"BIMBO" Brisbane IIS Macro Boys' Outing - anyone?

[troypiggo]

Been talking to a couple of members about having a Roma St Parklands[1] BIMBO meet some time soon. Might try to have a few this season. Didn't do it enough last year.

Currently thinking 25/9 or 26/9. Next couple of weekends after that I'm out. And that weekend is close to full moon, so you guys won't be up all night with astro stuff :)

Conditions are typically better early in the morning. Can't remember what time we met last time, think it was around 7am?

Couple of guys who may be interested have transport issues and wouldn't be able to make it til a bit later, like 10-11am. Hopefully we can sort something out.

So. Who's in? Suggestions for dates, times, places? Anyone and everyone is welcome. Not just macro, either. There's plenty of flowers, a few birds, water dragons, water falls, little lakes etc.

Oh, I meant to mention. If you are keen on trying macro but don't have the gear, I have 2 spare Canon bodies, a 180L, Sigma 105, Sigma 150, and MP-E 65 macro lenses, extension tubes, several speedlites and the MT-24EX twinlight, and several different diffusers/softboxes. So no excuses, welcome to borrow or try any of it.


[1] or if anyone has another venue in mind, please suggest

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

Count me in. Here’s a couple from a trip to the gardens last Saturday, 11th Sept. Roma Street Gardens are good for easy, free parking and there is a nice café nearby too!

Cheers

Dennis

[hotspur]

Yes Troy I have cars,but was thinking of catching bus coach from Blackbutt,as it goes right to Roma St,I thought it would save the hassle of driving in Brisbane.

I will be unable to come those dates mentioned,unfortunately.

But if you ever have one in November-I can arrange a stay around your date,at the Roma St 'Travelodge" as I have to go down one weekend in November and sort out children's University things so will be down over night.

I told my wife,I was planning to meet BIMBOs in park at Roma st for a 'photography' picnic' and got a interesting response!:lol:

Cheers Chris

[shelltree]

I'm definitely keen! I'm free Saturday the 25th and I don't mind an early start. The insects will still be half a sleep and easier to photograph :) I'm so excited, I haven't done macro in awhile, winter was so barren!

I'm sure my boyfriend will be interested too if that's okay? Him and I stalk my backyard on a regular basis :D

[troypiggo]

Cool! I added a paragraph about spare gear that I have and can be borrowed if you don't think you have the right stuff or want to swap and try something else.

[astro_south]

Hi guys

Good idea Troy :thumbsup:

I am keen but I am out of Brisbane on that weekend :(

I have time this Sunday morning and likewise the weekend after the one suggested.

[Octane]

I'd like to come along, but, won't be in Brisvegas that weekend. :P

H

[shelltree]

I would LOVE to borrow your twin lite Troy. I've used my boyfriend's once and it was droolworthy! Currently just using in-built flash and a cheap plastic diffuser off ebay. It does the trick but one day when I'm not in debt I'm definitely getting one!

[StephenM]

Hi all,

I think I'm free on the 25th, so I'll aim to be there. Haven't done much macro recently, so it will be good to get back into it!

Cheers,
Stephen

[dpastern]

Doh, no fair!!!!! Due to one of my colleagues going to NZ for 3 weeks, our damn shifts have all been moved around, and I have to work Saturday the 25th :/ Can we mke it the week after pretty please? I have to work the entire saturday (8.30 to 5, probably longer).

I'm restricted to natural light macros though as it seems my flash has died, which would probably limit what I can do :( Not having a good run so far in 2010...things just keep breaking.

Dave

[troypiggo]

Hmm, going to be hard to get a weekend that suits everyone. All the more reason to have a few gatherings I reckon :)

How about we continue with the 25th Sep, then have another in Oct and/or Nov?

Andrew - I can't make it this weekend. Others may? Reckon Dennis would go every weekend :)

Chris - we'll definitely get together in Nov some time while you're in town :thumbsup:

H - :rolleyes: well you have to come up here then! :)

Dave - see above. Got a flash or 2 you can loan on the day.

[hotspur]

Hi Troy.

We will be down in Brissy, either the 21/22 or 27/28 of November,so may be a BIMBO meet on either of these Sundys' the 22 or 28 would be ideal for me,We will stay o/nite in Centre of Brisbane on the Saturday.(this might allow Humayan time to organise to come up too!)

Thanks,Chris

[Sharnbrook]

Troy,

Thanks for getting the message out, I have put 7am on Sat 25th in my diary, and will see you all there.

[shelltree]

Is this Saturday still going ahead? And 7am? We might be a smidge late depending where we decide to go for sunrise in the morning but shouldn't be later than 7:30 :)

Troy, would it be possible for you to bring your twin lite and mp-e along? I'd really like to try out the twin lite and my boyfriend was interested in trying out the mp-e, if that's okay of course :D What diffusers do you have, anything for the twin lite? Would appreciate it :)

I am so excited, can't wait to get out there and do some macro!!! :)

[troypiggo]

Sure is still on! Hoping it doesn't rain overnight. I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll have the twin-lite with me and the MP-E. I usually diffuse the twin-lite with Lumiquest Ultra-bounces. You're welcome to try them both.

