I don't check often as I know that not much will have happened, but, I can say that from people clicking on bits and bobs within my webspace I have accumulated WEALTH!.. a really good profit actually... You can actually make money from this stuff, you know, blogging.... it's very exciting to think that I can log in, spit my thoughts out onto the internet for every weirdo to read (and comment if he wants) and GET PAID for it....!! amazing huh... So, I bet the question in your collective heads is "how much simon, tell us"...well, no, I won't tell you - not yet... I don't want you all calling to tell me that we're related and can I loan you money for a pint... cause I won't...
OK, i'll tell you now.... $6.21!...(from three months, mind)
Googles Adsense.... or is that Ad Cents?...
A Little experiment | Participation required
OK, So I have decided to see what this whole "you can make money online" thing is about... I don't believe you can, and I certainly don't believe that I will, but, I'd like to do some research into this and I need your help dear reader...
Humour me (us) and go HERE and "signup for your free bonus"
Don't spend any money unless you want to, see what you end up with... how hard it is, what annoys you etc (in 50 words or less) and post it back here - let me know how you got on...
Online money making has been around since the internet kicked off, I'm not a believer...
We shall see - watch this space.
11thStudio.com | A guide to f stop and depth of field
I was asked by a friend this morning about aperture/f stop and depth of field, as he was confused by some of the more generic articles on the Internet.. I thought it would be a great idea to post it here, as it may help someone else!
Ok F stop, such as f1.8 of f22 is the measurement of the size of the little ‘eye’ of your camera, this is the aperture, the hole in which light is let through the lens and into the camera. The numbers, such as f1.8 or f22 etc corresponds to the size of the hole, the SMALLER the f stop number (IE f1.8) the BIGGER the ‘eye’/aperture…and vice versa a LARGER f stop value such as f22 is a physically SMALLER size..
So when you have your aperture set at it’s ‘widest’ setting (for instance f1.8) you are trying to let in as much light as possible.
So how does f stop relate to depth of field?
Ok so when you are reading small print, or trying to focus on something small you find yourself squinting, yeah? The reason you are squinting is becuase you are making your ‘eye’ / aperture as SMALL as possible..because when the aperture is small you can focus much further.
On the contrary, if you have a LARGE aperture such as f1.8 your depth of field becomes very limited, you’ve seen photo’s where the item is in focus and the background is blurred? This is exactly what is happening, because the aperture is LARGE, the depth of field is SMALL, or limited.
In a model photoshoot example, if you had your aperture set to f1.8, you may find that if you focus on the end of her nose, that even just a small way back such as in line with her ears, will be slightly out of focus.. this is becuase the aperture is too BIG (the f stop number is SMALL remember!).. so to get more of her in focus you would increase the aperture…. the smaller you make the aperture (the bigger the fstop number) the MORE will be in focus.
If you had 7 people standing one behind the other and you wanted to get all the faces in focus, you would have to have a SMALL aperture (High f stop number such as f22) to get it all in focus… whereas if you wanted and arty picture you might choose a big aperture such as f1.8 to focus on one face at the front and the the others would blur.
So I hope that has helped someone who didn’t quite understand before!
Just remember the SMALLER the f stop number IE f1.8, the BIGGER the size of the ‘eye’…which results in a LARGE depth of field…
and vice versa.
Let me know if I have missed something vital!
Regards,
Chris
Mistaken Identity, by Harry Slaven...
This morning the papers were awash with front pages declaring that Maddie might be in Morocco, publishing a picture of a blonde girl with a Moroccan family. Now we all know (in our Caucasian ignorance) that there are no blonde girls in Morocco, they are all dark haired, so it must be her!!! Indeed The London Paper had an interview with the person who took the photo, who said she was certain it was Maddie. But then she would say that, cos she probably sold her story and her photo for a lot of money, and the papers paid, and we buy it.
The amazing thing was that within 4 or 5 hours of the story hitting, there were already stories writing it off, with "proof".
Its not Maddie
This shows everything that is wrong, not only with the whole Maddie saga, but also our gossip society in general. People will believe anything, jump on any bandwagon, and form opinions based on nothing.
Sadly, Maddie is almost certainly dead. In almost all cases of child abduction the victim is either killed by a stranger within 48 hours, or they are taken by a family member who takes them far away. This however has become very hard to swallow for many people who want to believe that she is still alive, because the press need her to stay alive as she is selling their papers. Anything, any new development is exploited, blown up, given a sensational tag and people lap it up.
