Hi All,
I have added a batch of new photographs of the house. In the gallery, look for At Lockup, second page I believe
Gallery Update – New Pictures
Monday, July 5th, 2010
recent events
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
I have been busy with work and with busy designing my new look web site. So far all has gone reasonably well. I had a few issues uploading my images of the House Build last night, it seems that my hosting company had a few issues, as tonight the images have gone up without issue.
I will start with the new look site. I have been toying with a number of ideas, but none of them really appealed to me, they also caused me a few dramas with the design. Dreamweaver CS4 has some strange quirks with templates. I have had these problems before on previous versions. Thankfully I have powered on and worked through them, although, I have to say that I am still not 100% happy. Lets say it is down to the end user more than the program. My new site will be based on Photography, Video, Music and design. It will also feature the Mac and a little mention here and there on the PC. The site is still being worked on and toyed with, so don’t hold your breath, as I have yet to finish a web site of my own.
The House build. So far it is going well. There are a few hiccups, as to be expected with builders, plumbers and sparkies. They will always find an excuse to not be there when they are supposed to. It seems that the plumbing has taken a bit of a hammering from the major cleanup today. They have completed the task of putting storm water drains in and in this task have managed to damage 4 of the pipes used for water and sewer. I could understand this if they were just white, but they were sprayed yellow so they would stand out from the grey/white slab. The slab has now been cleared off and all the dirt moved off to fill in the drainage channels dug out to accommodate the pipes. Now residing on the slab is a selection of wooden frames, RSJ’s and other items. Hopefully this week the building will actually look like a house, or at least the makings of a house.
Work. I had to replace the switches in the small rack as one had given up the ghost and the other was old and only 100Mb connection. So off to the shop and 2 x 16 port switches and some new cat6 patch leads. So a complete rewire of the rack and finally get everyone and everything on the network connecting at 1Gb. Some would argue that there is no difference. At this point I would agree as the main link from the small rack is only cat5 cable and is double backing from outlet to rack then back to the main rack. Hopefully soon to be rewired correctly – Don’t ask, my predecessor had no idea.
The Mac…It works and works well. Need I say more?
I have been busy with work and with busy designing my new look web site. So far all has gone reasonably well. I had a few issues uploading my images of the House Build last night, it seems that my hosting company had a few issues, as tonight the images have gone up without issue.
I will start with the new look site. I have been toying with a number of ideas, but none of them really appealed to me, they also caused me a few dramas with the design. Dreamweaver CS4 has some strange quirks with templates. I have had these problems before on previous versions. Thankfully I have powered on and worked through them, although, I have to say that I am still not 100% happy. Lets say it is down to the end user more than the program. My new site will be based on Photography, Video, Music and design. It will also feature the Mac and a little mention here and there on the PC. The site is still being worked on and toyed with, so don’t hold your breath, as I have yet to finish a web site of my own.
The House build. So far it is going well. There are a few hiccups, as to be expected with builders, plumbers and sparkies. They will always find an excuse to not be there when they are supposed to. It seems that the plumbing has taken a bit of a hammering from the major cleanup today. They have completed the task of putting storm water drains in and in this task have managed to damage 4 of the pipes used for water and sewer. I could understand this if they were just white, but they were sprayed yellow so they would stand out from the grey/white slab. The slab has now been cleared off and all the dirt moved off to fill in the drainage channels dug out to accommodate the pipes. Now residing on the slab is a selection of wooden frames, RSJ’s and other items. Hopefully this week the building will actually look like a house, or at least the makings of a house.
Work. I had to replace the switches in the small rack as one had given up the ghost and the other was old and only 100Mb connection. So off to the shop and 2 x 16 port switches and some new cat6 patch leads. So a complete rewire of the rack and finally get everyone and everything on the network connecting at 1Gb. Some would argue that there is no difference. At this point I would agree as the main link from the small rack is only cat5 cable and is double backing from outlet to rack then back to the main rack. Hopefully soon to be rewired correctly – Don’t ask, my predecessor had no idea.
The Mac…It works and works well. Need I say more?
Canon DSLR 400D – Good or Bad
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
I have recently taken a lot of photographs, albeit on my Nokia E71. This has fuelled my desire to take more photos, so the other day I went out to see a dog called Myron, one of Sam’s friends off Facebook. So I went along, armed with my Canon EOS400D and the smaller of the two zoom lenses, 18 – 55mm. The shots I took, came out alright, but for some reason, they just don’t jump out and grab you. The sharpness is quite soft if anything. I have used 35mm equipment most of my adult life, starting from an extremely basic camera to a Minolta Dynax 8000i even dabbled in medium format with my Yashica Twin Lens.
Of all the cameras I have had, the Minolta 8000i, is the best one I have used and the most easy to navigate by means of all the controls are to hand and not difficult to use, even with its plug in cards for Multi-spot, Multiple exposure and bracketing features for both flash and for daylight. Every picture that was developed, always looked sharp. Going back to the days when film was fussy and processing varied no matter where you took the films to be developed.
