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Messages - Martin

#1
So what is it about Graham and people called Daniel?

I wish I could have posted this on Facebook but as the post was not in a closed group I do not wish to... Balloons are only one aspect of my life and most of my Facebook friends have no interest in the squabbles of the Balloon World

I just wanted to share my support for Graham and also my outrage at the abuse he has received just because he tried to support a friend. I think we all know that Graham is a fairly resilient character, so am I, but if someone questioned my integrity in this way it would cut fairly deep. The conversation currently on Facebook that appears to have become a post mortem into every aspect of Graham's character should never have become so... People should be very ashamed.

I don't think anyone could accuse me of being a member of the Graham Lee fan club. In fact use the search button and you will find that Graham and I have had our ups and downs in the past but I have always respected Graham and realised that everything he does through Balloonchat, C&S days etc are driven through passion rather than money-making motives. I think if they were financially driven he would have stopped them a long time ago but I sense he has such an emotional attachment to his creations. They are his his legacy. I for one will openly admit that if it were not for Balloonchat and C&S days I would not be the balloon artist I am today and I would not have some of the friends that I have today.

So Graham sells a few balloons... Good on him, they are great value and he gives great service!

I am a little bit befuddled as to what prompted the initial assault. Reading FB tonight I sense that an absent retreat has replaced the arrogance of the key protagonist. I just hope they now have the decency to make amends.

Martin.
#2
Model Of The Month / Re: July Competition
August 08, 2015, 06:43:03 PM
No problem Graham. Just following through on my promise to enter... It's the taking part that counts :-)
#3
Model Of The Month / Re: July Competition
August 08, 2015, 05:23:02 AM
The surprise last minute entry...

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] Balloon chat July 15 comp-1.jpg[/attachment:3fp2dv4k]
#4
I am all booked for TMJ as well... 8-)

Being a Northerner the Eurostar doesn't work for me and so I am booked in seat 10A on Brussels Airlines on the early Monday flight and Friday late afternoon.

Hotel room all booked as well.

Can't wait!!!!
#5
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Photo tent
December 31, 2013, 12:30:43 PM
Photo 4 - The model photographed on my DSLR, in a tent, using 3 x daylight photo lights (no room lighting). DSLR on manual.

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] doll_2.JPG[/attachment:17zkvbze]

Hopefully you will agree this is a far better image. The shadowing has been eliminated, it is much sharper at the edges and the only artefact from the lights are the reflections (which I actually like and so I do not try to eliminate).

The camera settings help here also but the tent is now working with the lighting to produce a quality image.
#6
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Photo tent
December 31, 2013, 12:26:35 PM
I wanted to give you all a more detailed explanation around my comment in my last post. Hopefully the information and examples may help someone to improve their photography. I have been focusing a lot on taking better photos of balloons recently as the quality of pictures on my website (http://www.balloonimals.co.uk) are my main area for improvement for early 2014... along with some new marketing materials (but that is another post... photos for now).

Here are 4 examples photos of a simple doll. It's based on Thelma's doll, which would probably be one of my favourite balloons on that thread simply because I have made thousands of them over the last few years.

All of these photos are straight out of the camera. No post processing at all.

Photo 1 - the model photographed on my phone, in a tent, no flash, lit only by the room lighting

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] doll1.jpg[/attachment:swjpog53]

I think you will all agree this is a dreadful picture. The phone just cannot handle the lighting challenges and I only post it as a reference point.


Photo 2 - The model photographed on my DSLR, in a tent, no flash, lit only by the room lighting. DSLR on auto.
[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] doll_3.JPG[/attachment:swjpog53]

A big improvement on Photo 1 but still not great. There are many dark areas and shadows. The improvement here comes from the camera, the tent is not adding a lot of value.


Photo 3 - The model photographed on my DSLR, in a tent, using flash, lit also by the room lighting. DSLR on auto.
[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ] doll_4.JPG[/attachment:swjpog53]

A reasonably good result. But the problem here is that the flash is casting shadows on some parts of the model and it also causes the model to look quite flat in some areas. A passable result though.

See next post... for Photo 4
#7
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Photo tent
December 27, 2013, 04:57:11 PM
AYHD - to really get the benefit of the photo tent you need to light the tent from outside, preferably with 2/3 daylight bulbs, to eliminate/ reposition shadows and then take your picture without flash.

MB
#8
I never took a photo Rob... hardly ever get chance these days... as soon as stuff is made it is out the door. It was just a standard lootle lady though and then holding a 40 in the big foils.

I said I will send the lady some numbers/ websites tonight (purely as a favour as I cannot do the job). If you have a website to direct her to then happy to include you.
#9
I have a lady who would like a balloon delivery for her twins 21st on 27th December.

I did a lootle for one of her relations last week with a big 40 above it. I assume the requirement is similar.

If anyone would like to speak to her re doing the job PM me and I will pass your number on.
#10
Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc / Re: Twist and Shout 2014
December 02, 2013, 12:23:16 PM
I would like to go to Florida for the sunshine but the dates fall too soon after Xmas and NY and so I have ruled it out.

I am thinking of going to T&S again... will decide in the new year. I expect Natalie and Tony will be heading out to both... I keep meaning to check.

Martin.
#11
Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc / Re: North West Balloon Jam
November 12, 2013, 01:06:17 PM
I sent you an order through Graham... hope it got to you in time.

Martin.
#12
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Mid life crisis
October 27, 2013, 06:02:25 PM
Stuart,

Can I suggest that if serious you look at this another way?

1. You need to start by looking at how much money you need to earn to cover mortgage, bills, food, extras... and maybe pensions etc.

2. Once you know this you need to work out how many weekend ballooning jobs that equates to.

3. Once you have that figure then is that a number that you believe is realistic?

4. If there is a gap then you need some ideas of what you could do in the week balloon wise to generate some regular jobs (trade shows, corporates, schools, etc).

5. If there is still a gap then is there something else you could do alongside ballooning that would fill your week and make some money?

Hope this helps.
Martin.
#13
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Growing your balloon stock
September 03, 2013, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: "Coolinflations"I am based in the UK and have been unable to find printed alien head lime rounds - can anyone advise where they get theres from?

Thanks

I didn't need to look far http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/catal ... s-9-1.html
#14
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Balloon Jam 29/30th May
May 27, 2013, 09:20:56 PM
I would do Sara but I'm working away at present and so not in the NW... sorry!
#15
You're not called Daniel by any chance...?