumps out at me that I feel a connection to; changing it for the sake of changing it doesn't seem like a wise move *shrug* So for now a. tleast... yeah you still call me Yarrick.
The second part of this post is the significance of the day. Valentines day. It's never been anything other then just another day; and that hasn't changed. The last two years I've been putting forth effort into trying to fix that . I havent had much luck. A few dates; nothing that got me into a real relationship. Nothing that has panned out. Two of them wanted way more a lot quicker then I felt comfortable giving. One was... complicated at best so it ended the best way it could. And the most recent; I got the hint that she doesn't want it to continue because all I get is excuses and re-schedules from her, and she never contacts me on her own *sigh*
The two that made me uncomfortable did teach me that I may not be ready for a relationship right now anyways. I'm not very 'experienced' per say and I guess my mindset is just too old fashioned *shrug* I'm a private individual and unlike 99% of modern society not sex driven. I would have made a fine gentleman in say 1955. But it is not 1955. What most gals want I don't have to give so that is that.
But looking back, I'm feeling ok with this. I can say atleast I tried. I have a lot of other things on my plate right now and enough friends and social clubs I belong to that I have outlets. Would it be nice to have a comapnion that shares my interests and wants the same out of a relationship as me? Of course it would.
Do I "Need" to have a relationship to be happy? The answer I've found out is No. I'd much rather be single and have the freedom that comes with it then feel I am forced into something I am uncomfortable with or just dont feel a bond.
If the stars align and I find my "soulmate" by cosmic chance I am ready to accept it. But at this point I'm done with trying to actively stretch myself because society tells me I'm 31 and never had a relationship so that means there is something WRONG with me. The same society that tells me there is something wrong with me for living at home with my parents, and I've allready covered that one.
So F* society. On BOTH accounts. After my credit cards are paid off I am going to open up a photography studio. Then I can laugh my face off at society. When asked "what have you done with your life?" and I can point to something truely unique. Sure; the american "standard" is to move out, get your own place, get married and have a family with 1.5 kids, two minivans and a dog named Ralph. Why do I need to live a "standard" life? That just sounds so... boring...
So yeah. Valentines day is just another day. And I'm fine with that.
I've had the name for some time and after doing enough research to find out it is an actual Russian last name. So if people ask where the name came from I can point at that rather then referencing a company with the EA code of Ethics.
I may examine it again in the future... but until a name jumps out at me that I feel a connection to; changing it for the sake of changing it doesn't seem like a wise move *shrug* So for now a. tleast... yeah you still call me Yarrick.
The second part of this post is the significance of the day. Valentines day. It's never been anything other then just another day; and that hasn't changed. The last two years I've been putting forth effort into trying to fix that . I havent had much luck. A few dates; nothing that got me into a real relationship. Nothing that has panned out. Two of them wanted way more a lot quicker then I felt comfortable giving. One was... complicated at best so it ended the best way it could. And the most recent; I got the hint that she doesn't want it to continue because all I get is excuses and re-schedules from her, and she never contacts me on her own *sigh*
The two that made me uncomfortable did teach me that I may not be ready for a relationship right now anyways. I'm not very 'experienced' per say and I guess my mindset is just too old fashioned *shrug* I'm a private individual and unlike 99% of modern society not sex driven. I would have made a fine gentleman in say 1955. But it is not 1955. What most gals want I don't have to give so that is that.
But looking back, I'm feeling ok with this. I can say atleast I tried. I have a lot of other things on my plate right now and enough friends and social clubs I belong to that I have outlets. Would it be nice to have a comapnion that shares my interests and wants the same out of a relationship as me? Of course it would.
Do I "Need" to have a relationship to be happy? The answer I've found out is No. I'd much rather be single and have the freedom that comes with it then feel I am forced into something I am uncomfortable with or just dont feel a bond.
If the stars align and I find my "soulmate" by cosmic chance I am ready to accept it. But at this point I'm done with trying to actively stretch myself because society tells me I'm 31 and never had a relationship so that means there is something WRONG with me. The same society that tells me there is something wrong with me for living at home with my parents, and I've allready covered that one.
So F* society. On BOTH accounts. After my credit cards are paid off I am going to open up a photography studio. Then I can laugh my face off at society. When asked "what have you done with your life?" and I can point to something truely unique. Sure; the american "standard" is to move out, get your own place, get married and have a family with 1.5 kids, two minivans and a dog named Ralph. Why do I need to live a "standard" life? That just sounds so... boring...
So yeah. Valentines day is just another day. And I'm fine with that.
Name Change Dilemma
General | Posted 13 years ago ATo a furry or really, any true internet geek; a nickname becomes part of you, and in some social circles becomes more important then your real name. It serves as a semi-anoymus name one can use on a con badge so people have something to call you at a large gathering where your RL name may be extremely common and would otherwise get confusing as to who you are addressing (I can tell you my RL name is extremly common in the US, esp in the midwest) .
It becomes a branding, a part of you. You may have close friends that either do not know your RL name or prefer to use the nickname to avoid confusion and that its somethimes well... easier.
I choose this nickname many moons ago when I was a little too obsessed with Warhammer 40k. It is a character out of the Imperial Guard. It was easy for people to pronounce and to my suprise UNUSED and unique within the Furry Fandom. Finding something unique in a subculture that is growing as fast as furry is Hard to do.
Years have passed and while I still have the miniatures around and will never sell them; as they are pieces of art that I created; my interest in the game itself has waned. And most of the hardcore warhammer fans are horribly sterotypical. Beyond socially awkaward then even furries are which is... impressive. A lot of kids, and a lot who never bathe or have severe autism or OCD.
Needless to say... Ive grown out of that phase....
But that of course wouldn't be enough. For many who are aware Games Workshop has been increasingly agressive at being sue happy to both its own fan base (sending out cease and desist notices to fan art, independent fan films and stories ) and most recently going after an established fiction writer for using a generic term that's been in use in sci fi liteature for nearly a century: "Space Marine"
It would be akin to Paramount going out and suing any sci-fi author who used the word "starship" in their novel.
Part of my concern is that GW will at some point come after ME and try to sue me for using a "Trademarked charachter" as my internet nickname. The other part... is just... disgusted by Games Workshop and no longer wants to have that association for something so personal.
The Dilema of course is everyone knows me as Yarrick. Ive been around the Furry community with the name for a LONG time. This includes the staff for the second biggest furry con (MFF).
I'd have to rename a TON of accounts such as my FA, Instant messengers, e-mails, etc. It would take a large amount of time.
It would also mean giving up a nickname I've become attached to... and trying to find something different and UNIQUE. Finding a unique name in of itself is HARD. Finding one I actually like is even harder.
And then explaining to all my friends, those who I see regularly and those who I may see once a year or ONLY have contact to online why I changed my name *sigh*
I don't know... I just... don't know if its all worth it...
It becomes a branding, a part of you. You may have close friends that either do not know your RL name or prefer to use the nickname to avoid confusion and that its somethimes well... easier.
I choose this nickname many moons ago when I was a little too obsessed with Warhammer 40k. It is a character out of the Imperial Guard. It was easy for people to pronounce and to my suprise UNUSED and unique within the Furry Fandom. Finding something unique in a subculture that is growing as fast as furry is Hard to do.
Years have passed and while I still have the miniatures around and will never sell them; as they are pieces of art that I created; my interest in the game itself has waned. And most of the hardcore warhammer fans are horribly sterotypical. Beyond socially awkaward then even furries are which is... impressive. A lot of kids, and a lot who never bathe or have severe autism or OCD.
Needless to say... Ive grown out of that phase....
But that of course wouldn't be enough. For many who are aware Games Workshop has been increasingly agressive at being sue happy to both its own fan base (sending out cease and desist notices to fan art, independent fan films and stories ) and most recently going after an established fiction writer for using a generic term that's been in use in sci fi liteature for nearly a century: "Space Marine"
It would be akin to Paramount going out and suing any sci-fi author who used the word "starship" in their novel.
Part of my concern is that GW will at some point come after ME and try to sue me for using a "Trademarked charachter" as my internet nickname. The other part... is just... disgusted by Games Workshop and no longer wants to have that association for something so personal.
The Dilema of course is everyone knows me as Yarrick. Ive been around the Furry community with the name for a LONG time. This includes the staff for the second biggest furry con (MFF).
