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Posts for: Hip Coyote
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Feb 20, 2024 09:42:07   #
This thread is full of excellent advice. A few added thoughts

The notion of using a phone...I should have mentioned it. Great for video and close up shots. Also, in most places we went, even in very remote Namibia, we had excellent cellular service. (As opposed to my being in the middle of Los Angeles and getting one bar...go figure.)

Having a photo back up plan is advisable. I now use the LR cloud or a RAV device that backs up my SD cards to a small SSD. It is a very good system, but does add weight. For Adobe users the LR cloud is amazing for back up. I wont hijack the thread, but if someone wants to know the work flow, pm me and I will advise.

On a more geo-political front, if you're interested:

If you ever travel through Johannesburg, consider staying for a few days. It is a dangerous city, but by using a guide, you can get around ok. There are some significant things there such as the Apartheid Museum, Mandela's house, a farm in Lillies Leaf (sic) where the Apartheid movement was somewhat coordinated. To me, it was important to see this stuff. Keep in mind, Apartheid occurred up into the 1990...not the 1890s.

If going to Cape Town, the wineries are spectacular...this from a Californian. if we go back, we're spending a few days there. Opulent. And going to Robben Island is a must. A historic prison where African royalty were imprisoned and Mandela was imprisoned for something like 25 years. The guides are former inmates of the prison. I had a long conversation with one guy who was very active in the Apartheid movement. He actually was trained in Angola by Cubans on various terrorist tactics. It was an amazing discussion.
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Feb 19, 2024 09:35:25   #
vanderhala wrote:
Yes i have already read a number of threads. This will be our first safari, we had organized this twice before, but had to cancel once of back surgery of my wife and once for Covid. We hope third time is a charm.
1. I already know to take two cameras (D7200 and D3200), batteries and SD cards up the kazoo. Still undecided about monopod and type of camera support (window clamp, bean bag or forget it).
2. Taking my Tamron 100-400mm (4.5-6.3) and Tampon 18-400mm (3.5-6.3), have not decided which lens on which camera (question #1 : makes difference? : probably the 100-400 on the D7200)..
3. I do have 2 other lenses Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 and Meike 85mm 1.8 . (question #2 : would this be helpful if you go out early in the morning while it is still dark and the other lenses might simply not hack it in that little light, versus the extra hassle, weight and need to change lenses for which I have been warned).
4. and finally: I might have considered taking my Tokina for the wide views especially when we will be at Victoria Falls, but it was stolen on my last trip returning from Egypt (see my posts). I had not used it that much. Question #3: is my 18-400 wide enough or is a new Tokina too much money and weight to carry anyway ?
Looking forward to the responses.
Yes i have already read a number of threads. This ... (show quote)


1- Placing your sd cards in your kazoo is not recommended. It can cause pain and may damage the SD cards.


Get a hold of the tour operator and see what kind of vehicles you will be using. That will determine your camera support. And, find out if your safari locations allow off road viewing of the critters. This is KEY. Off road means you could be right up on the animals. Confined to a road means you will be viewing at a distance.

2- I have no idea.

3- For some reason people think an African trip is all about the animals. Then they discover there are people there too! Fascinating cultures and warm people. They saying goes, "one goes to Africa for the animals and returns for the people." I found that to be true. Going to see the Masai or other tribes? Be ready for great people photography. For example, we went to a grade school near Vic Falls. The kids were great.

When we go back to Africa, I have decided to take a few small, cheap point and shoot cameras. When we come across kids, I am going to hand 'em out and tell them to take pics and give me back the cameras. Hopefully I get them back! If not, no biggie... In any event, be ready for people photography. Meaning, you need a more normal lens unless you want to rely on the 18-400.

Low light? Maybe, depending on your location and provider of safari stuff.

4- Yep, I'd take a wide with me. Also, you will see vast expanses of landscape. Be ready.

I could type a lot here, but here are a few things I think are important.

- Don't ever be far from your camera. We were walking to dinner one night and some bush-babies were peeking out at me from a hole in a rotted tree. I had my camera and a flash. Typically flashes are not allowed on safari, but this was in camp and for once in my life, I was ready. I took maybe 20 pics of that critter and it remains one of my favorite photos. I know people cringe when other folks attach a photo, but in this case it does illustrate my point. It captured a nice memory for me.

Remember people photography.

Be as generous as you can. The Africans suffered through Covid like nothing we've experienced here it the US.

I took quite a lot of lens cleaning stuff and it was used. In desert enviorns, I covered my cameras with a nylon bag that was perfect. Each night I cleaned my gear thoroughly.

