The Geeky Nerdy Project Page

[Kupar 13,339]

12 minutes ago, Gotah said:

I don't know if this counts as geeky or nerdy but I really enjoy taking pictures. Lately I discovered my passion for time lapse photography and now I've been doing nothing else for the past 2 years!

Sounds interesting. Not something I have ever tried. What are your top tips and what is your favourite subject matter of the things you've done so far?

Edited December 15, 2020 by Kupar
Typo

[Gotah 2,382]

2 hours ago, Kupar said:

Sounds interesting. Not something I have ever tried. What are your top tips and what is your favourite subject matter of the things you've done so far?

I guess my top tips are practice as much as you can, get to know your camera and be patient. If you do so then good pictures will come your way 🙂

As you can maybe tell from the pictures I'm surrounded by beautiful nature so I spend most of my time with landscape and nature (especially wildlife) photography in general ... But I always try to find new subjects to shoot and try to portray them in a "new" and creating way without trying to replicate all of the shit you can find on instagram for instance

[Kupar 13,339]

55 minutes ago, Gotah said:

I guess my top tips are practice as much as you can, get to know your camera and be patient. If you do so then good pictures will come your way 🙂

As you can maybe tell from the pictures I'm surrounded by beautiful nature so I spend most of my time with landscape and nature (especially wildlife) photography in general ... But I always try to find new subjects to shoot and try to portray them in a "new" and creating way without trying to replicate all of the shit you can find on instagram for instance

Thanks! I can see the appeal of time-lapse photography of landscapes and plants, and how with careful set up it can be done. Not quite so easy with, say, birds in flight, but even then I suppose a series of perhaps 0.5 second interval images of a slow-moving swan would give you something interesting 🙂 

[Gotah 2,382]

3 hours ago, Kupar said:

Thanks! I can see the appeal of time-lapse photography of landscapes and plants, and how with careful set up it can be done. Not quite so easy with, say, birds in flight, but even then I suppose a series of perhaps 0.5 second interval images of a slow-moving swan would give you something interesting 🙂 

Long exposure makes everything better, always. Unfortunately though there are days when I'm shooting time lapses and have to chose a short shutter speed where afterwards you can see all of the insect that have flown into your frame. You see them as lots of black dots that I then have to remove in post production, frame by frame until everything's nice and clean. It's a pain in the ass to do especially if you have 400+ pictures, but at the end it's always worth it because it all makes a huge difference afterwards 😉

[Kupar 13,339]

21 minutes ago, Gotah said:

Long exposure makes everything better, always. Unfortunately though there are days when I'm shooting time lapses and have to chose a short shutter speed where afterwards you can see all of the insect that have flown into your frame. You see them as lots of black dots that I then have to remove in post production, frame by frame until everything's nice and clean. It's a pain in the ass to do especially if you have 400+ pictures, but at the end it's always worth it because it all makes a huge difference afterwards 😉

Understood - and a useful tip. That's tricky. You are a patient man!

[gldenwetgoose 21,487]

22 minutes ago, Gotah said:

Long exposure makes everything better, always. Unfortunately though there are days when I'm shooting time lapses and have to chose a short shutter speed where afterwards you can see all of the insect that have flown into your frame. You see them as lots of black dots that I then have to remove in post production, frame by frame until everything's nice and clean. It's a pain in the ass to do especially if you have 400+ pictures, but at the end it's always worth it because it all makes a huge difference afterwards 😉

I'm absolutely sure you have your own very well practiced work-flow for the post production, and we all have our favourite methods.  The biggest change moment ever in my post production was embracing Adobe Lightroom - in particular the ability to synchronise changes across a whole set of images.

What I mean by that (for the benefit of anyone confused) is that I can make a set of adjustments to one photo to get it looking just how I like, then I can copy some or all of those changes to the whole set.  So typically I'll be using a manual setting for white balance, to make sure every photo has the right balance - but that may not be the optimum. So I can tweak to suit and then flow that change to every image.  Similarly, I'll try to shoot just a fraction below correct exposure such that a white wedding dress or fair skin doesn't get completely washed out. Then I can lift the shadows back up in post production and flow those changes to every photo too.