I'd have to rename a TON of accounts such as my FA, Instant messengers, e-mails, etc. It would take a large amount of time.
It would also mean giving up a nickname I've become attached to... and trying to find something different and UNIQUE. Finding a unique name in of itself is HARD. Finding one I actually like is even harder.
And then explaining to all my friends, those who I see regularly and those who I may see once a year or ONLY have contact to online why I changed my name *sigh*
I don't know... I just... don't know if its all worth it...
NO VACATION FOR YOU!
General | Posted 13 years agoThe last few weeks at work have been interesting... to say the least. A little back history: because my company's too cheap to hire backup for me; taking a long vacation for more then 2 days off is near impossible, normally.
Then last week I got an e-mail notfying me of a mandate requiring all employees to take a FULL WEEK off for vacation by the end of March whether they have the acrewed vacation or not.
By the time I'd want to take off my forced week I would have had 2 earned days off and 3 days unpaid. Considering Ive had enough money to blow $1500 on camera equipment over my first 3 paychecks... 3 days of being unpaid is not a major hit for me. Id be more then willing to take it.
So I started making preliminary plans for vacation in Arizona; calling up my grandparents and letting them know I would try to make it down around Feb. Was getting all excitied to go get some good use out of the new gear in the scenic awesome landscapes of AZ when my dreams got crushed with one conference call...
Apparently because I'm a new hire under 90 days I'm exempt from the mandatory vacation. And because I'm exempt and they are going to be stretched thin as it is during this time I can't even take those 2 days off... FFFFFFFfffffff...
I don't have it in writing yet. There's still a chance my manager and corporate aren't on the same level.
Of course, in that scenrio I'd have less notice to make plans; but Ive made short term plans to go down to AZ before. 80% says Im staying up in Minnesota curled into a ball from the cold that week tho *sigh*
The infurating Irony of all this is I was the ONLY tech on the call who WANTED the time off. The rest were all whiny little bitches that they were being forced to take it off. To make matters more ironic is they are all midwest techs too. And we've had a BRUTAL winter this year.
I'd gladly give up even a FULL WEEK of unpaid leave to go someplace warm. Why cant I take the place of these narsacistic workaholics and get the time off they are all bitching about?
So I dont know... I guess if I dont get to go to Arizona I may accerlate my plans for getting into a studio now for the first week in March. This winter has been so brutal I deserve some sorta escape from it. Id much rather have Arizona and play a little more consevative in starting the studio up... but if thats not an option well...
I guess I'll have nothing else to do with the money I'd put aside for the trip... and I don't want it just to go into buying more crap. Would like something more gratfying to come of it one way or the other...
Then last week I got an e-mail notfying me of a mandate requiring all employees to take a FULL WEEK off for vacation by the end of March whether they have the acrewed vacation or not.
By the time I'd want to take off my forced week I would have had 2 earned days off and 3 days unpaid. Considering Ive had enough money to blow $1500 on camera equipment over my first 3 paychecks... 3 days of being unpaid is not a major hit for me. Id be more then willing to take it.
So I started making preliminary plans for vacation in Arizona; calling up my grandparents and letting them know I would try to make it down around Feb. Was getting all excitied to go get some good use out of the new gear in the scenic awesome landscapes of AZ when my dreams got crushed with one conference call...
Apparently because I'm a new hire under 90 days I'm exempt from the mandatory vacation. And because I'm exempt and they are going to be stretched thin as it is during this time I can't even take those 2 days off... FFFFFFFfffffff...
I don't have it in writing yet. There's still a chance my manager and corporate aren't on the same level.
Of course, in that scenrio I'd have less notice to make plans; but Ive made short term plans to go down to AZ before. 80% says Im staying up in Minnesota curled into a ball from the cold that week tho *sigh*
The infurating Irony of all this is I was the ONLY tech on the call who WANTED the time off. The rest were all whiny little bitches that they were being forced to take it off. To make matters more ironic is they are all midwest techs too. And we've had a BRUTAL winter this year.
I'd gladly give up even a FULL WEEK of unpaid leave to go someplace warm. Why cant I take the place of these narsacistic workaholics and get the time off they are all bitching about?
So I dont know... I guess if I dont get to go to Arizona I may accerlate my plans for getting into a studio now for the first week in March. This winter has been so brutal I deserve some sorta escape from it. Id much rather have Arizona and play a little more consevative in starting the studio up... but if thats not an option well...
I guess I'll have nothing else to do with the money I'd put aside for the trip... and I don't want it just to go into buying more crap. Would like something more gratfying to come of it one way or the other...
Moving out or moving up?
General | Posted 13 years agoSo... my last post made me think. Really it did. I could make this post a lot longer- but you wouldn't want to read all that.
So in short: I have a decent job. It pays a low "living" wage. I'm happy enough with it, and now I have a pay scale at the very least; which means any future jobs I fall in will make around the same amount of money (or more).
The big question on my mind of course was moving out. But the real question is why. What benefits would moving out give me?
-Makes me more independent then dependant
-Its a responsible Investment
-Have a place I can invite friends over to
-Potentially closer to work
-Look less like a "looser" living in his "parents basement" <- and the more I thought about this one... the more I asked "Why does this make me a "looser"?
One thing about American culture: were a little self centered. In Europe, India, and Asia you get Generational homes. Where the children will take care of the parents, and the parents will take care of the grandparents as they age. A lot of Americans find this "revolting". When you look at it, population wise... we are the minority that think that this generational home idea is a bad thing.
Do I allways get along with my parents? Of course not. Is it nice to get out? Heck yeah. I'd die of bordem without my own vehicle.
But in the end, they've done a lot for me. And they are not pushing me out the door at all. Infact they prefer me to stay here. I mean, what do I have to complain about? We get along well and I honestly owe them a lot.
My parents are starting to get old. In 10-15 years they would be full fledged senior citizens that would benefit from a caretaker. Is this such a bad thing that I could give back to them when that time comes? While I respect the Single Family home model; lets face it. I'm single. I have no desire to have a family of my own. This model doesn't work for me.
But back to the pros and Cons. I listed five "pros" for moving out. And really, only the first three are the only big ones that would matter to me.
Lets go over the cons of moving. A few of these make me cringe.
-Have to budget for EVERYTHING (Food, Clothes, Electricity yadda yadda)
-Have to buy a Truck or give up the boat (And I like the boat n.n)
-Have to move all my Shit. And believe me. I'd have a LOT that would need to move or get tossed n.n
-Would be on a much tighter budget, means cutting back on "fun things" Though- this is part of the Responsibility.
-Have to get a place with a Garage or again, ditch the boat :/
-Either live alone or find a roomate. And if I have a roomate- really whats the difference in the end? I'm still depending on someone....
-And if I live alone, there would be times I'd feel lonely. A pet would help... but I've had a number of my friends who are single and live alone tell me this is a factor for that lifestyle.
After thinking this through hard, I asked why do I want to move? Because society tells me I need to move out because I'm an American and I'm lazy and useless to society if I live with my parents as an adult? Really?
In the end.. that's all that's really left for me right now. Moving out would be painful and my parents don't want me to move.
But then they'res that whole "well if your making all this money and sitting on your ass your pathetic bit". And that did gnaw on me. Not having some responsibility with my current level of money. Oh sure... I could save it. But its much more gratifying getting something out of my money rather then just sitting there hoarding it like a great wyrm.
Then I thought, and paced, and thought some more. Suddenly a lightbulb chimed on. I did a quick check on Craigslist to see if it was feasible. And was actually, quite surprised.
I thought to myself "Well if I didn't move... and had this extra money... could I afford a place to escape to away from home? You know... like an office or something..." I paced around some more.. thinking back to what I did on Monday that really helped make my day, and brightened a few of my friends "...A photography studio?"
It deserves a post, or two of itself. And I'm sure it would get that. But after discussing it with my parents, they are supportive of it.
I used to have a small business. I enjoyed it. It did give me a level of responsibility. Now I realize I don't have the time for a Full Time business nor can I afford to give up my day job- not when I'm content doing it and am paid well.
The idea of a studio intrigues me. And its cheaper to live at home AND own a studio even if I were never to do anything with it as an actual business that takes money then to move out and pay rent on my own. This took me by suprise.
Having a Small Business again, even one where I would consider it a "loss" takes a lot of responsibility. It requires budgeting and time management, just as much as moving out would. But in the end, which would be more rewarding?
