TOG247.com http://www.tog247.com/forums/ We are a friendly and helpful photography forum. We have free photography tutorials, photoshop tutorials, lightroom tutorials as well as photo tips and photography techniques. Our member gallery is free with unlimited space for your photos. All our members join in to give good feedback and photo critique. en Sat, 19 May 2012 06:04:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.tog247.com/forums/cb/misc/rss.jpg TOG247.com http://www.tog247.com/forums/ Pic of the Week - 18/05/2012 http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2939&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 21:39:28 GMT
This week's choice clearly demonstrates that you need to see these images full size.

This image looks so much better in the bigger version.

Well done Bridget (Fidget) for a very well composed shot of Osbourne House.




Beautiful Pic, Congrats. :clap:

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File Type: jpg Osborne.jpg (139.1 KB)
]]> TOG247 POW Marvin http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2939 <![CDATA[Ben's Passion]]> http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2936&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 10:41:32 GMT Ben's Passion – Wildlife

by Ben - Natural Encounters

My Subject,

Wildlife photography is my forte, with my main focus being on small cats, but whatever my subject is, I try and give the impression of natural surroundings.

What attracted me to the subject?

With my main focus being on small cats, the reason for the attraction is mainly my wish to highlight that there are another 30 species of cats that aren’t considered big, e.g. Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Puma etc, and my pictures of these go to various organisations to help conservation of these cats.

How long have I been doing it?

Well the clock has ticked so fast, I couldn’t say, but I would say I have been doing it seriously in the capacity I do now, for about 7 years, but photography as a whole for about 25 years.

Finding locations.

Well locations are decided by the species I want to photograph, but first calls are the main zoos and then private collections, then is a case of liasing for getting the shots I am after.

What happens during a session .

Im after a natural setting, minimal structure and wire in the pic, after all my subjects are mostly dangerous wild animals, and, as so, have to be treated as such.
So yes, most of the shots I take, I am in with the cats, usually at a feeding time, but always with the full help and co operation of the staff concerned, and without that, many shots you have seen, wouldn’t be possible.
I talk to the keepers to discuss the best places to put food, and set up my focus and composition accordingly, hopefully the pics that come out will be like what I have in mind when I step into the enclosure.


Equipment used.

Well I have had several upgrades since I started, but I got my first decent pics with a Nikon D80, with a 70-300 lens which I got from E bay.
The pics were good, but I knew I could get better, as the D80 just didn’t focus fast enough, and I needed better low light performance, so next a D90, a lot better. Next a 70-200 2.8 lens, which most of you know about, and the low light capability and small d o f was what I needed.
Then I upgraded a month or 2 ago, a D700 and with the full frame, superb high iso performance, I was set!!.
Lexar 600x Professional CF cards.

My Fave Kit

Is definitely my new D700, the images it captures and the detail are nothing short of superb, the only errors with it come from the user!!

Technique

Now you are asking!!!
Basically I am trying to achieve making the subject appear in the natural surroundings and not being a captive animal.
Actually going in the enclosure with the cats helps, of course, but consideration needs to be given to the background ie wire and frameworks!! This is where the 2.8 lens comes in handy, with its low light handling ability and d o f.
I guess its not so much technique but more knowing how you want the pic to turn out.

Normal Settings

Single point focus, f2.8, iso200-400, low speed frame setting (5fps), RAW 14 bit and high quality JPEG. White balance is a custom 6500k.
Sometimes use other settings, but not often.
I just use these as a standard, simply because they work for me

Limits of settings.

The limits are really only a light issue as some enclosures can be quite dark, so I just up the iso and its usually sorted!!

Camera Technique

To be honest I don’t really have one, cats can be so quick its almost point and shoot, or sit and wait.
If I have a technique, its in auto mode and I just do it!!

Pitfalls

The only things I can think of are being very aware of surroundings, and making sure batteries and CF cards are handy.
Nothing worse than running out of one or both.
Also be aware or reach of cats claws etc, even through wire for the bigger ones, eg Jaguars!!!
Make sure lens filter attached!!

Editing on the computer

I use Elements 5, its good enough for me, I do very little editing, usually lighting adjustment, and cropping, that’s it, I spend 2 mins max on a pic.

Essential Reading.

To be honest I do very little reading on photographing cats as I don’t think there is one, I usually watch Nature Documentaries and work on a shot from that.
There are some good sources of Small Cat info from the web!

