Sorry to raise this topic again, does anyone know if the idea for a "SF Photography forum" has been approved or the idea dropped?

Grinder

Seemed to have alot of Interest but I don't think we have heard anything back yet.

I'd be curious to know too! Any chance of the answer being made a sticky so we have some reference?

Yeah just when is the nude photography group gonna start?:mad:

I understand that SHsheff, who started the original thread proposing a SF Photography Group, is in discussions with the Mods. However, like the SF Short Story Writer's Group, these things take time to set up. A list of interested forummers has been compiled, and I believe that everyone will be informed once the group is hopefully officially sanctioned and up and running.

I'm quite keen to know what's happening with this group aswell. I didn't want to raise the subject and seem impatient:) .

I'm quite keen to know what's happening with this group aswell. I didn't want to raise the subject and seem impatient:) .

I thought carefully before asking the question, then asked anyway ;)

Grinder

I understand the group will be set up, just have to wait a while. Craig7777 don't hold your breath!
Dave..

I understand the group will be set up, just have to wait a while. Craig7777 don't hold your breath!
Dave..


Dam, i will just have to take pics of animals and stuff then:(

Geoff has said it will be set-up. I presume that the recent server modifications were set as a higher priority (and rightly so, even if I do hate to admit it). I believe that has been successful so hopefully the group will be up and running shortly.

Geoff has said it will be set-up. I presume that the recent server modifications were set as a higher priority (and rightly so, even if I do hate to admit it). I believe that has been successful so hopefully the group will be up and running shortly.

ok im after a bit of advice - does anyone know of a website that can show me what different filters do or what effect they create?

Cheers

or does anyone know which filter can make the sky look richer, or bring out the clouds?

What everyone needs to understand here is that Sheffield Forum is a perpetual work in progress, and that lots of little changes happen every week behind the scenes (thank you Geoff!).

There is an ever-changing list of things that will be happening in the future of the forum, and I believe that there are a few new groups in the pipeline. These will all happen when the forum is set up for them to happen, and when group leaders are also prepared to commit the time for them to run successfully.

Please be patient and let Geoff do what needs to be done in the context of the forum as a whole.

What everyone needs to understand here is that Sheffield Forum is a perpetual work in progress, and that lots of little changes happen every week behind the scenes (thank you Geoff!).

There is an ever-changing list of things that will be happening in the future of the forum, and I believe that there are a few new groups in the pipeline. These will all happen when the forum is set up for them to happen, and when group leaders are also prepared to commit the time for them to run successfully.

Please be patient and let Geoff do what needs to be done in the context of the forum as a whole.

is it not possible to ask advice at the moment without creating a new thread? really what im after are some filters which might enhance some landscapes, basically im off to morocco soon and need something which might help against, bright skies, glare or just to enhance the colours. taa

is it not possible to ask advice at the moment without creating a new thread? really what im after are some filters which might enhance some landscapes, basically im off to morocco soon and need something which might help against, bright skies, glare or just to enhance the colours. taa

Even when the photography group is up and running, to ask for advice you'll start up a new thread.

So my advice is to start up a thread in 'Sheffield Sport and Activities'- if it's still current when the photography group goes live then it will be transferred in there as one of the starter threads.

I hope that there will be advice flowing freely- but don't ask me cos I've got a bloke that's a good photographer so I don't need to learn!

is it not possible to ask advice at the moment without creating a new thread? really what im after are some filters which might enhance some landscapes, basically im off to morocco soon and need something which might help against, bright skies, glare or just to enhance the colours. taa

If you have a separate metering system, I'd recommend an Neutral Density Gradient filter of at least 2 stops as this will help balance out the sky's exposure with the land. Also, a circular polariser will help increase saturation - as seen here here (www.dasgrafik.com/misc/centralpark03.jpg)

And don't forget your standard UV filter - protects the lens and helps with haze (especially in warmer weather!).

*sort've bump*

Is this any closer to completion? Does anyone know as the last I heard anything was back in September!

*sort've bump*

Is this any closer to completion? Does anyone know as the last I heard anything was back in September!
The person who originally proposed the group, or at least was discussing it with the powers that be, has been banned for a rather long time. Unless someone takes up the mantle, don't expect any developments any time in the near future.

I am considering buying a digital slr camera (around the 600 quid mark) but I dont know a great deal about photography. An SF photography forum would be good for close on local contacts who have knowledge on what to buy and how to use it......good luck getting it up and running.

The person who originally proposed the group, or at least was discussing it with the powers that be, has been banned for a rather long time. Unless someone takes up the mantle, don't expect any developments any time in the near future.
From quick chat's I'd had with the member in question it appears that the behind the scenes discussions hadn't gone very well and the group was unlikely to be set up.

I was also told that due to a lack of time they'd lost interest in running the group anyway. If someone does want to take up the mantle don't feel guilty about stepping in.

http://whatdigitalcamera.com

why wait for sheffield to improve it's forum? You'll be waiting a long time!

click your mouse to the site above.

I thought carefully before asking the question, then asked anyway ;)

Grinder

Glad you did, I'm also interested in being in this.

