Chicks on Sticks

Because of the weather, sudden gusty wind and rain, I was surprised these girls were appearing on stilts.

C & C welcome, especially hints on background improvements

[IMG]http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g406/tyronet2000/ChicksonSticks-1.jpg[/IMG]

To be honest the weather and the light haven't done you any favours here ( IMHO ). Maybe a tweak in Levels and Curves might bring it out a bit?

The background looks like it might have been messy wherever you stood, but maybe standing a little further left, so that "The Dome" was your entire background might have worked better?

Is that why they are hanging onto the tree. What about a B&W conversion? Tone down the background and highlight the figures

Yes Ted, It was one of those days and locations The first shots I took of these girls (deleted) looked like they had been struck by lightning, like taking a flash snap looking in a mirror. The posted pic is a crop of the "best bits"

That's right Barrie. I'll try a b&w conversion, this event is on every 10years I belive so lots of time to practice getting it right using the camera

Every 10yrs? is it The Floriade in Holland?
CHEERS Vic.

Yes it is Vic, and I recommend it if you like walking, it covers a vast area. We got in at 1100hrs and left about 1600hrs and didn't see all of it As Gwyn said in another post it would probably be better (photographically) in another month or two, ( when it stops raining )

My wife and I are going tomorrow as you can only see the "Keukenhof Flower Festival" on the same trip if you go in April. We missed the last one and may not be able to do the next one. (We're getting on a bit).
As to the weather, I looked it up this morning and it doesn't look to good. Ah well my K5 with standard lens should be OK. It's my 10-20 & my 24-60 Sigmas I'll have to be carefull with. Do you think it would be worth while to take a 70-300 or not. CHEERS Vic.

The weather is due to improve this weekend. Maybe.

I hope so as Monday is Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) when everyone celebrates and gets togged out in Orange.

Hope your tour has taken that into account Vic! Amsterdam will be chaos on Monday as will most places.

Have a good trip anyway.

Think you will enjoy Keukenhof more than Floriade. Liz and I loved it even though the weather wasn't at its best. What I took with me was the K7 a Pentax 18-135mm WR which was used almost full time, a Tamron 10-24mm which I didn't use a lot and the 55-300mm which I can't recall using at all. I think for Floriade I'd consider the weight of kit because it is a lot of ground to cover. As I'm still pretty much at the start of the learning curve in photography I'm sure more proficient members of the forum will give you better advice regarding kit. Have a Great Time

Thanks for the heads up on the weather & Koninginnedag Gwyn, I might even get a photo or 2 of some of the locals? We'll be staying 3 nights in Valkeburg & 1 night Den Haag.

Stan. Thanks, I think I might leave the 70-300 at home & just take the 10-20-----18-55-----24-60 then I'm pretty well covered.
I've just done a workshop with Wolves, Bears, & Lynx and took the short lenses and only used the 70-300 & the50-500 on my K7 & K5. What do you think about a monopod yea or nay? Also what about a flash?
CHEERS Vic

I've only tried a monopod once (in Canterbury Cathedral) and found it awkward so can't advise. As regards a flash I would say yes if you are visiting the Velvet Cave in Valkenburg, not sure about the lighting in the Town Cave. Guide speaks Dutch but they will give you a sheet with notes in English which is great if you can see in the dark as the only light is from the guides tilley lamp so a small torch may be of use . I got some pics using iso 1600 without flash (got battery exhausted when I tried the pop up flash ) Liz got much better shots using the lumix and built it flash. Hope this helps

Flash could be useful for if it is dull - bit of fill flash can work wonders.
If the monopod fits bring it - you may not use it, but if you leave it behind you could be cursing .

Thanks Stan. I'll take the flash & the monopod as I'm used to using it & it doesn't take up much room & it's not to heavy.
Where in Northumberland are you? I was born in the city of Newcastle and lived my first 7yrs in Lemington then moved to South Sheilds.
Gwyn. Are you anywhere near any of the places we will be?

CHEERS Vic

PS. Getting back to the stilts.
A scotsman for an advert once around the town did stroll,
But On a pair of stilts in scotsmans kilts, OH DON'T THE WIND BLOW COLD.
CHEERS Vic.

Vic, I'm in Newbiggin by the Sea but was born in North Shields. Emigrated to Lowestoft in 1978 and returned to the North East 2006 so just getting to know the area again.