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jmckelvy

North Alabama

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Joined: 07/25/2006

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Good Sam RV Club Member
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sleepy wrote: I have always used a piece of flat black cloth on the dash to eliminate reflections when we take pictures. I purchase a new piece every uear or so and cut it to fit.
Some times the wind blows it askue when the doors are open... then Janets pictures include the reflection of the airconditioning grill or the GPS module.
I also try to keep the windows clean... some times the weather doesn't cooperate.
We do a similar thing as my wife also likes to take pictures as we drive.
I bought a custom fit dash cover which attaches with velcro strips so it stays in place but is removable. I sprayed it with flat black vinyl fabric paint. I glued several layers of cheesecloth to the underside of the cover vent openings as we still got reflections from them. Works real good as long as I keep the windows clean.
06 RAM 3500,Dually,CTD,Auto(ATS Stage 1),QC,4X4,PacBrake,Spyntec Freespin Hubs,60 Gal Titan Tank,EFI Live, Line-X,Torklifts and SuperHitch,Fastguns
2013 Arctic Fox 990, 275 Watts Solar, 2 Grp 31 AGMs
US Navy 1964-1968, 2-Tour Vietnam Vet
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btggraphix

Golden, CO

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Joined: 03/08/2005

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sabconsulting wrote: Next time I use the truck in the sunshine I'll see whether it is worth doing the same as you.
Cheers,
Steve.
So if I got that right you are saying you'll try it sometime by next August?
2006 LanceMax 1191 - loaded and well-used
2005 C4500/Kodiak 4x4, GVWR 17,500
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bka0721

Republic of Colorado

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Joined: 03/19/2008

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sabconsulting wrote: sleepy wrote: I have always used a piece of flat black cloth on the dash to eliminate reflections when we take pictures. I purchase a new piece every uear or so and cut it to fit.
Some times the wind blows it askue when the doors are open... then Janets pictures include the reflection of the airconditioning grill or the GPS module.
I also try to keep the windows clean... some times the weather doesn't cooperate.
Hey, that is a great idea Chet. So often I don't bother taking pictures through the windshield because of the reflections of the top of the dash. Even if not taking pictures the reflections are still annoying. Next time I use the truck in the sunshine I'll see whether it is worth doing the same as you.
Cheers,
Steve. You might try a Polarizer Filter, if you are shooting with a DSLR, and forget the towel.
b
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sleepy

Oak Ridge,Tennessee

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Joined: 04/07/2003

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bka0721 wrote: sabconsulting wrote: sleepy wrote: I have always used a piece of flat black cloth on the dash to eliminate reflections when we take pictures. I purchase a new piece every uear or so and cut it to fit.
Some times the wind blows it askue when the doors are open... then Janets pictures include the reflection of the airconditioning grill or the GPS module.
I also try to keep the windows clean... some times the weather doesn't cooperate.
Hey, that is a great idea Chet. So often I don't bother taking pictures through the windshield because of the reflections of the top of the dash. Even if not taking pictures the reflections are still annoying. Next time I use the truck in the sunshine I'll see whether it is worth doing the same as you.
Cheers,
Steve. You might try a Polarizer Filter, if you are shooting with a DSLR, and forget the towel.
b
Then my eyes would still see the reflections from the dash all day long on the windsheild.... you might say that I should wear polorized glasses all the time... I used to but they interfer with seeing my DeLorme Street Atlas on my computer... I like the mat black cloth all the time. (I tried flip-up polarized lenses... they are a pain in the.... )
A $3 piece of cloth is such a simple solution that I never thought to discuss it... I just solved the problem to my own satisfaction.. and got on with important things.
I should remind you that... we aren't doing art, no tri-pods or SLR cameras needed in order to cronical the highways, byways and signs or even the Blue Angels ora sailboat that we see. This is just the snapshooting of snapshots... often at 58 mph. No time to change lens, or adjust the focus. We would never sit quietly for half a day waiting for a butterfly to open it's wings... we can and do enjoy other peoples patient efforts for those shots.
In order to simplify we have bought 6 new Sony cameras over the last 9 years... many have a few features that we aren't interested in. I even have an earlier camera that we started traveling with... a Sony digital (F-707) that is from the year 2000, it has the capabality to take pictues in total darkness but has excellant telephoto abilities. Another (T-9) from 2011 that will take 3D pictures... I never use them for the night vision or 3D pictures that they will take... but they do a surburb job of what we want to capture with them... simply.
We normally take 3 cameras with us... each of us have our point and shoots with us all of the time... we can capture the moment on the fly.
... they cost $400 to $500 each so it's not being cheap... it's just what fits our needs...
Point and shoot's and cell phones don't have a place for filters... the F-707 does... but it has to be focused.... and zoomed, etc (It was one of the first serious digital cameras.)
I'll even take pictures with my iPhone 5... Janet won't use her iphone camera.
As you can see... in order to simplify... a quick stop at the cloth shop every few years for 2 yards of very inexpensive flat black cotton cloth material split into two 6' X 20" pieces gives us several years of nonflective dash surface .. just trimmed (Hacked) to fit with sissors... it actually compliments our simple life style... and our snapshot mindset.
I'm surprised... I have spent a lot more time defending our black rag that it has taken to buy, prepare, and replace it a couple of times as it faded over the years.
BTW... Janet has a heck of a time even getting a snapshot sometimes... like when the Blue Angels buzz us. Timing is everything... with a big dose of luck.
The only towel involved is the crying towel we use when we miss getting that interesting (to us) picture.
2003 Lance 1161,/slideout/AGM batteries/255W Solar/propane generator/Sat dish/2 Fantastic Fans/AC/winter pkg
AirFoil, Trimetric, LED lights, Platcat vent heat
2003GMC K3500 LT/Crewcab/duramax diesel/allison/dually/4x4/OnStar/front reciever mounted spare
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sabconsulting

