NikonGear'23
Travelogues => Travel Diaries => Topic started by: Birna Rørslett on April 06, 2023, 09:40:37
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I went to El Puerto de Santamaria, in Andalusia, Spain to meet my friend Paco. He is of course the well-esteemed NG member golunvolo. At the same time my German friend Frank F[remerey] wanted to visit me in Norway, but told him I would be in Spain then at this time. Thus Frank changed flight directions 180 degrees and landed safely in Spain as well :;)
We are on the southern coast a little west of Gibraltar, and the nearby town Cádiz, the oldest city in Europe according to Paco and other authorities, faces the might Atlantic directly. Weather is warm, sunny, and at times, quite windy. Thus a welcome relief from all the cold and snow I left back home.
There are Holy Week festivities everywhere with a lot of noise and even more people, so a strange experience for me at least. Just days before my departure to Spain I badly damaged my left hand and being left-handed had quickly to rethink the photo gear for the trip. I ended up with my Nikon Z9, and the S-line Nikkors 35/1.8, 105/2.8 MC, and the 400/4.5 as the icing on the cake. If I couldn't deploy the latter in a meaningful way, I was convinced Paco willingly would step in and use the lens himself :).
We'll try to collect our pictorial results in this thread. Some pictures might have been re-posted from the Daily Blog, though.
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I left the cold Norway,
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10673.0;attach=57464;image)
and ended in the friendly streets of a small Spanish town, where 'eating out at night' literally means eating out at night.
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10673.0;attach=57473;image)
both with the Z9 and my 35/1.8Z, on the very same day. Europe is diversified in climatic terms :)
We met Paco's girl friend Olga, and his in-laws with their endearing small daughter, Lola.
(I took the liberty of reposting Paco's image of Olga playing with Lola)
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10673.0;attach=57474;image)
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We went to the Atlantic city Cádiz to see what was going on in the city. Streets were crammed with people watching the parades and to ensure nobody could ignore the festivities, musicians banging big drums were predominantly present everywhere.
This young guy evidently had had his fill for the day and left the main centre of activity,
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10673.0;attach=57481;image)
The bridge to Cádiz where Paco collects his speed tickets. The bridge pillars are festooned with speed cameras. We were travelling at 100 km/hour and the Z9 had no problems focus-tracking the oncoming bridge structures.
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dancing clean
a woman cleaning inbetween and after the mess of the masses was moving like a dancer and had her hair dyed matching the color of ther favourite tool
all pictures taken with the OM-Zuiko 1.2/55mm wide open on my Nikon Z6
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As Birna stated the micro-meeting has started with the pictures already flowing. Chance has it, Olga´s family was visiting and there was a (too brief) overlap. You should have seen the first encounter between Birna and Lola, it was very special.
Sun is doing its part shining and we are doing ours trying to capture the life and some nice food. Frank is enjoying himself too!
Here some images from yesterday in El Puerto de Santa María and a visit to the oldest inhabited city in Europa, Cádiz, around 3000 years old and still pretty much alive.
But first, to get some basic stuff at the mall for Birna and Frank
Z6, 24-70 f4Z
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Cádiz is also famous for the quality of the light. Strong, warm and contrast-y.
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A younger version of Birna´s hair just pop out and Frank and I tried to get it before she disappeared. Cádiz was packed with people!
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
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Nescafé, what else...
the man himself
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
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Gadir mandalorians, this is the way.
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
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The malecón in Cádiz is very similar to the one in La Habana. Some movies and videoclips has been shot in either one pretending to be the other.
"there is something between us"
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
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Nescafé, what else...
the man himself
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
Great portrait, Frank is looking more mature ;D
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There was a strong wind. Not unusual at all for the place. One of people just finished the Procesión, or Holy Parade, with a cape on the street.
Up, up and away.
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
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You have seen the power of the 105Z with small beetles?
Closing up on pollinators.
Z6, 105mm 2.8Z
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The little cutie, Lola
Note to the pixel-peepers out there: onion rings in the bokeh blurs.... Not that it matters, but nevertheless mentioned :)
Z9, 35Z
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In this meetings lenses has a tendency to exchange hands :) as if we need more reasons to get together!
Pollinators still at work from the previous image but now a car and two people. Can you find them?
Z6, 35mm 1.8s
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A very fine place for dinner indeed. @Meollo restaurant. Next door from the city market, it has excellent products and a very skilled chef. Anyway, Frank got this one to try from the nice person on a nearby table. 8) I don't know what the black gloves are for...
