Red River has a couple of matte papers that I adore: Paper Canvas and River Linen. ========

Took my driver's test in a '68...barey passed, lol...

Agree! And don't forget the "Sky is Falling" media...they need to sell their newspapers, doncha know.

I own both the 100-400 and the 70-200. Even though the 100-400 gets used more lately (for sports and such) I *always* find a need for the 70-200...I think the 100-400 has a bit more heft. If there're two of you, depending on subject matter, that's two great longish lenses to share.

I know this is late to the discussion, but I've been doing my own framing and, you gotta know, experimenting for quite a few years. Sometimes you stick your toe in the water and get sucked into a black hole, lol. Here's one I just finished and shipped to a client on the east coast. The frame is birch (which is a mistake because that species doesn't stain all that well...PITA) AND I decided to try a brass inlay. Well, several processes later I finally got an acceptable result but, boyoboy, I don't think I'll do brass any time soon...at least before I get a good drum sander; I knocked the metal down to the wood with a 4' belt/disc sander and then ran the pieces through my bench planer...way too much work, lol. But I *think* in total effect, I generally get the result *I* see...dunno about others. At least my client liked it! PS...the color rendering is off, that green is more torquoise but you get the idea...

...hopefully we all gain insights from your professional work, Thomas. Beautiful, both subject and lighting. It's still Uber for me, haha...

These shots are fine, but can you see the sensor dust spots? Easy fix...

The ones *I* own, they're about the same. The 70-200 f2.8, the 105 f2.8 are almost exactly the same (actually the 105 is less long and a bit thicker)..the 24-70 f4 nor 14-30 f4 I have no comparison, but they are fairly light and manageable. The newer 40 f2 is thinner than my olde 50's (which I've kept). But, really, it's the optics...right? <shrug> I'd imagine the Z mount
requires some new engineering, eh?

Nice work, Bill. I'm a cabinet maker by trade, so making frames is pretty much second nature, but I truly appreciate those woodworker/nonprofessionals who've solved the problems involved with creating
quality frames, 'cuz it ain't easy, lolol...

...I bought a 200-500 f5.6 a few years back and, ugh, the collar was terrible and I replaced it with the Kirk offering...not bad at all (and I flip between portrait and landscape alot, so it had to be good). In the meantime I transitioned to mirrorless so had to (I know...I don't *really*) get Z mount glass. As soon as it came out I got the 100-400 "S" lens...smooth as silk. Same with the 70-200 f2/8. Of course, we who "bird" waited for the 180-600 and I got one as soon as NPS could wangle it. Nice price, great glass and again, not being an "S" lens, not-so-great collar. Sigh. I can *almost*make it work (which puts it ahead of the 200-500 experience) but yesterday I checked with Kirk and, indeed, they have one...haha, although it's sold out until February! I'll betcha, tho', that Kirk makes one for your lens and they design well.

Haha, FIF! Great shots!

...I started with LR when it came out. Had my 1st DSLR for maybe a year. Since then I've tried most of the independent offerings (and actually use ON! to give me options for IR work). Don't be intimidated, jeeze it's just software...learn it!

...your quote shows where you're at. This is "panning" right, or is it a super slow shutter? I try panning at airshows lately to get the props to blur and the machine itself to be in focus...lots of tries! Haha, great effort man!

I meet younger photogs seemingly every time I go out (which is at least 2 or 3 times a week). I see high schoolers at football games when I'm there with my band kids...where I'm also trying to get some football-shooting chops or just shoot the band when they perform. It's not hard to strike up a conversation, and most of the time I'm approached by them...maybe cuz I have nice equipment and am doing the same activity *they* are. I go to the pier often here in Huntington Beach and, again, no problems conversing about mutual passions. With the younger kids there's certainly a bit of mentoring going on, and even adults, too...lots of times it's a peer thing and that's never boring, haha. It's all in staying active and open, as opposed to "stay off my lawn." I personally would welcome younger members, I don't think they'd be out to *change* anything per se (assuming a thirst for knowledge is there)...AFA the antagonism around here, I'm positive young folks are far hipper than we are, with social media and all, and would maybe even join in the fray, lol...<shrug> hell, why not!

Jerry, I can tell you haven't been around musicians much...ijs...