Birmingham sealife centre disaster

[galanthus]

My excited trek to the sealife centre in birmingham today led to two disappointments.

First one, I was accosted by a police officer who asked me lots of questions about me, my camera, why I was there etc. I then noticed that the inconsiderate driver who kept driving in front of my shot when he interrupted me was actually an officer in an unmarked car full of armed policemen

Secondly, my shots were all rubbish. I can't believe I left my macro lens behind, I'm sure that would have helped. However, due to the dark surroundings and glass I had real difficulites. All the peeps with point and shoots were doing really well Any tips on this kind of photography pls or any pointers to good web pages etc with info ? thanx

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by galanthus

My excited trek to the sealife centre in birmingham today led to two disappointments.

First one, I was accosted by a police officer who asked me lots of questions about me, my camera, why I was there etc. I then noticed that the inconsiderate driver who kept driving in front of my shot when he interrupted me was actually an officer in an unmarked car full of armed policemen

Secondly, my shots were all rubbish. I can't believe I left my macro lens behind, I'm sure that would have helped. However, due to the dark surroundings and glass I had real difficulites. All the peeps with point and shoots were doing really well Any tips on this kind of photography pls or any pointers to good web pages etc with info ? thanx

Sorry about your disappointment but why on earth were armed police at the sealife centre.

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Sorry about your disappointment but why on earth were armed police at the sealife centre.

Well, the whole place was full of policemen, armed and otherwise, even to point where armed police were on roofs with binoculars It was the labour conference apparently, obviously I've turned up on the wrong weekend

[John]

Part of Broad street in Birmingham has been a no go area for a few days whilst the labour conference goes on. All cars are being diverted and all walkers are being checked. No one is allowed through the fences they have erected unless you are in possession of the correct paperwork.

The Conservatives are also holding one at the same venue later this year which supposed to be even bigger than Labours and Labour, so I have heard, brought 4,000 + delegates to this conference.

John

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Sorry about your disappointment but why on earth were armed police at the sealife centre.

[Bouncytigger]

Originally Posted by galanthus

My excited trek to the sealife centre in birmingham today led to two disappointments.

First one, I was accosted by a police officer who asked me lots of questions about me, my camera, why I was there etc. I then noticed that the inconsiderate driver who kept driving in front of my shot when he interrupted me was actually an officer in an unmarked car full of armed policemen

Secondly, my shots were all rubbish. I can't believe I left my macro lens behind, I'm sure that would have helped. However, due to the dark surroundings and glass I had real difficulites. All the peeps with point and shoots were doing really well Any tips on this kind of photography pls or any pointers to good web pages etc with info ? thanx

Its high security round there at the minute Buddy bear

the LABOUR PARTY SPRING CONFERENCE or somthing

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by Bouncytigger

Its high security round there at the minute Buddy bear

the LABOUR PARTY SPRING CONFERENCE or somthing

Ummm, have just spoken to partner who is police person and apparently when I zoomed my 300mm in on the guy in black with binoculars on the rooftop this wasn't a good thing Seems I potentially have sparked off security alert, there were def far more officers when I came out of centre and was stopped a few mins later. Ooops Things you do for a good photo eh ? Ahem, I'll get me coat !

[Bouncytigger]

Originally Posted by galanthus

Ummm, have just spoken to partner who is police person and apparently when I zoomed my 300mm in on the guy in black with binoculars on the rooftop this wasn't a good thing Seems I potentially have sparked off security alert, there were def far more officers when I came out of centre and was stopped a few mins later. Ooops Things you do for a good photo eh ? Ahem, I'll get me coat !

I do feel really sorry for you.

this sort of theing happens in the city centre ONCE IN A BLUE MOON!!!

The last time we had that much excitment was when BILL CLINTON came about 10 years ago

Don't let it put you off though bud

its worth a vist

They have SHARKS the size OF SARDINES

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Sorry about your disappointment but why on earth were armed police at the sealife centre.

Probably trying to catch a likely looking pair of kippers

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

two tips that spring to mind are;

Use manual focus as auto may focus on the glass.

Use a bracket or synch cord to take the flash off camera to around 45% or more.Don't use the camera's on board flash as this is too close to the lens axis and will cause reflections or glare.

neil

[Geoff F]

I did read somewhere, that if you use one of the flexible lens hoods like Jessops sells and hold it against the glass it prevents reflections. Tried it looking out of my double glazed windows and wasn't over impressed, it was better but not fantastic quality. But they do need cleaning.