Even now I find myself wanting to go back to 35mm, as I know I have a camera that helps me deliver the kind of shots I like, regardless of composition and exposure, as for the most part, I would get it right, even in manual modes on the Dynax. This is where the Canon seriously lets me down, to the point of I would gladly sell this camera and not miss it one bit. Sadly I cannot sell this as I feel the Camera is not always to blame, Bad lenses and end user issues can also contribute to some bad shots. I would say that 50% of the really bad shots are down to me. I know I have taken some bad shots, even before I clicked the shutter. I am being kind here, as I believe that figure to be less. I have spoken with a few other people and they have said the same about this model of Canon.
I have looked through some of the Forums on this camera and discovered that I am not alone in my thoughts. There are those that will defend this camera to the hilt, but I for one am not convinced. The only time this camera comes into its own is on a tripod and you are using long exposures. Daylight shots are, for the want of a better word – Crap.
I have bought 2 more lenses for this 400d, a 50 mm lens and a 55 – 250 EF-S 1:4 – 5.6 IS. This lens actually locked my camera up the first day I bought it and worried me slightly (understatement). I have only had one camera do that to me and was rendered completely U/S and that was a Minolta XD7 with a motorwind, 28mm wide angle, 50mm standard and a 135mm telephoto. That was a sad day for me as the camera worked well.
Look, I know I have complained about this camera before, but it really irks me that you buy a well known brand and find yourself wishing you hadn’t parted with the cash.
My reason for this rant is simple. I drove passed our house that is being built to follow up on the progress. So I took my old Fujifilm Finepix S -5600. So I quite happily snapped away and had to use a real basic view finder, too much sunlight to use the LCD. Upon arriving home, I powered up the Mac and plugged it in (as expected, it just simply found the camera). I quickly went through the pictures and was amazed at the quality. For something that is older and about a third of the price, simply wiped the floor with the sharpness. Ok, so it is only an astounding 5.1 Megapixel camera, but sure enough, the pictures were pretty good for shots of concrete, mud and a gorilla (don’t ask). I have spent about 2 grand on a camera that can be out performed by a simple point and shoot pocket camera. I think I will be moving away from Canon, Nikon seems like a good option (I hope!!!!)
I have recently taken a lot of photographs, albeit on my Nokia E71. This has fuelled my desire to take more photos, so the other day I went out to see a dog called Myron, one of Sam’s friends off Facebook. So I went along, armed with my Canon EOS400D and the smaller of the two zoom lenses, 18 – 55mm. The shots I took, came out alright, but for some reason, they just don’t jump out and grab you. The sharpness is quite soft if anything. I have used 35mm equipment most of my adult life, starting from an extremely basic camera to a Minolta Dynax 8000i even dabbled in medium format with my Yashica Twin Lens.
Of all the cameras I have had, the Minolta 8000i, is the best one I have used and the most easy to navigate by means of all the controls are to hand and not difficult to use, even with its plug in cards for Multi-spot, Multiple exposure and bracketing features for both flash and for daylight. Every picture that was developed, always looked sharp. Going back to the days when film was fussy and processing varied no matter where you took the films to be developed.
Even now I find myself wanting to go back to 35mm, as I know I have a camera that helps me deliver the kind of shots I like, regardless of composition and exposure, as for the most part, I would get it right, even in manual modes on the Dynax. This is where the Canon seriously lets me down, to the point of I would gladly sell this camera and not miss it one bit. Sadly I cannot sell this as I feel the Camera is not always to blame, Bad lenses and end user issues can also contribute to some bad shots. I would say that 50% of the really bad shots are down to me. I know I have taken some bad shots, even before I clicked the shutter. I am being kind here, as I believe that figure to be less. I have spoken with a few other people and they have said the same about this model of Canon.
I have looked through some of the Forums on this camera and discovered that I am not alone in my thoughts. There are those that will defend this camera to the hilt, but I for one am not convinced. The only time this camera comes into its own is on a tripod and you are using long exposures. Daylight shots are, for the want of a better word – Crap.
I have bought 2 more lenses for this 400d, a 50 mm lens and a 55 – 250 EF-S 1:4 – 5.6 IS. This lens actually locked my camera up the first day I bought it and worried me slightly (understatement). I have only had one camera do that to me and was rendered completely U/S and that was a Minolta XD7 with a motorwind, 28mm wide angle, 50mm standard and a 135mm telephoto. That was a sad day for me as the camera worked well.
Look, I know I have complained about this camera before, but it really irks me that you buy a well known brand and find yourself wishing you hadn’t parted with the cash.
