Discusson Group Notes April 24, 2009
Eight participated on this date.
Some came early and some came late.
Everyone conversed and everyone ate.
My apologies to Dr Seuss, the late.
Dave A. started this one out discussing lines. He explained that horizontal lines are tranquil, such as a horizon. Vertical lines are stagnant and slant lines emote motion and liveliness, which is why we like them in many portraits and other images. Leading lines are lines in the background that lead one's eyes to the subject. I've heard these before but, since I haven't been practicing them, it's good to be reminded.
We talked about the upcoming field trip to Willow Springs racetrack, now set for May 17 starting at 9 AM.
I described my desire to take photos of Pinapple Weed, which is growing in abundance in my yard, and an article on it in "Wilderness Way" magazine. Besides being interesting to look at http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/weeds-pineapple-weed/main.jpg they are supposed to be fragrant when crushed and useful as a tea and medicine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matricaria_discoidea. Dave described Bunch Grass which grows in the valley and also has interesting uses.
Bonnie said that two lenses she had consigned at King's Photo sold so now she's rich. From the comments around me apparently not everyone at the table realized that King's sold used equipment. I've also sold a camera and a lens there.
Wayne told us of his problems with white balance at one of the aquatic centers. His photos seemed to be "colder" than the ones taken and printed by the center. When he looked at his RAW (D80) as-shot photos they read in at 4100 degrees and he had to warm them up before printing. This led into several people asking questions and offering ideas on why this happened and how to resolve it. Dave A. then led a short discussion on setting White Balance on film cameras, including pointing at your white socks. I've always found history to be interesting. :-)
Lee showed off his wireless remote shutter release http://www.camerahacker.com/RS60-E3_pin-out/WirelessTrigger.php that he got on E-Bay for about $30. In looking it up on the internet there seem to be two models, a four channel and a 16 channel. The newer versions also seem to have more features. Lee walked around Denny's checking range and it looked like it would be good for, at least, a studio setting if not some outdoor work.
Wayne described Dave Wilkins' light painting on the Death Valley field trip using flashlights. I wondered about the temperature and light spectrum of the LED flashlights that are sold everywhere. It seems to me that they could be used as inexpensive fill lights (some have nine or more bulbs in them and are quite bright). Yet another experiment for me to try in-between everything else. Such is life.
We talked about the upcoming competition. Some of us had been confused about what the categories will be but now they're listed on the LPA's website front page, "Desert Wildflowers and Desert Scenes" http://www.lpaphotography.org/index.html.
Bonnie gave us the update on her 50D lockup problem. Canon has issued new firmware but so far she hasn't been able to download it. Speaking of firm/software, someone sent me a link http://lifehacker.com/387380/turn-your-point+and+shoot-into-a-super+camera on turning your point-and-shoot camera into a super camera. I don't know if it works but the idea that you can load files onto your memory chip that your P&S can read is a new one on me.
Lee said that he missed getting in some photojournalism shots of an Armenian demonstration because he didn't have his camera. I keep trying to remember to keep a camera with me at all times but I only manage to do it about half the time.
I would again like to extend a special invitation to both new members and the more expert members who would like to participate in these informal, yet informative, discussions.
If you can, please join us each Friday evening at Denny's at the corner of Ave K and 20th West. We begin at 6:30 PM and usually go to at least 8:30 PM. You can drop by at anytime and stay for as long as you like (you don't even have to buy anything).
Glenn Olson
Coordinator and Moderator
glenn@glenn-olson.com
(please note the new e-mail address)
816-8278
