4th Annual SmugMug / Dgrin Shootout -- Arches National Park October 2008

Nikolai

aktse wrote:

Congrats on your son for doing so well! I can't wait to see the pictures!

We'll miss you at the shootout! And I've been planning on bringing you two bottles of California wines for driving me around last year. Next year!

Hey April, IIRC I drove you too (not as much as Ann, of course), so bring the wine anyway:-)

cpagility

I'm a newbie
Hi -
The Arches will be my first "photography" trip and I'm hoping that some of the more experienced people will be able to help me out with some suggestions on what to bring. I tend to want to bring everything including the kitchen sink. Is there anything that is "must have" and "don't forget"?

I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and to having a great time.

Karen
www.dogsportphotos.com

DavidTO

cpagility wrote:

Hi -
The Arches will be my first "photography" trip and I'm hoping that some of the more experienced people will be able to help me out with some suggestions on what to bring. I tend to want to bring everything including the kitchen sink. Is there anything that is "must have" and "don't forget"?

I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and to having a great time.

Karen
www.dogsportphotos.com

Why don't you start by sharing the list of things you plan on bringing at this point?

Nikolai

cpagility wrote:

Hi -
The Arches will be my first "photography" trip and I'm hoping that some of the more experienced people will be able to help me out with some suggestions on what to bring. I tend to want to bring everything including the kitchen sink. Is there anything that is "must have" and "don't forget"?

I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and to having a great time.

Karen
www.dogsportphotos.com

Clothing: layers, layers, layers. It will be both cold (predawn) and hot (midday). Don't forget the hat and shades. Solid shoes: sneakers, hiking ones - whatever you feel comfortable walking/standing.

Good tripod. Monopod if you like/know how to use it. Portable image storage, or laptop, or both. Plenty of flash memory. Spare batteries. Chargers. Data cords to connect everything. Power cord with several outlets. Flashlight (head-mounted is a good idea). P&S for snapping the candids. GPS for geotagging. Good bag to carry all this stuff around.

Oh, and don't forget your camera and a couple of lenses, too:-)

HTH

Ann McRae

Just back from four (rain filled ) days in Tofino BC.. Thanks, cornerketch, greenpea, aktse and schmoo for your well wishes. Yes, I will be taking soccer photos and there is just no way that I could miss this - the grande finale so to speak. I will reaaaallllly miss all my friends at the shootout - old and new! Dang it - if only they were not at the same time!

ann

Phyxius

Awww, congrats Ann! I'm sorry that you can't make the shootout, but it's also nice that your son's soccer team will be able to go out with a bang! Have a great time!

schmoo

Here's something to noodle over as we approach the final countdown to Shootout 2008:

Last year the Blurb book we made for Glacier 2007 was a big success. I would love to see something like this again for Moab.

What do you guys think? It can't happen without you, so let's hear it!

Nikolai

schmoo wrote:

Here's something to noodle over as we approach the final countdown to Shootout 2008:

Last year the Blurb book we made for Glacier 2007 was a big success. I would love to see something like this again for Moab.

What do you guys think? It can't happen without you, so let's hear it!

I thought it was a given, no?

pathfinder

I would agree with Nik, that a book is required. I can't imagine the trip without one.

I'll be glad to help you out, too, Schmoo

Phyxius

Yup, I'm in for the book too! And, if you need any help let me know you guys did an awesome job last year!

Llywellyn

I'd also love a book, and I'm also willing to help. (Seriously, take me up on this! )

kdog

Would a Jeep be useful at the shootout?
Hey all, this is a question probably best directed at the organizers, but here goes.

I'm trying to decide which car to bring to the shootout. Would a Jeep be useful at all? I know Moab is Jeep Mecca. However, I won't be there for the off-road possibilities, I'll be there for the photo-ops. On the other hand, if a Jeep would allow me and others to get out to more places to shoot, then I'll bring it.

My other choice is my Chevy Surburban. It's a 4x4 as well, holds more stuff and rides better on the highway. Thoughts?

Thanks,
-joel

Andy

schmoo wrote:

What do you guys think? It can't happen without you, so let's hear it!

In.

Smuggy'll donate, uh, Schmoo, to edit the Book

:smo


























:hide

schmoo

Sounds so far like this is a definite yes.

There are some details I'd like to hammer out before we really get down and dirty about this, which makes sense as we should all focus on getting the right gear, packing, confirming plane tickets, shopping at REI and that sort of thing right now, anyway. Right??? :ivar

If possible I'd really like for this project to be from you all, to you all. That's what Dgrin is all about and I'm more than happy to orchestrate whatever needs to happen. Last year's book was mostly my writing and all your photos (which is fine if that format works), but I'm considering some other ideas, too.

ETA: Thanks, uh, Andy!

Nikolai

schmoo wrote:

...
If possible I'd really like for this project to be from you all, to you all. That's what Dgrin is all about and I'm more than happy to orchestrate whatever needs to happen. Last year's book was mostly my writing and all your photos (which is fine if that format works), but I'm considering some other ideas, too.

