[Goff]

January 22, 2007 at 1:50 pm

Conns cameras are doing the spyder2 express for 99 euros at the moment.

Good thing about it is the only difference between that and the pro version is the software.

[Goff]

November 16, 2006 at 3:16 pm

Mark wrote:

Goff,

When it was re-opened for voting, it was re-opened for another 10 days.
Effectively I removed the original votes and Steve setup a new poll, leaving it open for another 10 days.

FYI, going forward we won’t be restarting. If people don’t read and follow the rules regarding
responses, file sizes etc… they won’t be in that months competition.

My mistake then.

(Wonder why I still couldn’t vote? Must check settings).

BTW, I read the rules and had no problem posting with regard file sizes, etc.

I didn’t get a reply but my pic was still up.

I appreciate the effort you put into the whole thing, which probably doesn’t come across in my posts.

[Goff]

November 16, 2006 at 2:54 pm

SteveD wrote:

Goff wrote:

Can we extend the voting period in future? Maybe to a week?

Goff, the voting was open for 10 days.

Well…I voted the first time. Then it was closed because some entries weren’t in, etc. Then open again on the Monday (but from sometime in the afternoon – not when I checked in the morning (only chance I had before leaving)). When I came back a few days later and tried to vote, it was closed.

It was just a suggestion anyway. I just think more people might vote the longer it’s open.

[Goff]

November 16, 2006 at 10:55 am

I voted the first time but hadn’t access to the net for the following few days as I was down the country with work, so it was closed by the time I got back. Can we extend the voting period in future? Maybe to a week?

I don’t think sending an email out to all members is a problem. I think most people joined in order to share info. Pointing out things to people via a newsletter can only be of benefit. Especially if there’s an unsubscribe option.

I wouldn’t vote unless I’d seen all the images either. I think it’s fair. You cannot judge a pic by a thumbnail.

Also, if all the thumbnails could be on one page, it might be fairer. I think the first pagers would get an unfair advantage.

Still, fair play. It’s a great way to focus your mind. Always have a project.

[Goff]

November 3, 2006 at 11:55 am

The OPW don’t allow commercial photography of any kind of National Monuments, as a general rule. But, each case can be dealt with based on its merits.

If you’re going to be filming in St. Stephen’s Green (for example), and they have to close off some of it, there is a nominal charge but that’s just to cover their costs. Normally if they give permission, they’d prefer if the location wasn’t recognisable (for commercial purposes).

Like the National Trust, if you take a picture from outside their premises, it has nothing to do with them.

Copyright will be yours and yours alone if you do get permission.

I see their point re National Monuments. Respect for the heritage of the site should take precedence.

I got the impression that fine art photography would be acceptable. So long as the image wouldn’t be used in an advertising/commercial context.

Basically, if you can get the shot, it’s yours.

They seem to have a very reasonable approach.

[Goff]

November 1, 2006 at 4:49 pm

In fairness to the OPW, most of their sites are accessible and the prices (if the site is not free to enter – which in a lot of cases they are), are very reasonable. The exception to this is Br? na Boinne (Newgrange). I don’t blame them for that. It’s hugely poular and costs a fortune to run, as a result. The National Trust can be quite expensive in comparison. But then, it is a charity. I begrudge them nothing.

I’ll try and find out what the official stance is on the photography issue. I remember once being told that photography wasn’t allowed inside Ashtown Castle, before the guide went outside and said, “Take your time, I’ll be downstairs….” with a knowing wink.

I think in a lot of the cases, the guides don’t know if photography is allowed or not and just err on the side of caution. I know flash photography is definitely not allowed in some sites (people are under the impression that flash is made out of lasers I think!), but that’s a protective issue. A guide talking about the sacredness of a site in relation to photography doesn’t have a clue about policy.

Most OPW sites are free to photograph inside and out.

[Goff]

October 31, 2006 at 3:49 pm

paulocon wrote:

Very interesting thread..

Sorry to go off-topic a wee bit but does anyone know the official line as regards National Monuments down South with regards to taking photographs and also in relation to using such photographs commercially. Wondering what the stance is on sites such as the Rock Of Cashel, Newgrange, Cliffs of Moher etc. I’ve been looking for this info on the web but couldn’t find anything.

Regards,
Paul

You can photograph what you like and sell what you like down here. You might need permission to take photos in some instances though. Say, if you were making a motion picture, etc. But that’s more to do with blocking off parts of the site. The Office of Public Works are quite lenient in that regard and would think of it as publicity. They’re actually quite helpful. Some sites you are not allowed photograph inside (eg, Newgrange Tumulus). But photos of the mound itself and the compound it’s in are allowed and encouraged.