Sunday, April 18, 2010

A BIG PHOTO ORGANIZING CHALLENGE AHEAD

DSC_0015Been working on the desk top's Live Writer today in an effort to get all 3 computer Live Writer's to function the same so the blog remains consistent.   No easy task for memory cells already on overtime but I have made some headway.  Biggest stumbling block was my desktop LW format. Typing space was very narrow compared to the laptops.  Took me awhile to figure it out & had to go to 'Blogs'-'Edit Blog Settings'-'Editing.'  Once there I clicked the 'Refresh Theme' & LW updated the desktop computer & my screen switched to the wider format like the lappys.  I was instantly transported once again to Happy Camper status:))  Might be a few things to tweak out yet like print &  photo spacing, plus picture sizes.

DSC_7100 DSC_7095 DSC_7099I began a project today that I have been putting off for a long time.  Way too long!!  With the addition of the second laptop this past winter & tripled my confusion by downloading photos on 3 separate computer hard drives plus an external hard drive.  No big deal if you just take a few pictures here & there occasionally.  I have literally thousands scattered about!! 

DSC_0009I do have them in some kind of order on each computer though but I want to bring everything together in an organized fashion & separate into groups plus I have all last winter's trip to assemble into Picasa Web Albums.  I also have a Smug Mug account & plan to finally use this photography site to begin organizing photos into categories .  Flowers, Animals, Sunsets, Locations, Special Occasions, etc. etc.  I plan to go all through my stuff choosing only the best photos to be shown in Smug Mug.  I have a sunrise/sunset category in there right now that is so long it would put you to sleep so I have to get in there with my delete button & do some hacking & cutting.  I do have a few other albums on the site but I will be doing a lot of editing in them as well.  You can access the site by going to AL'S SMUG MUG SITE but keep an eye out because I will be in there somewhere very soon madly hacking away!!

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MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM

A cool cloudy morning but we finally coaxed the sun out about mid afternoon.  Looks like the days will be warming up this week.

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Phil had a question about how often do I use a tripod for my photos.  Wished I could say, 'a lot,' but that isn't the case.  A tripod is essential for getting those really crisp & sharp photos, especially of flowers.  They are also imperative in lower light situations like early dawn.  So, why don't I use my tripod?  I can hardly even think up a good excuse for that question.  Too lazy to carry one I guess.  I'm not a perfectionist either so that's why I am not a professional.  I pretty much hand hold every photo & am reasonably steady at doing that but it still doesn't excuse not using a tripod.  My enlarged photos wouldn't stand up in clarity to the next guy beside me using a tripod.  But, they are OK for the blog here & I have no intentions of ever printing or enlarging anything anyway.  Just not interested in that.

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And speaking of tripods, I have 3 stand-up tripods & 3 table top pods   One Slik 88N tripod I have had since the mid 80's & it's held together with duct tape & wooden splints.  I usually mount my binoculars on that one.  I do have a larger pod that I use with my telescope lens.  That lens/telescope is so heavy it cannot be hand held so is always mounted on a tripod when I use it.  Mainly for birds or moon shots at night.  Anyway, hope that helps a bit & thanks for asking Phil:))

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I normally shy away from photo contests & stuff like that because I do not have a competitive personality.  It's probably why I don't care for any kind of sports either.  Bayfield is having a photo contest for people to send in 4 of their best Bayfield photos for an upcoming calendar to be sold in the village.  Normally I wouldn't enter something like that but Kelly talked me into it & below are my 4 reluctant entries.  It is now four days before the contest closes & so far there are 67 entries which can be seen here at BAYFIELD CALENDAR.

DSC_0032Inner harbor DSC_0051 Sunset Cruise
DSC_0015-3Pioneer Park DSCF054811 Lone Bench

On the Bayfield Calendar site you will see the name 'Stargeezerguy' guy below my photos.  That is the name I use on my Flickr photo account which happens to be  hosting all the photo entiries.DSC_0012

GROANER'S CORNER:((  What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?
For bird flu you need tweetment and for swine flu you need oinkment.

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Tourists see the world, travelers experience it.

BLOGGER WEBSITE http://thebayfieldbunch.com/

OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/

The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now...... AL.

7 comments:

  1. Did read you correctly that you have SIX tripods? I've always wanted to get one but just never did it - too lazy!

    I love the four photos you selected for th contest, and I'm glad Kelly talked you into entering. Good luck.

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  2. All 4 of those pics look like winners to me Al. I really like the one of park bench in the snow. As for tripods, I have 2 - a tabletop and a full one and I haven't used either in years.

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  3. Now that's my kind of a groaner! :) I may just use that on my bird tours along with the one about what you call a chicken crossing the road.

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  4. That Lone Bench photo should certainly get into the calendar, and if they don't pick the other three as well, someone is playing games!
    We have one tripod, and I seldom use it. It's great, though, for when I want to get into the picture. As long as I don't trip on the tripod leg while dashing into the scene!

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  5. I think all 4 photos are award winners, Al. Glad Kelly talked you into entering..Hey, what the heck...you make some of the best "memories" that we have ever seen..Lots of luck!!!

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  6. Your photos in your blog are awesome! Every day!

    Brenda Hart

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  7. Great choices. Good luck with the contest.

    Hey, if you think of it, while you are mucking around with Smugmug and your Picasa online accounts, turn on RSS feeds so I can "read" new photo entries in them after you post them. I use Blogthings as my feed reader. Sites that make me read them in the original format may get viewed once in a hound's age...

    Thanks in advance.

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