I did a scouting run a couple of weeks ago. I used a Canon 24-105 F/4 IS lens on most of these shots. I also used a 10-22 lens for the wide shots. Lighting is a problem in some exhibits.
I wanted a picture of a huge crab that wouldn't sit still. The lighting was way too low to get a good shot. I needed the depth of field, so, I couldn't use a real fast lens.
Daniel Hice wrote:
I'm up for it!!! I haven't been down there yet and would love to go.
I'm sure this is common sense but make sure who ever organizes this get full appoval from the facility first. 10-20 guy/gal(s) with pro series cameras and tripods showing up would not actually be a welcomed thing and that I can basically gaurantee.
I got no indication that there was a problem with pro gear in the facility. I do believe that they have the same policy as the zoo in that you can't use images commercially without permission. There is a security check at the entrance where I was turned away because of a tiny Swiss Army knife. I had the camera, a monopod, and several lenses with me. I saw other SLR cameras there. I saw an ESPN2 crew taping video and doing interviews.
There are no guns, knives, matches, lighters or fishing poles allowed inside the Aquarium. So, if you had intended to shoot, snag, cook, cut up, and eat fish while visiting, you are out of luck.
I'm not worried about walking in with 1-2 people, they have no issues with that. I was more pointing out if there are 20 of us, which could happen, we could possibly be "in the way" of regular tourists. I know none of us would intentionally do this, just wasn't sure how big the place is and how spread out we could become to keep such a thing from happening.
The place is plenty big enough to spread out. If there are 10-15 of us, there are some places we could be all at the same time and not cause a problem. There are many places where we couldn't be photographing the same exhibit at the same time. I think it would be difficult to set up tripods in many of these places without getting in the way of the crowds. There are small children and people constantly moving. Sometimes, it requires a short wait to get a good spot at the glass.
For tripod shots, you might want to come during the week. Otherwise, a monopod should cover you. I don't think I used my monopod much at all. Thank god for image stabilization and Noise Ninja.
Robin's right....the place is large enough that 10-15 photographers should not even get in each other's way. However, I will call on Monday to be sure and will get back to everybody via this board.
In any case, I would not plan on bringing a tripod (not really necessary anyway), though a monopod will come in handy. I used a 50/1.4 and never needed longer. Bring something in that range and a good wide angle and you'll be very happy. I shot mostly at f2 to f/2.8 and 400/800 ISO range.
To all Atlanta FM's:
Wish you a great 2006,
... that all your shoots will be a keeper. And the best ones published in main international publications.. in the Frontpage.
... that your sensor (for the ones that use digital camaras) will be spotless all year around.
... that your lenses will never back-front focus.
... that your models will look great in every shot (even if they look like quasimodo).
... that you'll never forget to load your camera with the CF before going on a shooting session.
... that you'll never run out of battery power in your camera, flash, etc.
I'm back from my Holiday traveling, good to see some new folks posting in, I trust you all feel welcome.
A bit late........none the less, I hope everyone had a safe and happy Holiday and I wanted to wish everyone the best. I'm looking forward to 2006!! Some great friendships were made this past year, along with some great images.
It's fantastic to think what the new year will be bringing in!!
Hope everyone had a great holiday season and that 2006 will be a great year for everyone. (Especially in the area of photographic opportunities)
Gaby, Thanks for all those great wishes upon us and I hope they all become true. Greg, Love those SM fireworks shots and hope to see more of you and Cindy as well as Britany. Tennesee members Mark and Nancy and Chris, hope to see all of you in some of our future outings. The Aquarium meet sounds like it might be our next outing so Tracy & Chuck, Gary, John, Robert, Todd, Robin, Aaron, Gaby and those of you I have yet to meet hope to see you there.
Wishing everyone great things for 2006 and beyond.
Happy 2006 to all! Looking forward to some great outings!! Anyone want to do something tomorrow 1/3/06? (random day off work) Well Hope I can join the next outing! I wish I did not have to schedule work so early or I would be at every one.
So our department at Emory rented out the Aquarium this Thursday for a somewhat delayed holiday party. We have free run of the place for most of the evening. I went there right after it opened with my nephews and took some photos, but there will be lots more room to roam around this go round. Before, I took my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, but I think I'll take the 50 f/1.8 as per John's advise. Would it be really tacky to bring a monopod to a holiday party ?
I found that one of the biggest challenges was adequate depth of field given the low lighting. White balance was also problematic in some areas and with the Belugas I got terrible purple fringing I guess in part related the wide aperature. If anyone has any other advise that would be great.
As an aside, I'm always up for bird photography if anyone ever has the interest or any ideas of new places to go!
All the best to everyone and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones this year with this great bunch of folks.
Hey Todd! toddao wrote:
Would it be really tacky to bring a monopod to a holiday party ?
No. But, I wear white socks with cargo shorts, so, what do I know.
I was the unofficial photographer at our holiday party. I had the camera, lens, flash, and flash bracket w/cord. I would have set up monolights for portraits if they would have asked me to.
toddao wrote:
White balance was also problematic in some areas and with the Belugas I got terrible purple fringing I guess in part related the wide aperature. If anyone has any other advise that would be great.
I had the most white balance problems around the fresh water river area. The only other advice I have is to look for alternate views. Sometimes, there is more than one view of the same exhibit. The whale shark tanks(tunnel, big room, small portals), beluga whale(down and up stairs), sea otters(two sides), penguins(tunnel to the inside), fresh water river(tunnel), etc.
toddao wrote:
As an aside, I'm always up for bird photography if anyone ever has the interest or any ideas of new places to go!
I remember seeing a few bird watchers at Suwanee Creek Greenway. I talked to a co-worker recently that is really into bird photography. He used the word patience a lot. I didn't get that 100-400mm lens for Christmas, but, I'm up for it anyway.
I want to go back to Tallulah Gorge once spring greens things up a bit. It's a beautiful area and it's not too far away for a short road trip.
This is a great bunch of people and I look forward to getting together again.
PS. Today, I sent some pictures to Walmart to be printed. They called me and said they would need a release form filled out from the copyright holder of the pictures before they would give them to me, because, "They are professional pictures."
PS. Today, I sent some pictures to Walmart to be printed. They called me and said they would need a release form filled out from the copyright holder of the pictures before they would give them to me, because, "They are professional pictures."
Showoff!
The gorge would be great. Haven't had a chance to be there for 5 or 6 years. Sounds like a good excuse for a trip.
