Outing with Sharing/Education - Feedback

[VanGogh53]

Had a discussion with Feng Wei today, and it seems that the group has covered almost every corners of Singapore. How to take it to the next level of excellence? Besides fellowship, how about education? I noted some of you have incredible photos - either on technique, post production, flash, strobes, etc... I noted JK will bring along his DIY umbrella, and some DIY diffuser, and noted Denis beautiful blog; and many of you have award winning photos. Perhaps in an outing, one of you (the sifus) can take up a topic and share your skill with the team. We need a bit more planning, to get a topic. For those with computer, we may even need a projector. This could be done over breakfast for 45 min or so, before we go out to try some of the learning. Of course we can't do post production on the field. At least we know who to consult.

I find even the flash comparision of 540AF and Metz 58 is useful. We accelerate the learning so much faster.

Just an idea for all of you to give feedback. If it can take off, I hope this will be a contribution to the growing photographic community, and perhaps Emjay or SLR Revo or OP may even contribute to the group...

 

[whiteshades]

Wow sounds like a great idea! For newbies like me its definitely a welcome! It'll really speed up the learning process! This Pentax fellowship is really awesome!

Something that just came up in my mind. If a location was necessary to stage such a workshop, I guess it will only be fair that those attending be chipping in to pay off the rental fee. This is provided if there is sufficient pax size to warrant a need for such a place.

Looking at what you guys have discussed it seems more advanced 'workshops' being catered. Maybe I may also suggest that the seniors be able to conduct some workshops to introduce newbies to the Pentax cameras once in-awhile maybe twice a year? I mean, including myself and looking at the rate the K-x is flying off the shelves I think there is a demand. When I'm more well-versed with my (soon to arrive) camera I would gladly give back to newer newbies. Good to cultivate the spirit of sharing.

While I certainly feel uncomfortable that for such learning sessions to be totally free, I mean hey, you guys spent loads of money and time to get where you are in photography today; it would be better if it was voluntary teaching (which is of course what VanGogh53 & FengWei is suggesting at the moment).
I fear the situation where money or rewards is involved, things get sticky and problems arise. Whether the 'students' would like to give something to the mentor on their own will is up to them.

I hope the seniors here don't feel that i'm stepping above my place as I know I'm new to this forum but I think that these are things that should be addressed as well to prevent future problems and conflicts. Forgive me if you feel that I'm out of line but I think it's important that it'd be discussed.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Supersimon27]

It will be great if it really come true . There is so much to learn for newbie like me.
Think a lot of senior can be instructor ….

 

[creampuff]

Not difficult, just need a meeting room or a function room that can seat a small group of people. I have a projector that can be used. Also the topics to cover need to be thought through first.

 

[gigahz]

Ups for this..

 

[fengwei]

Good suggestion. It'd make our outing more interesting especially for newbies. We might combine this w/ our monthly outing if guys still wanna go out and click around. Just spare a couple of hours for a nice chitchat while guys like Denis show their faces and knowledges to us all

 

[tabako]

I have a few suggestions for outing/gathering.

1) Studio - portrait/fashion shoot
2) Jurong birdpark - learn birding
3) Nature reserve/park - learn macro
4) somebody's kitchen - learn food photography
5) Product table/light tent - product photography

 

[felixcat8888]

I have a few suggestions for outing/gathering.

1) Studio - portrait/fashion shoot
2) Jurong birdpark - learn birding
3) Nature reserve/park - learn macro
4) somebody's kitchen - learn food photography
5) Product table/light tent - product photography

No 3 done before at Bt Timah and Pulau Ubin

 

[tabako]

No 3 done before at Bt Timah and Pulau Ubin

but i didn't go mah. And now got more members already.

 

[creampuff]

To me, post processing work flow is more important than any specific area of photography.
Reason is no matter what your subject matter, it is important to establish a consistent method to edit, catalog and process to ensure the finished image is as close as what we conceive it to be.

Ideally, any photo session indoors would best conducted in a studio setting. For outdoor shoots, small group sessions would work best. Just last month I saw a bunch of newbie Canon shooters being instructed on the basics by some so-called instructors at Botanic Gardens. In the time I listened in, all I can say was the session was pretty half baked and those suckers probably paid good money for crappy info that they could have gleaned from some books from the library. So if Pentax reputation is not to be diminished, better ensure any session is not a half baked effort.

 

[VanGogh53]

I agree with Denis that it should be done in a professional manner. We can start informally in many ways. Example, if we are out in Sg Road, and one of the few focus is portraits (I saw some beautiful ones); then we can sit down and have someone to facilitate on how to approach portrait shots at that location. What are the pitfalls, what type of lens (recommended aperture, mm), perspective; how to seek permission to take, how to react, if they are negative to the requests; sharing of some magazines with good portraits etc...Perhaps in the next outing, a few can initiate by doing one preparation, and see the response, whether it is worth all these effort, or just a waste of time...

 

[Supersimon27]

I have a few suggestions for outing/gathering.

1) Studio - portrait/fashion shoot
2) Jurong birdpark - learn birding
3) Nature reserve/park - learn macro
4) somebody's kitchen - learn food photography
5) Product table/light tent - product photography

how about how understand and use flash correctly ? felixcat8888 can give us a good lesson . Jus a suggestion

 

[pinholecam]

Great work to starting this thread. Yes, I do think we should 'one up' the Pentax community, not by better gear but by better techniques for everyone.
I will certainly look forward to the sessions.

I do however, encourage everyone to just step out and start asking during the outings itself. Look at the photos of the gurus here, remember who is good at shooting what (ie. still life, macros, portrait, etc) and don't feel shy to approach them for more hands-on during the outings.

 

[fengwei]

Just wanna let you guys know that if we need a training room w/ projector and white board, this has been taken care of And big thanks to one of our oldie Pentax user for helping us out on this :thumbsup:

 

[ishou80]

Looks good. Now we need instructors =P

 

[neon2]

Great initiative! But as I imagine this whole sharing session of Pentaxians becomes reality, I foresee a flock of people wanting to join our outing group. I am worried that it might grow so big that we have problem handling the crowd.

Do we want to impose some restrictions to prevent this from happening? Or is it going to be a "anything goes" session? Do we limit to Pentax users only?

As usual when something is free, there are bound to be flocking crowds.

 

[scorpioh]

Great initiative! But as I imagine this whole sharing session of Pentaxians becomes reality, I foresee a flock of people wanting to join our outing group. I am worried that it might grow so big that we have problem handling the crowd.

Do we want to impose some restrictions to prevent this from happening? Or is it going to be a "anything goes" session? Do we limit to Pentax users only?

As usual when something is free, there are bound to be flocking crowds.

Owning a Pentax camera is the minimum I guess.

 

[Supersimon27]

Owning a Pentax camera is the minimum I guess.

And wearing the Pentax polo-T is the uniform ... lol

 

[Reportage]

it depends on the topic of discussion.

if like discussing the advantages of Green Button, Tav and the built in lens AF option in the Custom Menu...that would leave only those interested in the Pentax system. Something like the Olympus or m4/3 meet ups.

If discussing general topics like how to take photo and so on, that has been covered by the Workshops people or can be done during the outings.

 

[fengwei]

Free for Pentaxians. For non Pentaxians, they need to buy drinks and desert for all the attendants ;p