Message from Lord Throplebury of Winklesham
I've been into 35mm photography to a greater or lesser extent for over 20 years. My late Father was a very keen and able photographer, and his periodic attempts to teach me the art on his 35mm Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa rangefinder obviously stirred something within (although that something lay dormant for some while). In 1988 I bought my first 'real' camera; a new Praktica BC-1 35mm SLR kit, with 28mm, 50mm, and 70-210mm lenses. In 1992 a broken Praktica precipitated a switch over to the Nikon camp, where I've been ever since. A new Nikon F-601 quickly got upgraded to a F-801s, which in turn was replaced by a F90 in 1997 when the F-801s was stolen in a house break-in.
The majority of my pre-digital photography had been of a documentary nature, taking pictures of family, friends, holidays, events, etc. Rarely did I take photographs purely for the sake of the art. Photography had never been my main hobby, but one of many, and in essence just the means to an end.
Finally, early 2006, I felt the time was right to 'go digital', swapping my trusty and well-travelled F90 for Nikon's D70s. Despite having worked in film and digital post production for over 20 years the transition to digital was harder than I expected. Still plenty of new skills to learn and techniques to master it seems, particularly in post processing.
Without doubt the most revolutionary aspect of digital photography is the ability to shoot virtually limitless quantities of photographs for little or no direct cost. I can spend countless quiet hours practising my art, experimenting with varying techniques, and not have to worry about how I'm going to finance it. New lenses, which previously would not have been used enough to justify their purchase, are now a viable option. Exciting times indeed.
Although many others had shown the D70s was easily capable of producing truly excellent images, I was never completely satisfied with the small size, low weight, average build, poor system compatibility or odd ergonomics of mine (especially when compared to my old F90), and realising that the D200 cured all these issues and so much more I longed for the day when D200 prices dropped to their lowest. Finally, in July 2008 that day came, and I am now the very proud and very happy owner of a D200.
My PBase galleries are a convenient way of sharing some of my favourite shots with family, friends, and other interested parties. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for looking.
Geoff
P.S. And if you're wondering about the name, just watch 'Catholic High School Girls in Trouble III' and all will be revealed!
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