Merritt Island IV Florida Wildlife Shoot - 2/4-2/11

[Harryb]

Hi y'all,

This is the first call on our yearly Florida Wildlife shoot. It will be held
2/4/07-2/11/07.

The shoot will be centered on the primary locations on Florida's Space Coast (Merritt Island and the Viera and the Orlando Wetlands. Some folks have expressed an interest in also shooting at some different locations during the shoot. If we have enough interest we may break off a group of folks to shoot at Ding Darling, Corkscrew Swamp and the Venice Rookery on the west coast. I will be staying on the Space Coast for the entire shoot to guide folks and facilitate the shooting for folks who prefer not to do all that travellling. We also may do a break-off group to shoot on the Anhinga Trail in the Evergaldes (about the 3 hour drive from the Space Coast).

Right now only the dates are set. I will arrange group rates at a local motel again. This year I'll be looking a little bit north of where we stayed last year so the rates should be cheaper and the shooters will be closer to Merritt Island and the Orlando Wetlands. As additional info gets set I will post it in this thread.

We will also be probably scheduling a second shoot in April in the St. Augustine area to catch the action at the rookery in the Alligator Farm.

If you want an idea of the photo ops on this shoot you can take a gander of my gallery from last year's shoot
http://behret.smugmug.com/gallery/1205766

[Andy]

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/57583877-L.jpg

:thumb

It's Chez Harry, for me (can you stand it?)!

[Osprey Whisperer]

Hey Harry,

I'd be happy to help guide the folks around these neck of the woods (Venice rookery). Honestly though...the Venice rookery is a drop in the bucket compared to the areas we shot for MI3. It's pretty small. I know many folks come from around the country to shoot there...but it's nothing great. If some do come over here to the West coast I can take a few on a boat trip to shoot the bird islands and osprey nests in the area. You can start sending checks to me now to reserve a prime seat on the boat. :uhoh :rofl :D

Perhaps Mike will join me in playing wild wild wildlife guide for those that come over this way.

Looking forward to the shoot already. Things have been pretty slow the last couple months. I've only seen osprey, snowy egrets, great egrets, BC night herons and great blue herons in the backyard this time of year. :dunno

[gluwater]

Woohoo! It's a great opportunity for anyone interested. There are top rate photographers there and the locations are just packed with wildlife.

Here are my galleries from last year.

http://gluwater.smugmug.com/Merritt%20Island%20III%20Shootout

[Rhuarc]

I wish I was going to be going again this year, had the time of my life last year thanks to Harry letting me borrow his D100, and all the great people I met! Unfortunatley living in Washington now won't afford me the easy access I had last year from Daytona! Anyway, I highly reccomend anyone who likes shooting birds go to this!

Here is my gallery from last years shoot.
http://wendell.smugmug.com/gallery/1179533/1/57429898

[gluwater]

I wish I was going to be going again this year, had the time of my life last year thanks to Harry letting me borrow his D100, and all the great people I met! Unfortunatley living in Washington now won't afford me the easy access I had last year from Daytona! Anyway, I highly reccomend anyone who likes shooting birds go to this!

Here is my gallery from last years shoot.
http://wendell.smugmug.com/gallery/1179533/1/57429898
Yeah, I still don't believe that was your first time using a DSLR. Sorry to hear you won't be making it. It was nice meeting you last year.

[Rhuarc]

Yeah, I still don't believe that was your first time using a DSLR. Sorry to hear you won't be making it. It was nice meeting you last year.

Lol, thanks! Yeah, meeting you and the rest of the group and shooting for a couple of days was serisously one of the funnest (is that even a word) things I've done in a very long time. I had a blast! You guys will have to be sure and keep me updated on how things are going!

[gus]

What a blast to get shown the finer points from the 'egret man' himself. Good luck with the trip guys :thumb

[Harryb]

Hey Harry,

I'd be happy to help guide the folks around these neck of the woods (Venice rookery). Honestly though...the Venice rookery is a drop in the bucket compared to the areas we shot for MI3. It's pretty small. I know many folks come from around the country to shoot there...but it's nothing great. If some do come over here to the West coast I can take a few on a boat trip to shoot the bird islands and osprey nests in the area. You can start sending checks to me now to reserve a prime seat on the boat. :uhoh :rofl :D

Perhaps Mike will join me in playing wild wild wildlife guide for those that come over this way.

Looking forward to the shoot already. Things have been pretty slow the last couple months. I've only seen osprey, snowy egrets, great egrets, BC night herons and great blue herons in the backyard this time of year. :dunno

Thanks Mike. Right now it looks like we will have a contigent shooting on the Gulf side for the first two days of the shoot. Once we have some numbers and confirmations we will start firming that up.

[Harryb]

Woohoo! It's a great opportunity for anyone interested. There are top rate photographers there and the locations are just packed with wildlife.