I'm planning on mostly using the 180L. I bought it a while ago but haven't had a chance to give it a workout. I was also planning on using it with the twin-lite, but won't need to do that all morning. So that's fine.

[shelltree]

No worries, Troy, it's your twin lite so whenever you want to use it just say :) I still have my in-built flash and diffuser that work alright so I'm not bothered! Whereabouts in the parklands do you usually met? I've actually never been there before :P

[dpastern]

Damn it sucks to be working on a weekend :/ cos we're down a tech, and the other 2 have just done the past 2 saturdays, I can't even swap shifts...grrr. Bloody wasn't part of the damn job at the start either. But, you know how it is, you can't complain cos you'll just get booted...

Dave

[troypiggo]

Check out the map here (http://www.romastreetparkland.com/explore/Pages/maps.aspx). Last time we spent most of our time in "Spectacle Garden" (centre of map) in the bottom left corner of it. I'll be parking somewhere on Parkland Avenue there near the cafe so I can get a caffeine fix after :) Then walk up to "The Hub" to get to the garden. It's really not that big an area and you shouldn't have any trouble finding us. Will have my mobile with me, so I'll PM you the number. I'll be the good lookin fella covered in dew with my hat on backwards yelling at bugs to stay still for me.

So at this stage it looks like me, Mike (Sharnbrook), Dennis, StephenM, Shelley plus boyfriend, and possibly Peter (peter_4059) if I can convince him to roll out of bed before 11am on a Saturday.




Dave - get booted, come down and shoot bugs. You'll be happier for it ;)

[shelltree]

:lol: Sounds like me, minus the hat! And replace fella, with sheila :P Well, the weather seems like it's finally clearing up so it should be a great day on Saturday :)

[Dennis]

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few in-flight shots from our outing a few weeks ago. I’m not sure what the recent days of rain will have done to the blooms, but I do hope we get some good weather tomorrow.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Ooh, excellent in-flights. :) Consider me whet.

[troypiggo]

:sadeyes:

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/94578.html
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/brisbane
http://www.weather.com.au/qld/brisbane/detailed

I'll be the wet guy that Dennis whetted.

[shelltree]

Haven't we had enough rain already? :sadeyes: Let's just hope it's overcast but not raining.

[DavidTrap]

I just might get a leave pass for an hour or so in the morning - will have to see what the weather radar shows when I get out of bed.

DT

[troypiggo]

Excellent David! Look forward to seeing you there.

[RickS]

I'd love to come but I can't make it tomorrow. Perhaps next time...

Cheers,
Rick.

[Sharnbrook]

Well Guys, (and Gals)

I made a bad call this morning at 5.45 didn't I? I rung Troy (who just may have still been in the Land of Nod,) to say that it was very wet and misty out in the Western 'Burbs, and I didn't feel like crawling around in the wet at Roma St.

Troy was basically in agreement, and I then rung Dennis to relay the decision, but didn't have any other phone numbers of possible attendees.

Troy decided to go to Roma St anyway, and I suspect some of you other hardy souls also went along, and no doubt had a good time, as it stopped raining at 7am in my neck of the woods. The light would have been nice and even as well, though there may not have been too many bugs around.

I look forward to seeing any images later in the week-end, and I'm sorry to have missed it. Not to be entirely bereft of any shots, here is one taken yesterday of a revoltingly smelly fungus, (Aseroe rubra) that I came across in our garden. Hold your nose before opening!

Oh, also a very interesting Looper Caterpillar of the Geometridae family of moths, which is in full camo gear. It's about 15mm long.

[shelltree]

We woke up at 3:20am, all ready for sunrise and hoping that the rain we had heard throughout the night had stopped but alas it was still raining and expected 80% coverage :( so we talked about ridiculous things til just after 4 and set our alarms for 6am, hoping against hope that at least the rain would have stopped for macro!! Was no such luck so messaged Troy but decided not to head out in the rain.

I did however get out late this arvo and found quite a few awesome creatures so I'll post the shots soon :)

[troypiggo]

Hey guys. Yeah, I was half asleep when Mike rang, but that's ok. I was supposed to get up then anyway. It wasn't til I hung up that I decided to go in regardless. I wanted to seize the opportunity no matter what.

It was drizzling from around 7am, but very lightly. There wasn't much around in terms of insects. I spent the first hour or so just wandering around, looking closely at everything. It was quite peaceful actually.

The drizzle did stop around 8am, so got the camera out and had a crack at something. Anything. I've posted what was around, even if nothing flash. Ended up leaving around 8.30 I think.

Next time. The weather must be good next time.

[shelltree]

When are we organising a next time? :)

[troypiggo]

Maybe if everyone starts throwing around dates that they could make it. I probably shouldn't this weekend again, else I'll upset my wife and will cruel my chances in the future :)

[shelltree]

We're free Saturday the 9th October, the two weeks after that are out though.

