Simon's Blog

I have used Epson paper in the past but for the ARPS submission I have decided to experiment with Hahnemuhle .   I have two sample packs and I intend to test most of the papers to see which I like.  However, the first step before this is to download the ICC Profiles for each of the papers.  This is really straightforward, apart from when you download the profiles for the wrong printer (grrgh).   Next step – start printing.
 

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini

First the good news.   The London Underground app for the iPhone – Tube Deluxe – is really quite good.  There were one or two teething problems but once I got the hang of it then no problems.   Now the bad news.   I was going to travel to the O2 by tube but guess what it’s closed over Easter!   I only found this out by using the iPhone app which is another reason why the app is so good.

So how to get there?   Well I think it is down to the Thames Clipper and goodness only knows how that will work?
 

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini

I am not sure whether they’ll ever be a no 2 but I thought I would record the comings and goings in and around the garden this spring.

Well things are really hotting up.  All around we have birds pairing off.  The latest is a fairly new resident in the area – carrion crows.   We have a number of Jackdaws but crows are new – I am not sure why they are moving into the area although it may well be that I have not seen them before.  Anyway, I was watching them on the roof tops performing.

The other day I had a brief glimpse of a sparrowhawk as it negotiated the pergola as if it wasn’t there – a really wonderful sight.    The nest boxes are starting to attract interest from propective lodgers.  To date we only have one definite resident, a blue tit.

In a neighbouring garden someone planted a Christmas tree.  Over the years this has grown into a large tree (it is still growing and if it keeps it’s growth up will become a huge tree).  Over the past few weeks I have been able to watch a magpie slowly build a nest right at the top of the tree.  The great thing about where the nest is is that you can get some really good views from my house.

Anyway, not sure if there will be a No 2 so this may well be a collector’s item – we’ll see.
 

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini

Well I have started the process to obtain an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) – I have completed the application form.   The date of the assessment will be 8th September which doesn’t seem too fair away.  I have a lot of work to do between now and then but I have to say I find the challenge quite exciting as I have been working on the project on and off for almost three years.   Next task – obtain the interactive CD which should help me through the process.
 

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini

You know what it is like, you’re feeling a lot better in yourself and think you should be able to get and do things.  You then try and do something and end up in an exhausted heap.  Well that is me at the moment.  I am starting to recover really quite well, managed a bit of pottering around on the computer today so I thought I would do just a little bit more.   I know I’ll just capture the dafs in the garden – nothing too strenuous there then …so I thought.

An hour later and I realised that it was too strenuous after all.   The photos were pants as well so all in all not a good afternoon.
 

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini

There is light at the end of the tunnel – I started to get over a real bad case of sickness & diarrhoea.   I am not sure whether having had  much milder version just a couple of weeks ago has made matters worse but this is the by the most virulent attack I have ever suffered.   Being told ‘there is a lot about‘ doesn’t really help.   One of the few positive things you can say spending a few days on very intimate terms with the toilet seat is that it is the best crash diet known to man – I’ve lost at least 4kg – but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone as I feel as weak as a new born baby.   It has taken me all my time to write this and I am getting a lot better.  Still tomorrow I should be better still – lets hope.

Simon Marchini LRPS

Web: http://WWW.simonmarchini.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@simonmarchini