Australian INfront

RE: December 2011 Photo Thread on 23rd December 2011 @ 1.08 AM in Creative

::Anyone here shoot any film?

Ya. Develop it too. What type do you shoot? Neopan 400 in Rodinal all the way for me. But shoot anything I get my hands on.

RE: Critical Mass on 29th November 2011 @ 2.55 PM in Discussion

::As far as I've known (and for years) Critical Mass is protesting for better support with bicycle networks in cities, and better public transport. I haven't had much issue with confused messages from them.

I think that may be in part due to the fact you are a supporter and take personal interest in their cause. For the majority of people who aren't interested in what Critical Mass has to say, the message is lost. I'm sure members of this forum would appreciate the value of concise and effective communication.

::As said in my first post, they've been riding at same time on same day of month for years and years. Why does this month suddenlt have everyone having a problem with them? If you're going to have a problem with their actions, make an issue of it every week. As you would hope a protester would of their issue(s). Which Critical Mass supporters do...

I don't think this month suddenly has an increased backlash against Critical Mass. I remember a number of occasions in the past where has been considerably more widespread *outrage* and publicity about the execution of their protest. Actually to be be honest, I didn't even know the protest was on. Maybe I should listen to more AM radio. It probably only comes into discussion when someone rings up Alan Jones to complain about it...

RE: Critical Mass on 26th November 2011 @ 11.10 AM in Discussion

::I think it's a good idea. Fuckwits complaining should use their noggins and take the bloody train. Which I guess is actually the point.

That's all good and well, and many people should. But assuming everyone can jump on public transport and get to where they need to go in any reasonable time frame is a mistake.

I've never had any real problem with Critical Mass protests. Like any cause, I think they have the right to be heard.
The only issue I have is that it's hard to sift through the conflicting messages and identify a constructive core focus for the whole thing. What is the purpose of it? Don't blame me for not knowing, in the past I've attempted to find information online and resist the popular medias portrayal of the protest, but honestly there's so much conflicting opinions out there. One prime example is the original Critical Mass website which states "Those who want to try to tie up traffic as much as possible and be confrontational with motorists are missing the point." However when you see and hear participants both preaching and practicing the complete opposite, you can't blame people for being confused. ("you" as in the abstract sense).

Is it about recognising the rights of cyclists on the road? Is it about encouraging people to take other modes of transport besides cars? They sounds pretty worthwhile things to me, I don't know who can argue with that. The only problem is it took me quite a while to find that information. The only lasting impression people have is that it took them an extra hour to get home from work because some self righteous skinny guys with beards in Lycra shorts were holding traffic up. To me it seems counterproductive to alienate and provoke those who are the target of the protest. I don't know how that educates or changes opinions in regards to the cause. The overwhelming sentiment from what I gather first hand is that people consider Critical Mass to be a shit stir and a way to cause confrontation. That is all.

There is a worthwhile message to CM I think. One that should be heard. But I can't see how the method of delivery has the desired impact.

RE: Selling photographs on 25th November 2011 @ 2.18 PM in Help

::I develop all my film at home in my darkroom. I also print my BW through an enlarger and have an epson v700 for the colour negs and slides.

Same, although my scanner is considerably inferior.
Definitely give home developing a go. You don't need a dark room or anything crazy. It's very simple and enjoyable. Also gives you far more control over how your negs will turn out. B&W may be the easiest to get started on, but once you get used to it C41 is just as easy to do (if not more). E6 is the only one really that can be tricky in my opinion.