[troypiggo]

How about we pencil in 9/10/10 around 7am and see if the majority can make it?

[shelltree]

Sounds good to me!

[astro_south]

9th is out for me I think (bosses birthday), and it is much easier for me to get to a Sunday meet rather than a Saturday meet, but I will see what I can do.

[troypiggo]

Ok, how's this for an awesome idea. 10/10/10 - that's gotta be a sign of an awesome event.

[astro_south]

Should we meet at 10 past 10? :D :rofl:

[RickS]

Sunday 10 Oct should be good for me...

BTW, I had a swarm of bees arrive in my garden yesterday, but they headed off again today before I had a chance to take more than a couple of quick pics before work. Not really a macro opportunity... I didn't want to get too close!

Cheers,
Rick.

[DavidTrap]

Hopefully off doing Astronomy that weekend - but I agree the 10.10.10 at 10:10 would be a cool meeting time.

DT

[RickS]

Oh yeah, new moon. Maybe it won't be such a good morning for me (assuming clear skies the night before...)

[troypiggo]

Hmm, forgot about new moon. Should we keep it 10/10 and see who can/will make it, or put it off a couple of weeks? I think some said they can't make it the next couple after that one.

[astro_south]

I won't be going to a dark sky this weekend, so I should be able to make it, and/or happy to do the following weekend/s if that is what the majority want.

[troypiggo]

Forecast isn't looking good for Brisbane astro this weekend. :( On the bright side, should be ok for macro :)

[dpastern]

9th was OK, 10th is out for me, there's no public transport on Sundays in Ipswich :/

Dave

[troypiggo]

Dave - steal, I mean buy a car instead of amps, records, books, toys etc :)

[dpastern]

I disagree - perhaps the local area should have decent public transport available to its constituents? Ipswich has an exceedingly bad public transport record. But then, Brisbane isn't much better. I've had more problems with public transport up here in 3 years than I did in over 20 years of working in Sydney. I just wish the government would get off its you know what and actually fix things. Tonnes of people are complaining, we're just getting ignored.

Dave

[shelltree]

I'm good for Saturday but probably not Sunday.

[troypiggo]

Ok guys and gals. Let's do a bit of a roundup now we're a bit closer to the weekend and weather is a bit firmer. Some have a preference for Sat, some Sun. I guess we'll go with majority for this weekend?

[dpastern]

Saturday pretty please!

Dave

[RickS]

I can probably make it for an hour or two either morning.

[troypiggo]

Just checked the weather forecast again. Not sure how you guys interpret it, but looks like overnight rain tonight, might be wet in the morning even if not raining. Make sure you PM me your mobile no's so I can text you in the morning if there's an issue (if you want).

Dave - how early can you make it? I'll be aiming for around 7am. Will have to be home around 10-11am.

Talking to Andrew (astro_south) too, and he'll have to be home around 11am too.

[troypiggo]

Rain hasn't stopped. Based on the experience last time "the night before" was like this, think it won't be the best conditions in the morning even if it does ease up a little. I suggest we call it off for another weekend.

[RickS]

Sounds sensible, unfortunately...

[shelltree]

Makes sense, macro in the wet won't be fun. Another uneventful weekend for photography :( Maybe I'll have to start doing still life.

[Octane]

Shell,

Or, landscapes. ; )

H

[dpastern]

I'm sure I got a auto reply to this thread saying that nothing was happening today, hence, didn't go anywhere. Earliest I can get there would be probably around 8.30ish in the morning as a rule.

Next time.

Dave

[troypiggo]

Dave, I tried to send you a PM but you've got it disabled. I also sent you an email.

[shelltree]

H, we were suppose to go do a sunrise down the coast this morning but alas it didn't stop raining all night or morning :( It's been on and off so frequently today I didn't want to risk getting stuck in a downpour, my camera doesn't have weather proofing :P

[dpastern]

Fixed the PM side of things, didn't realise I had them turned off. Got your EMail (saying that Saturday was called off).

I just can't believe that there are no buses on Sundays, that's just very very very poor customer service from Translink. It limits what I can do on the weekends socially, adding to that that I have to work 1 weekend out of 4 (on a Saturday), the cards are really stacked against me.

Oh well...there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Dave

[astro_south]

Any thoughts / interest for this coming weekend?

[dpastern]

Well apart from coming down with yet another cold this year, I'd be interested in Saturday, although with public transport, I wouldn't get there till around 9ish (presuming roma st parklands again).

Dave

[troypiggo]

I'm mustard - keen as. :)

Bad news for Dave, all the best shots and best conditions will be taken before 9am. There won't be anything left by then. All the insects will be blinded by my flash being stuck 50mm from their face. :D

[RickS]

I'll be there if the weather looks OK...

[dpastern]

Nah, I've already been to Roma st parklands and told the insects about your flash Troy - if they see you approaching in scanty clothing they'll run :P

Dave

[troypiggo]

I'll be there from 7am tomorrow (Sat 16/10). Will have to be home by 10am, though, and that includes a coffee at the cafe. :)

[dpastern]

If I'm feeling alright tonight, and can remember to set my alarm, I should be there by around 9am. Haven't been too well the past few days :/

Will be good to catch up again!

