First Year of University - My 365

foodpoison said:
Just the way some people live is weird. We watched a documentary on second life, and it's just really creepy. Living in a virtual world, buying virtual objects, interacting with virtual people, living in a virtual apartment, it's all just a bit... strange.
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yeah that makes sense, I just know a second lifer and it really is a great means of escapism I mean there's always a day where you really wanna be someone else somewhere else which she does. I think it'd end up being a long and slippery slope to never leaving my house again :D
 
Raymond Lin said:
You need to photographs MORE of "events", less of objects...please?
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My post about getting some Uni Good Times (Drunk) was in the same vain although Raymond puts it a lot more coherently and to the point!

Do it Sean! Remind us what 3/4 of Uni really was about :lol:
 
smoothedit said:
My post about getting some Uni Good Times (Drunk) was in the same vain although Raymond puts it a lot more coherently and to the point!

Do it Sean! Remind us what 3/4 of Uni really was about :lol:
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I don't mean like pictures after pictures of your friends and you vomiting, but just going out, having a laugh, and candids of PEOPLE. Uni life is about people (i've been to 3 !), take my word on it. I would show you photos, but i don't want to ruin your thread.
 
smoothedit said:
My post about getting some Uni Good Times (Drunk) was in the same vain although Raymond puts it a lot more coherently and to the point!

Do it Sean! Remind us what 3/4 of Uni really was about :lol:
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I'll do my best! Unfortunately I don't really drink.

;) :nuts:

Raymond Lin said:
I don't mean like pictures after pictures of your friends and you vomiting, but just going out, having a laugh, and candids of PEOPLE. Uni life is about people (i've been to 3 !), take my word on it. I would show you photos, but i don't want to ruin your thread.
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I'll do my best to please you Raymond, I promise ;)
 
Day 020 - 08/10/2009

Not much today. Had a boring arse lecture in Communications and Research. The lecturer told us about basic english and how important it was.
2 hours of her telling the class what a paragraph was, and the proper use of sentence clauses. I would say it's the most condescending lecture I'll ever have, but I have a feeling tomorrow will be that.

In my photography unit, the people who use the photographic equipment are given an orange card. This allows you to hire out kit, but before you're 'awarded' this orange card, you need to be properly 'trained' with the equipment.

This training includes:
-How to turn the camera on and off and what button to press to take a picture and look at the picture you took
-How to replace the battery and recharge it
-How to download the files from the camera and onto a computer
-How to delete files off the memory card

However the training doesn't stop at this. Tomorrow's session is on photoshop. We made a moodboard and tomorrow we'll be scanning it in and making small changes to it. Learning photoshop by adjusting brightness and contrast, layers and file management, apparently.

I don't want to be the guy who stands up in front of the class and tries to make the lecturer feel small by saying, "Hey actually I'm an avid photographer, I've been doing photography for 2 and a half years, I've done dozens of paid photo shoots, I effectively have a business in it, I have an A level in photography, and I worked in a photographic retailer for 2 years. I have my own kit, I know how to use photoshop, and I understand photography pretty much down to a tee. Is there actually any point in coming to the next 6 weeks of sessions? Can't you just email me the assignment brief and I'll just start working on it?"

So instead I tried a more subtle approach. During my first lecture in photography we had to walk through the studio to get to the classroom. In the studio were literally a dozen large format cameras. I approached the lecturer at the end of the lecture and asked her "during the course will we get to use the large format cameras or are they primarily for the photography degree students?" (bearing in mind she had made no mention of large format cameras and I was probably the only student in the class who had a clue what they were). She replies completely ignorantly, "Well they are predominantly for the degree students, but who knows, perhaps you will! Don't worry though in the 6th week you're trained on tripods and flashes so you can hire them out!"

I felt like slapping her. I think I might just take all my kit into the next session and just say "Here's my business card. I'll check my emails for the assignment brief."

