View Full Version : UPDATED 7 FEB - Macro Meet @ Kew Tropical Extravaganza
**Update
Sunday 13th as most of us work during the week so hard to get there.
Kew tropical Extravaganza (http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/tropical-extravaganza/)
Come on Folks all are welcome...
I will PM out my Mobile number before the session to those attending...
10:00 start at the Victoria gate entrance
10:15 head for the exhibition
13:00-14:30 upload some shots onto a laptop to discuss / critique / grab lunch
14:30 finish / head back in if you want to
Cheers
Attendees so far:-
Mipevo6
Sara
Missmanuel
will +1
Trishphoto
Zulpentax?
Feek
Sounds like a plan to me! Kew sounds good, although we also have good park options if people don't want to pay.
King of Groove
18-08-2010, 19:06
Sounds good to me.
Unfortunately I sold my macro lens last year as it wasn't getting much use!!!
Willenium
18-08-2010, 19:07
I don't have a macro lens but sod it, I'll stick my name down for this providing dates don't clash with any of my other plans/commitments.
Depending on when I might join you and still have a spare sigma 105 macro
zulupentax
18-08-2010, 20:48
I will keep an eye on this thread. My days are very unpredictable so do not want to volunteer any assurances, but once you decide on the day and if I can manage then I will certainly join you.
Kew is one place that I am never tired or bored to visit.
Regarding macro lenses, yup, its a fabulous place to take and learn about macro but bear in mind that Kew has lots to offer also. Great landscapes, flowers, beautiful sorroundings and if you don't have macro you can still come out with some stunning shots.
Besides the entry ticket remember that car parking is £6 also in the car park. Unless you manage to park in the sorrounding areas, but usually those free spaces are all taken as its very near residences around
EDITED: oh by the way, sorry I am not exactly an expert in the field, but whatever I know I am most happy to share and learn also with others.
MadMacro
19-08-2010, 07:35
It's a long way for me, but I've always wanted to visit Kew and I'm seriously in need of macro advice.
So depending on when, I'd like to be there.
Ajophotog
19-08-2010, 18:05
I might be able to come along depending on dates. Always find it hard to turn down a bit of a Macro outing. :lol:
So folks,
Any macro experts prepared to come along and offer advice?
I am assuming a weekend in September for this?
Towards the end? maybe 18th or 19th ?
what dates work best ?
trishphoto
26-08-2010, 17:37
I am up for it 18 or 19th sounds good to me
Trish
I can do the 19th, but I'm at a wedding on the 18th.
So folks,
Any macro experts prepared to come along and offer advice?
Don't think you'll get betther then alby in the post above you Martin :thumbs:
Folks,
As the proposed meet clashes with the London Open house event, Kew is likely to be packed.
My suggestion is to postpone to the spring when there are likely to be more flowers and insects about.
Thoughts?
Alternative is to postpone a week or two if folks want to get one in before winter ?
Happy to arrange and sort for last weekend Sep / First week Oct if people want to go ahead.
Let me know by replying with either Autumn or Spring
Martin
Autumn & Spring sounds good to me :D
I've never been to Kew, but if there is stuff still worth seeing in October I'd be happy to go twice.
Another option is how about doing Wisley on the 19th October and doing Kew in the spring....
Tractor Boy
02-09-2010, 19:20
Not too far from sleepy Suffolk so I should be able to make it (Don't tell the OH though :suspect:) but would have to be Spring for me :thumbs:
Nick
zulupentax
03-09-2010, 08:04
Kew is fabulous anytime of the year.
For macro you are spoilt with choices with the tropical house and the indoor areas that are a pure treat.
Having said that I have to admit that there are plenty of things for outdoor photography also so spring is always a great time to go there.
I never seem to manage to go around everything on a single visit anyway. End up fascinated with spots and then spend hours just around there. Last time it was around the pond where there were dragonflies, the previous visit I was stuck in the tropical house, well you can see the pattern can't you? :)
A visit to kew for me is definitely due soon, just a matter of arranging a day that I am free and I will drop by there for a day visit soon
Willenium
03-09-2010, 13:11
I'm fairly easy going so either Autumn or Spring or both should be ok.
trishphoto
03-09-2010, 14:12
I'm fairly easy going so either Autumn or Spring or both should be ok
I would be interested too.
Oh cool I am up for learning Macro - got my Sigma 105mm and never use it! Happy for Autumn or Spring!
Folks,
Great to see the interest level for a Macro meet.
Dues to diary issues I can't do anything in Sep/Oct.
Happy to pick this back up in the new year, but does someone else want to sort out a date for Sep/OCT ?
Cheers
incapete
01-01-2011, 23:35
Hey Martin, thought I'd resurrect this thread as I'm going to try to arrange another butterfly meet at Wisley (thread) (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=284843) and thought you might be interested but also to see if we could get something planned for Kew later in the spring like you suggested?
Hey Martin, thought I'd resurrect this thread as I'm going to try to arrange another butterfly meet at Wisley (thread) (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=284843) and thought you might be interested but also to see if we could get something planned for Kew later in the spring like you suggested?
