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Well a massive thank you to Greg (Mr Darcy) for making the extra long trip down from Sydney way to the meet I arranged at the Mitchelton Winery here in victoria. A massive thank you to Carlos and Russell (and son Josh) for also making the effort and finding the time to come along. We had a great afternoon meeting each other, learning about new gear, coveting a lot of Greg's gear and I myself had a fiddle with one of Russell's lenses and fell in love with it. Over all a great relaxing day, I think I spent more time talking then I did shooting, but in the end I was happy with what I got from the day, even if I didn't get all the shots I wanted. Still disappointed we couldn't get up to the viewing tower or down to the cellar, next time!

Well i'm attaching a few images from the day (5, i hope thats ok), I was and still am intrigued by the angles of the architecture of the buildings on the grounds and hope to one day get back out there and try find the buildings best angle! So here is one of the Front of the main building:




Here's one of inside the building grounds:



Here's one of the pieces of artwork inside on display, I found it interesting to say the least. I think I nailed the white balance, I think.



Here's one of a Wine Glass, Bottle and Basket that was left lying around on a table we discovered after Greg had headed home: (I like this treatment as it emphasised the hard light which created the harsh Shadows- for an assignment)



Here is my favorite shot of the day, its again the bottle and glass, but on this one I got Carlos to angle the glass for me, which I really liked.



Young Joshua lined up some great shots, so I can't wait to see if Russell posts some of his images too! (and his own)

Also a massive thank you to Carlos for the loan of his lens for a wedding I have this saturday! Will be nice to have the wide angle now! thanks!

bigsarg7 wrote:Greg (Mr Darcy) for making the extra long trip down from Sydney way to the meet I arranged at the Mitchelton Winery here in victoria

a round of applause from this corner!

bigsarg7 wrote:I think I spent more time talking then I did shooting, but in the end I was happy with what I got from the day, even if I didn't get all the shots I wanted.

the best way to learn I reckon!

#2 is nice, great use of the sun and pano format, this is my favourite followed closely by first wine bottle/glass image. The treatment on the wine bottle and glass feels appropriate and my first impression was 'nice'

Great to see it was a good day! top stuff.

Thanks Gerry, I loved listening and just watching what caught everyones eyes. #2 I liked a lot, I to think its nice and is why I am going to use it for my assignment. I think it tells a story of some sort, which can be different to every viewer!

Actually, I like them all. But, I agree that #2 is the
best, followed by the first of the bottle and the
glass although I would have prefer to see some
wine left in the glass. However, as is it tells a story.

I think there is a possible POTW in #2!

I like all of these but #2 really stands head and shoulders above!

I should have added that I am shitty that I couldnt even chance the thought of heading down on the weekend due to family commitments....

Cant wait to see more images

I must agree with Kristen. It was a good day, and really good to meet Greg(Mr Darcy) and Kristen (bigsarg7), and to catch up with Carlos again. Thanks for coming down Greg, it was good to see your RRS setup, and how easy it is to use it all.

Kristen, you must have had one of those black and white cards in your camera ... or your camera is broken ... as I am sure I got some photos with colour in them.

The building certainly had some weird shapes and angles, but the grounds were great to wonder around in.

Of your shots posted, I like #2 the most as well

I think I like your 2nd bottle shot more than the 1st, but only just ...

I am about to post my photos up now. I will sit with Josh tomorrow, and help sort out his photos, and let him post his favourites.

Top shot #2 as mentioned.

Top marks to Greg for driving all the way out there. How far was it?

rflower wrote: it was good to see your RRS setup, and how easy it is to use it all.

Be careful. After I saw his RRS stuff, I am $500 out of pocket buying a ballhead (I don't have a compatible tripod yet ) and a L bracket for a camera which I haven't bought yet.

surenj wrote:How far was it?

1700km round trip or thereabouts. I think I got three photos I am happy with. Maybe 2

I am going to buck the trend here and say I prefer #1, but it seems to be tilted a bit The tower seems to be falling backwards. I nearly always go for the detail.

I like #2 the best.
The tree poking into the top RH corner needs to be replaced with some cloud IMO.

I find the sky and clouds a bit off in #1. Too much contrast or clarity maybe?

Just on a second glance...have you considered trimming off the RHS of #2 so you have a nice offset building (too centered atm) and then the clouds on the left forming a leading line to the sun and that awesome building?