Unless you are taking astro pics I don't see a reason for a tripod. But it may be a consideration...and maybe the tour operator has a tripod for you to use.

I don't know your cameras, but if they have a custom saving feature, set one up for a potential animal chase..shutter priority, rapid fire, etc. If and when that happens, you want to be prepared by simply switching to C.

If Vic falls is really flowing, your camera is going to get wet. Really wet. Be prepared.

Some tour operators / guides are very accomplished photographers. See if that is true in your case.

Consider getting some photo practice at a zoo. I did't and should have.


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Feb 18, 2024 07:58:21   #
Suggest you look at the app and website, "Photopills." It is quite detailed and allows the user to plan, exactly, for this kind of photography. It takes a lot of learning but worth it based off the results I see from users.
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Feb 17, 2024 07:42:54   #
What was the predominant brand of shoes worn by the players at Wimbledon? I want to get those so my tennis game gets better. I can see no other way.
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Feb 17, 2024 07:36:41   #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Shoot in JPEG and start with modest editing, if desired at all. Honestly, that's how most of us started in digital.


My exact thought. People get spun up on details when it is the image and the MEMORY the photo captures. Format and equipment does not matter.

And for those great spur of the moment shots of a small child there is nothing like a cell phone. Learn to use the phone, the photo organizer on the phone and the cloud and you’re golden.

Good luck and God speed with the child. Takes lots of energy.
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Feb 16, 2024 08:43:21   #
Look up the idea of SWOT analysis of a business model. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Do that then decide.
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Feb 15, 2024 09:09:55   #
I guess I will be the outlier.

IMO, the photo needs to be much sharper on the left side before the image is ready for display. The fine details are lost. It needs to be crystal clear. I am not a good macro person, but have, on occasion, tried this kind of photography. The challenge is the point of focus with other parts of the image not being in focus. Which is why focus stacking is often used...to get all the object in focus. If there is a main subject in the image, then the viewer should not have to search for it...it needs to be readily apparent.
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Feb 13, 2024 10:55:34   #
Kenmull wrote:
I am an amateur photographer and yesterday a friend who has decided to create a web site to promote themself in a new venture asked me if I had some photos of the sounding area that she could use and that she was willing to pay for. I went through my Lightroom photo library and selected several expecting that maybe one or two would be useful. She came back requesting several that would be useful. My issue is since I have never sold any photos, what to charge. Any suggestions.


What Chg Canon said.

I had a friend, now passed away, whom I had to be careful in expressing my desire or admiration for some item, lest he would give it to me...mostly high end fishing gear. I think of him every time I drag in a big tuna.

I asked to borrow another friend's saw of some sort and he showed up with a new one at my house and said he thought I might need it over time and wanted me to have a new one!

Friendship is a rare and wonderful thing. Photos are a dime a dozen.

Go have a beer, let friend pick up the first round and you leave a tip.
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Feb 10, 2024 14:46:39   #
MJPerini wrote:
Perhaps another way to say this is that if for some reason you want to use other software, don't try to mix it with Lightroom. There ARE Apps that can be use as Lightroom or Photoshop Plug ins.


Yep. People on UHH love complexity.
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Feb 10, 2024 12:36:10   #
burkphoto wrote:
I wouldn't worry about it. If LrC is your editor, edit a file and bake (export) a JPEG or TIFF or PSD to your liking. I wouldn't worry about some other editor trying to interpret Adobe .xmp files that it shouldn't!


Exactly. Why muddle the thing by using different viewers? Either use LR properly or skip it. Do the elegant solution…simplicity is not always easy.
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Feb 10, 2024 06:38:57   #
Analysis paralysis for a $15 item. Donor don’t. Not a high risk deal here.
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Feb 9, 2024 02:11:51   #
gwilliams6 wrote:

From my tripod near the edge. Sony A7RIV, Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 lens. An HDR image of five exposure-bracketed shots merged in LR. 17mm, ISO 100, f8, bracketed shutter speeds on a tripod.


A nice photo amongst a discussion on of an untimely death.
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Feb 6, 2024 03:09:36   #
Hip Coyote wrote:
Who are “they?” Cops don’t investigate non-crimes.

I failed to mention that I agree with others regarding common decency in what to photograph and what to post. I have seen many instances where people record full on assaults on people rather than taking action. Sad.
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Feb 6, 2024 00:38:40   #
Who are “they?” Cops don’t investigate non-crimes.
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Feb 5, 2024 01:37:13   #
The only advice I can offer is to wear something under your kilt lest you may suffer as will others around ye.
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