One half of me thinks "I literally can't believe I'm paying £2k for this crap. I hope it gets more challenging so I actually am required to work hard." while the other half says "Meh, whatever, I might as well just stick it out for an easy qualification! I hope it stays like this, it's a breeze!"
No doubt when the deadlines roll around I'll be working a lot harder. I hope!

Disclaimer: Please don't let today's image reflect on what I've just said. I'm expecting "Really? From the photograph you posted it seems you should probably stick with the course ;)"
I know it's crap, but hey, I'm a free-loading lazy student. What do you expect? :p

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Wait...you turned up in your "photographic unit" without a camera? lol

That's some course !
 
dude it sucks but they have to train you in how to use their kit - the course you are on is not catered for photographers, its for everyone... So for their insurances they have to train you in certain things

we got trained in the Nikon D90s and it was a complete waste of an hour, but it meant i could borrow the college kit when i didnt have any and got a job and also for college assignments.

Be thankful they taught everyone because even though they did, you will have people on your course who didnt listen to a word of it, asking you for help to recharge those batteries and press those buttons!

No one likes a know-it-all at college, its for every body so try to take an interest and maybe help the people out around you if you really know what your doing,

from what you have said about your course its not just based on photography so they will probably only go through basic photoshop and camera work, thats all to be expected really :)

I am sure you will find the flash workshops more interesting, i very much doubt you have the sort of flash units they will be using so that will be good :)
 
is it registered?

why do you go? - I blew off 3 weeks off maths lectures last year because when I pre read the handouts 9am good boy) I found out it was basic FP1 stuff that I did at A level

sometimes there are better uses for your time
 
problem is david, i imagine its similar to my college where if you have not been given a training session on the kit, they will not let you loan it out at all

so it is fairly essencial that you go :)
 
aaaah with ya now we had a workshop one of those but it was just one session and we got to make things in it so was fun, thats well annoying
 
You telling me about condecending lectures? When I was in Uni to do Computer Games Development, we had a lecture about Computers, how they work, and what a definition of a computer was.
 
feeb said:
dude it sucks but they have to train you in how to use their kit - the course you are on is not catered for photographers, its for everyone... So for their insurances they have to train you in certain things

we got trained in the Nikon D90s and it was a complete waste of an hour, but it meant i could borrow the college kit when i didnt have any and got a job and also for college assignments.

Be thankful they taught everyone because even though they did, you will have people on your course who didnt listen to a word of it, asking you for help to recharge those batteries and press those buttons!

No one likes a know-it-all at college, its for every body so try to take an interest and maybe help the people out around you if you really know what your doing,

from what you have said about your course its not just based on photography so they will probably only go through basic photoshop and camera work, thats all to be expected really :)

I am sure you will find the flash workshops more interesting, i very much doubt you have the sort of flash units they will be using so that will be good :)
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I know, and that's what I've accepted. There is no prior experience necessary, so I have no right to complain. However the lecturer said that all the seminars are compulsory even if you have your own kit and know a camera in depth.
The way I look at it is that if something of mine breaks I'll have uni back ups.

I had a digital media seminar in photoshop today. Like serious basics. Layers, history, filters, hue/saturation etc. I aced in really quickly and I think the lecturer picked up on that and now sort of makes an announcement to the class and then gives me a separate announcement appropriate to my level of skill. I feel like a douchebag.

david1701 said:
is it registered?

why do you go? - I blew off 3 weeks off maths lectures last year because when I pre read the handouts 9am good boy) I found out it was basic FP1 stuff that I did at A level

sometimes there are better uses for your time
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Yes, it's registered, and the uni is very strict on attendance here. Their thoughts are that if you don't want to bother then you're wasting a place on the course.
My opinion is that if you don't want to bother, it's your money, and you're wasting it. The teachers are still getting paid.
Ah well. It's a relaxing 4 hours a week, if not slightly frustrating.

feeb said:
problem is david, i imagine its similar to my college where if you have not been given a training session on the kit, they will not let you loan it out at all

so it is fairly essencial that you go :)
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No, you are not allowed to rent kit without the training.
 