It would also answer the following:
-Makes me more independent
-Its a responsible Investment
-Have a place I can invite friends over to
Most of my friends live on their own. Some by choice, others by necessity.
How many of my friends own something like a Photography Studio? Not very many can say that.
I don't want to make a living on Photography. I don't want to have to rely on it as my PRIMARY source of income. When I had to do that... it really burned me out. But having a creative outlet that I could escape to whenever I had the muse to do so? That would be like a dream.
So yeah. You may ask "why don't you move out like every other American" and "why would you want to burn money on a "hobby" like that?"
And my response would be "Why?" and... "Why not..."
So in short: I have a decent job. It pays a low "living" wage. I'm happy enough with it, and now I have a pay scale at the very least; which means any future jobs I fall in will make around the same amount of money (or more).
The big question on my mind of course was moving out. But the real question is why. What benefits would moving out give me?
-Makes me more independent then dependant
-Its a responsible Investment
-Have a place I can invite friends over to
-Potentially closer to work
-Look less like a "looser" living in his "parents basement" <- and the more I thought about this one... the more I asked "Why does this make me a "looser"?
One thing about American culture: were a little self centered. In Europe, India, and Asia you get Generational homes. Where the children will take care of the parents, and the parents will take care of the grandparents as they age. A lot of Americans find this "revolting". When you look at it, population wise... we are the minority that think that this generational home idea is a bad thing.
Do I allways get along with my parents? Of course not. Is it nice to get out? Heck yeah. I'd die of bordem without my own vehicle.
But in the end, they've done a lot for me. And they are not pushing me out the door at all. Infact they prefer me to stay here. I mean, what do I have to complain about? We get along well and I honestly owe them a lot.
My parents are starting to get old. In 10-15 years they would be full fledged senior citizens that would benefit from a caretaker. Is this such a bad thing that I could give back to them when that time comes? While I respect the Single Family home model; lets face it. I'm single. I have no desire to have a family of my own. This model doesn't work for me.
But back to the pros and Cons. I listed five "pros" for moving out. And really, only the first three are the only big ones that would matter to me.
Lets go over the cons of moving. A few of these make me cringe.
-Have to budget for EVERYTHING (Food, Clothes, Electricity yadda yadda)
-Have to buy a Truck or give up the boat (And I like the boat n.n)
-Have to move all my Shit. And believe me. I'd have a LOT that would need to move or get tossed n.n
-Would be on a much tighter budget, means cutting back on "fun things" Though- this is part of the Responsibility.
-Have to get a place with a Garage or again, ditch the boat :/
-Either live alone or find a roomate. And if I have a roomate- really whats the difference in the end? I'm still depending on someone....
-And if I live alone, there would be times I'd feel lonely. A pet would help... but I've had a number of my friends who are single and live alone tell me this is a factor for that lifestyle.
After thinking this through hard, I asked why do I want to move? Because society tells me I need to move out because I'm an American and I'm lazy and useless to society if I live with my parents as an adult? Really?
In the end.. that's all that's really left for me right now. Moving out would be painful and my parents don't want me to move.
But then they'res that whole "well if your making all this money and sitting on your ass your pathetic bit". And that did gnaw on me. Not having some responsibility with my current level of money. Oh sure... I could save it. But its much more gratifying getting something out of my money rather then just sitting there hoarding it like a great wyrm.
Then I thought, and paced, and thought some more. Suddenly a lightbulb chimed on. I did a quick check on Craigslist to see if it was feasible. And was actually, quite surprised.
I thought to myself "Well if I didn't move... and had this extra money... could I afford a place to escape to away from home? You know... like an office or something..." I paced around some more.. thinking back to what I did on Monday that really helped make my day, and brightened a few of my friends "...A photography studio?"
It deserves a post, or two of itself. And I'm sure it would get that. But after discussing it with my parents, they are supportive of it.
I used to have a small business. I enjoyed it. It did give me a level of responsibility. Now I realize I don't have the time for a Full Time business nor can I afford to give up my day job- not when I'm content doing it and am paid well.
The idea of a studio intrigues me. And its cheaper to live at home AND own a studio even if I were never to do anything with it as an actual business that takes money then to move out and pay rent on my own. This took me by suprise.
Having a Small Business again, even one where I would consider it a "loss" takes a lot of responsibility. It requires budgeting and time management, just as much as moving out would. But in the end, which would be more rewarding?
It would also answer the following:
-Makes me more independent
-Its a responsible Investment
-Have a place I can invite friends over to
Most of my friends live on their own. Some by choice, others by necessity.
How many of my friends own something like a Photography Studio? Not very many can say that.
I don't want to make a living on Photography. I don't want to have to rely on it as my PRIMARY source of income. When I had to do that... it really burned me out. But having a creative outlet that I could escape to whenever I had the muse to do so? That would be like a dream.
So yeah. You may ask "why don't you move out like every other American" and "why would you want to burn money on a "hobby" like that?"
And my response would be "Why?" and... "Why not..."
Winds of Change
General | Posted 13 years agoSo... It's been a long time since I posted. I was planning on doing a much longer recap of 2012 but never got around to it. To sum it up in a nutshell: 2012 was a year of change. For me, for mnfurs, for a lot of things going on in my life and around me.
The biggest change for me, which is just now really starting to hit was going from living contract to contract on a Part Time basis to Full Time employment with a decent living wage. I'm making almost twice what I was making at the call center and well, a lot happier. Yeah the job has its own unique frustrations and its long days from time to time. But am I frustrated on a daily basis? No. Does it keep me busy? Yeah.
Its my first "living" wage. Meaning once I'm caught up with bills and buy a few more toys I could feasibly move out of my parents house and live independently for the first time. Its exciting, and a little scary at the same time of this concept. But at this point, should I have a few months of the Full Time job under my belt and I'm relatively sure of my job security and come spring; I'll be looking at making preparations to make that leap. There is going to be a LOT of math and budgeting involved when that time comes.
But for now, I'm trying to focus back on things that I lost sight of in the turmoil and drama and well... everything of 2012. It brings up another resolution for me. Trying to get back into photography now that I well... have a job that for the moment can feed the really expensive hobby. While I don't plan on going insane- I'm still going to be buying non L series lenses.... Its time I can actually afford some upgrades. And if the job doesn't last... atleast I can keep the gear.
Point in fact... my first full paycheck of this pay rate was... impressive to someone who's only paying $100 a month in rent. I did a mini-trip to Chicago and took my EPL-2 with me, and it lit the spark of wanting to get back into photography more this year. So much so that even after spending $200 or so on the trip, I was able to budget for a Canon 60D body and Canon 70-300 EF IS USM lens off of amazon. Both were heavily discounted... but its still a lot of money to spend and just be "tight" for a month- knowing I'll be all caught up again by the first paycheck in Feb. Mostly. Then I can tackle that credit card...
So yeah, I have money. Its a wierd feeling. Part of me feels guilty spending it, the other part is going to enjoy that new camera; Why do I keep finding these deals that are too good to pass up, but scarily I find a way to afford them now o.o
mnfurs, for a lot of things going on in my life and around me.The biggest change for me, which is just now really starting to hit was going from living contract to contract on a Part Time basis to Full Time employment with a decent living wage. I'm making almost twice what I was making at the call center and well, a lot happier. Yeah the job has its own unique frustrations and its long days from time to time. But am I frustrated on a daily basis? No. Does it keep me busy? Yeah.
Its my first "living" wage. Meaning once I'm caught up with bills and buy a few more toys I could feasibly move out of my parents house and live independently for the first time. Its exciting, and a little scary at the same time of this concept. But at this point, should I have a few months of the Full Time job under my belt and I'm relatively sure of my job security and come spring; I'll be looking at making preparations to make that leap. There is going to be a LOT of math and budgeting involved when that time comes.
But for now, I'm trying to focus back on things that I lost sight of in the turmoil and drama and well... everything of 2012. It brings up another resolution for me. Trying to get back into photography now that I well... have a job that for the moment can feed the really expensive hobby. While I don't plan on going insane- I'm still going to be buying non L series lenses.... Its time I can actually afford some upgrades. And if the job doesn't last... atleast I can keep the gear.