Hints and tips

Learn general habits of your subject, a proportion of cats are arboreal, so no good looking on the ground, if at a zoo, find out feeding times, and plan your shots, most keepers will help you, and you do need them on side. Hot weather usually keeps cats out of sight, as does heavy rain.
And I hate to say it, screaming kids can effect a good photo session too. Sorry!!

My wish is to photograph all the 37 species of cats, for a future project im working on.
I donate my pics to these organisations which do a great job, please take a look at their sites
http://www.wildcatconservation.org/
http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk
http://www.snowleopard.org/


Thanks for reading, let the Q’s commence!!

Ben ]]> My Passion Pipeman http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2936 Just got back.... http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2935&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 18:23:43 GMT ...from a fabulous weekend. We went to the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor - a specatcular event not to be missed when it is televised in early... ...from a fabulous weekend.

We went to the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor - a specatcular event not to be missed when it is televised in early June.

Some pics, but light was bad - on 3200 ISO all the time but I will find some to post. ]]> General Chat Pipeman http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2935 MAY 2012 COMPETITION - Open http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2934&goto=newpost Sat, 12 May 2012 16:30:45 GMT Image: http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l560/idigitize/TOG247%20Comp%20Banners/may.png The May monthly competition is now accepting entries. ...



The May monthly competition is now accepting entries.

Your theme for this month is Open, (just enter your best pic :top:)



Photos should be submitted using the same size rules, i.e. no bigger than 1000 x 720, 200kb and jpeg.

Your entry must be submitted by noon on the 24th of the month.

Voting will start at this time, so any entries received later will not be entered for the voting stage.

Please be sure to familiarise yourself with the comp rules before entering and voting... Here



IMPORTANT

TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY...


Please upload your entries at the link below.

http://www.tog247.com/gallery/uploadphoto.php?cat=574



When your upload is complete, you should see a message which tells you you do not have permission to view the image. This is correct. You will receive a pm from me as confirmation that your entry has been submitted.



Good luck everyone, we'll be looking forward to all the entries!

Voting will be open for 1 week, as per comp rules
]]> Monthly Competition benjiblanco http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2934 Pic of the Week - 11/05/2012 http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2933&goto=newpost Sat, 12 May 2012 16:18:32 GMT
POW CHOSEN BY PAUL! :top:

Congratulations Stewart!

'For POW I've gone for this beautiful pic from Stewart (BadBadman). Very pleasing to the eye which has been well PP'd to produce a stunning composition which could well adorn any wall. Well done Stew'





Attached Images
File Type: jpg stew.jpg (10.4 KB)
]]> TOG247 POW benjiblanco http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2933 Help with Nikon D80 http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2931&goto=newpost Sat, 12 May 2012 11:12:19 GMT Hi there. Well I finally got to grips a bit with my D80. So I decided to get my daughter one as a surprise for her university course. However I did... Hi there.
Well I finally got to grips a bit with my D80. So I decided to get my daughter one as a surprise for her university course. However I did notice something odd compared to my D80.
Her D80 will not allow the shutter to take a photo unless a memory cards has been placed into the slot.
But mine will using cameras memory for a few shots without the card.
The camera isn't new but it did come from Park Cameras and was tested before sending out.
I reckon Im over looking a menu setting that is in her camera somewhere that needs unlocking or something.

I know Nikons are your favourites but is this akin to only certain era of models?
Im not wishing to return it its lovely condition. They said they would but nothing else wrong.
Plleas could anyone enlighten me. Is something needing changing in settings to allow the shutter to click in demo mode.:confuse::confuse::confuse:

Many THanks Guys.
Bev ]]> Mummygirl http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2931 The Fittes http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2930&goto=newpost Sat, 12 May 2012 10:23:50 GMT Well finally I got my first exhibition together. Nowhere posh. Cleethorpes Library. Gave me some promotion too. The images I did mostly last year on... Well finally I got my first exhibition together. Nowhere posh. Cleethorpes Library. Gave me some promotion too. The images I did mostly last year on the plotlands over on the east coast of Lincolnshire. Humberston area. Steeped in history. Ribbon development. Established about a century ago.
Will upload the local rag article they ran on me. ]]> General Chat Mummygirl http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2930 Local Camera Clubs http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2929&goto=newpost Fri, 11 May 2012 20:06:15 GMT Do any of you toggers here belong to local camera clubs?