:)

FYI - there is a rather fine forum here for Canon users or those considering Canon gear, and they can advise you on how to spend your hard-earned cash.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

There is a nice guy called Ian Kerr (username kerso on the POTN forum) who can supply stuff at fab rates. Spent about 5 grand through him this year :thumbsup:

Hope the SF forum gets up and running sometime :)

Being self employed my time is quite flexible - does anyone know exactly what would be involved in the running of the group?

Also, for £600 the EOS 400D is a good bet. The standard lens is a bit pants, though (18-55 - not so hot). I just invested in a 5D and it's worth every single penny.

I had a 300d and bought a 400d recently. It's a wonderful camera for the money, the standard lens will be geat and you will be more than happy with the results until you decide you would like to invest more money. It's great to have full controll over everything, even when you don't really understand what you are messing about with. Other option is to grab a second hand or sales offer 350d and a better lens, still an excellent camera, very similar to the 400d but I would imagine you could find one at a bargain price now.
I hope a Photography forum gets started.
:)

I'd also recommend going to www.adobe.com and downloading the free beta of Lightroom. It's soooooo much nicer than Canon's bundled software and makes keeping track of everything so much easier.

Might be worth dropping geoff a mail at geoff@sheffieldforum.co.uk

I've just got a Canon 300D and it's my first digital camera - I'm getting on reasonably well with it. I used to use Canon EOS kit when I did a lot of photography previously, and I'm hoping to get back in to things this year.

I'm interested in microscopy and astronomy, so an SLR was essential for use with these toys.

Being self employed my time is quite flexible - does anyone know exactly what would be involved in the running of the group?

No :). The boundaries of the group weren't really ever set up. We thought having a section on photographic hardware, using software, a private area for constructive criticism (I believe the writers group has something similar to this that is password protected?) and organising unofficial meets.

I was interested in helping set up the group when it first was talked about but I don't have the time now due to work. I wrote some brief guides that I will happily email onto the group leader if it is set up.

Hecate and Strix may be able to give some insight as to how much time they spend moderating their respective groups?

Being a group leader doesn't actually take that much time- it's the sort of thing that fits in with your day, if you are in a position to dip in and out of the forum periodically.

I would estimate that tidying the group up, and keeping things in check and moving along would probably take less than an hour a day, split between however many group leaders are allocated to the group, and split between a number of little visits a day (once you're comfortable with which buttons to press of course).

If there's ever a period when a group leader (or set of group leaders) is likely to be unavailable through work commitments, or holidays or whatever, then Tracie is responsible for Groups Liaison, and either she, or the moderating team can keep an eye on the group as necessary.

It really is worth discussing this with Geoff if you have any questions.

...Hecate and Strix may be able to give some insight as to how much time they spend moderating their respective groups?
The group takes as much time as you wish to put in to it. The knitting group requires very little in terms of tidying; the odd thread to be merged and the stray bit of trolling to be removed, but that's a very rare occurrence.

The most time-consuming activity is setting up and maintaining the various sticky threads: recommended links, tutorials and the like. It's an interest, though, so it's hardly a chore and not a requirement by any means.

I'd love to be able to answer this for you, but 'pets' is a bit out there on it's own where administration is concerned. We prune far more than any other part of the forum as pets are dear to people's hearts, and as such any 'careless' can rapidly explode into unnecessaryness ;)

It depends on the format that the photography group is going to take. I'd suggest that if it is going to host people's work so that criticism is likely to occur, frequent visits to the site will be neccessary to ensure careless comments are removed promptly

As Hecate says, it all depends how much you want to put into it. If you're going to run competitions for instance, there'll be a greater demand upon your time than if you opt for the role of merely fixing quote codes and merging threads ;)

Can I just make a suggestion to all you photographers on here, As you may or may not know, my beloved Fir Vale where I've grown up is to be transformed very, very soon. Alot of the old streets and houses will be demolished and new ones built.

I'm surprised no-ones actually taken any photo's down here for historical use or just for memories. Some really old fashioned roads like Skinnerthorpe Road with the old style lamps and passageways, kids out in the street etc.. Owler Lane with it's bustling shops will be changed forever!

The masterplan is coming.....lets get some of you guys down here to take some memorable photo's of a great old fashioned area.:thumbsup:

Has this progressed any further??

There seems to be so many people out there with fantastic photos to show and many people asking for advice - I do think it deserves a forum of its own!!!

<<<<<<Have you tried contacting the help desk?

Hi

Since I'm now standing in Tracie's old shoes as Groups Liaison, I'd be interested to hear from any forum users who would be interested in acting as Group Leader for any potential photography group.

Without GLs, it's very unlikely that the group will be set up, so if the group's ever going to get off the ground, there will need to be 2 people willing to put a little of their time in to help the group along.

Please PM me if you'd like to discuss the commitment and responsibility involved.

I'm sure that Geoff would love to hear from people with constructive ideas for the development of the forum, but unless people are prepared to help too, it's hard to carry the ideas through.