Point in fact... my first full paycheck of this pay rate was... impressive to someone who's only paying $100 a month in rent. I did a mini-trip to Chicago and took my EPL-2 with me, and it lit the spark of wanting to get back into photography more this year. So much so that even after spending $200 or so on the trip, I was able to budget for a Canon 60D body and Canon 70-300 EF IS USM lens off of amazon. Both were heavily discounted... but its still a lot of money to spend and just be "tight" for a month- knowing I'll be all caught up again by the first paycheck in Feb. Mostly. Then I can tackle that credit card...
So yeah, I have money. Its a wierd feeling. Part of me feels guilty spending it, the other part is going to enjoy that new camera; Why do I keep finding these deals that are too good to pass up, but scarily I find a way to afford them now o.o
Just the beginning...
General | Posted 13 years agoSo its offical mnfurs has become an incorporated entity and I am NOT on the Board of Directors.
What does this mean for me? Does it mean I no longer have "power" in the group? I guess, technically yeah. Does it mean I don't have pull or influence there anymore? Absolutely NOT.
Unlike a lot of other non-profits/cons/etc the way the BoD was formed and for that matter the incorporation as a whole was forumed was to value the input and contribution from the voting membership and the community as a whole. "Voting members" are essintally the "staff" of Minnesota Furs at this point. They are who are helping donate a significant amount of time to the group and the community, and even if they don't have the keys to drive the car as it were... they can still shape the route the car is going. This is where I am going to fall and you know what, I'm FINE with this.
In a few years my role may or may not get changed related to the BoD. But with my current role at MFF as a mid-level staff there, yes there IS a conflict of interest as well. The board is forming during crunch time at MFF and I have a LOT to do. In a way, this break was needed for me, so I can switch to my Midwest Furfest hat and help support another Furry orginzation which I have devoted my time to and needs me just as much right now. Not being on the BoD allows me time to wear multiple hats. It works out for the better for all parties I use my time and effort to help out.
In truth, I am more then a Beta personality then an Alpha anyways. I really enjoy helping out. I really enjoy seeing my time towards something help it suceed. I will take over IF there is no one else there when needed. But when it comes down to it, I feel much more comfortable being at that second tier of support staff rather then running the entire show.
I'm more then happy to hand my keys over and congratulate the new board of Directors for MNFurs. What we've all worked on has been truely an awesome achievement and at this point I am thankful that I had the chance to be part of that.
Following Midwest Furfest, I plan on helping out with the MNFurs community just as much as before; sometimes doing the same things as before, and other times doing other things that just need to be done where-ever its needed. It will be a nice change of pace working as a Lietenent rather then a top dog, but I will still use all of my effort to ensure I am an asset to this community.
My title may have changed. I'm now an Indian not a Cheif. My dedication to helping out the group has NOT changed so long as I am allowed to do so.
For everyone who is local to Minnesota: I really employ you to help out MNFurs. There is going to be a lot of things that we need help with.
There is a convention on the horizon, along with many other events. Minnesota Furs has incorporated into a platform for providing more for our community, but we can't do it without help from people just like me :3
mnfurs has become an incorporated entity and I am NOT on the Board of Directors.What does this mean for me? Does it mean I no longer have "power" in the group? I guess, technically yeah. Does it mean I don't have pull or influence there anymore? Absolutely NOT.
Unlike a lot of other non-profits/cons/etc the way the BoD was formed and for that matter the incorporation as a whole was forumed was to value the input and contribution from the voting membership and the community as a whole. "Voting members" are essintally the "staff" of Minnesota Furs at this point. They are who are helping donate a significant amount of time to the group and the community, and even if they don't have the keys to drive the car as it were... they can still shape the route the car is going. This is where I am going to fall and you know what, I'm FINE with this.
In a few years my role may or may not get changed related to the BoD. But with my current role at MFF as a mid-level staff there, yes there IS a conflict of interest as well. The board is forming during crunch time at MFF and I have a LOT to do. In a way, this break was needed for me, so I can switch to my Midwest Furfest hat and help support another Furry orginzation which I have devoted my time to and needs me just as much right now. Not being on the BoD allows me time to wear multiple hats. It works out for the better for all parties I use my time and effort to help out.
In truth, I am more then a Beta personality then an Alpha anyways. I really enjoy helping out. I really enjoy seeing my time towards something help it suceed. I will take over IF there is no one else there when needed. But when it comes down to it, I feel much more comfortable being at that second tier of support staff rather then running the entire show.
I'm more then happy to hand my keys over and congratulate the new board of Directors for MNFurs. What we've all worked on has been truely an awesome achievement and at this point I am thankful that I had the chance to be part of that.
Following Midwest Furfest, I plan on helping out with the MNFurs community just as much as before; sometimes doing the same things as before, and other times doing other things that just need to be done where-ever its needed. It will be a nice change of pace working as a Lietenent rather then a top dog, but I will still use all of my effort to ensure I am an asset to this community.
My title may have changed. I'm now an Indian not a Cheif. My dedication to helping out the group has NOT changed so long as I am allowed to do so.
For everyone who is local to Minnesota: I really employ you to help out MNFurs. There is going to be a lot of things that we need help with.
There is a convention on the horizon, along with many other events. Minnesota Furs has incorporated into a platform for providing more for our community, but we can't do it without help from people just like me :3
Plan B
General | Posted 13 years agoSo this weekend is the coldest weekend in the Fall so far. We've got our first frost and yes, dare I say, first snow flurries...
What am I doing with this cold weather? I went further North to my Friends cabin. When we planned this out a month and a half ago this was to be the last weekend with the boat out as a fishing outing. Because its too cold for me to want to be on a boat and fight hypothermia and poor fishing... that plan was scrapped.
But since the arrangements were already made and we couldn't re-schedule; we decided to go up regardless of the weather. I wouldn't want to stay outside for 4 hours in a boat, but hopping in a car, getting out for 30 minutes, taking some photos then getting in and driving somewhere else is more then tolerable. Hence Plan B.
On the downside there is no fishing, which was the orignal whole point of the trip. On the plus side we took my Elantra instead of the truck pulling the boat. The gas costs are less then half to get up and back,
So instead, his suggestion not mine, it turned into a photography trip. I just brought up my PEN as I wanted to play with and experiment with it instead of the Rebel. So far, its doing quite well. We've been seeing wildlife, all of it at night waiting to leap out in front of the car, rather then during the day when it would be awesome to catch a deer in fall leaves. Well... I got lots of photos of the leaves atleast... and will be uploading a few soon.
All in all, Plan B wasn't so bad. Considering how crazy the transition at work is, its a very welcome mini-vacation. In some respects, its a more unique and memorable expereince going up for photography rather then to fish. Hence why its nice to have another hobby. You allways can fall back on Plan B.
What am I doing with this cold weather? I went further North to my Friends cabin. When we planned this out a month and a half ago this was to be the last weekend with the boat out as a fishing outing. Because its too cold for me to want to be on a boat and fight hypothermia and poor fishing... that plan was scrapped.
But since the arrangements were already made and we couldn't re-schedule; we decided to go up regardless of the weather. I wouldn't want to stay outside for 4 hours in a boat, but hopping in a car, getting out for 30 minutes, taking some photos then getting in and driving somewhere else is more then tolerable. Hence Plan B.
On the downside there is no fishing, which was the orignal whole point of the trip. On the plus side we took my Elantra instead of the truck pulling the boat. The gas costs are less then half to get up and back,
So instead, his suggestion not mine, it turned into a photography trip. I just brought up my PEN as I wanted to play with and experiment with it instead of the Rebel. So far, its doing quite well. We've been seeing wildlife, all of it at night waiting to leap out in front of the car, rather then during the day when it would be awesome to catch a deer in fall leaves. Well... I got lots of photos of the leaves atleast... and will be uploading a few soon.
All in all, Plan B wasn't so bad. Considering how crazy the transition at work is, its a very welcome mini-vacation. In some respects, its a more unique and memorable expereince going up for photography rather then to fish. Hence why its nice to have another hobby. You allways can fall back on Plan B.
New Gear! Olympus PEN EPL-2 Review!
General | Posted 13 years agoSo a friend pointed me to Adorama as they were clearancing out their new and refurbished EPL-1 and EPL-2 equipment. I wound up going with a refurbished model so I could get an extra lens for roughly $70 more then a body and a single lens alone. Either way, it was an incredible steal at about half of what the camera retails for.
