5 posts tagged “tftf”
Well finally I have something resembling a normal desk setup, and I am thrilled. So much room, an additional monitor, a laser printer, my wacom tablet, and even a Tips from the Top Floor bear mascot (thank you Oliver!).
After months of being ashamed, I am no longer. I am professional, dammit! Don't mess with me!!!
The past few days have been quite busy, and no, not with Christmas shopping or partygoing. Nooooo. Over a month ago I had come up with an idea for the photographer's beanbags I've been making for the Tips from the Top Floor (www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com) listeners and forum members. Now for those of you who don't know, a beanbag can serve as a handy tripod replacement, as it's not overly large (about 7 1/2" in diameter), and can be shifted about to tilt your camera to many different angles to steady it. I keep mine in my car, and when I want to take a sunset or night shot, balance it on my dash or window ledge and it works very well.
So back in September I got this idea for a beanbag that would feature the show's logo in a fabric that listeners would relate to, and when I pitched the idea to Chris (Marquardt, the heart and soul of the show) he loved it. And finally, after weeks of research, emails, waiting for patches to be made, and finally making the first prototypes, Chris featured it on the home page and in the show for December 13 as well. And the orders are coming in fast and furious!
If anyone would be interested, details can be found at: http://morningstar.smugmug.com/gallery/1739492/3/116234112
Here are pics of the beanbag, and of the TFTF patch, available separately as well:
Tonight I ventured out to a meeting of our local camera club for the very first time, excited, anticipating a meeting with people much like all the wonderful friends I've made through my fave podcast, photography or otherwise, Digital Photography Tips from the Top Floor (www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com). I spent extra time fixing my hair and makeup, anticipating stimulating conversation about Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop, great lenses, fave photographers, cool new techniques or anything photographic, but the reality was entirely different. In addition to being the youngest person in the room by a good bit, it didn't take too long before I sussed out that though there were some with quite superiour cameras, it seemed that I knew more than almost every single one, based on the things being said. Such as..."Is it true that it's better to shoot with a low ISO than a high one?" "I just can't understand that Photoshop and I don't want to.", "I just don't understand digital after three years. I like film better.", "I always just shoot in auto mode."
Now this is not to say that perhaps these people don't shoot some amazing images, since I've not seen their work. This is based on a cursory, preliminary snap judgement, likely unfair. And let me say this, I do plan to give it another shot.
But I suppose what I'm saying is that I was utterly amazed to discover that since I got my DSLR I've come a very long way, thanks largely to the wisdom of my Tips from the Top Floor friends who wade much deeper into the postprocessing ocean than I do, but who lead me out, teach me, have patience with my ignorance and generally never tire of my idiotic questions.
So...THANK YOU!! I would list your names but would surely leave one or more out. You guys know who you are! Thank you for your wisdom and know how much I appreciate it and hope perhaps to pay the favour forward.
Oh, and here's an image from the evening. We experimented with black light photography. Warning: looking at this image for more than 30 seconds is likely hazardous to your health, causing possible short term memory loss, nosebleeds, migraine headaches and diarrhea. Don't say you weren't warned.
My friend and Bacon Pixie Extraordinaire, Matt (http://www.dowobeha.net/ravsitar/) issued an assignment contest on the forum for my fave podcast, Digital Photography Tips from the Top Floor (www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com) with the simple theme of "Holiday", with the winner becoming recipient of some of Matt's famous cookies. Who can resist at least trying? I'm afraid my entry is waaaaay too twee, like some smarmy cheesy Christmas greeting card, but I like the expression on the snowman's face, to be honest.