Of course, insects which are in a different place on every image are a little more troublesome, but Lightroom is pretty good at cloning them out too.

Would love to see some of your time lapses - if there's any you're happy to share here of course. 

[Gotah 2,382]

21 minutes ago, Kupar said:

Understood - and a useful tip. That's tricky. You are a patient man!

Patience is necessary haha

13 minutes ago, gldenwetgoose said:

What I mean by that (for the benefit of anyone confused) is that I can make a set of adjustments to one photo to get it looking just how I like, then I can copy some or all of those changes to the whole set.  So typically I'll be using a manual setting for white balance, to make sure every photo has the right balance - but that may not be the optimum. So I can tweak to suit and then flow that change to every image.  Similarly, I'll try to shoot just a fraction below correct exposure such that a white wedding dress or fair skin doesn't get completely washed out. Then I can lift the shadows back up in post production and flow those changes to every photo too.

Of course, insects which are in a different place on every image are a little more troublesome, but Lightroom is pretty good at cloning them out too.

Normally I'd do that aswell but unfortunately I use a software that works hand in hand with lightroom which doesn't allow me to clone the changes of one picture on all the others ... well, technicalli it's possible, but if I do it it'll mess up all of the other pictures unfortunately. So, in order to do this without ruining everything I edit the pictures on LR and the other software and then I go back to lightroom to clone the insects one by one out and then export everything. Exhaustig but again, definetly worth the effort.

18 minutes ago, gldenwetgoose said:

Would love to see some of your time lapses - if there's any you're happy to share here of course.

I'd love to. I even have some short films on YT already but unforunately my name and everything is also displayed in those videos haha ... maybe I could try and upload just one short clip from all of the ones that I've done 🙂

[Kupar 13,339]

8 minutes ago, Gotah said:

I'd love to. I even have some short films on YT already but unforunately my name and everything is also displayed in those videos haha ... maybe I could try and upload just one short clip from all of the ones that I've done 🙂

Or perhaps upload one or two to another hosting site with a new anonymous account name, maybe just temporarily?

Edited December 15, 2020 by Kupar
Because I am stupid

[Gotah 2,382]

31 minutes ago, gldenwetgoose said:

Would love to see some of your time lapses - if there's any you're happy to share here of course

 

2 minutes ago, Kupar said:

Or perhaps upload one or two to another hosting site with a new anonymous account name, maybe just temporarily?

I don't really understand what you mean with this, sorry.

Anyway, I found a clip that I can safely post here and is good enough to not embarass myself haha ... The original clip also has an audio track with nature sounds to make it more immersive, just imagine a soft autumn breeze blowing and birds chirping in the distance.

[Kupar 13,339]

7 minutes ago, Gotah said:

Anyway, I found a clip that I can safely post here and is good enough to not embarass myself haha

This is great! Spectacular location as well 🙂  ... and nice use of the Ken Burns thing too

7 minutes ago, Gotah said:

I don't really understand what you mean with this, sorry.

It doesn't really matter. I was just thinking that you could create a new YouTube (or Vimeo, or whatever) account with details that protect your ID, and upload to that account one of the clips you have already posted on the YouTube account that has your real name, . But I'll settle for the clip you have uploaded here 🙂 - no need to go to any trouble setting up new accounts somewhere!

Edited December 15, 2020 by Kupar
Add detail

[Gotah 2,382]

On 12/15/2020 at 4:29 PM, Kupar said:

This is great! Spectacular location as well 🙂  ... and nice use of the Ken Burns thing too

Thanks! ... I didn't make use of the ken burns effect though. It was quite foggy that day so I guess nature did that on its own 🙂

[gldenwetgoose 21,487]

Keeping on the photography theme....   and perhaps with people thinking about treating themselves to a Christmas present...

Drones

Yes those maybe annoying aerial toy things - except that today's technology has made them very viable as more than a toy.  High resolution photos and 4k video, stabilised and easy to control.