In addition, I bought a used Olympus flash gun and a wide angle prime lens for cheap (seperate purchases) All and all I got the the camera, 3 lenses and an external flash for around $700. Considering the lenses alone are $200-300 a piece and the flash unit new is about $225, not a bad complete starter kit for a new system.
Does this mean I'm selling my Canon and lenses? No. This camera is a suppliment to the Rebel. You will notice I will be uploading things from both. The canon has a dedicated macro lens and works better for macro as the Olympus has a shallower DOF for starters. This shallow DoF makes the Olympus awesome for landscape and urban photography where you want everything crisp and in focus.
Anyways... the overall verdict, I am very happy with the camera, espically for what I spent on it. It means future upgrades I'll have two lens systems to decide on, which will be more painful on the wallet, but in both cases I'm being realistic. I'm not shooting with insane hardware.
I've also found the Olympus can do a lot of things the Canon cannot do and the Canon can do a lot of things well the Olympus PEN is not so great at. They seem to compliment each other well, and I have a smaller body for trips and cons and such to boot.
One interesting thing to note. Olympus changed the battery between the EPL-1 and the older E series and the EPL-2 and newer run on a newer high capacity battery. I can pull 650-800 photos/video mix off a single charge, while friends who have the older style battery are lucky to get 350. For this reason alone I'm much happier that I went with the EPL-2.
So I'll summarize some of the differences between my two camera systems, and observations about the camera in general:
Olympus PEN EPL- 2
Pros:
-Small and lightweight
-Metal Cased Body
-Able to do ISO in 1/3rd stops (so you can do ISO Settings of 250, 320, 500, 1000, 1250 etc in addition to the standard 200,400, 800 etc)
-Quieter. faster AF then most larger SLRs
-Quieter shutter then the T1i (but not as quiet as an XXD or XD series camera)
-Constant AF on video mode. Only two SLRs outside of the Mirorless systems have this right now.
-Better manual controls in Video mode then the T1i
-Shoots in the same quality as the T1i for video.
-Has a small, compact wide-angle prime lens which I lack for the Canon.
-Can see approximate results of exposure/ White balance changes on the fly. I've found they are approximate only and there is allways variation from the actual photo. Still a lot more accurate then shooting through the mirror.
-Hardware ISO up to 6400
-RAW images are much smaller then the T1i. (due to a less MP sensor and other technical details and how it records Data) Seems to be roughly 1/2 the size on disk.
Cons:
-No Viewfinder (Can get a digital one for $160 which may be a later upgrade)
-Digital Viewfinder would take up hotshoe mount.
-Great for taking snapshots, but for pro-longed shooting the Rebel is more comfortable to hold
-More prone to Camera Shake due to the size and ergonomics. Shooting with a Monopod helps incredibly.
-No trigger control wheel, and the smart menu is more cumbersome to change settings
-A touch, but just a very slight touch noisier then the Canon at all isos.
-Tends to saturate contrast and black levels. In some cases this is a benefit others a curse. Generally correctable in Photoshop
-Tends to underexpose photos and photos are darker when imported then the preview given. Again, not by a ton, enough that its an easy fix in photoshop/ lightroom
-Point AF is not as accurate as the canon. They are all area focus spots vs the pin focus of the SLR. The faster re-focus does make up for more misfocuses however.
-Better battery life then the EPL-1 but still far worse battery life then the Rebel T1i with a dual battery grip installed.
-Manual focus is not as precise as the SLR, nor nearly as easy to engage (you have to change it in a menu VS a switch on the lens)
-Very limited Lens selection (for now) compared to the canon. Less specialized lenses.
I'll add more to the list, or do a true comparison of the two in another journal. Suffice to say- I'm very pleased with the new system, but at the same time have no immediate nor future plans to sell the canon. If nothing else, there may be times where I'll be carrying both cameras on me, to have a better range of options without switching lenses. Much easier to have one camera set up with a polarizer when needed rather then screwing on new lenses or filters if you are doing photography in variable light as an example.
In addition, I bought a used Olympus flash gun and a wide angle prime lens for cheap (seperate purchases) All and all I got the the camera, 3 lenses and an external flash for around $700. Considering the lenses alone are $200-300 a piece and the flash unit new is about $225, not a bad complete starter kit for a new system.
Does this mean I'm selling my Canon and lenses? No. This camera is a suppliment to the Rebel. You will notice I will be uploading things from both. The canon has a dedicated macro lens and works better for macro as the Olympus has a shallower DOF for starters. This shallow DoF makes the Olympus awesome for landscape and urban photography where you want everything crisp and in focus.
Anyways... the overall verdict, I am very happy with the camera, espically for what I spent on it. It means future upgrades I'll have two lens systems to decide on, which will be more painful on the wallet, but in both cases I'm being realistic. I'm not shooting with insane hardware.
I've also found the Olympus can do a lot of things the Canon cannot do and the Canon can do a lot of things well the Olympus PEN is not so great at. They seem to compliment each other well, and I have a smaller body for trips and cons and such to boot.
One interesting thing to note. Olympus changed the battery between the EPL-1 and the older E series and the EPL-2 and newer run on a newer high capacity battery. I can pull 650-800 photos/video mix off a single charge, while friends who have the older style battery are lucky to get 350. For this reason alone I'm much happier that I went with the EPL-2.
So I'll summarize some of the differences between my two camera systems, and observations about the camera in general:
Olympus PEN EPL- 2
Pros:
-Small and lightweight
-Metal Cased Body
-Able to do ISO in 1/3rd stops (so you can do ISO Settings of 250, 320, 500, 1000, 1250 etc in addition to the standard 200,400, 800 etc)
-Quieter. faster AF then most larger SLRs
-Quieter shutter then the T1i (but not as quiet as an XXD or XD series camera)
-Constant AF on video mode. Only two SLRs outside of the Mirorless systems have this right now.
-Better manual controls in Video mode then the T1i
-Shoots in the same quality as the T1i for video.
-Has a small, compact wide-angle prime lens which I lack for the Canon.
-Can see approximate results of exposure/ White balance changes on the fly. I've found they are approximate only and there is allways variation from the actual photo. Still a lot more accurate then shooting through the mirror.
-Hardware ISO up to 6400
-RAW images are much smaller then the T1i. (due to a less MP sensor and other technical details and how it records Data) Seems to be roughly 1/2 the size on disk.
Cons:
-No Viewfinder (Can get a digital one for $160 which may be a later upgrade)
-Digital Viewfinder would take up hotshoe mount.
-Great for taking snapshots, but for pro-longed shooting the Rebel is more comfortable to hold
-More prone to Camera Shake due to the size and ergonomics. Shooting with a Monopod helps incredibly.
-No trigger control wheel, and the smart menu is more cumbersome to change settings
-A touch, but just a very slight touch noisier then the Canon at all isos.
-Tends to saturate contrast and black levels. In some cases this is a benefit others a curse. Generally correctable in Photoshop
-Tends to underexpose photos and photos are darker when imported then the preview given. Again, not by a ton, enough that its an easy fix in photoshop/ lightroom
-Point AF is not as accurate as the canon. They are all area focus spots vs the pin focus of the SLR. The faster re-focus does make up for more misfocuses however.
-Better battery life then the EPL-1 but still far worse battery life then the Rebel T1i with a dual battery grip installed.
-Manual focus is not as precise as the SLR, nor nearly as easy to engage (you have to change it in a menu VS a switch on the lens)
-Very limited Lens selection (for now) compared to the canon. Less specialized lenses.
I'll add more to the list, or do a true comparison of the two in another journal. Suffice to say- I'm very pleased with the new system, but at the same time have no immediate nor future plans to sell the canon. If nothing else, there may be times where I'll be carrying both cameras on me, to have a better range of options without switching lenses. Much easier to have one camera set up with a polarizer when needed rather then screwing on new lenses or filters if you are doing photography in variable light as an example.
Gah! Busy!
General | Posted 13 years agoSo yeah. I haven't been around much since well... June. What happened? I got super busy.
What sucked up most of my time in the past well... few months quite honestly is mnfurs . I help them out a lot, I guess kinda staff if you would call it that, and the last few months have been exciting as I've been involved with them a lot. Short answer: I'll still be doing stuff with MNFurs, but likely in a month or two (and after I am done with MFF too since I'm staff there) things will calm down for me a lot and my involvement will be more sane. I'm not going to be a board member, when it comes to it, but I will continue to help out where I can.
