It's DONE!

[bloodhound31]

Well folks, it's done! I bit the bullet and shelled out around $10k for the 5D MK II, Lenses, 580 EX II and MT24-EX flashes, top of the line tripod and head, battery grip, remotes, filters, light meter, decent camera backpack and everything I need to dive further into into professional photography.

Up until lately I have been out and about improving my skills in the field, watching lots of Utube tutorials, grilling the forums, watching and learning from the likes of Humayun, Troy, Chris and many more. Thanks guys!

I've recently completed a couple of courses with the Canberra Institute of Technology (Photography), bought books, (Understanding Exposure alas, a bit disappointing ), read them and generally bugged the poo out of anyone I know who wants a photo. Our poor cat...

The EQ6 at the heart of ASIGN Observatory blew a motherboard I think, so I haven't been able to do any CCD work. I took it to Sydney on the weekend to get it fixed but had to leave it there. Hopefully I will have it back soon before August new moon.

All my latest escapades are on my daytime photography site, so feel free to catch up with what's crawlin' in the bush!

I see everyone here is taking lots of great astro pics. (I have been coaching a few people via e-mail and they have already surpassed my level) I can't help it if I'm a slow learner....

The Terrestrial photography section shows some REAL promise! There is some talent amongst the IIS members, that's for sure!

Bless ya gang!

Baz.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Well Bazza, by the looks of those day shots, if the guys you mention you have assisted are taking better shots than these, they must be brilliant photographers

Great kit you have there, I am suitably jealous

Mike

[PCH (Paul)]

Baz,

Wow - to the new gear and the shots

The shots are fantastic, but if you say there's room for improvement, well go for it

I hope it all goes extremely well for you.

Cheers

[Ric]

Hi Baz and congratulations on the new setup, I can see you moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

I have been thinking of doing a photography course at CIT as well to improve my skills.

I'd be interested to know what courses you did and your opinion of them.

Cheers

[bloodhound31]

Thanks guys.

Ric, I can say this, there are plenty of courses from beginner to advanced. Even though I have been shooting and using advanced techniques for some years now, I wanted to go back to basics. This is where some of us who might know a lot, miss the building blocks.

Going back to basics teaches you to become a problem solver, rather than a button pusher.

I will say I didn't learn much, but picked up a couple of tricks. Similarly, I have been told by a lot of people to get the book, "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson. Finally, I bought this acclaimed book and read it last week. Again, I only picked up a couple of tricks but the rest was pretty basic stuff.

The biggest thing I got out of the courses and reading books like this was this: I now know WHERE I am at, and that I HAVEN'T missed out on anything. This places me in the right spot to move forward instead of wondering if I have missed anything behind.

Baz.

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Fantastic pics on your site Baz
Doug

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Fantastic Barry - well done. You'll have years of fun with this equipment.

[Suzy]

That was a funny read Baz.
Congratulations my friend on this wonderful new equipment. You contribute so much through your fantastic website that I think you are highly deserving of it, hang the expense .
You are being blessed well.

Kind regards,
Suzy.

[TrevorW]

Well done Baz

[renormalised (Carl)]

Nice piece of kit there, Baz You're going to produce some pretty spick piccies with that setup

[Jen]

Good on ya Baz, you make a noobie soooo jealous
Im looking forward to seeing some nice pics from you in the near future

[bloodhound31]

Thanks gang! More expedition pics and word-smithing coming soon. Learning this new camera is like learning photography all over again!

Baz.