Plus - and this is the interesting part - new regulations come into force in the UK from the start of 2021 - which IF you buy the right drone can dramatically extend how you can use it.  Now here's a pretty picture....   If you're interested in the geeky UK regulation stuff carry on reading below the pic.

 

 

So then - drone flying in the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority.  Up until just about now there have been two levels of authorisation to fly - one being recreational with little work required and the other being permission for commercial operations, with lots of hoops to jump through and significant cost.

However in 2021 all is changing to the world of drone flying for the UK to come into line with European regulations.  There isn't any distinction any more between recreational and commercial, just three 'use cases' called A1, A2 & A3.   These relate to where you can fly, how close to buildings, people and property.  The category A2 is closest to the current case and there's new training / exams being provided by lots of companies to pass the CAA A2 qualification.  It's much cheaper and easier than the current system, always a bonus.

But - and a big BUT - there is a big change, in that the CAA have created classes of drones (which don't actually exist on the market yet) and within that is a 'get out' clause that applies to anyone flying a drone of less than 250 grammes.

What that means is that owners of many drones after Jan '21 need to take the A2 test and can then fly sort of to similar limits that they currently do.

BUT for a drone of less than 250g, many of the limits are near enough removed.  I'm feeling a little smug in that (for once in my life) the regulations are working in my favour.  My drone, which took the picture above is a DJI Mini 2, which is specifically designed to meet the 250g limit.

From next week, to fly my DJI Mini 2 then for commercial or recreational use I still have to register with the CAA (£9 per year) and am still limited to 120m maximum altitude (photo above was about 50m) and still limited to visual line of sight only.  Beyond that though the restrictions on flying over people are removed for <250g drones. The 50m from people, property etc / 150m from built up areas limits are removed.  That means being able to fly in a multitude of places not currently possible - city centres for example.  I can't fly over assemblies of people, like sports or music events, or crowded streets. There is a requirement to protect privacy of course and not to endanger safety of people or their property, or to fly near airports - all of those things quite rightly remain in place.

It is a huge consideration though when choosing which drone to buy - biggest isn't always best. Certainly not in the UK...

http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP2008_EU_Drone_Rules_Factsheet_V7 6.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2rq6FItF2bTJhQVrzoUCE4PGxikLuo3O1Y4cwOHuSp0Dg4A6c_f_yRWUc

 

[Kupar 13,339]

All useful things to know - thanks @gldenwetgoose - I am a little surprised that even registered flyers are able to fly near (50m distant from) people, but as you point out, other laws govern the use to which any photos / video can be put, and the safety of individuals and property, so there's no need for extra regulation in that area.

Let's hope you can get out and about and make use of your drone during 2021 🙂

[gldenwetgoose 21,487]

2 minutes ago, Kupar said:

All useful things to know - thanks @gldenwetgoose - I am a little surprised that even registered flyers are able to fly near (50m distant from) people, but as you point out, other laws govern the use to which any photos / video can be put, and the safety of individuals and property, so there's no need for extra regulation in that area.

Let's hope you can get out and about and make use of your drone during 2021 🙂

Yes - privacy laws remain fully in force, so I'd still be likely to be getting a knock on the door if I'd been hovering over a naked sunbathing neighbour or the open air ladies's toilets (although maybe there is an argument I wasn't directly above...).

The main CAA consideration in relaxing the restrictions is around the energy a 250g item would impart if it fell on your head.  Not flying over crowds is an exposure-to-risk thing, flying over individuals is down to the risk of actually hitting them and the force imparted if so.

[likesToLick 10,216]

13 hours ago, gldenwetgoose said:

My drone, which took the picture above is a DJI Mini 2, which is specifically designed to meet the 250g limit.

Considering how small and light the camera must be to keep the entire aircraft under 250g,  that is an amazingly good quality picture. 

[gldenwetgoose 21,487]

7 hours ago, likesToLick said:

Considering how small and light the camera must be to keep the entire aircraft under 250g,  that is an amazingly good quality picture. 