Also there was the new boat. I didn't get it out nearly as much as I wanted to, but I've only got a few weeks and it goes back into storage *sniff* I will admit, it was a distraction though this summer. And a welcome one at that.
And last, but certainly not least my job went Full Time. It means yay for money, and hopefully if the cards play out, I can look at moving OUT sometime next year. Yep. Out of the house at 31; pretty sad I know but hey- I'd rather be making enough money to live comfortably with modest commodities (a car, my various hobbies, and the boat). I'll probably need to pay off a few things and save up for a beater truck to pull my boat before I move out at any case. But yeah- adjusting to working half of my life a week is hard. I suddenly have even less time that I took for granted I had.
Needless to say, because of this my Photography has really fallen through the cracks this summer yet again, which is a shame. Not because I'm frustrated with myself and my gear (as I was last year) I've long since come to terms with that. I just haven't had the TIME. Hopefully that changes soon. I have my self "I got the job" gift coming to me, which is another camera. A micro 4/3rd camera with a few lenses and a flash gun. I'm not getting rid of the canon rebel, but this will give me a few more options and be an easier "grab and go" sort of kit rather then having to decide what lenses to take when I'm indecisive. Simplicity, which is sometime a nice thing to have.
Hopefully, I will have the time to both post some images from my archives AND take some more. I missed most of summer for photography both due to being HOT and well being busy. Fall is coming, one of the best seasons for Nature and outdoor photography. I need to make use of it!
What sucked up most of my time in the past well... few months quite honestly is
mnfurs . I help them out a lot, I guess kinda staff if you would call it that, and the last few months have been exciting as I've been involved with them a lot. Short answer: I'll still be doing stuff with MNFurs, but likely in a month or two (and after I am done with MFF too since I'm staff there) things will calm down for me a lot and my involvement will be more sane. I'm not going to be a board member, when it comes to it, but I will continue to help out where I can.Also there was the new boat. I didn't get it out nearly as much as I wanted to, but I've only got a few weeks and it goes back into storage *sniff* I will admit, it was a distraction though this summer. And a welcome one at that.
And last, but certainly not least my job went Full Time. It means yay for money, and hopefully if the cards play out, I can look at moving OUT sometime next year. Yep. Out of the house at 31; pretty sad I know but hey- I'd rather be making enough money to live comfortably with modest commodities (a car, my various hobbies, and the boat). I'll probably need to pay off a few things and save up for a beater truck to pull my boat before I move out at any case. But yeah- adjusting to working half of my life a week is hard. I suddenly have even less time that I took for granted I had.
Needless to say, because of this my Photography has really fallen through the cracks this summer yet again, which is a shame. Not because I'm frustrated with myself and my gear (as I was last year) I've long since come to terms with that. I just haven't had the TIME. Hopefully that changes soon. I have my self "I got the job" gift coming to me, which is another camera. A micro 4/3rd camera with a few lenses and a flash gun. I'm not getting rid of the canon rebel, but this will give me a few more options and be an easier "grab and go" sort of kit rather then having to decide what lenses to take when I'm indecisive. Simplicity, which is sometime a nice thing to have.
Hopefully, I will have the time to both post some images from my archives AND take some more. I missed most of summer for photography both due to being HOT and well being busy. Fall is coming, one of the best seasons for Nature and outdoor photography. I need to make use of it!
When the weather is nice, Yarrick is out to play...
General | Posted 13 years agoWell then. Haven't been around much on the internet. This is an annual thing for me, but is made exceptionally true this year with the purchase of my new toy (see my latest submission for a picture).
Yes I bought a boat. I had another boat already, but with the Job situation becoming more stable I decided it was time to move on. My other boat was in truth, becoming a little small for how big of a guy I was. It worked fine for myself, but I wanted something I could take out with friends since I have more friends who are interested in cruising around the lake.
The 14' boat also had many years of heavy use (only the last 10 were mine) and was starting to show it. I put a lot of work into it last year; including motor work which resulted in throwing my back out. It still needs work. The trailer needs to be re-done (re-wired, re-painted, new bunks and possibly new brackets for said bunks) and it has a hole in the floorboard. I decided that if I need to spend my time and money in fixing up a boat, I might as well have something a little better to work on.
It's a 16' deep hull tri-hull runabout and it fits in the garage better then my old boat because the trailer has a shorter tounge. The old boat (which I still own- I have a friend who may buy it so I am waiting on his decision on that) is a 14'. Length wise, its not too much different. But that extra 2' makes a difference, especially when its more then one person. It also handles a lot better due to being console controlled and not a big guy sitting in the back of the boat holding a tiller. It's heavier, but since its on a roller trailer and not bunks, its easy to launch and retreive even by just myself.
The boat is a little underpowered, but its a fishing boat; not a pleasure craft for racing around the lake pulling waterskiers. It does well, and taking a leisurely cruise to get to where I need to go has never been an issue. I've found especially with the new boat that half the fun of having a boat is just cruising around in no particular hurry; just relaxing on a warm summer night tooling around the lake.
Due to a busy schedule and a lot of really windy days (Wind is the second biggest bane to boaters, next to lightning) I've only gotten it out three times so far. Once with a friend, twice alone. The summer is young however, so I see getting a lot of use out of it soon enough!
Sadly because of the boat obsession, my camera hasn't seen a lot of use lately. I need to change that, but I just haven't had the time. I also realized I spent as much money ($1200) that could have gotten me my "dream" SLR and another lens (The Canon 60D). All things considered- I got ten years out of my old boat. That's a lot longer then I've owned a single camera or computer and been happy with it. So I'll stick with the hole in the water as the investment for this year.
Otherwise work has been keeping me busy. But it has been going well. I haven't been stressed out, unlike the call center; just BUSY.
Last sat I was at the mnfurs picnic. It very well in spite of it getting shut down a little early due to some absolutely insane weather (see golfball sized hail and a Tornado warning n.n). We found out quickly that the shelter we choose was one of the better ones in the metro for serving as a storm shelter.
Memorial day is this weekend. In spite of how crazy busy its going to be on pretty much EVERY lake I am going to try to inaugurate the new boat with my friends on Sat; then go to the local meet if I'm not a pile of motionless mush after that. It can be quite tiring.
And tonight I need to clean. Bah. Why. *sighs* one disadvantage of living at home, you are on someone else's schedule for when they need something cleaned up because of a memorial day drinking party. Oh yeah... I'll need to find somewhere to hide on that day. If nothing else, maybe I'll take a short road trip with my camera somewhere. Haven't done one of those in ages...
Yes I bought a boat. I had another boat already, but with the Job situation becoming more stable I decided it was time to move on. My other boat was in truth, becoming a little small for how big of a guy I was. It worked fine for myself, but I wanted something I could take out with friends since I have more friends who are interested in cruising around the lake.
The 14' boat also had many years of heavy use (only the last 10 were mine) and was starting to show it. I put a lot of work into it last year; including motor work which resulted in throwing my back out. It still needs work. The trailer needs to be re-done (re-wired, re-painted, new bunks and possibly new brackets for said bunks) and it has a hole in the floorboard. I decided that if I need to spend my time and money in fixing up a boat, I might as well have something a little better to work on.
It's a 16' deep hull tri-hull runabout and it fits in the garage better then my old boat because the trailer has a shorter tounge. The old boat (which I still own- I have a friend who may buy it so I am waiting on his decision on that) is a 14'. Length wise, its not too much different. But that extra 2' makes a difference, especially when its more then one person. It also handles a lot better due to being console controlled and not a big guy sitting in the back of the boat holding a tiller. It's heavier, but since its on a roller trailer and not bunks, its easy to launch and retreive even by just myself.
The boat is a little underpowered, but its a fishing boat; not a pleasure craft for racing around the lake pulling waterskiers. It does well, and taking a leisurely cruise to get to where I need to go has never been an issue. I've found especially with the new boat that half the fun of having a boat is just cruising around in no particular hurry; just relaxing on a warm summer night tooling around the lake.
Due to a busy schedule and a lot of really windy days (Wind is the second biggest bane to boaters, next to lightning) I've only gotten it out three times so far. Once with a friend, twice alone. The summer is young however, so I see getting a lot of use out of it soon enough!