My reason for this rant is simple. I drove passed our house that is being built to follow up on the progress. So I took my old Fujifilm Finepix S -5600. So I quite happily snapped away and had to use a real basic view finder, too much sunlight to use the LCD. Upon arriving home, I powered up the Mac and plugged it in (as expected, it just simply found the camera). I quickly went through the pictures and was amazed at the quality. For something that is older and about a third of the price, simply wiped the floor with the sharpness. Ok, so it is only an astounding 5.1 Megapixel camera, but sure enough, the pictures were pretty good for shots of concrete, mud and a gorilla (don’t ask). I have spent about 2 grand on a camera that can be out performed by a simple point and shoot pocket camera. I think I will be moving away from Canon, Nikon seems like a good option (I hope!!!!)
Gallery Update
Monday, February 1st, 2010
I have finally got most of the pictures up in my gallery (see right hand side menu). I have some earlier pictures to upload, but I will dig these out tomorrow. I will re-add some of the other pictures I had up there this week.
I have finally got most of the pictures up in my gallery (see right hand side menu). I have some earlier pictures to upload, but I will dig these out tomorrow. I will re-add some of the other pictures I had up there this week.
Gallery Update / Blog Update
Monday, February 1st, 2010
It has been a while since I have done anything with the gallery, which is linked to this site (and held on this site). I felt it was time to make some adjustments. Thankfully I remembered what my log in was, so I have deleted all the images, albums and categories, as they were pretty messed up. Coppermine gallery which comes as an add-on with my control panel, is a bit painful to upload, add an album. My first attempts were hap hazard and completely unorganized. I am starting to rebuild the gallery, change the theme and re add photos as I go.
Some photos of the house build are located on there, so check back for updates, as this will take a few days to get most of the House pictures on there, then I will add past photos on there and hopefully get the Categories and Albums right this time.
I have added a page to this blog dedicated to the House build, so any updates will appear here as a short note.
It has been a while since I have done anything with the gallery, which is linked to this site (and held on this site). I felt it was time to make some adjustments. Thankfully I remembered what my log in was, so I have deleted all the images, albums and categories, as they were pretty messed up. Coppermine gallery which comes as an add-on with my control panel, is a bit painful to upload, add an album. My first attempts were hap hazard and completely unorganized. I am starting to rebuild the gallery, change the theme and re add photos as I go.
Some photos of the house build are located on there, so check back for updates, as this will take a few days to get most of the House pictures on there, then I will add past photos on there and hopefully get the Categories and Albums right this time.
I have added a page to this blog dedicated to the House build, so any updates will appear here as a short note.
Whilst en-route
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
Sam and myself had decided to make the most of a Sunday I believe and go for a drive. We made our way through the trough of Bowland and headed off to Lancaster. Why? Because we could and so we did. Armed with my camera and a few rolls of film, I managed to capture some good photographs. This one below is of a vintage motorbike, for the bike enthusiasts here (if only that were true), you maybe able to pick out the make and model.
Copyright Andy’s Home Studios © 2008
Sam and myself had decided to make the most of a Sunday I believe and go for a drive. We made our way through the trough of Bowland and headed off to Lancaster. Why? Because we could and so we did. Armed with my camera and a few rolls of film, I managed to capture some good photographs. This one below is of a vintage motorbike, for the bike enthusiasts here (if only that were true), you maybe able to pick out the make and model.
Copyright Andy’s Home Studios © 2008
lost and found
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
as you can imagine, when you move from one house to the next and even from one country to another, stuff gets misplaced. Thankfully I have located some 35mm colour negatives that contain one foto that I was very proud of. It was taken on the Minolta Dynax 8000i using the 135mm lens and fully open. The film is kodak 400 and as far as I can tell is intact. The picture is of a little girl and her Grandad, who had taken her to the river in Lancaster, a day in which myself and Sam had just gone out for a drive. It pretty much shows each of their weaknesses and their strengths, frailty of age, yet strong in care and love, the little girl whose legs were just managing to walk and her trust in her carer. See for yourself
Copyright Andy’s Home Studio’s ©2008
as you can imagine, when you move from one house to the next and even from one country to another, stuff gets misplaced. Thankfully I have located some 35mm colour negatives that contain one foto that I was very proud of. It was taken on the Minolta Dynax 8000i using the 135mm lens and fully open. The film is kodak 400 and as far as I can tell is intact. The picture is of a little girl and her Grandad, who had taken her to the river in Lancaster, a day in which myself and Sam had just gone out for a drive. It pretty much shows each of their weaknesses and their strengths, frailty of age, yet strong in care and love, the little girl whose legs were just managing to walk and her trust in her carer. See for yourself
Copyright Andy’s Home Studio’s ©2008
Some new fotos
Sunday, June 8th, 2008
Finally getting round to adding some more pictures on the Gallery, will be adding some more tomorrow, in the meantime, check the Gallery link on the right hand side…. the one with the image.
Finally getting round to adding some more pictures on the Gallery, will be adding some more tomorrow, in the meantime, check the Gallery link on the right hand side…. the one with the image.
Gallery is up and running
Monday, July 16th, 2007
Here is the link
Here is the link
