Sutton Warrior

A thought, 'Alnath', I wonder how many of the AN members use a calibrated monitor??? Mine is an HP w2216, calibrated according to the very extensive program supplied with the monitor. Took me a few goes to get to grips with the fennes of the calibration set up . . . it would have been so easy to press auto! I will accept my 'calibration' is not to a 'spider' type system, however, it is calibrated to a standard that I assume HP have allied to industry standards and applied within their program? To me it does not matter, I'm happy with what I have. I agree, its a bit 'sharp+' but that was the question, it was not so on the original posters monitor? Are you pixel peeping? The original might have come out of the 'Samsung Compact Camera' preprocessed . . . ? almost certainly did, so I assume, anything on the top will be OTT if 'peeping'. Academic now anyway . . . it does pose the question . . . Janet, how are you finding things with your new Elements v.7, bact to normal . . . ??? SW

To for the price of one; . . . Saturday: I was looking forward to the day, not had a good session for a few weeks. So a civilised lock out time of 9.15am to coincide with low water at Harwich seemed a good idea. However 'the best laid plans of mice and men . . . '. Half of the local bath tub brigade had converged on Shotley marina, and they all wanted to go out at '9.15' The marine version of the M25 at rush hour! Fortunately the intelligent Lock Keeper, pushed me to the front of the queue, better description 'front of the lock' and this was only the first lock full!!! Although a spring tide, they are not big this time of year, so a leisurely steam to my mark was the order of the day. An hour later the tide really was not making much . . . 2 hours running yes but frustratingly little in the way of fish, 4 bass up to this point, 3 in the 'large sprat' category, and one just keepable, if you work to 36cm! Time for a radical re think . . . give up and go home . . . I wanted a cupa, drifting and tea making don't go together The particular mark, I always drift and usually do well . . . often wondered if I got the positioning right, would it fish at anchor? . . . Anchor carefully placed, rods out, cupa in hand . . . relax In the next 90 minutes I boated 6 bass, and lost a couple. These were the best by my personal criteria of 40cm and over. The wind blew, more than forecast, now there is a surprise, the tide did not run as hard as prediction But the Stour/Orwell estuary, with a little thought, produced the goods, to my standards of very light tackle enhancing the sport. Being able to have a pleasantly civilised fishing session and be home at a reasonable time, to present supper . . . . . . and moving on to Sunday: What a difference a day makes, te weather report was 7mph, dropping to 2 or 3mph between 10am and 4pm . . . I mean, you have to go dont you . . . dont you? Smoothouds, plenty about, pound for pound the best sport there is in our waters . . . IMHO With the forecast looking good Friday evening, I took a trip to the crab grounds, picked me a few 'green hard backs'. Nothing better than a nice juice hard back crab for big Smoothies!!! So I had bait, the forecast was perfect Saturday evening for Sunday. Up at a respectable 6am, marina lockout by 8.30 and on my Towers mark by 10am to coincide with the start of the flood . . . So why is it lumpy . . . thats more than 7mph of wind . . . and the flood tide, was an hour late, so it was even more sloppy. I hate sloppy . . . not a young man any more, its like going on the 'Jelly Walk' at the fun fair The tide got going eventually, I put out two rods, one with my prefered 'hard back', the other on squid . . . instant bite on the squid, doggie! Changed it to hard back, cant be bothered with the dog show today. A few minutes passed, me hanging on for my life . . . rod no 1 nods, clutch off, ratchet on, screeeeeech!!!! wow . . . missed that one, but encouraged, forgot about the jelly walk ride. Re bait, sit back, another bite, more of a click-click-click . . . hound on, as usual, a walk in the park to wind in first time . . . one look at the boat and instant 'sounding', even a small hound of 6-7lbs, as this one was, just strips line. Three times it took line, the bend in my 12lb Suveran was satisfying to say the least. Tea, sarnie, the VHF is full of tales; "not much happening" . . . give it half an hour an we will move to the super spot that 'Fred told us about' I was getting a bit fed up with feeling like being in a washing machine. looks a lot better than it felt! Then the 2nd rod went screeming off, no stopping it, finally got the pressure on and the fight began. This was a different game altogether, the fish stayed deep, the Suveran rod bent right through to the butt!!! fifteen minutes later and I saw the very large grey/brown/pink torpedo form, another dive! work the clutch, not going to loose this one. By this time the lazy tide had also woken up, landing a 14lb common smoothie, single handed, in a washing machine is not easy. 14lb, not a giant? but the best hound I have seen since 2003, " . . . Taken in 2003, the last good double smoothie I caught . . . when fish of this size were the norm". A weight of about 14lb is the best I could do on a deck tossing about as it was, but she is very thick set around the head and shoulders, so I'm happy with that. She was released to get bigger. It went dead from there on, by 1 o'clock, I'd had enough of the constant workout. Just to ad to the frustration, of not being able to stay to catch a few more . . . retrieving the anchor, it set!!!! stalling the 'CJ pot hauler' twice. Sit a few more minutes, tension on the rope, the washing machine action of the boat pulled it free. Poor weather report, but a great fight from both fish, targeted with hard back crab I can put it down as a good weekens fishing over all SW