Sadly because of the boat obsession, my camera hasn't seen a lot of use lately. I need to change that, but I just haven't had the time. I also realized I spent as much money ($1200) that could have gotten me my "dream" SLR and another lens (The Canon 60D). All things considered- I got ten years out of my old boat. That's a lot longer then I've owned a single camera or computer and been happy with it. So I'll stick with the hole in the water as the investment for this year.
Otherwise work has been keeping me busy. But it has been going well. I haven't been stressed out, unlike the call center; just BUSY.
Last sat I was at the
mnfurs picnic. It very well in spite of it getting shut down a little early due to some absolutely insane weather (see golfball sized hail and a Tornado warning n.n). We found out quickly that the shelter we choose was one of the better ones in the metro for serving as a storm shelter.Memorial day is this weekend. In spite of how crazy busy its going to be on pretty much EVERY lake I am going to try to inaugurate the new boat with my friends on Sat; then go to the local meet if I'm not a pile of motionless mush after that. It can be quite tiring.
And tonight I need to clean. Bah. Why. *sighs* one disadvantage of living at home, you are on someone else's schedule for when they need something cleaned up because of a memorial day drinking party. Oh yeah... I'll need to find somewhere to hide on that day. If nothing else, maybe I'll take a short road trip with my camera somewhere. Haven't done one of those in ages...
Back in the land of the ice and the... not so cold?
General | Posted 14 years agoSo I just got home from my long trip to Arizona. I was sick for the first part of it, some sorta sinus cold thing. No fever, but it was the worst on Sunday when I couldn't hold my eyes open for more then 3 minutes. And it wasn't allergy related, I don't think (I was taking my Clartin).
The first part of the trip was the best weather, and I was at the worst. Thankfully I only had the rental for half of the trip, and that half I was better.
Weather kept me from going to the Grand Canyon on Tuesday, but I met a friend down there, went flyfishing and actually caught something (a dandy trout. I'll have a photo up later).
After catching that trout and seeing a good number of other ones I couldn't get to bite; yeah. I'm seriously thinking about planning a more serious fly
Even though the lighting/weather was very variable due to the weather I still got a good number of photos. I'm sure because of conditions, a lot of them won't turn out. It was a challenge for sure, but now that I know of a few new places that were really cool. I didn't get up to the GC but I got up to Sedona and perhaps my new favorite spot in AZ to go back to next year: Jerome. A historic city built right into the side of a mountain. The views are absolutely breathtaking and I'm sure the photos I got under poor conditions won't give it justice.
But I do have a lot of photos to sort through over the next few days. So yeah, glad I could get out. That being said; its good to be home *flops on the couch*
The first part of the trip was the best weather, and I was at the worst. Thankfully I only had the rental for half of the trip, and that half I was better.
Weather kept me from going to the Grand Canyon on Tuesday, but I met a friend down there, went flyfishing and actually caught something (a dandy trout. I'll have a photo up later).
After catching that trout and seeing a good number of other ones I couldn't get to bite; yeah. I'm seriously thinking about planning a more serious fly
Even though the lighting/weather was very variable due to the weather I still got a good number of photos. I'm sure because of conditions, a lot of them won't turn out. It was a challenge for sure, but now that I know of a few new places that were really cool. I didn't get up to the GC but I got up to Sedona and perhaps my new favorite spot in AZ to go back to next year: Jerome. A historic city built right into the side of a mountain. The views are absolutely breathtaking and I'm sure the photos I got under poor conditions won't give it justice.
But I do have a lot of photos to sort through over the next few days. So yeah, glad I could get out. That being said; its good to be home *flops on the couch*
Arizona it is!
General | Posted 14 years agoWell, the flight problem has been solved due to my brother having free passes on Southwest. They are standby, and they have less flights to AZ then Delta (though they do fly direct now) but the odds are pretty good of getting on due to Minnesota having one of the warmest winters in 10 years.
There's less of a reason for the locals to "want to get away" and looking at the forecast thats not going to change any time soon. High 30's every day with a few in the 40s. There is NO snow left on the ground except in very well shaded areas. WTH, its only the beginning February but it feels like LATE march.
Needless to say because of the Job situation still in a holding pattern and some other stresses I need to get out. I've discussed it with both my grandparents and parents; and they support the trip 100%. All I need to do is pay for the rental car, gas and some food for 1/2 the trip which I can do. The plus side is my UI insurance is good until September of this year. Its a very minimum wage for me, but it is enough to 'get by'. Atop of that I have 6k in savings so I am doing OK.
The trip is money but its time for me to just get away from some of the more petty drama going on, but mostly so I can really think about my career and my priorities in LIFE going forward. The job is a HUGE part of that, but also things like will I ever move out of the house, make an effort to find a GF? work on meeting new friends this year? All stuff I really need to have a private retreat on and reflect on.
Plus it will strengthen my photography hobby which is on the "I want to do more of this again but I need Inspiration" There are very few places more inspirational to a photographer then the American Southwest; at least to me. Aside from dealing with the conservativeness of my grandparents while I'm down there; it is my "happy place".
So *crosses fingers* This time next week I SHOULD be in the Land of the Sun in Arizona. I will have a rental car for the latter part of the trip, the last three days of it.
There's less of a reason for the locals to "want to get away" and looking at the forecast thats not going to change any time soon. High 30's every day with a few in the 40s. There is NO snow left on the ground except in very well shaded areas. WTH, its only the beginning February but it feels like LATE march.
Needless to say because of the Job situation still in a holding pattern and some other stresses I need to get out. I've discussed it with both my grandparents and parents; and they support the trip 100%. All I need to do is pay for the rental car, gas and some food for 1/2 the trip which I can do. The plus side is my UI insurance is good until September of this year. Its a very minimum wage for me, but it is enough to 'get by'. Atop of that I have 6k in savings so I am doing OK.
The trip is money but its time for me to just get away from some of the more petty drama going on, but mostly so I can really think about my career and my priorities in LIFE going forward. The job is a HUGE part of that, but also things like will I ever move out of the house, make an effort to find a GF? work on meeting new friends this year? All stuff I really need to have a private retreat on and reflect on.
Plus it will strengthen my photography hobby which is on the "I want to do more of this again but I need Inspiration" There are very few places more inspirational to a photographer then the American Southwest; at least to me. Aside from dealing with the conservativeness of my grandparents while I'm down there; it is my "happy place".
So *crosses fingers* This time next week I SHOULD be in the Land of the Sun in Arizona. I will have a rental car for the latter part of the trip, the last three days of it.
My Annual dose of Cabin Fever
General | Posted 14 years agoIts that time of year again! Get ready for CABIN FEVER!
So after looking over a friend's photos of her trip to Alaska last summer, I realized in my own depressed musings: The way things are going with well life and jobs I will NEVER be able to go there unless I win the lottery or something *sigh*
At the same time, my interest in photography is re-kindling. I think I mentioned that. I want to get out and do more of it, but it is winter. Granted, its been a WARM winter in Minnesota, but it still drags on. All the plants are DEAD. The lakes have ICE on them. There is not enough snow to make things really photographic this year either. Brown winters are the absolute least interesting thing in the world for photography.
And of course, as always I'm UNEMPLOYED AGAIN.
I just got back from a short trip to Chicago. I enjoyed getting out, but that short trip it hardly seemed to fill that void this time. If anything it made it WORSE.
When you are unemployed you have the time but NOT the money to take the long vacation. When you ARE employed, especially as a contractor you have money but NO TIME for long trips. IE little to no vacation time, etc.
I like to travel. I like being a tourist with a camera, but what I enjoy most is getting those remarkable shots of something you don't see every day. Sure, I could go tomorrow to Como Zoo and get the same damn flower and Lion on a rock photos. I could also go find an overlook and get a nice shot of the skyline of downtown Saint Paul or Minneapolis.
Summer in Minnesota is a much more interesting time for me. Things are alive, warm and flourishing. Winter everything is just, well dead. I want to get out and get some landscape photography or take photos of someplace new without freezing my butt off in the process.
If I could only afford the airfare and the car rental (and yes I NEED a car rental this time for the whole trip) I'd hop on a plane tomorrow and visit my grandparents in Arizona. I'm not sure how many more years I'll have that opportunity. This could be one of the last. It's the one thing that really sucks about getting older.
