Since this is a UK group, I think a short trip to the UK would be required. However, as I am not in the UK myself, and would be unlikely to be able to attend, despite wanting to, I am not the best person to push such an event forward.

But if I were still in London, I would find a talk on advanced studio lighting to be very interesting and useful.

G

The title of your message "Not Pleased with Final Outcome..Print?" suggests that the problem was not one of conception, but of execution.

It is interesting, Ben, that comments on your work, on this forum, have tended to praise your execution more than your various conceptions. I have myself, I think, refrained from commenting on your work so far, but personally I rather like your style.

You did mention the possibility of a class in technique at some point. Has anything come of that? As you say, a person's artistic vision is his own affair, something perhaps to be stimulated, but certainly not taught. Execution, on the other hand, things like how to use light, and post-processing tips, CAN be taught, and there is an eager audience.

G

I shall be giving Ubuntu a whirl soon. But I don't think you can recommend any system that doesn't support Irfanview and Silkypix.

G

If you don't use the right tools, you'll not get much benefit from digital.

G

The previous advice, whilst useful, misses an important point.

Your camera is capable of outputting different sorts of image file. The main two possibilities are:

JPEG, a compressed image file which has had (what the camera considers to be) unnecessary detail removed.

RAW, which is the original image data captured by the camera. This file is much larger, because no detail has been discarded. The advantage is that you can recapture information that might have been lost if you shoot JPEG.

Every camera has it's own RAW version. Pentax RAW files all have the extension ".PEF", but they are not all the same under the skin.

Most serious snappers shoot RAW, but not all. If you are a methodical person who gets his exposure right first time and every time, the need for RAW is somewhat reduced. John Riley is such a person. I am not.

I mention these two because, if you decide to shoot RAW, you will need a RAW Converter. which is a program that converts RAW files to common image formats like JPEG or TIFF, and allows you to optimise the image before doing so.

Some editing programs come with their own RAW Converters, some don't. Several people on this forum like to use Silkypix, several use the RAW converter that Adobe provides. You just need to be aware of the difference between a RAW convertor, which is a sort of digital developing and printing program, and programs like Photoshop which are image manipulation programs capable of changing your picture out of all recognition.

But remember, with flexibility comes complexity.

If you have never used any sort of image editing program at all, I suggest you start by shooting JPEG.

Then download Irfanview ( http://www.irfanview-stop.com/index.asp?s=go-uk&a=irfanview&kw=irfanview ), and take the Enhance Colours option on the Image menu. That'll get you started with the absolute basics. When you grow out of Irfanview, think about a proper program.

G

I'm glad it's arrived safely and you're pleased with it. If you confirmed receipt, I haven't had it. No doubt my email prog. I get so much spam nowadays that quite a lot of good stuff gets thrown out like the baby with the bathwater.

It's a well-travelled lens, incidentally. I got it from California, so it's probably happy to be back in the sun, sharing a glass of Gata and some sardines assadas.

G

There's more Halls than merkins, that's for sure.

At least, I think it's for sure.

G

??????

You've lost me there, Don.

Very interesting photographer. http://www.timhallphotographer.com/frameset.html

But what is the connection?

G

Could we please have a new rule.

New users should be required to post a photo of themselves.

I am keen to see what Merkin51 looks like.

G

Correction. We've all read it except one person.

G