Hey Incapete, good call...
This looks like it might be a good excuse to get out Macro kits out :-
Kew Tropical extravaganza (http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/tropical-extravaganza-2011.htm)
Who is up for it ? Can I suggest the 19 or 20th Feb.
Please replay with a yes you can and which date works.
Cheers
I'm up for it, but am away that weekend. Did you have any other dates?
I'm up for it, but am away that weekend. Did you have any other dates?
Alternative is 12/13th....
12th or 13th are both fine.
incapete
03-01-2011, 13:51
Looks good to me, I just need to check some dates and will let you know.
I am on a photography course at Barnes WWT the weekend before so I can't make that weekend but would be interested in something in the spring!
sara phipps
05-01-2011, 10:48
Count me in, can't wait to shoot those beautiful orchids :)
boyfalldown
06-01-2011, 10:58
I'm on for this - either weekend works for me
but for a macro meet would avoiding the weekends be an idea - midweek and you can use a tripod?
eta
Besides the entry ticket remember that car parking is £6 also in the car park. Unless you manage to park in the sorrounding areas, but usually those free spaces are all taken as its very near residences around
parkings not to bad - parking directly outside is controlled until 10 am on any day but if you get there shortly afterwards you can always find somewhere
... Kew Tropical extravaganza ... start at the main gate entrance (I think this is the Victoria gate) ... head for the exhibition ...
Map (http://www.kew.org/ucm/groups/public/documents/document/ppcont_008324.pdf)
The Tropical Extravaganza Display (http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/tropical-extravaganza-2011.htm) is in the Princess of Wales Conservatory (http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/garden-attractions-A-Z/Princess-of-Wales-Conservatory.htm).
The map shows that the Victoria gate is the most convenient for rail transport, but the Main gate is closest to the Tropical Extravaganza Display ... and car parking (limited) is at the Brentford gate. I'd stick with your plan to meet at the Victoria gate ... as it has a cafè etc, it's easiest for most people to get to and it's only a little further to the Tropical Extravaganza.
Oh ... I expect to be coming along!
Thanks for organising this,
Bob
incapete
17-01-2011, 20:55
Damn, I'm going to be in Norwich this weekend after all. Hope you all have a good time without me!
The display is open until the 6th March so I'm thinking of going on the weekend of 26th or 26th Feb if there's anyone else who can't make the 12th?
Willenium
18-01-2011, 20:08
The weekend of 19th/20th is my birthday weekend so won't be able to do that. Weekend of 12th/13th should be ok. Speaking to a friend at the moment so may come along with him as his main interest in macro although he has not long been in the hobby.
zulupentax
21-01-2011, 06:25
This sounds interesting. I am always keen on dropping by Kew Gardens whenever there is a chance. I am just wondering whether to carry a tripod or not. Would hate to drag it along and then not being able to use it due to inconvenience around and the crowds. Anyone has any experience on this?
13th Feb works for me or any other sunday. Cannot make it saturdays
missemanuel
23-01-2011, 21:06
Id be interested in this, I always love Kew......:D
boyfalldown
27-01-2011, 11:58
I have to drop out I'm afraid. I now have a wedding booking on the 12th.
Just to mention as well there is a 6 nations match at Twickenham on the 12th, kick off is 2.30 this means that both the tubes to and from Richmond and the roads in the area will be very busy from about 12, till kick off and then again from 4 till around 6. Worth noting if your driving in particular you'll just sit in traffic
Willenium
27-01-2011, 18:14
Have asked my friend about this, he seemed fairly keen so as long as he gives me a definitive answer soon, I will be able to confirm whether I am coming or not.
missemanuel
27-01-2011, 18:51
Im good for the 13th :thumbs:
I cannot do the 13th.Nor can I as I am now away that weekend.
trishphoto
28-01-2011, 23:30
Kew gardans it great you can use Tripods
count me in if that is ok
trishphoto
01-02-2011, 23:43
hi
dont know if i can do this but i can try
I know some one at kew gardens who works their
who could take us into the green house of kew
were visitors can not get in to i may be able to sort this out if i can
and if all would like me to
please let me know as soon pos
Trish
zulupentax
02-02-2011, 07:05
hi
dont know if i can do this but i can try
I know some one at kew gardens who works their
who could take us into the green house of kew
were visitors can not get in to i may be able to sort this out if i can
and if all would like me to
please let me know as soon pos
Trish
Trish, this would be fantastic. If that is possible I would be deeply interested.
Do try and see if we could get access into the green house then.
I for one would be very interested/
Thanks
Amin
Guys, just be aware that if you step into a (presumably hot and humid) greenhouse with your cameras from the cold outdoors it will take absolutely ages (over 15 minutes in my experience) for your gear to come up to temperature and stop misting up. That was certainly the case when visiting a tropical butterfly house last year - in JUNE!. There they had fan heaters at the entrance for people to warm their kit. Foolishly I decided to plough on in without bothering, thinking it would only take a minute or two to stop misting. How wrong I was. In the end, tail between legs, I returned to the entrance to get my gear warmed up properly.