So after looking over a friend's photos of her trip to Alaska last summer, I realized in my own depressed musings: The way things are going with well life and jobs I will NEVER be able to go there unless I win the lottery or something *sigh*
At the same time, my interest in photography is re-kindling. I think I mentioned that. I want to get out and do more of it, but it is winter. Granted, its been a WARM winter in Minnesota, but it still drags on. All the plants are DEAD. The lakes have ICE on them. There is not enough snow to make things really photographic this year either. Brown winters are the absolute least interesting thing in the world for photography.
And of course, as always I'm UNEMPLOYED AGAIN.
I just got back from a short trip to Chicago. I enjoyed getting out, but that short trip it hardly seemed to fill that void this time. If anything it made it WORSE.
When you are unemployed you have the time but NOT the money to take the long vacation. When you ARE employed, especially as a contractor you have money but NO TIME for long trips. IE little to no vacation time, etc.
I like to travel. I like being a tourist with a camera, but what I enjoy most is getting those remarkable shots of something you don't see every day. Sure, I could go tomorrow to Como Zoo and get the same damn flower and Lion on a rock photos. I could also go find an overlook and get a nice shot of the skyline of downtown Saint Paul or Minneapolis.
Summer in Minnesota is a much more interesting time for me. Things are alive, warm and flourishing. Winter everything is just, well dead. I want to get out and get some landscape photography or take photos of someplace new without freezing my butt off in the process.
If I could only afford the airfare and the car rental (and yes I NEED a car rental this time for the whole trip) I'd hop on a plane tomorrow and visit my grandparents in Arizona. I'm not sure how many more years I'll have that opportunity. This could be one of the last. It's the one thing that really sucks about getting older.
Its all about Flash and not about the Class....
General | Posted 14 years agoThis weekend I took a short trip to Chicago with kurst. There were two 'reasons' for the trip; to attend the LAFF Bowling event and the MFF staff meeting. It was also to get me out of the house to recover from a week of disappointment, and spend money that I shouldn't spend; but NEED to spend as the cost of my sanity.
To summarize the last few weeks: I was told I had a "job" at the Science Museum of Minnesota. I worked there for three days and it didn't work out. Lots of little factors, but mostly the recruiter was really pushing the SMM for a job that really didn't exist and I wasn't the perfect God-send candidate to make that opening appear out of thin air. I was really looking forward to it, but not everything in life works out. It's just how things are, and this weekend gave me the breather I needed to move on to the next chapter of Life.
LAFF bowling felt awkward at first as it did in the past. It helped that Kurst was with me (in suit) so I could follow him around and not look like a creep. I had a target, and after talking with a few people after the event they seemed very eager to see my photos.
Once I really got into it, I started having an awesome time, without the aid of a board game. While I am still an avid gamer, I'm finding that diversifying my interests is healthy, and points to another reason I need to get back into photography; even if I become a little more casual about it then before.
It's been a long time since I've done any indoor flash photography; I'm too busy to do any at MFF and some of the larger MNFurs events, so I've really been lacking. Since I'm not a suiter, and really not that much of a bowler, I seem to hit my niche with the photography should I return and what I send out be well received.
In spite of how random my shots were simply for not having well, used my camera all that much; I got a few that made me smile. And its been a LONG time since I've smiled at my photography. It felt GOOD.
While I have nothing against portrait photography, after doing it for a few months professionally and doing enough volunteer events where I was expected to get a certain person at a certain time in a certain pose it really seemed to drone out my interest in that style. I much prefer a photo that tells a story rather then something that is posed. What I like to capture is "the moment" and I've found this approach works on many forms of photography. I shine at taking photos of something not planned, something that "caught the eye".
Sadly, most of the money is in portrait photography, so for better or for worse it would be very unlikely that I could ever go pro.
However after seeing some of the attitudes that many professional photographers seem to "acquire" as soon as they cross that bridge I am FINE with that. I want my photography to be something FUN. I want to be able to take a photo with what I have and not have to try to compete with what Joe the Millionaire has for equipment. I would rather NOT change my personality in order to keep up with a profession. I think that would KILL me.
While I suspect once I get a paying job again I will be spending money on camera gear again, I'm not going to buy the most expensive lens for the sake of having the most expensive lens to look like I'm a professional. I'm rather sick of that philosophy when I see it, and I see it more and more these days.
After this long trip I had a lot of time to clear the air on things. About life, liberty and Photography. It also helps that
photografurs is picking up some steam to make me realize I'm not alone in this pursuit. Most who follow the group are like me, people who have a hobby in the creative photography arts and are not in it to compare their dicks to the size of their lenses. It's an eye-opener really from some of the photography groups I have been involved in that were more uptight and everything was a competition on how big and white your lenses were.
I'm a creative person. I may not be able to draw, but I certainly have "the eye". Its why I was good at painting miniatures at one point at time, and also why I picked up fly tying so easily. Photography is but an extension of my creative side that does not see the light of day nearly as much as it should.
There was also a time where I felt un-appreciated as a photographer. EVERY artist goes through this. Everyone deals with it in their own way. I've crossed that bridge realizing that I like photography for the sake of photography.
And now, back to editing photos. Wow I have such a backlog to work on. o.o
kurst. There were two 'reasons' for the trip; to attend the LAFF Bowling event and the MFF staff meeting. It was also to get me out of the house to recover from a week of disappointment, and spend money that I shouldn't spend; but NEED to spend as the cost of my sanity.To summarize the last few weeks: I was told I had a "job" at the Science Museum of Minnesota. I worked there for three days and it didn't work out. Lots of little factors, but mostly the recruiter was really pushing the SMM for a job that really didn't exist and I wasn't the perfect God-send candidate to make that opening appear out of thin air. I was really looking forward to it, but not everything in life works out. It's just how things are, and this weekend gave me the breather I needed to move on to the next chapter of Life.
LAFF bowling felt awkward at first as it did in the past. It helped that Kurst was with me (in suit) so I could follow him around and not look like a creep. I had a target, and after talking with a few people after the event they seemed very eager to see my photos.
Once I really got into it, I started having an awesome time, without the aid of a board game. While I am still an avid gamer, I'm finding that diversifying my interests is healthy, and points to another reason I need to get back into photography; even if I become a little more casual about it then before.
It's been a long time since I've done any indoor flash photography; I'm too busy to do any at MFF and some of the larger MNFurs events, so I've really been lacking. Since I'm not a suiter, and really not that much of a bowler, I seem to hit my niche with the photography should I return and what I send out be well received.
In spite of how random my shots were simply for not having well, used my camera all that much; I got a few that made me smile. And its been a LONG time since I've smiled at my photography. It felt GOOD.
While I have nothing against portrait photography, after doing it for a few months professionally and doing enough volunteer events where I was expected to get a certain person at a certain time in a certain pose it really seemed to drone out my interest in that style. I much prefer a photo that tells a story rather then something that is posed. What I like to capture is "the moment" and I've found this approach works on many forms of photography. I shine at taking photos of something not planned, something that "caught the eye".
Sadly, most of the money is in portrait photography, so for better or for worse it would be very unlikely that I could ever go pro.
However after seeing some of the attitudes that many professional photographers seem to "acquire" as soon as they cross that bridge I am FINE with that. I want my photography to be something FUN. I want to be able to take a photo with what I have and not have to try to compete with what Joe the Millionaire has for equipment. I would rather NOT change my personality in order to keep up with a profession. I think that would KILL me.
While I suspect once I get a paying job again I will be spending money on camera gear again, I'm not going to buy the most expensive lens for the sake of having the most expensive lens to look like I'm a professional. I'm rather sick of that philosophy when I see it, and I see it more and more these days.
After this long trip I had a lot of time to clear the air on things. About life, liberty and Photography. It also helps that
photografurs is picking up some steam to make me realize I'm not alone in this pursuit. Most who follow the group are like me, people who have a hobby in the creative photography arts and are not in it to compare their dicks to the size of their lenses. It's an eye-opener really from some of the photography groups I have been involved in that were more uptight and everything was a competition on how big and white your lenses were.I'm a creative person. I may not be able to draw, but I certainly have "the eye". Its why I was good at painting miniatures at one point at time, and also why I picked up fly tying so easily. Photography is but an extension of my creative side that does not see the light of day nearly as much as it should.
There was also a time where I felt un-appreciated as a photographer. EVERY artist goes through this. Everyone deals with it in their own way. I've crossed that bridge realizing that I like photography for the sake of photography.
And now, back to editing photos. Wow I have such a backlog to work on. o.o