If the press knew she was in the picture they wouldn't have published it, because the police would not have let them, simply bacause they wouldn't want the 'abductors' to panic and go back into hiding.
And this need for gossip does not help anyone. People believe what they read, no evidence is needed and it is a very dangerous thing. Fanaticism and fundamentalism thrives on ignorance. If people are left to believe something that has no evidence to back it then what is going to stop them when they come to their own 'evil' conclusions.
I could go on, and I actually drafted a whole new section but couldn't be arsed to finish it. But if you do want to know more, read 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins, which provides some very interesting opinions on the dangers of belief without evidence and its consequences.
My thoughts go out to the McCanns, I hope their daughter is still alive, and a fuck you goes out to the press for torturing this poor family, giving them false hope and exploiting the memory of their little girl.
Believe everything you're told and you'll learn nothing for yourself.... [read the comments here..]
ThesePreciousThingsLetThemBleed
Brilliant.
Another brilliant photo from Sam_Samantha | Don't really kow what to say about other than what a great photo and some awesome post work too.. Really lovely, Samantha..
Is it a pretender?
Photo of the Foo Fighters "The Pretender" ....a version, by simon pollock of www.simonpollockimaging.com
read more | digg story
Elvive Nutr-WHAT!....
Ads.... they kill me, I mean.. what the hell are "pentapeptides"....Olay, you're on CRACK... Elvive...A Woman "shoulder blocks" a man in a bar (A: Why wasn't he carrying a try of beers B: He would have spilled at least one) >>>>Anyway!!... (OH - MacDonalds Ads!...absolute CRAP)
Woman, shoulder blocks... right, then LIGHTS come on from out of nowhere (With gold gobos) and she is spinning around here hair "spraying" in the sun.... He is mesmerised and starts sortof...I dunno... running his hands through her hair (try that in a bar, I dare you!) and then they walk off together (I think, I lost it by the end) ....Now I am being told to go to Orlando, Florida by an american voice (not unpleasant) btu I was just chatting to a guy from there - IT'S RAINING!... now.. this ad is STUPID!... "What's the charge, snaking without due care"... Phili Splendips!... A: it portrays "heaven" ...why would there be women dressed up as cops in heaven.. oh.. um... hu hum.. CSI's back on!!...
NO LITA....
The new NOLITA campaign realised by Oliviero Toscani for the fashion brand of the Flash&Partners Group from Tombolo leaves no room for doubt...
All you thin model type weirdos... Check it out...
HERE
cosmo blu
i'm very lucky to have such inspirationally brilliant photography friends!...
thanks all ya's...
sime
Photographers Rights...
Here is a link to a post I did on UK, US and Australian photographers rights...
I'm sure it has happened to a lot of us?
You've set up your tripod or are taking a photo handheld when a security person of some description approaches you and asks you what you're doing and to move along... The following is a guide to UK, US and Aus based amateur photographers rights... I hope this helps some of us to understand what we are and are not allowed to do, where we're allowed to do it and so on... [cont...]
Where's my daddy?
Eight year-old Zheng Lin Xin, who I met this morning, doesn't know where her daddy is.
Zheng Da Jing was taken from Beijing against his will two weeks ago by government officials from his home province of Hubei.
His wife hasn't heard from him since.
Mr Zheng had come to the capital to petition the state council for justice in a property dispute that has left his family homeless.
He's one of thousands from across China who gather in the city to exercise their ancient right to have their pleas heard.
But the Beijing authorities don't want the petitioners causing a nuisance as the city prepares for the communist party congress in a few weeks' time, or generally cluttering the streets as the 2008 Olympics approaches.
So they send them home, often against their will and under cover of darkness.
Nobody knows the exact numbers, but human rights groups receive a steady stream of reports about people being removed each week.
Xin's mum cries as she tells us the story, but the little girl just smiles and tries out her English on us.
"Thank you," is the only phrase she knows.
Reflections 07-07-07
So very excited that my "reflections of London 07-07" photo has been selected to appear in a book that will be sold with the profits going to UNICEF
Thanks so much!
Sime
It must be followed by tangible action.
Sime, (...a letter to me)
That is a pretty logic and significant question because I have personally seen some very visible direct negative effects on the environment caused by nature photographers themselves!!!. The first type is accidental - anyone who has photographed any of the "charismatic mega-fauna" of India can probably recall situations where photographers were climbing over one another - and vegetation and wildflowers - to get a better shot of that _______ (bear, lion, elephant or whatever). They didn't mean to trample that rare and endangered orchid, but they still did it. And, unfortunately, I've also seen examples of intentional negative impact - I've actually watched a photographer painstakingly line up a shot of a flower and then, after getting his shot, promptly pluck the flower - presumably to keep anyone else from getting the shot! And these same people speak of creating awareness through their photographs.