OK Janet, I don't know whats going on here, I struggled to get a copy of your flower (PB) can usually drag into a folder? However we did it in the end, I then reduced it to the same size as your Flickr image, it was not as good, so I simply added a tad of 'sharpen' all in Ev.7, looked OK at that point . . . uploaded to PB, press button, hows it looking . . . SW Mmm . . . Is Flickr adding a 'sharpen' to the image??? cos my PB version looks very close now I have sharpened it and reduced it to 472x500? Whats the original picture look like out of the camera when you first put it up on screen Janet? Re read your post. Flickr has reduced the picture . . . ? Is the original, before posting to PB sharper than what is presented on screen here? I can only think, in the reducing process Flickr 'auto sharpens' as well? otherwise, I'm very confused . . .

I think thats about what I paid 6 months ago for Ev.7 from Amazon Janet. It came as a, no box, but sealed item with code number. Have had no problems with mine at all. SW

Janet, Just had another play in 'VirtualStudio', its seems to do most of the basic functions, plus a few like 'colour curves' that I particularly like. One could learn a lot from it . . . the functions are simple, a bit like using single buttons to set a camera, rather than multi function and menus, there are no 'choices' to confuse the issue . . . if you see what I mean? Plus the functions are expressed as a numeric value, as the slider is moved. I think a little course? but as a stop gap to Ev.7 it has a lot going for it. In fact, I could see it as more than a stop gap for the time being . . . why streeeeeetch the finances, have a play, the same as you did with Ev.7, if you get frustrated, then splash out Have a read of this Janet, gives a good uncomplicated insight into 'levels and colour curves', if I can understand it, you will find it a breeze: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2009/03/19/ho...d-curves-tools/ SW

Her is a quick try this morning in 'VirtualStudio', dont think I've got the colour quite right, but an unfamiliar program and rushing before work: It certainly does the things that Elements does, I particularly like its 'colour curve', just need a little more time on that. The question does it mess the picture up when it transfers to PB, we will see . . . press the button SW

By all accounts, its me who should have 'taken up knitting' Janet . . . Mmm, not knowing how the other programs work, but suspecting they are doing nasties to your pictures behind your back? I dont see anything wrong with my versions of your pics, I have tried Picasas once, a couple of months back. Picasas took over my computer, never mind my pictures! Hopefully some one who knows the program better might be able to be more helpful? I think Judy used to use it? Have you tried the freebie 'VertualStudio', Steve posted here a few days ago? I had a brief fiddle in it, felt fairly OK at the time? Might save you the cost of Ev.7 for a while? Also, we might be able to give more help, it does not seem to take over, therefore a few of us probably have it on our desktop? Dont forget, if you do go the Elements rout, Amazon do the best price I have seen, mine is an Amazon 'used/new ' copy. Hop thats a help?? SW