The gift of calçots.
Z6, 50mm 1.8z
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"there is something between us"
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
one light for each of you - great picture
hope you all enjoy the trip
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sound waves in the air (Olympus)
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Fading leftovers, hoodie, condom. You will make up your story...
Taken with my MC105S
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We crossed the Centennial bridge in Pacos car and I was shooting the 1.2/55 Zuiko from the open window. All pictures f/1.2 if not otherwise noted
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Great portrait, Frank is looking more mature ;D
more work and more responsibility shape me.
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There was a strong wind. Not unusual at all for the place at all. One of people just finished the Procesión, or Holy Parade, with a cape on the street.
Up, up and away.
Z6, 85mm 1.8Z
I love the lively movement
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I left the cold Norway,
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10673.0;attach=57464;image)
dystopic to say the least
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Am intrigued! Nice to see Frank again for the first time in a while!
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Impressive images. Good to see Frank also joined, with a great portrait. Enjoy yourself there, here it's raining and not so warm ;)
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blowin in the wind (Olympus)
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The man with the silver helmet at f/1.2 and 55 mm
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nice reflection on unknown woman's glases framed by a really good restaurant where we had our lunch (Pacos Ai 2.8/135mm with EXIF set to 1.4/35mm in the chip)
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The impossible building.
Z6, 400mm 4.5S
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The impossible building.
Olé ! Escher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Escher)
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Enyjoy a wonderful easter time in Spain, Birna, Paco and Frank.
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The saline harvesting fields. At sunset the plains are coloured in warm hues.
Nikkor Z9, 400mm f/4.5Z (the lens Paco lusts for at present:))
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waitress f/1.2 at 55 mm
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Paco suffering f/4.5 at 400 mm
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colorful moment in the life of a generally happy woman f/1.2 at 55 mm
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Photorealistic rendition of the huge heaps of salt.
Z9, 400/4.5Z
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Olé ! Escher (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Escher)
Thank you Hans!
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Birna did a masterplan to get my rodenstock to focus to infinity with the Z6. Feel free to use it
D200 ir, 18-70mm 3.5-5.6
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No NG meeting without IR images. ;D 8)
Dystopian future I, emergency number, just in case
D200 ir, 18-70mm 3.5-5.6
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Riding to the future. Puerto Sherry, El Puerto de Santa María
D200 ir, 18-70mm 3.5-5.6
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Redhead at 400mm 4.5 with the Z6
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Back and front bokeh with the 400mm 4.5S
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Dry cactus fibers
Z6, 300mm vrII
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Photo realistic salt factory, El Puerto de Santa María
Z6, 300mm vrII
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Anything for a picture. Photographic activities are not for the faint of heart. Cactus attack. She is ok now!
Z6, 300mm vrII
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Mr Frank.
Z6, 300mm vrII ar minimum focus distance
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Birna
Z6, 300mm vrII ar minimum focus distance
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No NG meeting without a IR images. ;D 8)
Dystopian future I, emergency number, just in case
D200 ir, 18-70mm 3.5-5.6
This is excellent, Paco!
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Birna did a masterplan to get my rodenstock to focus to infinity with the Z6. Feel free to use it
D200 ir, 18-70mm 3.5-5.6
Get the blueprint. ;) I am still working on my sample, without any result. I can't remove the m39 mount on my Rodenstock, and somehow this is blocking all.
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At the Sherry harbour (4.5/400S)
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Get the blueprint. ;) I am still working on my sample, without any result. I can't remove the m39 mount on my Rodenstock, and somehow this is blocking all.
Birna said turn a gas burner (small) on it to soften
This is excellent, Paco!
Thank you Akira. We talked about you! We should have you here or go visit. :) and we are having some jamon ibérico from breakfast... Jijijiji
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corrupt concrete in nice light (4.5/400S)
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light of the South
rock of Gibraltar
(4.5/400 S)
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waiting at the bar in La Linea (MC105S)
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family matters (MC105S)
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installation (4.5/400S)
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sandy beach (4.5/400S)
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red sunset (2.8/70-200FL)
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On the road back from La Linea
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"The Rock" -- need I say more? From the hills around La Línea de la Concepción.