I've been considering wandering along to my local Camera club here in the People's Republic of Redditch but I have to say I am a little concerned having never done this kind of thing before.

I'm kinda wondering what to expect on a first date :shocked: ]]> Photography Chat erniethemilk http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2929 Draw Something http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2928&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 20:57:33 GMT Anyone wants to add me, my username is Mr Cobue. Be warned though, my drawings are nothing short of shocking :D Anyone wants to add me, my username is Mr Cobue.

Be warned though, my drawings are nothing short of shocking :D ]]> General Chat Paul http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2928 The Braai for HYcyclops http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2926&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 06:40:21 GMT South Africa : birthplace of the braai.

'n Boer maak 'n plan.
Actually, as far back as 1.5 million years ago, the hominids sheltering in caves appear to have discovered the secret to regular antelope barbeques. In other words, those ous had lekker braais.
How the hell do we know this?
Dr. Skinner (of the Department of Chemistry, Williams College, Maryland USA) explains: Bones fall into three categories : unheated, slightly heated, and calcined. Bones start off white, turn brown and then black as they're burnt. But an intense heat (or braai) returns them to white - a calcined bone. The oldest white bone fossils have been found just outside Swartkrans. Which makes South Africa home to the first controlled fire (or braai).
Check what the braai has given to the world.
If it weren't for the first few tentative steps of those hominid guys we wouldn't have the giant leap that rocketed mankind to the moon. Ok, so there have been a lot of technological advances between then and now. But if it hadn't been for the first controlled fire, we would never have made rockets (or big braais).
Shot Mr. Hominid Guys.

MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, GATHER ON THE HILLTOPS, ON BEACHES, IN GARDENS, ON PATIOS, WHEREVER THE SMELL OF WORS IS WELCOME - THAT'S WHERE WE SHALL MEET.

South Africans can cook a steak anywhere.
For the average booitjie, everywhere is a perfect braai site. With four bricks, some firelighters, a match and a grill, most South African okes could make a braai to feed a small army. Even with this never-say-never mentality, it's impossible not to find a beautiful braai spot in this country. But where?
From Kosi Bay on the east coast to Alexandra Bay on the west, our beaches are riddled with some of the most picturesque braai sites in the world. But it's not just the beaches. Visit most of our nature reserves, parks and dams and you'll find a braaiplek hungry for your meat. And if that's not good enough, you can always go to the game. Whether it's the Sharks against the Lions or the Cheetahs against the Bulls, there'll always be a braai at the stadium and tjommies to share it with.

Eat and be merry
Wherever it is - the game, the park, the beach, or the backyard - the locations are numerous and beautiful. Grab a drink, your tongs and a juicy steak and find a place to light your fire.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE BRAAI
WE SHALL TJOON LIKE ONLY SOUTH AFRICANS KNOW HOW TO TJOON.

Eish! We speak duidelik!
South Africans don't barbeque, we braai. And when we do, we definitely would rather have a lekker, kief, cool, ntsja, sharp, uGrand time than just a good one.
What did you say? Never say 'sausage'. Sausages aren't nearly as tasty as 'wors'. And it's not a 'brewski', it's a bier (remember to roll the 'r'). It's 'ja', not 'yes'. And instead of saying 'Thank you for having us at your barbeque, rather say, 'Shot for inviting us to your braai, bru'. Oh and if you're going to refer to a tong as 'that flipper thing', at least say, 'daai flippen ding'.

Tjommeling with your tjommies

A braai is a great place for a little hanna-hanna with the guys. So the next time your bra tjoons you lekker, don't just tell him that it's all good. Tell him s'gud s'gud s'gud s'gud s'naiyse'!

HOW WE BRAAI
WE SHALL MAKE THE BRAAI RIGHT OR WE SHALL NOT MAKE IT AT ALL.

There's one thing that makes a braai successful.
Don't complicate the uncomplicatable. There's only one secret to making a great braai. Temperature. And we don't just mean the weather, or the icy coldness of your frosted glass as you pour another beer (although that is important too). Whether you use charcoal, wood, smokeless wood, smoking wood chips or gas, make sure the temperature of your grill or skottel is perfect. If you can't stand the heat, don't put it on the braai grid.
The rule of thumb is that the braai is warm enough if you can hold your hand about 15cm above it for 2 to 3 seconds before you feel the need to pull away.