Hi

Since I'm now standing in Tracie's old shoes as Groups Liaison, I'd be interested to hear from any forum users who would be interested in acting as Group Leader for any potential photography group.

Without GLs, it's very unlikely that the group will be set up, so if the group's ever going to get off the ground, there will need to be 2 people willing to put a little of their time in to help the group along.

Please PM me if you'd like to discuss the commitment and responsibility involved.

I'm sure that Geoff would love to hear from people with constructive ideas for the development of the forum, but unless people are prepared to help too, it's hard to carry the ideas through.

I'm sure there will be some takers for this. I wouldn't mind doing it myself, but my knowledge of photography has dwindled through the last 10 years.

Hope it gets off the ground, for one, it will be great to see peoples work in one place. :)

i'll do it - my photography knowledge is minimal. but who said the group leader had to be the expert.
i'm quite happy to help organise stuff - although my presence can be restricted due to working two jobs..

Hi

Since I'm now standing in Tracie's old shoes as Groups Liaison, I'd be interested to hear from any forum users who would be interested in acting as Group Leader for any potential photography group.

Without GLs, it's very unlikely that the group will be set up, so if the group's ever going to get off the ground, there will need to be 2 people willing to put a little of their time in to help the group along.

Please PM me if you'd like to discuss the commitment and responsibility involved.

I'm sure that Geoff would love to hear from people with constructive ideas for the development of the forum, but unless people are prepared to help too, it's hard to carry the ideas through.


Hi. Medusa, I sent you a PM the other day - have you read it yet?? Please let me know, thanks...

Grissom, where are you? Your photos on the Walkers Group threads are excellent. You really should consider giving the group leadership a go :) .

I'd also be interested to see if the group takes off. Was just reading what Lestat was saying about the changing face of Firvale. It's a real shame if old sites disappear without record.

I'd also recommend going to www.adobe.com and downloading the free beta of Lightroom. It's soooooo much nicer than Canon's bundled software and makes keeping track of everything so much easier.
It's officially out now http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/Though be aware that it's a version 1.0 release with a few nasty feature bugs/cock ups. It cannot tell the difference between photo.psd, photo.crw and photo.jpg etc if they are in the same folder.
It has promise but the DAM side... :loopy:
Oh and if you have images you have developed before in another RAW convertor do not import with the 'zero'd' setting as all previous modifications will be erased. Use 'None'

There's a 30 day free trial and is on offer until April. It's cheaper on Amazon .co.uk than from Adobe.co.uk.
Both of which are far more pricey than buying an Americam version. Which you cannot do if you're a Brit.

I've just got a Canon 300D and it's my first digital camera - I'm getting on reasonably well with it. I used to use Canon EOS kit when I did a lot of photography previously, and I'm hoping to get back in to things this year.

I'm interested in microscopy and astronomy, so an SLR was essential for use with these toys.
Canon make versions of some of their bodies specifically for Astronomy.
There is [was?] a 20Da at twice the price of a 20D!
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05060101canon20da.asp

Canon make versions of some of their bodies specifically for Astronomy.
There is [was?] a 20Da at twice the price of a 20D!
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05060101canon20da.asp

Now that I didn't know!

I used to have an EOS620 with a semi-silvered mirror that reduced the shake when the shutter fired by not swinging the mirror out of the way.

I've just got the 300D happy with a T adapter and the microscope, so astronomy is next on teh list!

Now that I didn't know!

I used to have an EOS620 with a semi-silvered mirror that reduced the shake when the shutter fired by not swinging the mirror out of the way.

I've just got the 300D happy with a T adapter and the microscope, so astronomy is next on teh list!Off to Harrisons then?

When you've sold some shares in SF, you could invest in the new 1D III as apparently that finally has a usable mirror lock up, something that Canon users having been asking for for about 5 years.
A cheap solution is to mirror bounce is to hold a black card just in front of lens for first couple of seconds of exposure, to allow camera to settle down. Long exposure Astronomical shots here

A semisilvered mirror is going to cut light down, not good for starfield photography.

Although Digital doesn't suffer from reciprocity failure, it's not too good at long exposures [noise issues]. I think the 20Da was tweaked specifically for that.
This may be of use http://www.isi.edu/div7/publication_files/getting_the_light.pdf

I've just got the 300D happy with a T adapter and the microscope, so astronomy is next on teh list!

Canon have an Astrophotography site :

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/astro/index-e.html

At the bottom of the front page is a disclaimer saying most of the pics there were done with a 300D :thumbsup:

The 20Da got discontinued :

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-to-Discontinue-EOS-20Da-.htm

:(

Grissom, where are you? Your photos on the Walkers Group threads are excellent. You really should consider giving the group leadership a go :) .

I'm here :wave:

Cheers :)

Might give it a go, depending on pay scale I'm put on :)

The 20Da got discontinued

I'm not sure it was ever available here in the UK, it was only released in a few countries, like Japan.

I'm here :wave:

Cheers :)

Might give it a go, depending on pay scale I'm put on :)

Same as the rest of us mate- hourly rate 0 pennies :)

Would you like me to consider your name for the group then?