High Wycombe, UK

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Joined: 10/10/2010

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btggraphix wrote: sabconsulting wrote: Next time I use the truck in the sunshine I'll see whether it is worth doing the same as you.
Cheers,
Steve.
So if I got that right you are saying you'll try it sometime by next August? ![wink [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif)
The sun came out yesterday - though by the time I had rushed outside to see what the strange thing was we were back to re-assuring wall-to-wall cloud.
'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'98 Jeep TJ 4.0
'15 Ford Fiesta ST
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2
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silversand

Montreal

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Joined: 09/12/2004

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Thanks, Chet. I guess that I don't notice the reflection off our white terry-cloth dash incoming solar "device", because I have polarized lenses on my glasses and on the camera lens (the camera has circular polarizer).
Silver
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 6.0L Ext/LB Tow Package 4L80E Michelin AT2s| Outfitter Caribou
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bka0721

Republic of Colorado

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Joined: 03/19/2008

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sleepy wrote: bka0721 wrote: sabconsulting wrote: sleepy wrote: I have always used a piece of flat black cloth on the dash to eliminate reflections when we take pictures. I purchase a new piece every uear or so and cut it to fit.
Some times the wind blows it askue when the doors are open... then Janets pictures include the reflection of the airconditioning grill or the GPS module.
I also try to keep the windows clean... some times the weather doesn't cooperate.
Hey, that is a great idea Chet. So often I don't bother taking pictures through the windshield because of the reflections of the top of the dash. Even if not taking pictures the reflections are still annoying. Next time I use the truck in the sunshine I'll see whether it is worth doing the same as you.
Cheers,
Steve. You might try a Polarizer Filter, if you are shooting with a DSLR, and forget the towel.
b
Then my eyes would still see the reflections from the dash all day long on the windsheild.... you might say that I should wear polorized glasses all the time... I used to but they interfer with seeing my DeLorme Street Atlas on my computer... I like the mat black cloth all the time. (I tried flip-up polarized lenses... they are a pain in the.... )
A $3 piece of cloth is such a simple solution that I never thought to discuss it... I just solved the problem to my own satisfaction.. and got on with important things.
I should remind you that... we aren't doing art, no tri-pods or SLR cameras needed in order to cronical the highways, byways and signs or even the Blue Angels ora sailboat that we see. This is just the snapshooting of snapshots... often at 58 mph. No time to change lens, or adjust the focus. We would never sit quietly for half a day waiting for a butterfly to open it's wings... we can and do enjoy other peoples patient efforts for those shots.
In order to simplify we have bought 6 new Sony cameras over the last 9 years... many have a few features that we aren't interested in. I even have an earlier camera that we started traveling with... a Sony digital (F-707) that is from the year 2000, it has the capabality to take pictues in total darkness but has excellant telephoto abilities. Another (T-9) from 2011 that will take 3D pictures... I never use them for the night vision or 3D pictures that they will take... but they do a surburb job of what we want to capture with them... simply.
We normally take 3 cameras with us... each of us have our point and shoots with us all of the time... we can capture the moment on the fly.
... they cost $400 to $500 each so it's not being cheap... it's just what fits our needs...
Point and shoot's and cell phones don't have a place for filters... the F-707 does... but it has to be focused.... and zoomed, etc (It was one of the first serious digital cameras.)
I'll even take pictures with my iPhone 5... Janet won't use her iphone camera.
As you can see... in order to simplify... a quick stop at the cloth shop every few years for 2 yards of very inexpensive flat black cotton cloth material split into two 6' X 20" pieces gives us several years of nonflective dash surface .. just trimmed (Hacked) to fit with sissors... it actually compliments our simple life style... and our snapshot mindset.
I'm surprised... I have spent a lot more time defending our black rag that it has taken to buy, prepare, and replace it a couple of times as it faded over the years.
BTW... Janet has a heck of a time even getting a snapshot sometimes... like when the Blue Angels buzz us. Timing is everything... with a big dose of luck.
The only towel involved is the crying towel we use when we miss getting that interesting (to us) picture. Alrighty then.
I was just trying to make a simple suggestion, for those that don't have the time or talent to fashion something that I agree, too, is effective. Don't mind me, I'll go back to my own sandbox. Sorry.
b
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sleepy