And one more thing.
Friends. A braai just isn't a braai if you're not standing by the fire with your one arm around a tjommie, and a brandy and coke in your hand. Jokes and banter are as vital as the fire itself. After all, the only thing sadder than a one-man-band is a one-man-braai.

THE PEOPLE
PEOPLE, MENSE, BATHON, ABANTU! YOU BELONG. I BELONG. WE ALL BELONG AT THE BRAAI.

First and foremost, there''s the Braai Master (or BM) - the 'Main Ou' who was born to braai. The BM has to be quick, decisive and above all, he must have strong wrists.
Then there's the BM's Assistant who must always be ready to please and make sure the BM's hand is never without a drink. Basically, he does all the dirty work (as a means to climb his way up the braaing ranks and someday become BM).

The Spectators, the mob of onlookers who do nothing but drink, talk, laugh, drink, make a noise and drink - a vital element to any good braai.
Last, but not least, there's the Braai Superior. The ridiculous uncle who thinks he knows allthere is to know about the 'perfect' braai. But he just needs a cold one to be distracted from wrestling the tongs from the BM.

THE MENU
WE SHALL BRAAI WITH OUR HEART, EAT WITH OUR MOUTHS AND SEND THE SMELL OF BRAAI AS FAR AS WE CAN.

The Staple Diet
A 'stuk wors', a 'tjop', half a mielie, chakalaka, potato salad, garlic bread and a 2litre 'Stoney'. This is probably the most common South African braai meal (wipe your chin because there's plenty more on the menu).
Because of our 'a-z' cultural background, there are countless different dishes to enjoy at a braai. The traditional 'krummelpap en vleis' dates back to the earliest braais. So does making a potjie.

If It Can Be Eaten, It Can Be Braaied.
Who says you just have to put meat on the grill? Vegetarians are holders of some of the best-kept braai secrets. You've heard of dried fruit but ever heard of braaied fruit? Baking a potato directly on the coals is ten million times better than cooking it in the microwave, anyway. And then of course there are the distinctive aromas of the snoek braai. It's kinda what sets Cape Town apart from Jozi, my broe!

Jou Ma Se Sous!
Marinades and sauces really come to the party here. Easy-to-make recipes such as African peanut sauce will make everyone lus. Even your next-door neighbour. So expect to hear a knock at the door. Have his beer ready for him.

BRAAI TIPS
WE SHALL POINT OUT THE MISTAKES OF OUR FELLOW BRAAIERS, FOR THERE IS THE PROPER WAY - THEN THERE'S THE RIGHT WAY.

Braaing is one of the few sports we love that doesn't involve a ball. And it's a sport in which losing is very hard to do. But as with all sports, you can be the player as well as the referee

If You Want Something Done Right...
Tell others how to do it. Impress your brasse with your sixth sense for getting the fire just right and cooking the meat just so. After all, they're working with a professional, aren't they?

Easy Does It
Just make sure your meat cooks over indirect heat and over the flames, unless of course you find chowing on layers of carbon tasty. And flip the meat with tongs if you want it to stay juicy. Stab it with a fork and you'll end up with biltong-like braai. Then once it's done, let it rest before cutting into it, allowing the juices to bubble back into the meat.

When All's Been Said and Overdone
Wipe down a used sticky braai grid with some lemon and a crumpled up ball of tin foil. Then you're mos reg for next time. And the dishes? Well. If you're clever you'll have used paper plates.

THE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO BRAAING
WE SHALL SPREAD THE WORD OF THE BRAAI TO ALL, EVEN IF THEY'RE THICKER THAN THE TWO BRICKS YOU NEED TO POP UP THE GRID.

Step 1: Invite Your Guests
Braais don't need invitations. A simple phone call or SMS to some mates, or even a drunken suggestion to them to come over the next day will do just fine. They'll rock up. Don't worry.

Step 2: Buy the Ingredients
Spend far more than you'd budgeted for on meat, vegetables, sauces and drinks. Or call it a bring & braai, save your money and eat someone else's food. Being cheap never tasted so sweet.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat in Advance
Marinating is both an art and a science. So if you're an accountant, get somebody to help you.