Pieface said:
You telling me about condecending lectures? When I was in Uni to do Computer Games Development, we had a lecture about Computers, how they work, and what a definition of a computer was.
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You should stand up and asked "Am I in the right class? This is Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development right? :p
 
Day 21 - 09/10/2009

Sorry guys, another inanimate object today. This one tells a story though.

As I've said, had 3 lectures today.
Started with Digital Media, then Photography, and then Promoting the Creative Industries.

Digital Media:
-Scan in a paper moodboard (the lecturer had to teach everyone to use it but I have common sense and just did it myself)
-Use filters and basic editing techniques to 'alter' the image
-Add new layers and turn the once moderately aesthetically pleasing image into something complete soul destroying
-Change the opacity of said layers to make it even more horrendous
-Save As a copy
-Eject USB stick
This took 2 hours.

Photography:
-History of a Camera Obscura (I was not only the only person in the class to know what a daguerreotype was - not that surprising, it's a fairly lesser known photographic process - but I was also the only person to know what a pinhole camera was and how it worked)
-Watched 20 minutes of an episode of Genius of Photography
-Spoke about the assignment brief. We'll be splitting the brief into 3 mini-briefs. I guess because we're not actually considered adult enough to tackle a whole assignment brief ourselves and so it has to be broken down into manageable chunks.
-Finished 45 minutes early.

Promoting the Creative Industries:
Fantastic lecture. Spoke about marketing and market research, and various models of research, including PEST, SWOT, Boston Matrix and more. I personally found it very interesting and took about 8 pages of notes. Other people in my class found it less interesting, and sat on facebook on their blackberries for most of the class.
This is where I'll be finding out who I want to group with for the end of semester group presentation.

I'm really enjoying 'Promoting the Creative Industries' and 'Integrated Visual Media and Design'. It's challenging, interesting and I'm actually learning. 'Communication and Research' is a lot more academic and fairly boring, but it's early days yet. I have high hopes for these 3 units.
'Digital Media' and 'Photography' however are extremely condescending. Perhaps it's because I'm come from a very technological family and have a lot of technical understanding for someone of my age and class. I'm looking forward to being allowed to get rid of the metaphorical car seat and you know, drive the car. I understand other people aren't in my position but unfortunately I don't think my lecturer will be very understanding. I wish it was more like it used to be - I wish I could just be given the assignment brief and read the lecture notes on the Online Learning System and then just be left to myself. I feel I would do substantially more productive things with my time.

The bottle? It's been there, half drunk, for the whole time I have been here.
I threw it away today.

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foodpoison said:
Day 21 - 09/10/2009

Sorry guys, another inanimate object today. This one tells a story though.

...


The bottle? It's been there, half drunk, for the whole time I have been here.
I threw it away today.
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And the story is? :thinking:

LOL, come on man, SHOW ME THE UNI !!!!!
 
Day 022 - 10/10/2009

Awesome night out last night. Went out with 2 of my girl mates, and 3 of their girl mates. I was with 5 lovely ladies. Was wicked :D
Went to a few bars and a few clubs and then ended up coming home.

I'm probably going to take my camera out tomorrow. Look forward to some new shots.

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foodpoison said:
Besides, I know your ulterior motive! You just want to see pretty girls!
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Yes :thumbs:

foodpoison said:
Day 022 - 10/10/2009

Awesome night out last night. Went out with 2 of my girl mates, and 3 of their girl mates. I was with 5 lovely ladies. Was wicked :D
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:lol:

What's the problem? ;) :D

p.s. I went out with 9 (nine) last weekend, I know how you feel :lol:
 
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Day 23 - 11/10/2009

This is my Batman T-Shirt I wore on the Whammed superhero night. Freshly washed :)

Wicked night last night, too.
One of my best mates came to stay with me, and we went to a house party in another residence. Was a wicked night, but I drank a totally unnecessary amount.
Someone put Enter Shikari on and I apparently went a bit mad with a few other lads.
Awesome :D

Cooking Chicken Tikka Masala tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to take my camera out and snap a few pictures of the local architecture and parks at sunset. Look forward to those.

