It took awhile  because I just didn’t want the hassle of moving the site from asp to html (and php), reconfiguring all the email addresses and moving my blog.  The push came when I decided to change my phone service from Bell to Primus where I currently have my internet access.  Unfortunately, they don’t allow you to move a fixed IP address to the new bundled accounts.  As I thought about it I realized that the fixed IP address that I really needed before (since I was hosting sites on my own servers) wasn’t as critical since I could move all my sites to my reseller hosting account.

So, the first big move is done (DSMPhoto.com) and the second one should be done shortly (DSMHome.com) and I’ll be able to get rid of Bell Canada and their over-priced phone services and move over to Primus.

My request, put in almost 2 months ago has been sitting at “Fulfillment in progress” for a few weeks now and based on what I’ve read, I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Who’s to blame? Microsoft? PC manufacturers? Media Mentor? Me, for actually expecting a timely delivery of a promised upgrade? Whoever it is, it certainly doesn’t look good on any of those involved.

Update: 2 months to the day and my upgrade finally arrived. After a slow and somewhat unclear installation process, I’m now running Windows 7.

Google released their competing product called Page Speed.

It is pretty slick and I find it an excellent compliment to YSlow, however, it’s not a replacement.  Some of the unique features are pre-minified files, right mouse click to save optimized images in reports and they best of all…a real-time recorder/monitor of site load process.  You can watch as each and every object is loaded and see how long it takes and if it slows down your site.

If you are doing any web design you really need to be using this awesome tool kit of FireBug (http://getfirebug.com/), YSlow (http://developer.yahoo.com/yslow/) and Page Speed (http://code.google.com/speed/page-speed/index.html)

As for the game, the girls put on a good show with strong play and end to end action but it turned out to be one of their rare losses.   Hopefully they and the parents are pleased with the photos and I’ll get an opportunity to shoot again…maybe even capturing their usual victory celebration.

Client: “Please print the entire web site so that we can proof it.”
Me: “Um, ok, it’s dynamic content using the database you provided”.
Client: “So you can print it up then, right?”

Upon receiving the printed copy the client was happy.

Weeks later, I get the call that everything matched up perfectly and they were happy. When I asked what they proofed against the client responded “The web site, of course.” I just wonder how long it took for the proofreader to clue in…

I usually import and make my selections in Lightroom then touch up an image in Photoshop.  Returning to Lightroom I then make a virtual copy and apply a presets.  When I get the general look and mood I’m going for I start tweaking the settings.

Applied Presets

Lots of my recent pictures have been produced with the Steller Presets that are now available.  I really like the results I’m getting and I expect you will too.

Old Barn with Presets Applied

Head on over to http://www.stellerphoto.com/presets/ to check them out.

Steller Preset Samples

(migrated from my old blog)

Long story short, this has been a good change since it gets me back into learning technology. The first thing I wanted to do was play around with the Bluetooth connection to my GPS. I use a G-Ray2, which is about the size of a matchbox. for tracking and logging location data for photo hikes and sessions. As a standalone tool it’s just a matter of turning it on and taking it with me. The device logs location data at set intervals and when I return I just upload the data file and either encode my photos and/or create a Google Map of my trip.

While playing around with the Blackberry I was able to locate a free, offline mapping program that will get real-time data from my G-Ray2 — Trekbuddy (http://trekbuddy.net takes you to their forum). The catch, the two devices need to be paired under Bluetooth. The problem, the G-Ray2 Bluetooth passcode was nowhere to be found. If you find this blog posting early in your search for this information, then you are lucky and hopefully knowing that the passcode is 0000 will be helpful.

When all is said and done, this is a very cool little app, the GPS functions perfectly and I am enjoying cell technology again.

I’ve always know that I enjoy photography, whether it’s a studio session with a model, a sports event or out on a photo hike with my son I find that everything else just stands still.   Photography is about the moment, capturing it and being able to express my vision of what I experienced.  I feel lucky to have the opportunity to do what I do and share it with others.

Hopefully I’ll get a chance to shoot more in the coming weeks since I have a backlog of people and ideas.   Maybe some will find there way here.

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