Dave

[Sharnbrook]

I can't make it tomorrow, as I have a (photographic) appointment at 9.30, and it wouldn't be worth the rush, as I'ld have to leave by about 8.45. There'll be other days.

[RickS]

Assuming reasonable weather I'll be there 10 or 15 mins past 7am. Where's the rendezvous point?

[troypiggo]

Check out the map here (http://www.romastreetparkland.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdfs/roma-street-parkland_map.pdf). Last time we spent most of our time in "Spectacle Garden" (centre of map) in the bottom left corner of it. I'll be parking somewhere on Parkland Avenue there near the cafe. Then walk up to "The Hub" to get to the garden. It's really not that big an area and you shouldn't have any trouble finding us. Will have my mobile with me.

[troypiggo]

Bummer Mike. Definitely more to come. :)

[shelltree]

I won't be free for the next two weeks as I'll be away on holidays. But after that I'm definitely still interested in organising a macro day :)

[astro_south]

I should be there ... weather dependent of course :thumbsup: I will have my 10 y.o. in tow as well.

[troypiggo]

Weather is going to be awesome and I won't hear otherwise! :)

[dpastern]

yes, bad weather isn't all it's quacked up to be :P

[shelltree]

Wow, so it's a beautiful sunny day today but this wind is killer! Hope you guys managed to get some shots without the foliage hastily moving away from you. Can't wait to finally get to a BIMBO day!

[Dennis]

At 3:00am the wind was ferocious, with squalls of horizontally driven rain sheeting down the windows, so I decided to lie in!:D

Did any brave (or desperate!) souls manage to get out?:)

Cheers

Dennis

[dpastern]

I wasn't actually feeling great health wise, but got Troy's SMS at 5am and decided not to go anywhere. Just been out in the garden, that damn wind! I did snag some fly p0rn though!

Dave

[troypiggo]

Yes, much too much wind to be worthwhile. Unfortunately Rick didn't get my msg and still went. Hope it was fruitful for him.

[dpastern]

Well, aforementioned fly p0rn:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5084799939_992a13589e_o.jpg

Dave

[RickS]

The message took a couple of hours to reach my phone, but I would have gone anyway.

When I arrived, I discovered there was no parking on the grounds and most of the gates to the park were locked because they are preparing for the Queensland Multicultural Festival tomorrow.

About the only things that were standing still enough to photograph were the water dragons :lol:

It was a pleasant morning nonetheless!

Cheers,
Rick.

[troypiggo]

Sorry again Rick. That's a great shot nonetheless. Coincidentally "Jurassic Park" is on TV right now and this shot looks like it belongs in the movie :)

Dave - great shot! Like the way his foot is on her eye. She must like it rough.

[dpastern]

Jurassic park on now? Might have to go watch. I loved dinosaurs as a kid (still do).

I think the male was going to the female, "don't look, there's this bloody guy with a camera trying to get a shot of us".

Dave

[astro_south]

I managed to find a sheltered spot around lunch time and bagged some Robbers and friends ...

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=646354#post646354

No doubt we will get all the ducks aligned (or should that be Dragonflys?) soon and get a proper Bimbo session happening. :thumbsup:

[troypiggo]

November is here. Chris (hotspur) mentioned he'll be in town some time this month, and we still haven't really gotten together due to weather.

What weekends/days suit everyone? I'm out this weekend, plus I figure it's near new moon so if there's no clouds you'll all be up late. Think I'm right for the rest of November at this stage.

[shelltree]

I'm most likely free next weekend and any weekend after that :)

[hotspur]

Thanks for your thoughts of planning a bimbo meeting ,on the prospect of my visiting,Troy.

I have had a very quick chat with 'management',-there is a year 12 formal at the end of this month,a awards night for other boy and other similar.

So doesn't look good for me getting down,So please Troy arrange the bimbo day,if I can get down -great-if not ,there will be other times.

The 'management' says maybe last weekend in NOvember or 1st weekend in December-but only may be.

But please arrange when it suits the majority of the membership.Thanks Troy for your consideration.(also these darn year 12 formals are bit hungry on the pocket!) :shrug:

Cheers Chris:thanx:

[troypiggo]

I plan on Hayden doing Year 11 twice, then straight to Uni. Would that solve it? :) No, wait - sports star. He doesn't even need to finish school and we'll travel the world with him. Yeah...

[astro_south]

Any interest in this coming Saturday (13th) morning - Roma Street about 7am?

[troypiggo]

I'm going to try my best to be there, but won't know til morning.

[RickS]

We're having a bit of a party tonight so I don't think an early start is going to work for me tomorrow ;)

[Dennis]

Hi Andrew

Weather permitting, I’ll be there! I look forward to catching up with everyone once more.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Awww, maaaaaan! Pressure is on me now to make it! :)

[shelltree]

Doooo it, Troy! You know you want to :) Myself and other half will be there! Not sure what time though, we will be coming straight from sunrise down the coast. Will you be hanging around the spectacle garden?