It's obvious that the creation of awareness (of some problem) is the necessary first step in driving any social change. But, in itself, creation of awareness does nothing. It must be followed by tangible action (e.g., changes in government policy, society's behaviour, etc.) before anything comes of it. When I decided to make the plunge into studying forestry and wildlife, I decided it had to be done with a strong emphasis on conservation. Felix
Felix and I had a brief email between ourselves on flickR, I posed the question "how do we make people aware of nature being destroyed - photograph it being destroyed?" ...this was Felix' reply which I like a lot.. interesting.
Please have a look at Felixs' photos on flickR
PINK FLOYD REUNION!?
So, the word on the street is that David and his bunch of merry men and Roger are going to be coming back to life for a reformation tour. Can you imagine?...Where will it be held?... How much will the tickets be?... What will they play?.. Where are they practicing ALREADY?...
Who knows?.. Maybe someone does?...
I don't but i'm going to digg deeper!... a LOT deeper...
Shine on you crazy diamond...
Coca Cola | India | What really happened?
Coca-Cola in India accused of leaving farms parched and land poisonedPaul Brown, environment correspondentFriday July 25, 2003
More articles HERE, HERE and HERE (it's not all bad!)
The Guardian
The largest Coca-Cola plant in India is being accused of putting thousands of farmers out of work by draining the water that feeds their wells, and poisoning the land with waste sludge that the company claims is fertiliser.
The plant in the southern state of Kerala is designed to satisfy the demand for Coke in what has become the multinational company's fastest growing market.
But its huge demand for water is causing such damage to the local economy that the village council which had granted the company a licence to operate is now demanding the plant's closure. ....Read the whole story here
Talk like a....
Pirate day today. I'm going to go order a coffee over the road and see if I can get away with ordering it in pirate.
My Head Hurts!
SEPTEMBER 19 - YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!
September 19th (every year)
is International Talk Like A Pirate Day
Tell us how ye plan t'celebrate!
[All Hope Abandon, Ye Who Enter Here]
I am not frightened of dying, any time will do....
Where there is Led Zep, there has to Pink Floyd, right?
Pink Floyd - Rumoured to be touring?
Anti-war protest in London - Carolyn Emmerson
This is what I'm demonstrating for to stop them hurting maiming and murdering. I want the peace to start now. I want to make a positive difference with my life- what if we all stand for what we believe in now. I believe in a beautiful world where we can live in harmony with one another. I believe that we no longer must tolerate the wishes of the minority who make war for money. War "good for business- bad for people" a quote from one of Bush, Blair and Brown's corporate bedpals. Let's see the world of beauty all around us and help it to stay that way for our children. Let us claim back our right to think our right to take action and do anything we can to stand in peace against crime, even if the perpetrators are our politicians. Let's stop being scared. Let's be brave and bold- Heroes in our own adventure!!!!!!
For the time being....
I saw this post on DPS this morning... made me chuckle...
Shashikanth Says:
September 18th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
I would like to give some tips for the beginners.
1) Before taking any pictures look for the settings i.e. ISO, aperture, shutter speed…etc. and then shoot. Shoot as many times as possible by changing angle and any of these settings.
2) I think using “Manual mode” is the best way to learn photography skills, as here you have full control on your camera.
3) If you are shooting in night mode, to avoid camera shake “Take a deep breath and press the shutter button hold the breath till the shutter closes”.
4) If you are shooting portraits, ask the subject to look at the camera and focus only at the eyes of the subject…this is one of the best way to get best portraits.
For the time being i am able to give this much of tips…more tips later!!!
How many Stairways?....
In honour of the up and coming Led Zeppelin reformation....
Peo Kindgren
Rodrigo y Gabriela
More to come, watch this space.....
threesixtyfive | the group
Over at flickR I have started a group project called "threesixtyfive" This is, as it says on the tin, a group of people that have commited to taking a self portrait every day for threehundredandsixtyfivedays!... Now, this may seem a bit over indulgent to the casual observer? maybe a little self obsessed?...i'd claim quite the opposite. While 365 shots of yourself does seem like a lot, most of the people in my group are the "person behind the camera" and I know for a fact that I HATE being in photos, I don't like to fake smiles and when i'm in photos I usually have to do just that. So, this is a chance for me to be infront of the camera how I want..
i got my ballot registion for tickets for led zeppelin on 25th november
i got my ballot registion for tickets for led zeppelin on 25th november, originally uploaded by gav_335.