There you go, taken the fliker picture, tweeked it, saves as the same size as you first posted but via my PB account: Same picture but resized to 80ppi and 800 pixels on the long edge, again via my PB account: Third pic., sharpend after resize to 800 pixels, upload via PB. SW

I can see the difference Janet . . . When I upload to P/bucket, I select the size that I want the picture to be before I upload. ie., 800 pixels for the comp, save late to my computer folder, then upload the file at that size, I dont let 'PB' do any sizing for me. Also, when I 'Save as' to the computer folder, I select 'large file (10)'. SW

It was at the top of my list! well done Den. SW

Yes fair enough, but I still have my personal view, as does everyone else on site, my original post invited 'considered personal views'. As usual in these matters, things have got a little to personal. The RAW issue, I can see why, I also hoped others could see my view, if not agreeing with it . . . I will retract any offensive statements that may have been taken by any member, on RAW I am happy to go with the flow. On the issue of rules and Exif, I see no room for flexibility, they are simple enough to not be ambiguous, press the wrong button, the umpire will raise the finger 'out', it has ever been so, fallen foul myself with finger trouble once or twice. We do it for the fun, its still the best, uncomplicated, open to all abilities competition I have seen. Taking your ball home wont help any body, go with the flow J.K. SW PS I might ad, if you want to demonstrate your prowes and ability in a more 'over indulged' manner, there is the 'photo of the day' thread, with no restrictions . . .

Gets the brain working 'Mick', looks like you have got it sorted. Its a simple rule, as Steve has said, been in place for a longtime. I'm pleased you have it sorted, we can all rest easy. The 'RAW thing', its a very personal mountain. Steve has made the point, which I accept. It has to be said, a good few AN competitions have been won with pictures taken on compacts . . . so RAW is not all conquering I suppose my concern is to keep the 'AN' competition pure? By that, I mean, what the photographer sees is what is posted, I am not into 'Computer artistic imaging', that in my book is a whole different ball park of disciplines. This is what the rules say: Quote Digital manipulations. All entries should limit the use of digital manipulations to a minimum. It is suggested that only file conversion, level, curve, cropping and sharpening be used if necessary. Adding or removing elements to or from the original image is NOT allowed. NO Frames. To paraphrase, 'keep it simple' . . . for me, its why I like our competition, it is simple, we do it for its own sake, no prizes . . . what I see is what I submit SW

Looking at the competition, it seems 'I do get the camera out' . . . try putting you you opinion into action and read the rules! SW

Thats just fine, you are 'Simon pure'. Its an interpretation issue then? 'Personally' . . . I say it should be with the picture, anyone entering the competition should be able to interrogate the entry with an Exif program out of interest to see how the camera settings were configured. As you say its a bit of fun, but the idea, especially for the less experienced, surly is learning 'how'? JPEG and Exif helps? Quote from the rules: Exif information is something that is embedded into a photograph when the photo is taken, the gallery software automatically reads and displays it for you when you upload your photo.After you have resized your photo ready to upload its recommended that you use your image editing softwares "Save As" command to save it as this will maintain the exif info in the photograph, using "Save" or "Save for web" will destroy this information. Simple enough? Alternative, a free for all, do it how you like, no hold bared . . . see where that gets a simple format, photographic forum? I repeat my question, why not enter? SW

'andy-g' Don't see your name attached to any of the 95 pictures in the new format referred to. Support the competition, enter, then you have a valid opinion? Rules are there for all to follow. RAW, thats a personal opinion, JPEG is the lowest common denominator to allow all to have an equal chance? SW