[astro_south]

Yeah Shelley - I would expect to be spending most of the time in the Spectacle Garden. I will have to head off about 10:30 though.

Come on Troy ... if you don't come we will see every single rare insect you have been trying to photograph, but haven't come across yet ;)

[troypiggo]

Good news! Just convinced the boss that I have to go, else I'll cry. She doesn't like seeing such a macho as me to cry.

[Dennis]

Hello,

The equipment laden trio approaching me looked familiar; Troy, Shelley and Jason greeted me as I arrived at the Roma Street Parklands for another BIMBO event!

Andrew appeared soon after and we began the insect hunt. There wasn’t much around and I think that I have lost my mojo since my last outing, so here are some results from the day’s outing.

We all stopped for a coffee, chat and equipment compare session around 9:00am, planning our next photo purchases with Christmas looming! Thanks for organising the event Andrew and it was great to catch up with you and Troy, as well as meet Shelley & Jason for the 1st time. Not a Nikon was to be seen!;):lol:

Cheers

Dennis

[shelltree]

:lol:

Really great shots Dennis, I especially like the first and third shot, wow, such great detail! Your bee shots are really great too, all covered in pollen, awesome captures!

Thanks so much for a great day Dennis, Troy and Andrew, was good to get out of the usual backyard macro setting to somewhere we hadn't been before. We really enjoyed ourselves and hope to do it again real soon. Will post a few shots once I've gone through them, only just uploading them now.

And Andrew I will definitely take you up on the offer of some observing, I need all the help I can get and would be great to get some pointers and advice. I got out the scope tonight but was chased away by a massive swarm of mosquitos :(

P.s We're free next weekend if anyone is keen for another macro morning :)

[troypiggo]

Excellent shots Dennis! Really like the robberfly.

My collection of shots was less than ordinary. You could say they were 1 stars according to your philosophy. :(

[Dennis]

Thanks Shelley and Troy.:)

Yes – it was a funny day as most of my shots didn’t really turn out as expected. I had Flash Exposure Compensation set to +2/3 and so blew out a few highlights.:(

Troy gave us an interesting run down on how he tries to get his shots right “in camera” to minimise post processing work and how he then uses Lightroom to categorise and catalogue his (extensive!) collection of photos. This is a great idea for searching on the keywords and metadata to easily find stuff later on.

I chipped in to add that after I have uploaded my photos, I use Adobe Bridge and allocate 1 * to those to be deleted, 4 **** to those to be processed and 5 ***** to those that really leap out at you as keepers – I usually only have one of these!:lol:

I then Filter on all the 1 * and do a mass delete, hence Troy's wry comment!

Cheers

Dennis

[astro_south]

Great collection Dennis - love the robberfly :thumbsup:

All "one stars" from me (what did we say about practice :) ), therefore I am keen to do it again next weekend Shelley.

[shelltree]

Awesome Andrew! We will most likely be there around the same time on Saturday again but I will pm my mobile number in case we can't find each other.

[Dennis]

Hi BIMBO’s!

After yesterday’s slim pickings I returned today, solo, to find the macro pickings just as slim! A nice pair of Wrens did come out to play however, making the trip worthwhile. As did the cappuccino and fruit toast at the café!:)

Missed your company and especially missed the gear envy with Troy not being there!;)

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Lovely collection there Dennis. Esp like the female wren!

[that_guy]

i dont think this thread qualifies as Brisbane IIS Macro Boy's outing anymore LOL shelleys there now!! haha

[shelltree]

Hahaha thanks Tony :P

Some really great shots again Dennis, really like the wren shots very sharp and great composition. Also wanted to ask you the name of the supplier on ebay you used for your strap again, I've completely forgotten!

Also Troy, Jason was just wondering how much power you can put through the twin lite with the lumiquest ultra bounces you have and still get reasonable light?

Cheers!

[Dennis]

Hi Shelley

The USA manufacturer of the Bino/Cam harness is OP-TECH (http://optechusa.com/)and details of the harness can be found here (http://optechusa.com/bino-cam-harness.html).

There are 2 types; webbing (non-stretch) and elasticated (slightly stretchy). I ordered from overseas (either B&H or Adorama I think?) as the local distributor, Michaels in Melbourne (http://www.michaels.com.au/), had a 3 to 4 month delivery! They may have received a batch by now, so it might be worth contacting them.

I actually ordered both the webbing and elasticated versions with some extra Uni Loop (http://optechusa.com/uni-loop.html)connectors for our binoculars and just in case I purchased a 2nd body, which I did with the 7D! The Uni Loops (http://optechusa.com/uni-loop.html)are the short tails fitted to the camera or binocular body – the nice thing is that the tails are short so when you un-clip the camera from the harness, you’re not left with a long strap dangling from the camera body.:)

I didn’t like how the elasticated version “bounced” up and down as I walked, due to the stretchy material, so I exclusively use the webbing version although my wife occasionally uses the elasticated version for our binoculars.