Well, someone else did too... this isn't mine, but one I found on flickR... hmmm... 100,000 hits a minute? 20,000 possible tickets?..
For everything else there's mastercard?... not bl**dy likely!
LED ZEP | GOT TICKETS?
So, who made it into the Led Zeppelin ballot? Who will get tickets? Is there anyway to get tickets without going into the ballot?... All these questions will be answered... No idea by whom or when, but I'm working on it!!...
I made it onto the site and managed to even register, the next bit I guess is to be accepted / win a vote in the ballot...
UKPRESS has this to say.... About 20 million fans have rushed to get tickets for Led Zeppelin's comeback gig, promoters said....[cont...]
BlackDog | Just to warm you up...
Is this you?
...an amusing website I stumbled across whilst looking for some facts on the London Underground...
www.isthisyou.co.uk
Well, is it you?....
threesixtyfive
threesixtyfive is coming along nicely, we have 57 members and a load of photos so far. The group continues to grow slowly...
It's been an interesting process this first week, with people starting with very "safe" shots - with the odd exception of one or two showing a bit more about themselves.
My photos have pretty much been scary, dark shots with a smile creeping in on day four to balance things up a little.
I don't like smiling in photos, I don't like my teeth basically... I'll get over it!
Well, 357 photos to go, will give you another update next week!..
Notables for me, from this week include....
and...
See y'all next week and thanks!... this is fun, right...
RIP Big fella... RIP...
Opera great Pavarotti dead at 71
3 hours ago
ROME (AFP) — Operatic legend Luciano Pavarotti, whose showmanship and crossover celebrity turned him into a global superstar, died Thursday at his home in northern Italy at the age of 71.
threesixtyfive day:1
threesixtyfive | will we be smiling at the end of it.
i'm posting rain hail or shine... through thick and thin...
interesting experiment.
Tree Nation...
Have a look HERE and offer your support?... I mean, we all like breathing, right?
Together with you we will create a park by planting 8 million trees in the shape of a giant heart in the Sahara desert, to fight Poverty, Global Warming and Desertification.There's more you can do: Tell your friends, your family, and your co-workers to join the Tree-Nation project, we need as many people in the world to join us and help create our giant heart! You can help just by being active and spreading the word. Make contacts, discussions and encourage people to join. The world is changing and it needs all of us.
optimistic, good luck...
365.02.002...maybe
This is Jill, She is a writer who is a photographer who has mysterious eyes... Brilliant!
threesixtyfive | day one
My friend Naturespixel and I have started a threesixtyfive. We are going to take selfportraits of some description for the next year and see where we come out at the other end.
Why don't you dust off your camera and join in?
Well?... why not?
HERE
Rules | Made to be broken
Photography - Rules of Composition
Composition is defined as the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a whole. In photography that definition is very important in taking quality pictures. The following rules of composition should be learned and considered but not necessarily used in every photo. Once you have learned these rules you will be more observant of the possible photo opportunities that surround you. But keep in mind that the really famous photographers usually find a creative way to stretch or break the rules of composition.
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds has been used through the centuries and is probably the most recognized rule. The rule of thirds directs that the frame can be divided into three vertical sections and three horizontal sections. Wherever the separating lines connect is an ideal spot for a subject or point of interest. By positioning your main subject at any of the four intersection points, you are giving your subject more emphasis than if it is right in the middle of the photo. The intersection points can also work if there is more than one main subject in a photo. Most famous photographs and paintings have the rule of thirds applied to them in some way or another.
SIMPLICITY
The simplicity rule directs that you should keep the items in your photo relatively simple. If your main subject is close to the lens, then your background should be very simple in order to avoid distractions. Another good idea is to avoid objects or lines that lead the eye away from your main subject.
CONTRAST
The contrast rule directs that light subjects should be placed against dark backgrounds and vice versa.
FRAMING
The framing rule directs that using natural surroundings mindfully can add more meaning and focus to your subject. The surroundings could be anything such as bushes, windows, trees or even a doorway. When using this rule be sure to focus on the main subject and not on the surroundings that are framing it. It is also a good idea to use a narrow aperture (high f/stop) when using this rule in order to create a high depth-of-field.