Z9, 400/4.5Z
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The old tower to protect Spain from Pirates. Paco is scaling the steep tower for a better photographic vantage point -- olé
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"The Rock" -- need I say more? From the hills around La Línea de la Concepción.
Z9, 400/4.5Z
Behind the scenes.
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
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On the way to La Línea and the end of Europe, we stopped to document an area dedicated to generate clean energy.
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
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The vantage point gave a generous view of the Stretch of Gibraltar, with La Línea, bay of Algeciras, Tarifa (southernmost point of Europe), Gibraltar and the Atlas mountain in north Marrocco. With a different wind the view is more clear but we worked with what we have ;)
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
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Just by chance we cross paths with my youngest sister, brother in law, and Ani, the dog. Happy sunny day!
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
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Frank at work next to the tower
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
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There is always time for a glass of fun. Olga and Elena prepared the party
D5, 28mm 1.4e. a series of 13 pictures, taken every 13 seconds. We can show this one ;D ;D ;D
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The aliens came to the party too
D5, 28mm 1.4e
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Just by chance we cross paths we my youngest sister, brother in law and Ani, the dog. Happy sunny day!
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
I totally love this picture
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Nice images boys and girls :)
That 400mm really shines!
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Nice images boys and girls :)
Very much so! Thank you for sharing the fun 8)
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The vantage point gave a generous view of the Stretch of Gibraltar, with La Línea, bay of Algeciras, Tarifa (southernmost point of Europe), Gibraltar and the Atlas mountain in north Marrocco. With a different wind the view is more clear but we worked with what we have ;)
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
Super Pano, Paco.
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On the road back from La Linea
Beautiful light Birna.
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My 400/4.5Z proved to be popular amongst the others ... Frank is seeking long-lens support in a relaxed manner.
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La Linea (Google Pixel 7)
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beach scene (4.5/400S)
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Thank you Akira. We talked about you! We should have you here or go visit. :) and we are having some jamon ibérico from breakfast... Jijijiji
That's very nice to hear! Yes, that shall happen.
On the road back from La Linea
Exquisite!
beach scene
Beautiful and emotional.
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The din of the overcrowded restaurants is overwhelming. All age classes contribute to the best of their ability, at maximum volume.
System won't allow me to attach a sound file, though. Pity.
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The din of the overcrowded restaurants is overwhelming. All age classes contribute to the best of their ability, at maximum volume.
System won't allow me to attach a sound file, though. Pity.
That's pretty accurate ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I totally love this picture
You look good ;)
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Birna took this image while testing the camera/lens at night. I worked, and worked and reworked until I got it right.
Into the Matrix
D5, 28mm 1.4e *develop mistake* ;D
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Beautiful and emotional.
Thank you my friend
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You look good ;)
you make me look pretty
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The intrepid NG warriors atop a WW2 pillbox at La Línea.
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electrical vehicles (Olympus)
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mold prevention (Olympus)
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refleciones (Olympus)
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refleciones
That water vibration is telling a message :)
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An alien up and close
Z6, 105 2.8Z
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Powerful transition.
Z6, 105 2.8Z
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Powerful transition.
Z6, 105 2.8Z
that ist a major piece of body language
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Powerful transition.
Z6, 105 2.8Z
Very you cousin! I like it!
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Danger! Trees throwing fruit from above! (Olympus)
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outdoor shower on the roof (Olympus)
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a major feature of the South is the stark light here. (Olympus)
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The sun can be enjoyed in peace and quietness.
Z9, 85/1.8Z
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a major feature of the South is the stark light here.
Frank, I like the series of your pictures. Do you limit yourself to the old Olympus 55/1.2? If so, I think it is a nice rule for the game.
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Frank, I like the series of your pictures. Do you limit yourself to the old Olympus 55/1.2? If so, I think it is a nice rule for the game.
no, I did in fact use some of the 4.5/400S and a few pictures with my MC105S and the Ai135 f/2.8 from Paco. Some pictures are taken with my Google Pixel 7 Pro. But most are Olympus
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Thank you prima ;)
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Still a lot to process from today but I want to give you a taste of the city of Conil de la Frontera. Wonderful beach! We had a nice weather (you could actually get burned with the sun) but quiet because tourist are not at full yet.
I borrowed today Birna's 400mm 4.5Z and I couldn't put it down.
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
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The photographer herself
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
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You can see here I've got a big fingerprint in the image....I didn't notice until I got home.