Step 4: Get the Music Right
This one's hard to get wrong. Put on whatever will get you and your guests into a party mood. But remember not to put on something that's too good. You wouldn't want to miss the jol while you're braaing.

Step 5: The Actual Braai
The women do the cleaning, the chopping, the marinating, the checking, the salad making, the double-checking, the beer bringing, the table setting and the washing. The men put the meat on the braai and ask the chicks how they're enjoying their day off.

Step 6: Make Small Talk
Small talk? Guys don't have to talk to enjoy each other's company. The standard braai stance of 'drink in hand, eyes on fire' is small talk enough. ]]> General Chat Rudes http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2926 Yaay http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2924&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 08:09:16 GMT Just sold 2 prints that the local shop took a few weeks ago. A boost just before I go into hospital tomorrow. Just sold 2 prints that the local shop took a few weeks ago. A boost just before I go into hospital tomorrow. ]]> General Chat sheltie http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2924 For those considering latest generation Niks... http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2923&goto=newpost Sun, 06 May 2012 11:12:59 GMT For those considering the D800, D4 (probably the D3200), be aware that if you use Nikons transfer proggie (Nikon Transfer) you should only use the... For those considering the D800, D4 (probably the D3200), be aware that if you use Nikons transfer proggie (Nikon Transfer) you should only use the new one that comes with ViewNX2. Although Nikon Transfer\ ViewNX1 will transfer the NEFs over, it will subtly corrupt the files so nothing (photoshop, CapNX, Lightroom) can read them properly.... net result is you lose 2/3 of the file info en route. Jpegs are fine, just NEFs it screws up.The only safe thing to do is to de-intall ViewNX1\ Nik Transfer and then install the latest version 2.3.1. ]]> CPU http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2923 The Future of TOG247 http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2922&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 18:46:15 GMT There is an elephant sitting in TOG’s sitting room and we should talk about it.

TOG247 is now almost three years old and most of the really hard work getting us through these early years has been done by Ben.

Ben does not now have the available time to devote to the continuing month to month routines which he handles so well. We are all sincerely grateful to him for getting us so far in such a short space of time.
However, things are at the stage when perhaps we should all be considering how best we can all increase our input to relieve the pressure on Ben.

The current problem regarding Exif in Gallery submissions is an important one and I am sure that everything possible is being done to resolve it, I know that I certainly can’t help in that direction and guess that most other members are the same.

There are other things that could perhaps be delegated though, and I suggest that the compliment of moderators should be reviewed and those that rarely visit be removed and replaced by new ones who are enthusiastic and active on a regular basis. The new team could work out how best to deal with important routine events such as:

Monthly Competitions
Photo of The Week
Communications telling members what is going on, so that some oldies might return – it works!
Consider new features for TOG.
There might well be a need to do some teaching of moderators in the early stages but spreading the load is certain to bring dividends eventually.

A Moderator who knows his/her way around the software would be brilliant.

I have set out my thoughts on the immediate future of TOG247 – in no way should it be construed as criticism of Ben or anyone else involved in TOG247 – and I suggest that we should discuss the issues involved in our normal sensible and friendly fashion. ]]> Tog Development Pipeman http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2922 Happy Birthday Jan http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2921&goto=newpost Thu, 03 May 2012 11:08:40 GMT Hope you have a great day Jan, Best Wishes.....Keith..:D:clap: Hope you have a great day Jan, Best Wishes.....Keith..:D:clap: ]]> General Chat Cowden http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2921 Nikon D3100 with 18-55 VR kit http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2919&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:25:54 GMT I'm not sure if I can do this so no worries if you have to remove it but a friend of mine who bought this camera for taking pics of fish for her then fish keeping forum has decided to sell up. I can vouch for her as an honest person and I don't think she used it a lot. If anyones interested I can find out her shutter actuation if you want



I am selling my Nikon D3100 DSLR camera with 18-55 VR kit. Only really got to photograph fish but now too big and bulky for personal use. So getting a Coolpix. Pretty much as new with box etc. Please feel free to pass this info on.....

£320 seems to be about the low end second hand rate going by Ebay prices. But you get guarantee with me it does work and pretty much new and I am def not dodgy lol!

Anymore details/pictures required let me know. Barely used since I haven't had my Malawis and a waste sitting here, so thought I would get something I can carry in my pocket

Thanks Sally ]]> Members Classified Ads Paul http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2919