Moving on from the Acceleration event a small handling course is set up. The students need to pilot their sled through this course, kept intentionally tight and slow for safety, as fast as they can without hitting the cones which are an additive time penalty.
And finally tonight I will share a sample from the Emissions event. Since the snowmobiles are not just judged on fun factors (Acceleration and Handling) but must also be of lower emissions & fuel consumption than stock machines emissions are measured as well. A sleigh with gaseous emissions measurement equipment for HC, CO, NOx, and HC is used to determine how clean the sleds are. An emissions score is assigned to each snowmobile entry. The sleigh is also equipped with a fuel meter so that fuel consumption reported in MPG is also measured. Pretty interesting in service emissions testing event, not something you actually see used in frequently.
Tomorrow I will post the sound measurement event and also some to the more fun, silly stuff as well as pictures that show the real world beyond the Ski Hill.
We're getting some rain, mixed with warm temperatures, helping things green up nicely. This is a new multi-family complex being built in Allen. Rents will be from $1,500 to $3500 I would guess. Affordable housing is non-existent in this area.
Drones are great tools obviously, but many times an extra 100-200' of altitude allows a much nicer perspective on a property. That last shot was captured at 700' AGL on the Canon R5, you can do a lot more with that file compared to a shot from a drone. That altitude is almost double the legal drone limit in this country, makes a big difference in some cases. "Drone" is a buzzword with a lot of clients, a photographer needs to educate the client as to what is the best tool for their purposes.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
Great shots Dan! Glad you were able to have the event! Did you shoot all those with the 1DXII?
Jim,
Most of those shots were with the 1DX MKII! That body with a 70-200 f2.8 or 100-400 Series II just captures absolute magic! I love shooting it, and that autofocus rarely misses. It's just an awesome combo. This evening I will be posting some more photos, those shot inside or low light with a shorter lens are all with the 5D MKIV, that is getting to be a very comfortable platform for me as well. I picked that up last year about this time when Canon was wholesaling them out of Refurbish shop for $1500. I must say I am really appreciating that 30MP sensor, more room to crop when I didn't get it right out in the field.
Finally for all, I know that the mirrorless have many new features and are likely better............ but I look at what is coming out of these older bodies and for now I don't want for anything. The cameras the last 10 years have been so much better than film and the original 30D body where I started my digital journey; just get out and shoot is the best thing we can do to hone our skills.
You are so right Dan! I wish that Canon had designed a 1DXIV with 45-60 MP sensor, I never would have gone mirrorless. The 1DXIII was the most accurate AF I have ever experienced in a camera, absolutely loved it, just couldn't live with the sensor size.
Most of those shots were with the 1DX MKII! That body with a 70-200 f2.8 or 100-400 Series II just captures absolute magic! I love shooting it, and that autofocus rarely misses. It's just an awesome combo. This evening I will be posting some more photos, those shot inside or low light with a shorter lens are all with the 5D MKIV, that is getting to be a very comfortable platform for me as well. I picked that up last year about this time when Canon was wholesaling them out of Refurbish shop for $1500. I must say I am really appreciating that 30MP sensor, more room to crop when I didn't get it right out in the field.
Finally for all, I know that the mirrorless have many new features and are likely better............ but I look at what is coming out of these older bodies and for now I don't want for anything. The cameras the last 10 years have been so much better than film and the original 30D body where I started my digital journey; just get out and shoot is the best thing we can do to hone our skills.
Dan ...Show more →
I still have and use my 1DxMK1. As you state Dan, the 70-200f/2.8 II is just about unbeatable! I agree with your philosophy on "coming out of older bodies.." No disrespect to mirrorless at all!
Again super images ans super philosophy!
Dan2
The R5 I bought is pretty good and the jpeg files are ridiculously good.
.
On another note...A Boeing 737 had to make an emergency landing here because a body panel came off mid flight.
This year we got some time and nice light to do "Sled Portraits" for the students. Tried to capture photos that would be worthy of being on the students report jackets and such.
I enjoyed working with kids on robotic projects. Seeing their enthusiasm gave me hope for the future. Hope you experienced the sam Dan, it looks like you have.
I wish I could have used the Lasolite softbox but the wind kept folding it into itself as my grandson held it in place with the 15-20 mph winds. But we had fun, I mean, bluebonnets, Longhorns and a graduating senior headed to Texas A&M, what could be better.
Then there were the photo bombers. I can't tell you how many times I was on the ground and I got my ears licked clean. They are true working ranch dogs.
Ray Swindle wrote:
I enjoyed working with kids on robotic projects. Seeing their enthusiasm gave me hope for the future. Hope you experienced the sam Dan, it looks like you have.
Ray,
They are good kids and it does give me hope. Nothing better than to see your mentoring not just stick but when they learn and take it to the next level it is inspiring to watch. I have worked with many kids over the last 20 years with SAE, still keep in touch with some. There are several that have gone to the next level and I am proud to say they are better than I. That is the way it should be! To mentor and set them free to soar to new heights. Never forget we can make a difference through our examples.
Take Care,
Dan
Ray Swindle wrote:
Well, what can I say...it's a Texas thing.
I wish I could have used the Lasolite softbox but the wind kept folding it into itself as my grandson held it in place with the 15-20 mph winds. But we had fun, I mean, bluebonnets, Longhorns and a graduating senior headed to Texas A&M, what could be better.
Then there were the photo bombers. I can't tell you how many times I was on the ground and I got my ears licked clean. They are true working ranch dogs.
You dont need "no" softbox Ray! She is a ray of sunshine and her body guards behind her prevent anyone or anything from disturbing that!
My immediate neighbor has about 25 longhorns! I keep meaning to stop by and see if he will let me enter their "grounds" for photos. There are some new "babies" also.
Are longhorns "approachable"? I respect ALL creatures and give them their space! But I dont want to become a horn ornament! I am not as fast as when I was young(er) Ray
Great images!
Dan