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z also soft
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Frank and I end up the day at "Puerto Sherry" trying to get some sunset images. They are mostly ruined because of the print but here is "very blue with red dot" hour?
The background is the beautiful bridge of the centenary that you can see on the early pictures in this same thread
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
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I called it a day and let you with meditation time in red.
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
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I called it a day and let you with meditation time in red.
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
Frank and I end up the day at "Puerto Sherry" trying to get some sunset images. They are mostly ruined because of the print but here is "very blue with red dot" hour?
The background is the beautiful bridge of the centenary that you can see on the early pictures in this same thread
Z6, 400mm 4.5Z
Nice and this lens is sharp!
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It is, to spare.
Thanks Fons
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no, I did in fact use some of the 4.5/400S and a few pictures with my MC105S and the Ai135 f/2.8 from Paco. Some pictures are taken with my Google Pixel 7 Pro. But most are Olympus
Thank you for the disclosure. I though they were shot with the same one lens, but that could be because of your coherent style of photography.
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On the sandy beach yesterday, we were greeted by the bright yellow 'suns' of the Cape Marigold Arctotheca calendula, native to Cape Town. In Spain, it is defined as an invasive immigrant species, but apparently does little to no harm in the sandy environment in which it thrives. If anything the rhizome of its perennial growth helps stabilise the sand and reduce sand loss from windy beaches.
Nikon Z9, 85/1.8Z
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On the sandy beach yesterday, we were greeted by the bright yellow 'suns' of the Cape Marigold Arctotheca calendula, native to Cape Town. In Spain, it is defined as an invasive immigrant species, but apparently does little to no harm in the sandy environment in which it thrives. If anything the rhizome of its perennial growth helps stabilise the sand and reduce sand loss from windy beaches.
Nikon Z9, 85/1.8Z
Interesting pretty little flowers. Would they make the lives of UV photographers easier?
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Interesting pretty little flowers. Would they make the lives of UV photographers easier?
Not bringing UV gear on this trip, but my hunch is they might have an interesting UV signature.
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afternoon scene (Phone)
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Cadiz, City Centre (Phone)
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Thank you for the disclosure. I though they were shot with the same one lens, but that could be because of your coherent style of photography.
I am flattered. Yes today I thought about the fact that gear is overrated. Either you like what I do or not. I simply do not care much. Most important for me is that I like what I do.
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Some very nice images! Thank you ;)
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I think that to reactivate Nikongear meetups after the pandemic we need more structured well organized and more affordable get togethers. Such spontaneous hardcore gatherings cannot be the future of our group.
Who is in the mood and has the ressources of time and physical power required to organize the next big one?
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Lots of fun and nice pictures you have. Thanks for sharing your enjoyment.
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This car remembered adequate solar protection :)
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Pretty in Pink
Z9, 85Z
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I wish you all a great time in Spain!
I took a look at the photos, i could guess 90% of the time who took them :)
The wind turbine photos are my favorites.
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On the sandy beach yesterday, we were greeted by the bright yellow 'suns' of the Cape Marigold Arctotheca calendula,
That is superb Birna, both photographically, aesthetically and from a naturalist's perspective.
Your hands and the Nikon Z9, 85/1.8Z did well
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I think that to reactivate Nikongear meetups after the pandemic we need more structured well organized and more affordable get togethers.
I'd love to actually meet some of you in the future.
Ironically I have a family trip planned to Jerez in 2 weeks time - bad timing strikes again :(
I called it a day and let you with meditation time in red.
This works well on so many levels - were you feeling as peaceful as this suggests Frank?
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Ironically I have a family trip planned to Jerez in 2 weeks time - bad timing strikes again :(
maybe you can meet Paco for a coffee on the weekend?
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Hi Colin, I'll be close to Jerez. We can easily arrange a coffee!
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A couple of days of busy activity means I'm still sorting the images of the last two days of our meeting.
"La Caleta"maybe one of the most famous beaches in Spain.
Z6, 16mm 3.5
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Same beach, capturing a beach shoot.
Z9, 85Z
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A safe space for air travel :)
Z9, 35Z
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Note to myself: do not go to Spain. After the 2018 meetup I went to the hospital for many weeks, this time I came home sick too. Starting with a light fever on Tuesday, then a general sick feel Wednesday, then Boiling hot and freezing cold on Thursday and "man without bones" today. Better than last time. Good is something different
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Seville at midday
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Note to myself: do not go to Spain. After the 2018 meetup I went to the hospital for many weeks, this time I came home sick too. Starting with a light fever on Tuesday, then a general sick feel Wednesday, then Boiling hot and freezing cold on Thursday and "man without bones" today. Better than last time. Good is something different
Sorry about that, Frank. Have you (or your doctor) figured out the reason? Hope you to get well soon!