Oak Ridge,Tennessee

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Joined: 04/07/2003

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Bryan... when you take a picture it is art.
When we take a picture that just happens to look really special it is a lucky accident.... thank goodness we have had a few.
We don't invest the time and equiment to get the postcard quality pictures, we depend on you and others to share theirs.
Thanks,
Chet
Also, Silver..... Like most old folks... I have very expensive prescription polarized sunglasses... but they won't let me see the computer sceen or the camera view screen. I don't bother to upgrade them any longer when my prescription changes..
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bka0721

Republic of Colorado

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Joined: 03/19/2008

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Hi Sleepy.
Thank you for the kind words. You are right, in that I do spend more time with my photography, than most. It is a passion of mine and I hope it shows in the images I capture. But this time is the same as if someone would be spending it fishing, hiking or any passion that they have.
As for equipment, you are not entirely on point. I am a big practitioner and believer in keeping things simple. You might be surprised in what equipment I actually do use. My main camera is a point and shoot camera, Olympus. The best things about this camera is it fits in my pocket, goes under water, (when I Kayak) and shock resistant (when dropped or in my back pocket when I exited my motorcycle recently at 55+mph). My iPhone has scored some great shots too. Yes, I do have some professional type equipment too and I don’t have Photoshop in my bag of tricks. I spend a lot of my time getting young people, including old farts too, into photography with many suggestions and tips in fine tuning one’s photography. While I use a tripod a lot, it is not because I wish to be fancy, but due to the fact I have a neurological issue and can’t control my hands from shaking any longer. So rather than stop taking pictures, I adapt. I just don’t use a nail gun anymore, especially when I am close to water pipes!
You and Mrs. Sleepy have a great talent, in your travelogues and teaching others. I enjoy following along with your travels and D.I.Y. projects. We all have changes, whether wanted or not, and that often tempers our attitudes and judgment, as we age. Decades ago, while a lowly Park Ranger, I hated RVs and what impact, I felt, they meant to our environment. Much older and mobility changed, I understand that because of that, you should not be relegated to the rocking chair, but reinvent yourself. Today, I am one of those Rv’ers and often think about those days of wearing the flat hat, my very limited thinking of society and opinions, and pleased to how I have changed and mellowed.
It should be no surprise how others enjoy what you and Mrs. Sleepy are doing and sharing, even if one can’t quantify it. Just keep doing what you are doing and sharing.
b
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sleepy

Oak Ridge,Tennessee

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Joined: 04/07/2003

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We are still heading east, north of US-50.
Amish country. Have you noticed that when a few Amish family move to an area it immediately becomes "Amish Country"?
I was raised to smile and wave at everyone... when we meet the Amish coming toward us in their buggy they dip their favces down and to the right side of the road. It's as if we aren't good enough to greet them.When we stop at their roadside stands to purchase vegitables, cheese, bread and deserts the men are unfriendly. I had enough... I refused to buy from a man that gave me a mean look. I put everything back and left with no comment.
************************
We spotted some RV's being stored for the winter not too far from the State Park.
* This post was
edited 12/06/13 05:39pm by sleepy *
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