TEXTURE
The texture rule can add a great amount of interest to most photos. When people see texture in a photo it can spark their imagination and make the photo more real to life. Texture would be a good idea when taking photos of rocks, walls, surfaces, hands or even leaves. In order to create texture try to compose your photo so the light is coming from the side and therefore casting shadows in key places.
DIAGONALS
The diagonal rule directs that diagonal elements or lines can make a photo more dynamic. Diagonal elements could be fence posts, roads or even tree branches.
LEADING LINES
The leading lines rule can be used to direct the eye deeper into a photo and commonly to the main subject. Leading lines can lure the eye to a subject by leading to it from any side or depth of the photo. Leading lines could be roads, rivers, tree branches or even bridges.
COLOR
The color rule is what adds interest and emotion to your pictures. Different color configurations can inspire and amaze viewers. Colors can also be used to accent certain parts of a photo.
It might not be a bad idea to keep these key terms with you when you practice taking photos. The best way to learn and improve your composition is just to use them often and to experiment.
Window closes, Door opens...
I had my ixus with me before I wandered into the FOO FIGHTERS mosh, but alas, when I walked out - it was gone.
So I need a new compact and with much to choose from, I think I have settled on a solution....
EITHER... I get me a new mobile (RIP Blackberry) with a decent (for a camera phone) camera, or I get me another compact to carry at ALL times...
The choices are (Toby, drum roll please)
LADIESSS AND GENTLEEEMENSSS...IN THE RED CORNER....
The cameraphone - Sony Ericsson K850i (release due for Oct 2007)
See it HERE
ANNNND IN THE BLUE CORNER....
The compact digital, the Canon Ixus 960is (Due for release now'ish) See it HERE
So I need a new compact and with much to choose from, I think I have settled on a solution....
EITHER... I get me a new mobile (RIP Blackberry) with a decent (for a camera phone) camera, or I get me another compact to carry at ALL times...
The choices are (Toby, drum roll please)
LADIESSS AND GENTLEEEMENSSS...IN THE RED CORNER....
The cameraphone - Sony Ericsson K850i (release due for Oct 2007)
See it HEREANNNND IN THE BLUE CORNER....
The compact digital, the Canon Ixus 960is (Due for release now'ish) See it HERE
The road to peace...
Dear All,
Wonderful to meet you all in Parliament Square
As promised info.2 get us all on the road to peace. Start the Peace Now. Below is a very important article- Please pass it on. Also check short film(5 mins) on www.bushflash.com- the film is called "Poisonous Legacy. Good films 2 watch so that you know what the world has become according to the monsters at the top; 'The Money Masters', '911- British Broadcasting Conspiracy', 'The Corporation'. If you look on google at Artcle 25 statute of Rome you will see that it actually illegal under international law to provide the means, ie taxes, fines, assets, costs when the govt is engaged in acts of genocide etc. To understand the illegality of this war under the law check the Preamble of the statute of Rome and Articles 6, 7, and 8a- these tell you what constitutes genocide, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity. Any info that you have that you consider may be of help to me please pass to me and please pass all info on to all your contacts. Power to the People!! By the way if you wish to find the article below indepenently look on google keying in the title. Good websites to check Indymedia, Anti-war.com, prisonplanet, rense.com. Love and best wishes Carolyn xx
Cowboy of the building trade....
Sat in starbucks just meters away from the "cowboy of the building world" He's wearing cowboy boots, black tight jeans, a black "leather look" jacket, dark sun glasses and what looks like a silver plater tape measure in a leather "quick draw" holster on his hip... I kid you not and if (shame!) I had my camera with me, i'd have a picture of him up here by now... he's just left... I wonder if he is the sort of builder that goes around fighting "crime"... "MAAM, back away from that door frame, it needs measuring to comply with building regulations".... hell, I don't know
PRAMS: People with babies need prams, I realise this, BUT, why do they need prams with disk brakes, prams with leather covers, prams with three wheels similar to that of my first BMX, prams with bits and pieces that fold up much like a "transformer"... we are talking optimus prime eat your heart out.... You could go to war in some of these bad boys.... it really is war of the pram user, forget the chelsea tractor (or Toorak if you're reading this in Australia) ...it's all about the pram now a days...
I have started a group on flickR called threesixtyfive... I know, everyone is doing it, but why not... you need to take a self portrait once a day for threesixtyfive days... why not?.. watch yourself change?...
Floored.....
I know I know.... I go on..bla blah bla blah bla blaaah.... What ever.... LOVE THIS SONG
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