You mean it would be nice if we all (or some) provided some narrations, too? That can be arranged

cwphotos

Im looking forward to another book....heck Im looking forward to seeing you all again!!! My dad managed to have a leftover ticket from a trip he didnt take so Im flying out that way for a whopping $45.

Im stopping in Denver for several days to visit friends then I'm off to Moab on a 6 hour car ride.

See you all soon. I just bought a 5D so I get to play with that!!

davev

kdog wrote:

Hey all, this is a question probably best directed at the organizers, but here goes.

I'm trying to decide which car to bring to the shootout. Would a Jeep be useful at all? I know Moab is Jeep Mecca. However, I won't be there for the off-road possibilities, I'll be there for the photo-ops. On the other hand, if a Jeep would allow me and others to get out to more places to shoot, then I'll bring it.

My other choice is my Chevy Surburban. It's a 4x4 as well, holds more stuff and rides better on the highway. Thoughts?

Thanks,
-joel

Hey Joel.
The only road that I'm kind of going off road on is a road that gets you closer to Dead Horse Point.
A couple off years ago, we took the road in a Subaru Forester. It was rough, but doable.

This year we'll be in a Chevy Trailblazer on that road.

About the book. I raised some questions last year about it, and as far as I know,
those concerns were unwarranted. I'm in for the book. (if I get the cover):D

Schmoo, how many copies did the last book sell?

schmoo

davev wrote:

About the book. I raised some questions last year about it, and as far as I know,
those concerns were unwarranted. I'm in for the book. (if I get the cover):D

Schmoo, how many copies did the last book sell?

Good question! I counted last night and it tallied 37. Considering there were 50-ish people on the shootout that's fantastic! :smo

I hope to do things a little differently this year, as I said. Not so much in the direction but the execution, to help it go more smoothly. I really appreciate all of you for being such great guinea pigs on that experiment!

LizardRanch

kdog wrote:

...I'm trying to decide which car to bring to the shootout. Would a Jeep be useful at all? I know Moab is Jeep Mecca. However, I won't be there for the off-road possibilities, I'll be there for the photo-ops. On the other hand, if a Jeep would allow me and others to get out to more places to shoot, then I'll bring it.

My other choice is my Chevy Surburban. It's a 4x4 as well, holds more stuff and rides better on the highway. Thoughts?

Thanks,
-joel

Joel, I've lived/hiked/explorered down here for almost 30 years, if you are not SERIOUSLY off roading, a Jeep won't get you much farther than a run of the mill high clearance vehicle. There are some places that require 4WD, but if they do then it is mostly a grueling drive. I've been to places like that and hiked passed people in Jeeps while they were setting up their "problems". I'm proud to say my vehicle of choice for most of my hiking career was a 2WD Mitsubishi Mirage (with 14 inch wheels no less). OK, I'm a bit of a maverick I admit, but a Chevy Suburban is way more than enough for any off road drive around here that you don't want to risk life and limb on.

I'm thinking if you've never been here, there is going to be PLENTY of stuff you'll want to photograph that you can walk right up to from your Cadillac.

Sorry I can't be there, the trip was full before I even heard about it. Any chance a semi-local can score a last minute cancellation?

kdog

davev wrote:

Hey Joel.
The only road that I'm kind of going off road on is a road that gets you closer to Dead Horse Point.
A couple off years ago, we took the road in a Subaru Forester. It was rough, but doable.

This year we'll be in a Chevy Trailblazer on that road.

LizardRanch wrote:

Joel, I've lived/hiked/explorered down here for almost 30 years, if you are not SERIOUSLY off roading, a Jeep won't get you much farther than a run of the mill high clearance vehicle. There are some places that require 4WD, but if they do then it is mostly a grueling drive. I've been to places like that and hiked passed people in Jeeps while they were setting up their "problems". I'm proud to say my vehicle of choice for most of my hiking career was a 2WD Mitsubishi Mirage (with 14 inch wheels no less). OK, I'm a bit of a maverick I admit, but a Chevy Suburban is way more than enough for any off road drive around here that you don't want to risk life and limb on.

I'm thinking if you've never been here, there is going to be PLENTY of stuff you'll want to photograph that you can walk right up to from your Cadillac.

Sorry I can't be there, the trip was full before I even heard about it. Any chance a semi-local can score a last minute cancellation?

Excellent information guys. It sounds like the Surburban is the way to go. Thanks a bunch!!

-joel

Cuong

schmoo wrote:

Good question! I counted last night and it tallied 37. Considering there were 50-ish people on the shootout that's fantastic! :smo

I hope to do things a little differently this year, as I said. Not so much in the direction but the execution, to help it go more smoothly. I really appreciate all of you for being such great guinea pigs on that experiment!

Mine must be one of those 37. I got it when it became available earlier this year. Count me in for this year.

Cuong

CalfeeRider

schmoo wrote:

Sounds so far like this is a definite yes.