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Note to myself: do not go to Spain.
Get well soon, Frank.
This might be nature’s way of telling you to stay in Spain ;D
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I survived better than Frank F, but put on weight -- wonder why? Now rapidly shedding the 'Spanish bonus', though. Food for thought a single week could have such massive impact.
Tonight it is snowing again. Spanish weather is from another galaxy apparently.
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Sorry about that, Frank. Have you (or your doctor) figured out the reason? Hope you to get well soon!
2018 they ran all of my body and fluids through all machines they had. Their guess was: Some tropical disease transporter by biting or stinging insects. The symptoms were compatible with Dengue or Malaria but the could not find either and they searched for hundreds of different virusses, bacteria and parasites. After 8 Weeks it went away as it came. I lost 20 Kilos felt very old and would describe the experience as "near dead'. Especially when the pain escalated to a viable storm and even morphine did not help anymore it was interesting
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Beautiful Sound Sample from Seville I did for my son who is a beat maker
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construction sites everywhere seem to be a tad on the chaotic side of things. In Spain they are very decorative on top
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2018 they ran all of my body and fluids through all machines they had. Their guess was: Some tropical disease transporter by biting or stinging insects. The symptoms were compatible with Dengue or Malaria but the could not find either and they searched for hundreds of different virusses, bacteria and parasites. After 8 Weeks it went away as it came. I lost 20 Kilos felt very old and would describe the experience as "near dead'. Especially when the pain escalated to a viable storm and even morphine did not help anymore it was interesting
I'm sorry to be reminded of that. Again, hope you get well soon without any aftereffect.
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I'm sorry to be reminded of that. Again, hope you get well soon without any aftereffect.
THX, Love
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after delivering Birna at her airlift home to snowy Norway I went to Sevilla. On the open parking lot it seemed I was about to disturb a drug deal with a lot of cars parked blocking entrance and exit and lot of twilight personal shushing away uninvolved eyes, then I entered a private parking lot to pay for where a person with an oversized car felt he needed both ways in and out and scratched my rental. I tried a little sight seeing on the local police stations: Number one was district police not responsible for traffic in general, Number two was local police not responsible for traffic in private parking lots. This is what I saw on the way:
a) first two are residential dwellings I personally liked the architecture of and took photos for reference
b) a fountain behind the local police station
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c) colors, forms, textures
d) Windysteet was under construction
e) Assorted blossom, flowers and traffic sighs
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f) "Empire" or: where I found myself in times of trouble ...
g) nice bench. wish for more will to design in my home town too
h) a carrige ride would have made the day for my daughter who's name is written on the house next picture and last
i) a street scrne
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I finally got time to finish looking at the images from our meeting. We should do this more often...
Z6 and 400mm 4.5S at the beach in Conil
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Handheld panorama. Still at the beach in Conil.
Z6, 400mm 4.5S
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Sun protection V2.
All images with Z6 and 400mm 4.5S (what can I say, I like the combination ;D )
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Last day was only half a day as I had to go to work. Still, the beach of "La Caleta" was gracious enough to let us in with low tide. The weather may have been a tad too hot for the people coming straight from the north but we soldier on.
Z6, 16mm 3.5 ai
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Girl´s beach.
Z6, 16mm 3.5 ai
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I finally got time to finish looking at the images from our meeting. We should do this more often...
Z6 and 400mm 4.5S at the beach in Conil
Yes!!
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1.Birna recommended this image of the cooling down out of a bunch.
2. Cultural exchange
3. Sunwalkers
I´ll leave it here with a huge invitation to all members to join a meeting if possible. NG is special in more than one way ;)
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Yes!!
+1 yes :)
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Excellent series starting at #142!
Spanish, German and Norwegian will make an interesting cultural and linguistic exchange.
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Yes!!
Cool!
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The traditional 'gear-on-the-table' shot -- at last!!! Thanks to all of you for contributing to this warm and eventful micro-meeting :)
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Such an enjoyable thread. Not only the images but the obvious joy of international comradeship which is really special!