November Photo Challenge

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Challenges

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Film & Photo Expo

Schatz and I went off of to the photo expo yesterday.  There were some awesome specials, depending on what your line of interest.  I was a little disappointed at some of the prices in the Nikon 'show special' brochure.  I guess it boils down to doing your homework to realise when they're attempting to pull the wool over your eyes.

 

I'm still lusting after the 70 - 200mm however I am seriously considering the Sigma lens.  I saw my new camera bag at the show, but it was almost R200 more, so I'm truly pleased with my Bestsy purchase.  They did have another Jo Tote there that I have seen on the site and I may well consider purchasing it in the future but will first see if Camera Couture has it in stock.

 

After much backwards and forwards and finger nibbling, I did buy a tripod.  I had intended to purchase one and have been looking at options for a while now.  Of course, Manfrotto was on my list and they did have some great offers, but after we visited a stand that I think was by Digital Experience and I mulled it over, and mulled it over, I ended up buying the SLIK 700DX.  I will now save for their trigger operated head, but that's another R1400 on top.  Unfortunately, you could not buy the legs and the head on their own , so I had to go for an all in one set which was around the price limit I had in mind so I will wait a couple months for the trigger operated head.  But I must say, its gorgeous, rugged and sturdy, but not one that you can throw over your shoulder and trek up a mountain with easily as it weighs 3.53 kgs.  I liked that it has the two spirit levels built in as well. 

 

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Unfortunately I missed one of the talks I'd really have liked to attend, but ce la vie. 

 

All in all a pleasant outing.

 

DIY sparkling reflector

I receive Photojojo's newsletter and they have cute and interesting ideas.  This looks like it could have some rather interesting effects.

Make a DIY Sparkling Reflector  

Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3

The reflector is one of our favorite tools; simple, easy to use, and *shiny*.
This DIY has those same great features, with added sparkle!
We’re going to show you how to make your own disco-ball-esque reflector using mirrors. You can use this DIY reflector to make a cool grid of light to shine on your subjects or to ward off vampires.
If you
Make Your Own Reflector
p.s. Follow us on Twitter today! We’re letting you guys take over our stream today!! We’ll re-tweet the best photo stories you send us.

Camera Bag

For years I've been wanting a Jo Tote Camera Bag after I first heard about them on Becky Higgins blog years ago.   I had looked at them then and only dreamt of owning one as they were not available here at the time.  The whole cost of insurance and postage then import duties on top just put me off ordering them directly. Then two weeks ago I saw that another blogger I enjoy reading had found them here via Camera Couture ... oh joy..... I would have loved to be able to see each one in person first, but since that's not a possibility at this point, I'm taking a gamble and ordering myself the The Betsy. 

  



 

Betsy



Kelly boy



The question of course was which one do I choose.  It's a little difficult making the choice without seeing the item in real life, but I'm choosing the Betsy.  I like that it does not look like a traditional camera bag slung over your shoulder.  I also prefer a satchel looking bag so of course, the Kelly boy looks rather appealing too.  But I think the Betsy should cover all my needs.

 

I'm rather excited, I'll be able to take my camera along more easily now, after I figure out exactly what I can fit and what will need to be rethought and possibly ditched, which is what I've been wanting to do since forever.

 

I'll let you know what I think of it once I get it in a couple of days.

 

Hope your weekend has been filled with happy snaps.

 

Marshy enjoying an afternoon siesta



 

 

Welcome

I'm a fairly keen aspiriring photographer ... lacking motivation (beyond explanation) to get the studying done.  Since I'm more visual, I'm attributing my slow progress with the online course I signed and paid for to this.  In retrospect, I should rather have signed up for "in real life" courses.

Still, this is where I share what I get up to when I get up to it.