2 nights ago I had serious thoughts about using my Natwest £500 overdraft to purchase a second hand 24-105L and swap it out for my 24-60.
I've never been happy with the focussing on my 24-60, plus I could really really use IS.
I don't think I'm going to, because financially it's a completely ridiculous thing to do, but one can dream.

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foodpoison said:
Day 23 - 11/10/2009

This is my Batman T-Shirt I wore on the Whammed superhero night. Freshly washed :)

Wicked night last night, too.
One of my best mates came to stay with me, and we went to a house party in another residence. Was a wicked night, but I drank a totally unnecessary amount.
Someone put Enter Shikari on and I apparently went a bit mad with a few other lads.
Awesome :D

Cooking Chicken Tikka Masala tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to take my camera out and snap a few pictures of the local architecture and parks at sunset. Look forward to those.

2 nights ago I had serious thoughts about using my Natwest £500 overdraft to purchase a second hand 24-105L and swap it out for my 24-60.
I've never been happy with the focussing on my 24-60, plus I could really really use IS.
I don't think I'm going to, because financially it's a completely ridiculous thing to do, but one can dream.

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do it now, they will give you more overdraft - I live on my loan and spent more than a k on my cam last year
 
Day 024 - 12/10/2009

Yesterday was a bad day.

I accidentally spilled the beans on my mate and his girlfriend. She's at uni here, he's at home working.
He's slept with 3 people, she thinks he's slept with 1. These girls were while they were going out.
She said to me, "Oh haha he's slept with 5 people"
I was confused and replied, "No he hasn't, he's slept with 3?"
We were both drunk and it turns out she was just making a joke, a prediction.
F***.

Also I just received a task through email that is due this morning. I have 20 minutes to write it.

*sigh*

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I blew my student loan on a Snowboard and a load of kit :D
 
my first student loan payment went on books and clothes

second went on a guitar and a stereo :)

third went on a holiday to thailand :) (i did take photos there though - oh yesh)

this year i spent my student loan on a Nikon D700 and i saved up a bit extra to get a lens with it :)

for chrimbo i am getting an uber student loan of 3650! So i am buying a new zoom, new macro and probably paying for some driving lessons


student loans ROCK!
 
I'd rather, personally, have the money there if I get in a lot of trouble, then when I've finished uni, minimize my debt...

Having said that, looking at previous sales, I could probably get a good copy of the 24-105 for £550. Sell my 24-60 for £150. £400. I have a £500 overdraft, £150 in my Natwest account, effectively meaning I have £650. Add the £150 from the 24-60 means I have £800. Buy the 24-105 and I have £250 left over.

But it's early days. I may well need that money if I find getting a job really difficult.

Someone with sense please tell me the truth. Not all you students who find it easy to spend other people's money :p

I'm trying to look at it as if it's not my money.
 
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Heh, i know the feeling, i've been considering swapping a couple of my lens from a tamron 17-50, but really dont think i should. It would also leave me with no lens over 50mm.
 
The old(ish) Tamron SP ƒ/3.5-5.6 24-135mm is good enough for beggars and non-Canonites.

One went for £99 a couple of days ago on eBay.
 
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Why would you *need* the new lens? whats that extra little reach going to allow you do do, that you cant now?

If you can properly justify the use of the new lens, get it - but if you want it 'just coz' you can afford it, then you're wasting money.

James
 
It's not the reach I care about. It's the IS. And I also am not happy with the focussing on my 40d. It back focusses but focusses fine on my friend's friend's 40d. I know the image quality, build quality, and IS are all very important. The reach isn't important. If the 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105 f/4 IS were the same price I'd get the 24-70 but IS isn't as expensive as wide max apertures.

It's razor sharp, just not if it's focussed automatically, or if I focus where I want to.
 
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Really? I find IS to be fairly useless at such a 'low' range, I wouldn't consider using it till about 200mm. Why do you think the IS would be so useful on that lens?

Also if I've read it correctly - the focusing is your cameras fault? so why not spend a bit of money on getting that fixed instead?

James
 
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