I can walk around all day without any neck or shoulder fatigue as the weight is distributed across one’s back and another nice feature is that the camera doesn’t swing out as much as the typical camera strap allows when you bend over to get gear out of your bag when it is lying on the ground.

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Dunno. Never really had any trouble with enough power, if that's what you mean. Typically I have it set to manual power, and usually 1/16 to 1/4 gets most jobs done. Usually need the higher power at high magnifications on the MPE65.

[troypiggo]

I won't be able to make a meet this weekend unfortunately. Too much else on.

[Dennis]

Hello,

Due to my short sightedness when first coining the phrase “BIMBO”, I carelessly introduced a gender limitation. Boys has now been replaced with Branch, to make the acronym more inclusive.;)

Welcome to the branch, Shelley!:)

Cheers

Dennis

Brisbane
Iceinspace
Macro
Branch
Outing

[Octane]

Busy taking manbabby photos. What is this I don't even...

H

[troypiggo]

Hahahaahah. You want more?! I got more! :)

[shelltree]

:lol: Thanks Dennis, glad to be a part of the branch! :D

[oosh]

Big bump.. but how about another of these sometime? :D

[shelltree]

I concur! :thumbsup: Been too long since I've sat perched in a garden, searching for that elusive bug :P

[oosh]

I know, oh how I miss that agonising frustration, and the back pain that comes with it :D

[dpastern]

Then more practice you must have! As long as it's not on a Sunday or on a Saturday that I have to work, I'm up for it. Haven't done much macro myself so will be very rusty. Here's 2 recent ones:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5522714736_abf01b5bb4.jpg

Might re-work this, looks overexposed to me now. Reminds me that I should check my monitor calibration. edit: this was taken just after sunrise, the sun kept coming out from behind clouds and forcing me to change my exposure settings. Plus, I was trying to get shots for my 2 mates with their 2 Nikons...swapping cameras etc and I think I didn't get the best shot :(

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5656909861_04fb0e78b2.jpg

Pity there was a medium breeze on the day I shot this damsel and it kept damn well rotating its head too (causing motion blur on the face grrrr!!!!). Still, one of my best damselfly shots (not that I have a lot of shots of these hard to approach insects).

Dave

[oosh]

Nice images Dave. Yep more practice is always in order, I haven't done any macro at all since December... actually, I think the last macro day could have been one of the last time I've shot.

Damsels sure are hard.. try doing that same image with twice as much mag!

As for macro days, well for me it'd have to be Saturday or Sunday as I work the rest :(

[dpastern]

Ta. Here's a damsel that I shot in December in Sydney:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5260713518_4d826a49f7.jpg

No crop, as is. Probably should rotate the image now that I look back. It was in a really awkward location - right in the middle of a bunch of rose bushes with very sharp thorns and not a lot of room for moi to navigate and try and get a shot (hence poor composition and extreme lack of dof).

Dave

[troypiggo]

Macro session sounds good, but do you expect much in the way of insects to be around this time of year? I find it pretty slim pickings during winter.

[dpastern]

yeah, true, good point.

Dave

[oosh]

Good point indeed, in my limited experience I find October/November tends to be the best time. Got a nice image of a bluebottle and also a drone fly at the last macro day though.

[troypiggo]

3rd day of Spring, thought I'd do a bit of recon at Roma St this morning. Apparently insects don't know the dates Spring starts, they must go on temperature and climate or something primitive like that :(

All I saw was 4 of those green midges, 3 were flying and the other flew away before I could get to it; one tiny ichneumon wasp that also flew away, and 2 spiders, both smaller than 2mm long! And the coffee I took with me was crap :(

Ther wasn't even any dew for dewdrops refractions

Not a very satisfying morning

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

Wow – I admire your commitment and passion for this hobby! You’ve already visited the gardens, surveyed the wild life, driven home, unloaded gear and baby yet here I am, working my way through lazy yawns, bleary eyes and on my 1st cup of morning tea!:ashamed:

Definitely look forward to catching up with the BIMBO’s once more, to re-connect with my macro-mojo that sadly has evaporated due to lack of use!:(

Cheers

Dennis

[Sharnbrook]

G'day Troy and Dennis,

I've got a fair bit on for the week ends in September, but PM me if you do decide to go down to Roma St, and I'll come down if possible. October is a bit less frenetic than this month.

[troypiggo]

G'day guys. It was a pretty quick recon this morning. No point hanging around. Reckon it'll probably be October before it'll be worth heading in there anyway, Mike. We'll keep in touch.

[troypiggo]

Reckon the time is near. Shall we do a "hands up" if interested? What dates/weekends suit? I'm out 29/10 and I think 5/11. But Sundays usually fine.

[RickS]

Saturdays are generally better for me but hard to plan in advance. I'll just show up if I can...

Cheers,
Rick.

[astro_south]

My hand is up - Sunday is much better for me.

[troypiggo]

G'day stranger. You've been quiet/busy? :)

[Dennis]

Yup - count me in!:)

Cheers

Dennis

[astro_south]

Mostly busy. Went to Laos last week for work and a few weeks ago we did the family road trip down to the snow and Canberra. Beyond that work has just been extra busy.

