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Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:07 pm
by DebT
Hi, well we have been seen and shot the Pandas in Adelaide ..at long last
8:15 am crowd around 250 but well organised and the pandas were eating and playing
the enclosure (during quarantine) somewhat difficult (understatement) , the glass is 1 in thick and each panel is a different angle so LOTS of reflections from all sides, and overhead, lots of reflections and colors from crowds, and over enclosure fluro lighs reflect on inside of glass ...mmmm
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our few minutes near the glass was enjoyable but not enough to work out how to get the best shots
using the 24-70 2.4 I was a bit slow and even with CP against the glass and hand shielding reflections not a great 1st attempt
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went back for the 3:15 session crowd under 50 , really great except the pandas were asleep so lots of bums and backs
used the nifty 50 1.8 - much better
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after a pass in the front row you go behind the 'fence' until everyone passes by - if you get a clear shot from the distance good luck - but not impossible if the pandas are on the rocks, then they take the 'fence' down so you can go back to the glass and shoot - most of the mums and kids had gone by then so quite OK

While no great shots today I am encouaged to go back again and again and think we will eventually get them sorted.
The outside enclosures will be sensational after Jan .

The best thing is the zoo appears to be open from 8:15 so tomorrow I'm going again but sneaking off to the tigers first off and may try the pandas a bit later in the morning .
The bad thing the back gate and old front gate are no longer open so park near the new gate to save a very long walk PS did take a couple of nice head shots with the 300 from the back of the room but had the milky haze from the reflections - but something to work on
Have fun
DebT

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:42 pm
by DanielA
Thanks for the recon Deb. :D

I'm heading in Sunday. I was planning on using the 80-400 to just focus on headshots (trying to minimise reflections), but it sounds like it's very dark. Might have to reconsider...

Daniel

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:11 pm
by DebT
Hi, no it's not dark but if you don't stand up the front almost on the glass everyone will stand in front of you - there is also a ledge the kids stand on making them really tall in the front row ..so it's more a case of getting a clear shot . This morning they were only a couple of feet behind the glass and the enclosure is probably only 5-6 m deep , plus they were moving their head around . This arvo they hardly moved and were about 3 m from the glass . When I stood back it was difficult to find a spot where there was no glare (and the CP didn't remove all) and the panda was in shot
You may be fine with that lense but suggest you pack something a bit shorter in case.
I got a head shot with the 300 but was at the back of the room aprox 15m from the glass and got a lucky 30 seconds when no one stood in front of me.
I'm off again tomorrow 8:15 so will add an update if I learn anything further tomorrow. PS have a look at the #2's - they are delivered gift wrapped - quite extrodinary
Deb

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:13 am
by Chica
Hey Deb :-)

Glad you have met the celebrities :-) We are going on Dev 27 at 8:15 but might try and go along sooner than that. Did you book the 3:15 session online or at the zoo?

Like your nigty fifty pic.... I will take ours too.

Cathy

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:46 am
by DebT
Hi,
got the 3:15 tickets at the zoo on the day from the ticket booth at the new main entrance as we were leaving after the morning session - they apparantly hold back tickets to some sessions for on the day people who just turn up but no guarantees..
there is also a panda in advanced booking 'window' around the left side of the entrance (youll know it when you see it) although when I asked yesterday about tickets to the 8:15 Sat & Sun they said nothing free but when I got home and checked on the web there was ?? so got another for today and recommend booking on line for members

Speaking to them yesterday avoid the 9:15 until 2 ish as they are packed with the full 500 at most sessions

also noticed the Jan bookings are now open online but the 8:15 no longer running - I booked the 9:15 2nd Jan if you want to catch up so I may post a meet thread
Deb

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:16 am
by fozzie
Deb - well done. I think I saw you briefing on Channel 7 News last night from the side on view. Celebrity in your own right :)

NB: woke up just after 8am this morning. Noticed that I had received a phone call from you last night, but was fast asleep. sorry. I have sent you an e-mail and left a message on your Mobile.

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:50 pm
by DebT
Today I managed to get eyes in amongst the black patches using the avaliable light (no flash allowed) - may get the focus right next time - still had problems with the glare causing blue haze probably could correct in PS but would prefer in camera
shot with 50 1.8 no PS or crop Xcpt reduced quality
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DebT

Re: Pandas in Adelaide

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:03 pm
by rflower
Deb,
your last shot is great! I would be happy if that was my shot!