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    • Archive for February, 2014

    Not Toblerone Cheesecake but still a treat…


    2014 - 02.23

    Posted in Goals, Photography, Tech, Work | No Comments »

    In my pursuit to rid myself of the Perils of Microsoft outside of work hours, I’ve just about completely retired the PC. Over the last 12 months I’ve changed my approach to it and only turn it on when necessary. Let’s face it, I’ve not been using Windows for anything other than games at home for several years now. Yes I have a beefy PC, but really I’ve not been using it for much other than games since I started using the Intel Macs. This week I received my most recent addition: 27″ iMac with 256 Gig SSD, Nvidia GTX 780, 32 Gig RAM. Couple that with a 4TB USB 3 external (soon to be Thunderbolt hopefully) and I’ve pretty much given the PC it’s last call.

    Basically it’s this year’s treat.

    The last couple of years I’ve been busy making the most of the $AU for overseas shopping with regard to Photography Equipment. Now that the $AU is losing it’s ground, I will now be consolidating my Photography skills & techniques with the very good gear I’ve managed to accumulate thanks to the value for money overseas shopping has provided the last couple of years. Hopefully this year I will manage to come up with some solution for my Studio needs, and be getting a few shots into some of the competitions I’ve been watching over the last couple of years. I honestly believe I’m getting to a point where I can submit some work. No doubt I’ll be getting some arse kicking once I start submitting, but sooner or later something positive will come of my efforts. I’ve manage to turn one hobby into a career / income, hopefully I can do it again.

    The Glitter of Time…


    2014 - 02.23

    Posted in General, Photography, Tech | No Comments »

    I had a different sort of photography shoot last weekend, a still life, but something a bit different. My friend Stu brought his Watch Collection up for me to shoot for him. He collects watches (mostly diving it seems), and wanted some shots done to be able to present them to other people who also collect such watches. It was definitely good to have a different type of challenge. He wanted them shot in Natural Light, and it’s amazing how much light can reflect off a watch when you’re trying to photograph one. Surprisingly after a few shots with the Macro on the D7000, and then my D600 with the Tamron 24-70mm it was clear that my Tamron 24-70mm was the lens for the shoot.

    Still I learned a trick or two, and although I’ve not finished the post processing yet for him, I feel some good work was achieved, and some new knowledge and skills developed. I’ll get some shots up on Mirrormere in a week or so. Thanks for the chance Stu!

    Cool Breeze under my armpits…


    2014 - 02.23

    Posted in Dreams, General, Health, House, Humour, Photography, Tech, Work | No Comments »

    Things seem to be coming along well in my journey through the Straits of Depression. I’ve managed to keep my head above water for almost a month now, without a profound bout of Depression. That’s not to say the Depression isn’t lurking at every corner, but at the moment I feel a sense of being able to float above it, not completely out of the depths, but at least if I was in quicksand, I’d be able to feel the breeze under my armpits! So far, with the help of my Psychologist, a Team Leader & Manager at work willing to exercise a bit of flexibility, I’m feeling better about a few things, including work. That’s not to say I’m doing Great! However, my days are noticeably changing. I’m up and out of bed most mornings at 06:00 feeling at least like facing the day and trying to some things done. I’m not quite so settled with the being in bed at 22:00 in the evening, that’s a psychological challenge, but I’m making the effort and clearly there’s benefits.

    No, there’s no extension on the house, no there’s no Garage, but at least I’m working towards getting a list of tasks done about the place. In addition I’m starting to enjoy other aspects of life again. My photography is providing me with considerable challenge and enjoyment, and I can honestly say I hope I can turn that into something to give me an income in my later years. There’s a bit of Creative Writing going on again, but I’m not ready to share that yet. I at least am starting to think about the future again, as I’m definitely over IT.

    A time when you wonder…


    2014 - 02.23

    Posted in General | No Comments »

    A couple of weeks ago I attended a funeral for a friend. Helen was what I would consider “one of the best of Souls”. She really was one of those people who took you as you were, and always saw the good in you first and foremost. Even though her life had been difficult at best for a significant number of years, her love for those around her, those she cared for, never seemed to waver. I was privileged to know her and count her as a friend. She will be sorely missed. She was not “a celebrity”, she was not a record breaking athlete, a scientist making new breakthroughs. She was a beautiful human being that exemplified what really makes us great as people. The world is less for her having died. I will miss her, and her partner Mick has my full sympathy and help whenever he needs it.

    Mythos Phase…


    2014 - 02.03

    Posted in General | No Comments »

    My copy of Miskatonic Horror arrived today. That means I now own every expansion for Arkham Horror that’s available except for the Revised Edition of Curse of the Dark Pharaoh. Although I’d not say it’s necessarily the best game I own, it’s my favourite. Can’t wait until the coming weekend to get it all out on the table!