Looking forward to getting some macro shooting in very soon though. Are we thinking Roma Street Parklands or does someone have something else to suggest? ... possibly a trip out to Ipswich & Queens Park?

[troypiggo]

On a side note, separate to the above BIMBO session, something I've been wanting to do myself for a few years but never get around to - I have been in contact with some apiaries and got in touch with the Brisbane Amateur Beekeeper's Society about going around and shooting some macros of bees on their honeycombs etc. Get really close and personal. Will advise if/when they get back to me. I'm thinking that first time around we keep the numbers low, me and one or two others max, see how it goes and take it from there. Anyone interested in this? Here's some inspiration:

http://dalantech.deviantart.com/gallery/26696790#/d3dcwu4
http://dalantech.deviantart.com/gallery/4122432#/d1g6czj
http://macrojunkie.deviantart.com/art/ME-shooting-bees-88271547

[RickS]

If I'd known you were interested, Troy, I'd have let you know when the swarm of bees spent a day in our garden earlier in the year :eyepop:

[troypiggo]

Err, no thanks. At an apiary, we'll be suited up :D

I have gotten pretty close to a bunch of sweat bees, but they were asleep ;)

[troypiggo]

Regarding BIMBO venue, some suggestions:

Roma St Parklands
Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens
Queen's Park Ipswich
D'Aguilar National Park (Gap)
Boondall Wetlands

Thoughts? Preferred times? I've mentioned before, I prefer early mornings, but as long as it's not windy I'm not too fussed. I just reckon as the day warms up it becomes uncomfortable crawling around shooting, and also the bugs seem to get more active and harder to shoot.

[OneCosmos]

Hi,

Having just acquired the MP-E 65mm and twin flash I'm certainly keen to join in the fun.

My thrupence worth is:

A Saturday morning would work best - earlier the better for me as an ultra early riser (pretty daft for an astronomer hey!) and I can do that without interferring with the family. For a venue I reckon the Botanic Gardens out at Mt Cootha would be ideal.

Anyone know the best place in Brisbane to purchase the Luniquest Ultra bouncers?

Cheers,

Chris

[troypiggo]

Looking forward to meeting you, Chris. :)

I usually get camera gear from d-d-photographics at New Farm, but just checked their website and while they do stock Lumiquest products, it looks like they're out of UltraBounces. You could try Photo Continental? Or Lumiquest direct.

[RickS]

Unfortunately, d-d closed the New Farm shop a little while back...

[troypiggo]

Oh, seriously? Bugger. They were cheap online, and having them there saved postage as well. So convenient. :(

[OneCosmos]

Hey Rick,

Good to see you on the forum :)

Briefly off topic (sorry) I'm hoping to go Ravensbourne NP on Saturday with the AAQ (and whole family actualy). You can't go right?

Chris

[OneCosmos]

Hi guys,

I ave finally managed to get some decent images with the new MP-E 65mm and twin flash. I'm pretty pleased with all of these and amazed at how fairlyu straightforward it all proved.

Chris
PS I have attached photos but not sure if they are actually uploaded! I'll check later

[RickS]

The new gear is working well, Chris.

Cheers,
Rick.

[astro_south]

nice shooting there with the new toy Chris :thumbsup:

I am toying with the idea of possibly a trip into Roma Street Parklands tomorrow morning for a warm up to the macro season ahead ... anyone interested in joining me? Probably aiming for around 6:30am.

[troypiggo]

Awesome first lights there Chris!!

[troypiggo]

Ooh tempting, will see how I go. Bit under the weather tonight. You going regardless or need company?

[Dennis]

We might be able to drag ourselves out there for say, 7:30 to 8:00, as we just love our Sunday lie-ins way too much!:):P

If you are still around, it would be great to catch up with you again!:)

Cheers

Dennis

[astro_south]

I will be going regardless - but will aim to be there around 7:30am instead of the 6:30 ... I like my lie-ins too :thumbsup:

Still a bit too cool for bugs that early in the morning I am guessing :)

may see a few of you then!

[Dennis]

We had a walk through the gardens a couple of weeks ago (sans camera!) and there didn’t seem to be too much insect life around. Heaps of Eastern Water Dragons – I wonder if they have been munching on all the insect life?

Cheers

Dennis

[OneCosmos]

Just in case I'm able to get there - exactly whereabouts will you guys be meeting?

Chris

[astro_south]

Hi Chris

We normally meet at the central part near the upper entrance to the spectacle garden. If you are late getting there just wander through the spectacle garden and I am sure you will find us. We should be able to recognise you from your avatar. I am the big unit and will wearing a dark blue polo shirt and bone coloured shorts and have a Lowepro backpack on.

[troypiggo]

No thoughts/suggestions on place for BIMBO session from those I suggested above? How's next Sunday for everyone?