There are some details I'd like to hammer out before we really get down and dirty about this, which makes sense as we should all focus on getting the right gear, packing, confirming plane tickets, shopping at REI and that sort of thing right now, anyway. Right??? :ivar

If possible I'd really like for this project to be from you all, to you all. That's what Dgrin is all about and I'm more than happy to orchestrate whatever needs to happen. Last year's book was mostly my writing and all your photos (which is fine if that format works), but I'm considering some other ideas, too.

ETA: Thanks, uh, Andy!

I'm in again! Sharon and I were really pleased with the way last year's turned out.

I just need help with a little armbending to get *her* to submit some of her photos!

DaveV, how's that knee doing!? Kate taking good care of you?

Skippy, I hope you're healing up as well!

Ann, congrats on your son's soccer, but we were hoping to see you again this year!

Countin' down the days now... it's coming quick!

Nikolai

CalfeeRider wrote:

I'm in again! Sharon and I were really pleased with the way last year's turned out
....
Countin' down the days now... it's coming quick!

Yay, Jack!

esc2476

Hey all...I am finally arranging my flight and was wondering if there was an itinerary so I know when I can arrive on the 8th and leave on the 12th w/o missing anything.

Thanks!

BeachBill

esc2476 wrote:

Hey all...I am finally arranging my flight and was wondering if there was an itinerary so I know when I can arrive on the 8th and leave on the 12th w/o missing anything.

See this message from earlier in the discussion.

aktse

esc2476 wrote:

Hey all...I am finally arranging my flight and was wondering if there was an itinerary so I know when I can arrive on the 8th and leave on the 12th w/o missing anything.

Thanks!

If the shootout is like last year, no real itinerary -- shoot when you want, stop when don't want to. In general, the first day, people just meet and mingle, take some photos, etc. And then the craziness begins -- sunrise each day, shooting, more shooting, (food somewhere in there), sunset, moonscapes, star trails, repeat. On the 12th, expect some people to get up for sunrise (a bunch stay in bed), and then we're off to various parts of the world.

As for plans -- you might want to check out the transportation thread. I know that Brett is looking for someone to share costs.

esc2476

BeachBill wrote:

See this message from earlier in the discussion.

thank you!

schmoo

I got some great questions via email about the shootout and since the clock is ticking I figured I would bump this thread by making a few suggestions about things to bring or think about before you go.

First of all, I remembered this thread that started soon after last year's shootout, and it raised some great questions that I'm sure a lot of first-timers have so please check it out!

>>>> stuffjunkie's Woulda Shoulda thread

Some general questions that I've received through email that I will post here for posterity:

1. What time is check in on the 8th?
2. Will people be shooting that night?
3. How will I find out when and where people are meeting and going out to shoot?
4. Is there an announcement board or anything in the lobby?
5. How do I find out what our balance will be?
6. The "for sure" shooting dates are the 9, 10, 11 right?
7. Do they usually have name tags?

We don't really have a set schedule on these shootouts as we've discussed. It's very much a do-as-you-please kind of thing. The pros will tell us where they'll be going that morning/afternoong/evening and anyone is welcome to follow. Or if landscapes aren't your thing you can go somewhere for a bit of peace and shoot wildlife, or go rafting, or just take a nap.

I know that some people definitely will be shooting at night! Don't know about anyone else but where I'm from you just can't get star trails with the light pollution and the humidity. Sunrises and star trails... I'll sleep when I get home! But I know that Marc's a champ when it comes to light painting and star trails, so I think we'll be in good hands. :smo

Last year word of mouth was a decent way to make sure things got communicated. Sunrise shooting meant meeting by the coffee in the lobby by 5:00 AM. We'd drive to the spot carvan-style and then come back whenever you want, catch some breakfast, download photos, etc. Lather, rinse, repeat for any daytime or evening shoot. If people DO want some kind of announcement board, however, I'm sure that we can work something out with the resort, so lemmie know.

You find out what your balance is when you check out on October 12th. The $300/head that you paid David on signup will be credited towards your individual charges, which is your room and any extras that you have put on your tab.

We don't have name tags, although the red SmugMug hats are pretty much a decent way of tagging who's in our group!

I hope that covers the basic, general stuff on our end.

PLEASE everyone who's been to a shootout or just traveled to this part of the world, jump in and post your suggestions if you have them, too.

cwphotos

I will have to leave this year on the 11th :cry So I hope to stick around until mid day or so. Im driving the 5.5 hours back to Denver to fly out the next day. Should be awesome though. Smug never disappoints. I can't wait to see all my old friends, and new faces. I just got a 5d as well so It will be fun to use it.

schmoo

cwphotos wrote:

I will have to leave this year on the 11th :cry So I hope to stick around until mid day or so. Im driving the 5.5 hours back to Denver to fly out the next day. Should be awesome though. Smug never disappoints. I can't wait to see all my old friends, and new faces. I just got a 5d as well so It will be fun to use it.

Awwww, well we'll make sure to get as much Dean time as possible. I for one am looking forward to it!!