The competition is generating some interesting pictures . . . the rules also state that Exif detail must be included. It is obvious this rule is not being taken seriously, and when the question is asked, where is it, the reply, a verbal shrug of the shoulders? It ain't rocket science, if I can use 'save as' in PS to save my pictures any one can do it, 'save as' transfers Exif information, using only 'save' blocks it . . . If the Exif detail is blocked, (it can, also be blocked, I think, in the cameras menu?) one is left with the question 'what is there to hide'? I also believe that RAW is allowed in the current rules of the competition . . . I have argued this before, RAW is a superior way of post processing an image, therefore as we are a very hobby based group, often using compact cameras. Processing in RAW allows far more flexibility, capture/retention of detail especially in highlights, so I am told. To justify its use by converting to JPEG after RAW manipulation is head in the clouds, dont want to understand stuff, smoke and mirrors. We can all shoot JPEG, lets have a level playing field please. In the future, no Exif gets no vote from me, any more than a converted RAW picture will. This may put a few backs up? so be it, I apologise, but I am entitled to an opinion, that opinion has not changed from the last time I raised the question. Re reading the rules tells me that its trying to keep things simple, 'PP' manipulation to a bare minimum?? RAW ain't simple or bare minimum to the less experienced and compact users. Alternative, open house, anything goes, nothing to hide . . . = minimum entries? Now, before those that are offended or think I am talking out of my @rse shout me down!!! Parliament fashion . . . Please think, take stoke, this is one persons humble opinion . . . now its your turn to give 'your measured opinion' . . . SW

I would echo the sentiments, taking Robs line on voting. Hazel has not been to good recently, test, Hospital, more tests, MRI, she has had to give up her part time job! However, the biopsy has come back as nothing sinister to report, so the next appointment on the 23rd will be an 'engineering' repair job on her back . . . = pain free Then like Snatcher, I can persuade her to get the D40 out . . . get that natural eye she has going? SW

DelJ and I have had private discussions on the merits of the D90. But yes, I did pick upon the greens as being Nikon like, and that sparked my memory. I have reduced the strong greens a little on my D80, but its what you like. Green . . . I'm green with envy, I want a D90 SW PS, just had a second look at those trees, yes the greens are strong, but the separation from colour green to colour green, and all the other colours is very . . . I think its described as 'dynamic' by Ken Rockwell, I say 'separated and defined'?

A Nikon 'D90' . . . the greens are very Nikon'ish ??? SW

So what is the 'new camera' mate??? SW

O yes . . . ????????????????????????????????? SW

Hay Steve, I've just had a quick play . . . me as a technophobe, dragged kicking and screaming numpty, it strikes me as not at all bad for a freebie? I actually like it, mind you, dont know what that actually tells us . . . ???? SW

Nice one 'Clifftop'. I wish this was a practical way to get around these days (dream on ) . . . I can just remember the milk man delivering in our village with a horse and 2 wheeled cart, that would have been very early 50's? . . . Webbs Diary, that was the name . . . come to think of it, the green grocer had a horse and cart as well, he used to come round on Saturday morning . . . Sheldrakes was their name, one of my first kisses was Shella Sheldrake . . . but at about seven or eight, it did not amount to much . . . Butchers boy used to deliver the Sunday joint on a bicycal with one of those dirty great baskets on the front, the bill was pined to the joint with a very small scewer, blood dripping every where . . . where was health and safty? do we need health and safty? . . . we made it through??? Happy days SW