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

Pick somewhere quiet! We’ve just returned from the Roma Street Parklands where we met Andrew, plus half the camera clubs in Brisbane – they must have organised an outing for today ‘cos the park was full of ‘togs.:eyepop:

Not much in terms of insect life, even the family of Wrens kept under cover.:(

Queens Park at Ippy sounds nice?:)

Cheers

Dennis

[RickS]

Roma Street Parklands and Mt Coot-tha would be my preferences, but Saturday is much better for me.

Cheers,
Rick.

[hotspur]

The possibility of an Ipswich park meet up sounds very good,unable to get to Roma St park.

[Dennis]

Here’s the best of the bunch from today – slim pickings for sure.:P

Cheers

Dennis

[OneCosmos]

Good to meet you Dennis and Anderw this morning. Dennis, you achieved something I would love to - capturing an insect in flight - mind you that would be hard to do with the MP-E.

There was indeed quite slim pickings this morning, and I didn't get anything too amazing, but here's the best of the bunch.

[RickS]

Glad to see you chaps had a more productive morning than me. I slept in after a late night taking flats and hoping vainly that the clouds would disappear. I might have got a few subs done in between clouds except I was doing 30 minute Ha exposures...

Cheers,
Rick.

[hotspur]

Nice images there Chris and Dennis,I like the colour in image 3 of the fly-that green/bronze colour is great.Did some macro at home,took a while to find any insects/spiders etc.

[astro_south]

Good efforts guys.

Love the native bee Dennis ... was that with tubes on?

Yes there wasn't the same amount of activity as a sultry Brisbane morning in the height of summer, but it was just enough for a warm up to all the macro sessions ahead :thumbsup:

here are the picks from my many shots.... (I did manage to find a hover eventually, but he was very small and its not the best shot - but included for proof ;) )

[Dennis]

Hi Chris & Andrew

Great set of photos guys, we managed quite a variety of subjects between us and likewise Chris – nice to meet up with you, you seem to have tamed the MPE very well from your results!:thumbsup:

@Andrew – no extension tubes, I had the monopod out as a steadying support so I was able to get to the minimum focus distance. The native bees were very cooperative, giving me a little extra time to sneak up on them and compose the shot, a rare opportunity in macro!:)

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Ok, seems a few are happy with Queen's Park, Ipswich (http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/parks_reserves_precincts/parks_search/index.php?id=70), so shall we set that as the next spot?

I know some prefer Sat and some Sun. I'm free this Sunday 30th and keen to get amongst it. Next Sat I'm free is 12th or 19th Nov.

Anyone up for QP this Sunday, then we'll make the next one a Saturday?

[astro_south]

I am negotiating the terms of my release :D ... and it looks like I will have my boys (11 & 5) with me, but at this stage I am a "most likely" for this Sunday!!

Any particular time?

[Dennis]

Hi Andrew

I have just compared some of my older Canon 40D (10Mp) native bee shots with these Canon 7D (18Mp) photos and as expected, the 18 megapixel photos resolve more detail and make the insects “appear larger” because of the smaller pixel size.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

I was going to aim to get there around 6.30-7 for an early start. How is that for everyone? Wouldn't matter too much if you prefer to get there a bit later, like 8-8.30. I imagine we'd still be there.

[astro_south]

I will attempt to get there around 7am, but I am thinking around 8am for us will be early enough. Still a bit too cool early in the morning for the bugs from what I saw at Roma Street Parklands.

The Japanese gardens open around 9am and the zoo opens at 9:30am.

If someone is in need of a lift out there and lives between Parkinson and Ipswich I would be happy to offer a lift - just PM me.

[troypiggo]

Fair enough. Maybe a bit later, then.

[OneCosmos]

Hi everyone,

Apologies for not responding to the posts about a meeting last weekend. Ipswich wasn't possible for me but I hope you all had a good time and had a rich variety of subjects.

I did, however, go to the Botanic Garden at Mt Cootha on Sunday at 07:00, which wasn't really too smart as they don't open until 08:00 :~ Won't make that mistake again!

Anyway, I did get some good shots here and there. I have now posted all of my images from the MP-E 65mm here: http://www.flikr.com/photos/onecosmos - please do take a look and even leave the odd comment - because I don't have any yet :(

Chris

[troypiggo]

Will have a look through your Flickr later, mate. Added you as a contact :D

[OneCosmos]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't been active on the forum of late - but I have been pretty active on the macro front. I have realised that my next challenge actually needs to be to learn what all the creatures are that I'm imaging! I have purchased a field guide for beetles (A Guide to the Beetles of Australia) and have a similar field guide for insects on order. I may finally be able to learn something about them and that may even help with imaging them.

As I said I have been really busy and I would really appreciatre you guys taking another look at my flikr site to view the latest there are over 70 images now I think :) http://www.flikr.com/photos/onecosmos

I'll try to keep a look out for the next meeting. I tend to go to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Cootha, - because even if the macro turns out to not be so good, it is such a beautiful location.

[dpastern]

Some nice shots on flickr Chris. I added a few comments.

Dave

[troypiggo]

Mt coot-tha is spectacular at he moment. All those flowers are out.

Lovely collection there on Flickr Chris. You have been busy.