Here are my galleries from last year.

http://gluwater.smugmug.com/Merritt%20Island%20III%20Shootout

Excellent galleries Nick. The exciting thing for me about these shoots is the folks I get to shoot with. I have learned something new during everyone of these shoots.

[David Taylor]

Harry, I'm very interested in joining you and others at this shoot. I'd love to learn some tips and techniques from the experienced birders and wildlife shooters.

Although having lived in FLA for 5 years and being only 2.5 hrs away, I've yet to get down to these wetlands :cry

Just have to convince the better half that it will be business.....:wink

[Harryb]

Harry, I'm very interested in joining you and others at this shoot. I'd love to learn some tips and techniques from the experienced birders and wildlife shooters.

Although having lived in FLA for 5 years and being only 2.5 hrs away, I've yet to get down to these wetlands :cry

Just have to convince the better half that it will be business.....:wink

That's great David. Keep an eye on this thread. I hope to have a group rate set up at a local motel in the next two weeks.

If you can make it for any part of the shoot you will find it worth your while. It should be a target rich environment and some of the shooters are the best around.

[raptorcaptor]

Would love to go on this shoot, but I signed up for one of Arthur Morris's IPT's at that date!
Maybe next year!

[gluwater]

Would love to go on this shoot, but I signed up for one of Arthur Morris's IPT's at that date!
Maybe next year!
That's ok, you can bring Arthur along. We don't mind :D.

Let us know how that goes, I've always been interested in attending one of his workshops but have never had the cash to yet.

[pathfinder]

Nightingale and I plan to return Harry. We look forward to some of those so accomodating Fla birdies:D

Indeed, she wants to return in December some time as well if I can work out the timing to coordinaate with a meeting or two.

[Michael Allen]

Hey Harry,

I'd be happy to help guide the folks around these neck of the woods (Venice rookery). Honestly though...the Venice rookery is a drop in the bucket compared to the areas we shot for MI3. It's pretty small. I know many folks come from around the country to shoot there...but it's nothing great. If some do come over here to the West coast I can take a few on a boat trip to shoot the bird islands and osprey nests in the area. You can start sending checks to me now to reserve a prime seat on the boat. :uhoh :rofl :D

Perhaps Mike will join me in playing wild wild wildlife guide for those that come over this way.

Looking forward to the shoot already. Things have been pretty slow the last couple months. I've only seen osprey, snowy egrets, great egrets, BC night herons and great blue herons in the backyard this time of year. :dunno

I'll have to check into next years schedule and let you know what dates I'll be available for sure but it sounds good to me. I'm looking forward to the shoot again. It's my chance to get permission to vacation with my camera.lol

[Harryb]

****Merritt Island IV Shoot*******
Hi Y'all.

The 4th Merritt Island Shoot will be held from 2/4/07-2/11/07 and this is the thread where you sign up for the shoot. I have arranged a group rate for us at the Comfort Inn in Titusville, Florida. The address is Comfort Inn, 3655 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, FL 32780. Its right off of exit 215 of US 95 and its a 20 minute drive from there to all three of our main shooting locations (Merritt Island NWR, Orlando Wetlands, and the Viera Wetlands). The room rate is $75/night for a room with two queen size beds. The motel supplies a free continental breakfast in the morning. Most of the rooms are non-smoking but we also have a few smoking rooms. The motel phone # is (321)269-7110 (sorry no 800#). Reservations must be made by January 4th 2007. The group rate is under the name of HPB Photography

Reggie will be coordinating the Florida west coast portion of the shot. A group of folks will be shooting in some different locales in western Florida on the first two days of the shoot and then joinging the rest of us on the Space Coast If you want to take part in the western portion of the shoot let us know when you sign-up.This what Reggie had to say about that portion of the shoot:

"After giving the matter some thought, I think that the first day of a West Coast Shoot should begin at Ft Myers Beach. From Ft Myers Beach, we could easily cover Cape Coral for the Burrowing Owls, and Ding Darling NWR as well as the Little Estero Lagoon, and if some people really feel the need to see Corkscrew, that is also possible from this location. I am planning on booking the rooms at the Holiday Inn located right at the Little Estero Lagoon in FtMyers Beach., which would allow us to walk out of our rooms and begin shooting at the lagoon. We can then drive to Cape Coral for the Burrowing Owls. The next morning we can drive to the Venice Rookery, which is about a 60-90 minute drive and we can shoot the Rookery in early morning light. It is about a 2-2 1/2 hour drive from Venice Rookery to Viera Wetlands where we can join up again with the rest of the group at Melborne that evening. This is the plan right now. I also have spots in the Venice area for Bald Eagles and a variety of woodpeckers, plus there is a sure-fire spot for Florida Scrub Jays."