There was no harm done to my gear, but it was simply impossible to take a clear shot with the lens (and viewfinder) covered in condensation. I have no idea whether there will be a similar problem at Kew, but I thought I'd mention it.
p.s. one bit of advice given at the butterfly place was to warm cameras in the footwell of a car en route to the place. That might be a problem at Kew, but perhaps it would be worth tucking cameras inside coats for a few minutes to warm them up with body heat before going into the greenhouse. If you're a sweaty ....er that might not work too well, but it's an idea. A sandwich bag would hopefully overcome that hurdle.
Guys, just be aware that if you step into a (presumably hot and humid) greenhouse with your cameras from the cold outdoors it will take absolutely ages (over 15 minutes in my experience) for your gear to come up to temperature and stop misting up. That was certainly the case when visiting a tropical butterfly house last year - in JUNE!. There they had fan heaters at the entrance for people to warm their kit. Foolishly I decided to plough on in without bothering, thinking it would only take a minute or two to stop misting. How wrong I was. In the end, tail between legs, I returned to the entrance to get my gear warmed up properly.
There was no harm done to my gear, but it was simply impossible to take a clear shot with the lens (and viewfinder) covered in condensation. I have no idea whether there will be a similar problem at Kew, but I thought I'd mention it.
p.s. one bit of advice given at the butterfly place was to warm cameras in the footwell of a car en route to the place. That might be a problem at Kew, but perhaps it would be worth tucking cameras inside coats for a few minutes to warm them up with body heat before going into the greenhouse. If you're a sweaty ....er that might not work too well, but it's an idea. A sandwich bag would hopefully overcome that hurdle.
Good advice...
I went to this last year. It is nowhere near as hot and humid as the butterfly places.....However I did keep my kit in my bag until I went in...
I am stuck at London Excel for a work event, but will be updating this thread at the weekend with final details... please reply if you want to come along...
boyfalldown
02-02-2011, 09:05
Is very good advice - the Palm house and to a lesser extent the Princess of Wales conservatory at Kew are both very hot, and very humid and although it may not take 15 minutes to warm kit up it does take a while
I'd also suggest making sure you have a couple of lens cloths as well
Willenium
02-02-2011, 22:59
Spoke to my mate this evening when he popped over to show me his new Tamron 70-300. He's up for it so count us in :)
Just out of interest, is there an entry cost or is it free to public? If there is an entry fee, how much is it?
boyfalldown
03-02-2011, 05:34
Spoke to my mate this evening when he popped over to show me his new Tamron 70-300. He's up for it so count us in :)
Just out of interest, is there an entry cost or is it free to public? If there is an entry fee, how much is it?
£13 entry fee for an adult
incapete
06-02-2011, 20:37
We had the same problems at Wisley today, and that was with us spending time getting them aclimatised in the outer areas first... No real getting away from it so take your time, bring a lens cloth, and don't even think about changing lenses unless it's all fully warmed up or you'll mist your mirror too.
Hi Martin, please put me down for this, might also have a mate from work joining us.
I have been watching this thread with interested as I would love to come but just can't get there this weekend.
If anyone is meeting another weekend then I would definitely like to come along as I could do with some pointers. I have only ever used some macro rings but have finally taken the plunge and have my 100mm on the way!
Added Feek to post 1
Claire, welcome to the Macro club :-)
I am sure we can always find another excuse later in the year :-)
missemanuel
10-02-2011, 18:29
Looking forward to my first TP meet! Be kind people! :D
Looking forward to my first TP meet! Be kind people! :D
I have been to a few meets now, I have always found everybody to be passionate about photography and generally a great bunch of folks...
We look forward to meting you..
missemanuel
11-02-2011, 12:42
I have been to a few meets now, I have always found everybody to be passionate about photography and generally a great bunch of folks...
We look forward to meting you..
Thanks Martin,
Would it be okay to get your mobile incase i get lost, cant spot anyone etc?:thinking:
Mobile number sent via PM to all the attendees. Let me know if you want to come and haven't put your name down yet...
Mobile number sent via PM to all the attendees. Let me know if you want to come and haven't put your name down yet...
Hmm couldn't send to Trishphoto....
Hey folks, Hope to see you at Kew later this morning, if you haven't put your name down you can still come....
A small turnout, great to meet Will, Angus and Sara as well as Sara and Nitin.
The flowers were fantastic and the 6 of us all got some decent shots.
We started out in the greenhouses, trying to capture the stunning beauty and colours of the tropical flowers. We reviewed some shots over a quick sandwich discussing what we liked and didn't. We then headed back in to the greenhouses to finish the day....
I will post a threat in Macro / Closeup for out shots.
A good day out :thumbs:
missemanuel
13-02-2011, 17:55
Thanks Martin
Great to meet you all.........will be sorting out my shots! I hope u got lots of good stuff after our break!
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