Sorry, wasn't sure whether to put this here or in the General Chat section.
Andrew "astro_south" and I were thinking about getting out to do some macro shooting some time soon. Anyone interested? Maybe this Sunday 8/11/09 early - like 5am or thereabouts. Weather depending.
Suggestions for venue welcome. We were talking about the Botanical Gardens, or Roma Street Parklands. Know of somewhere better or preferences?
Post here or PM me if you're interested. I have a spare macro lens, 2 flashes, and 2 diffusers for someone keen but doesn't have the right gear, and someone else who has the lens but not flash and diffuser. Canon DSLR would be BYO Oh, wait. I have a spare of that too. Coffee afterwards would be on you... just let me know before so I know what to bring.
Sounds good – I’d love to be there. The forecast for Sunday doesn’t look too good though? I think the 40D is weatherproof but the EF-S 60mm F2.8 isn’t!
Shame you can’t make it Matt (weather permitting that is!). I wish I had an exciting job in the media like you!
I'd have loved to, but with me only relying on public transport, and none of it available on a Sunday, let alone at those times in the morning, it's a no goer for me. This Saturday arvo is out for me anyways (prolly gonna get this tattoo I've been working myself up for lol).
We'll have to see how the weather pans out I guess. Make a decision Saturday arvo?
I seem to recall a sign at Mt Coot-tha Gardens saying that it opens at 8:30am. I’m not sure if that means you cannot access the gardens before then, or the car park is locked, etc.?
There should be street parking around Roma St Gardens if the main car park has the boom gate down.
Yes - a flurry of e-mails Sat arvo with venue, time and weather outlook might be the best approach.
Cheers
Dennis
PS – I’ll be sure to walk a few steps behind you guys, to save embarrassing you with my lowly 60mm macro lens!
Hmm. You're right. I also seem to remember the "Spectacle Garden" at Roma St Pklands being closed off until a certain opening time? I'll look into it today and report back. Guess the fallback could be Gardens Point City Botanic Gardens, or just go later at risk of wind/weather.
hahaha, I like my beauty sleep, God knows I need it!!!!
I prefer late afternoon - warmer light, insects are usually resting, although there's usually the arvo breeze to deal with. Morning is probably better for flies etc, as they require sunlight to warm themselves up before they can fly.
I have just phoned Mt Coot-Tha Gardens, and they advise me that the gardens are closed until 8am over the week-end. I asked whether "closed" meant no access, or whether it meant that the facilities such as the Dome, toilets etc are not open until 8am. The guy to whom I spoke said that the Gardens are locked off to the public, and whilst there maybe a member of staff in before 8am, this could not be guaranteed.
On the other hand, Roma St gardens are open 24/7, even though the "Spectacle Garden" section is closed between dusk and dawn. I was told that even that should be open by 6am. Given that the sun rises before 5am these days, (we ARE talking about Queensland), I should imagine that 6am could generally be considered as being after dawn.
Perhaps we should consider Roma St, I have always found plenty to capture there, but I'm happy to go with the flow.
Cheers for the invite guys.. I'll make sure to come along one time, this weekend however I'm snowed under a mountain of things... Hope it all goes well for you.
To be honest, Im just frightened.. I fear if I take a few shots through somebodys macro lens, I'll be compelled to buy my own... I have quite enough expensive things on the go at the moment, the last thing I need is another photography sub-hobby! hahh
Oh, wait. I have a spare of that too. 
Coffee afterwards would be on you... just let me know before so I know what to bring.
(I will be getting up before I go to bed otherwise!)