After Fridays mini session with the Orwell bass at anchor, I was looking at the tides with another couple of hours in mind. Saturday was garden and green house clean up day!!! What a wast time to have a 20x10ft green house and not use it for growing things Sunday, the Monaco Grand Prix . . . another must . . . plus the previous days clean up was still not complete. The tides were perfect Sunday, with low water at 6.04pm at Harwich. I could do all my chores, watch the motor racing and still get a few hours afloat in the evening, one of the advantages of living 20 minutes from the marina The weather was perfect all day, a little wind, but the rivers offers shelter. Was it to be Orwell or the Stour As we drive down we can see the Orwell, it was busey, very busy with the pleasure craft, not conducive to bassing. Although the Orwell would have offered more wind shelter, the river Stour is always less crowded and I fancied some drifting for bass, my favourite method. No pressure, the flood tide would not start to run before 6.15, so a leisurely preparation to lock out at 5pm. Hazel came along for the jolly and as cabin boy, to deliver a constant supply of tea and biscuits The wind was a little stronger than anticipated, almost straight down the river, but when the tide did turn it would be wind with tide. There was about 30 minutes slack water, I went to a favourite area that has produced in the past. No tide but a little wind, would 'wind drift' produce anything? . . . three schoolies! thats not bad with no tide. Then bang! a mighty thump, missed it, but the tide had started, start to take real notice! The next thump was a rod bender, by the standards of my 6ft-6in, 40gr., bait casting, Diawa mini tooth pick of a fishing wand . . . for that is all it is a 'wand' of a rod. Five minutes and I had a 1.5-2lb'ish bass on board, a very satisfying tussle it was to, returned to fight another day. A total of 8 bass (from 6in to 2lb'ish) were taken + one Flounder in an hour and a half, then nothing . . . the mark always fishes that way. Drifting is the killer method for Stour bass, however, it has to be don right. Steve Copolo showed me many years ago and I have developed my own style from there. A light fixed paternoster is my answer 12"-18" from the 3-4ft, fluorocarbon trace fix point to a 1oz weight, 1/2oz in small tides, and trail this terminal tackle 50ft behind the drifting boat, works for me. Fundamental but not considered as often as it should, a sharp! very sharp hook. I use Varivas 'Big Mouth' and 'Saltwater Champion', the points are long, fine and super sharp! with a small barb for better penetration, nos., 2/0 and 3/0 are my choice, at £3-£4 a box of 30 from Veals mail order, change them often, drifting knocks the points out! I Recommend Veals, ordered a box each of 'BM' 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0's late Thursday night on line, the postie delivered them 9.30am on Saturday, £10.50 + £3 p&p, that will do for me It was time to go, the sun was setting, we had had a very relaxing couple of hours. Lock in, clean up and call in on the way home, to the best Chines take away for miles around . . . thats messed up the diet for the week The sunset makes even a RO-RO ferry look interesting, moored at Harwich taking on its cargo. SW

Friday, a day off to catch up with paperwork and chase some issues on the phone, left me with half a day to spare . . . tagged on to the bank holiday thats three and a half days off . . . 4 days really didn't have to get up early I had planed it so that I could take advantage of the late afternoon low water in the river. Its the start of the bass season, still early but there were reports of a few smaller fish. I locked out at 3pm, the wind was unsuitable for the River Stour, so the Orwell it was, great to have a choice! As the flood was 2 hours away and it only takes 20 minutes to get to the general area I had in mind. I spent a very productive period motoring slowly around looking at the bottom contours, noting possible future areas for investigation as potential productive bass marks Anchor down, 4.30pm LW and laying with the wind . . . a few tickles and a couple of mini bass. The transom was now pointing up river, I could hear the tide burbling gently past the hull, first serious cast in to 5ft of water. Bang, bang!! went the rod tip, missed it . . . its been a long while, I had forgotten how hard and quick bass hit the bait. Thats how it went for an hour, missing more than I hit, nearly loosing the rod once over the side, forgot to slacken the clutch!!! Nothing of major note, the best was this 33cm fish: (returned after pic)! Size does not matter to me in the river as I use 'toothpick' type single handed bait casting style tackle. My favourite rod for this anchored style of river bass fishing; a 'Ron Thompson Kamikaze' quiver tip, braid and a tiny Abu bait casting reel, any fish fights like Moby Dick on such well balanced light tackle! The second hour, saw me casting about looking for the fish, and changing the rag worm bait every cast. The bass would only hit on a fresh worm, any old worm left and they did not want to know! In this second hour it was, cast with an almost instant hit or nothing. Reel in, cast again, shorter, longer, left or right to find that immediate strike. Then nothing, typical early season bass session, 2 hours and its all over. Back in the marina by 7.45pm., perfect. I am looking forward to a few more evening sessions after work when tides are right. SW