I was amazed myself....   It's got a few flaws around the tiny size of the lens, the sun flare at the wrong angles...   but yes - it is amazingly good.  Also it captures still images in RAW (so I can edit more forgivingly in post production) and amazing detail in the higher resolution video capture.  I'm very, very impressed.

[Kupar 13,339]

2 minutes ago, owlman76 said:

I decided to have a foray into electronics recently, although I am an electrician I knew next to nothing about electronics, which surprises a lot of people although they are actually two completely different fields. Anyway I wanted a controller for the emergency equipment on my landrover and it was pretty expensive, I sat and thought about it and made an almost indentical unit for less than £30, so that was good, just need some warm weather to fit it now, lol.

Sounds interesting. What emergency equipment? And why the controller? Sorry - being very nosy here!

[Kupar 13,339]

OK - that looks impressive! And thanks for being such a public-spirited citizen!

[bibbob 0]

This was my inner si fi geek 3d printing project with ender 3

 

[willinglywet 242]

My biggest interest/hobby is restoring and working on classic cars, over the years i had a few of them and still have one small project beside my daily driver.

I always been a car guy so that is obvious choice for hobby to me. I havent actually done any of them from scratch but usually i have driveable car which i slowly restoring while still able to enjoying to drive it. So here it is, nothing special but for me its relaxing.

I also do rallycross racing actually and building these racecars of mine aswell, not much of action on this year cause cancelled races for reason anyone surely know..

[gldenwetgoose 21,487]

2 minutes ago, willinglywet said:

My biggest interest/hobby is restoring and working on classic cars, over the years i had a few of them and still have one small project beside my daily driver.

I always been a car guy so that is obvious choice for hobby to me. I havent actually done any of them from scratch but usually i have driveable car which i slowly restoring while still able to enjoying to drive it. So here it is, nothing special but for me its relaxing.

I also do rallycross racing actually and building these racecars of mine aswell, not much of action on this year cause cancelled races for reason anyone surely know..

That's awesome - Most of my mum's pregnancy was spent as a spectator at a local circuit, so I'm blaming my love of all things motorsport on having traces of hydrocarbons ingested pre-birth. My excuse anyway.

Completely understand that any pictures could easily link to your 'real world' identity so you most likely wouldn't want to post any...

[willinglywet 242]

2 hours ago, gldenwetgoose said:

That's awesome - Most of my mum's pregnancy was spent as a spectator at a local circuit, so I'm blaming my love of all things motorsport on having traces of hydrocarbons ingested pre-birth. My excuse anyway.

Completely understand that any pictures could easily link to your 'real world' identity so you most likely wouldn't want to post any...

Would be nice to share some pictures, but like you said it could cause that. It would be ankward if someone close enough to me would find out.

Edited December 30, 2020 by willinglywet

[SheCallsMeCosa 35]

Currently I'm working on a few web scraping projects in python and javascript, all porn related lol. 

1. A general purpose scraper to get all the pee trailers from hightide video (https://www.hightide-video.com/pissmenu.html) because I love them and they should be backed up

2. A reddit scraper, partially started already from this guy on reddit that has the ability to get download links for all submissions on a subreddit.

3. The infamous...onlyfans content ripper (for ethical use). One of these existed for public use but it came out that the dev was using it to extract credit card data. I have no such intention, I have no intention to release it publicly either I just need it for personal use but wouldn't have an issue sharing it here when I'm done (if I can get it to work). 

I have to practice programming and web development for my job so I like to relate it back to my hobbies, some of which are my sexual kinks. If you have a kink that you are modulating through pornography then data management is always going to be a problem to solve. I also like data hoarding in general because it can be kind of fun. 

[Sophie 24,410]

As some of you might have seen in the chat, over the last couple of days I have been working on some image manipulation software. It works! But now I don't know what to do with it. Any ideas of what I could do with ~200 photos of faces? 😂

 

[Kupar 13,339]

2 minutes ago, Sophie said:

As some of you might have seen in the chat, over the last couple of days I have been working on some image manipulation software. It works! But now I don't know what to do with it. Any ideas of what I could do with ~200 photos of faces? 😂

 

Fantastic! You could sell it to @Admin for use with the site video index