I will be hosting a welcome BBQ at my house on Monday, 2/5/07 and I will make dinner arrangements for Wednesday (2/7) and Friday (2/9) at local restaurants for us as a group for those interested.

If you have't been to one of the Merritt Island shoots before you don't know what you've been missing. This is a wonderful opportunity to shoot with some of the most talented shooters around in prime wildlife shooting locations. If you live up north where the herons and egrets don't let you get closer than a football field away this a chance to shoot them up close and personal.
__________________

[Osprey Whisperer]

Ok...who is Reggie and where is this "eagle" spot in Venice? :dunno :scratch They are in the area, but I never have found a "hot" spot for them. The land fill is suppose to be the place, but I've never seen them there (ask Mike also).

You should spend more time in Venice :D

As usual Harry I want to come...so I'll be trying to line up a ride etc.

Cheers

[Harryb]

Ok...who is Reggie and where is this "eagle" spot in Venice? :dunno :scratch They are in the area, but I never have found a "hot" spot for them. The land fill is suppose to be the place, but I've never seen them there (ask Mike also).

You should spend more time in Venice :D

As usual Harry I want to come...so I'll be trying to line up a ride etc.

Cheers

Reggie is from the Nikon Cafe (his real name is Ron, BTW). He will be coordinating the west coast portion of the shoot while I hold down the fort on the Space Coast.

With the group shooting on the west coast I should be able to get you a ride over to the Space Coast.

[Osprey Whisperer]

Reggie is from the Nikon Cafe (his real name is Ron, BTW). He will be coordinating the west coast portion of the shoot while I hold down the fort on the Space Coast.

With the group shooting on the west coast I should be able to get you a ride over to the Space Coast.

I kind of figured I could sneak in someone's trunk. Thanks. :D Now can you find me a place to stay with an attractive, smart & charming lady about my age. :huh :D

[dragon300zx]

Ya see last year ya didn't give me enough notice. I think this is plenty of notice this year though. I'm in. Now I just gotta find a place to rent a fun car while I'm there.

[Harryb]

Ya see last year ya didn't give me enough notice. I think this is plenty of notice this year though. I'm in. Now I just gotta find a place to rent a fun car while I'm there.


:clap :lynnma :beer

[Harryb]

Just a quick update. Right now 26 folks have expressed an intention of taking part in the shoot so far.

[Osprey Whisperer]

How many single ladies? :scratch :huh :dunno :D

[dragon300zx]

How many single ladies? :scratch :huh :dunno :D

What he said.

[Harryb]

How many single ladies? :scratch :huh :dunno :D

Not many but there is one very attractive and available cross dresser coming. Let me know if you want an intro, :lol4

[Osprey Whisperer]

Not many but there is one very attractive and available cross dresser coming. Let me know if you want an intro, :lol4

HARRY!! Now I've told you several times I wasn't interested in your advances. :huh :rofl

You know I've got a one track mind for the chicks. :lust :lust


http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/58173630.jpg

[gluwater]

Alright people, you know you want to go! Ben, Jeff, Dallas?? I hear the Coronas are on Harry this year :hide.

Look at this good stuff I got, and I suck! Imageine what you guys will come home with.
http://gluwater.smugmug.com/photos/66983840-L.jpg

http://gluwater.smugmug.com/photos/66983878-L.jpg

[dragon300zx]

Not many but there is one very attractive and available cross dresser coming. Let me know if you want an intro, :lol4

Haven't we all ment And... I mean "Anita" before. :D

[Michael Allen]

Just a quick update. Right now 26 folks have expressed an intention of taking part in the shoot so far.

Harry, you can count me in for at least a couple of days. Probably 4th-6th on the east coast, seeing as I get to see the west coast anytime.

[Harryb]

Harry, you can count me in for at least a couple of days. Probably 4th-6th on the east coast, seeing as I get to see the west coast anytime.

Great, :clap I'm looking forward to shooting with you again.

[Harryb]

Hi Y'all,

This is the latest info on the West Coast portion of the shoot. Just a reminder that I will be on the Space Coast throughout the entire shoot and the West Coast portion is just another option.

"
MI IV West Coast Swing
For those thinking about coming to the Florida West Coast on Sun, Mon, & Tuesday of the Nikon Cafe MI IV Rendezvous. The West Coast shoot will start at Ft Myers, FL. As soon as I have some indication of the number of attendees to expect here, I will try to negotiate a group rate at one of the newer hotels near the Interstate in Ft Myers. Without some kind of group rate, you can expect to pay $170-180 per night as this will be at the peak of the "high season" here. We need at least 10 people renting rooms to qualify for a group rate. Also, bear in mind that traffic this time of year can be maddening.

Logistically, it would probably be good to use whatever remains of Sunday, Feb 4 and Monday, Feb 5 to shoot in the Ft Myers area. Opportunities in that location are almost boundless, with Corkscrew Swamp, Little Estero Lagoon, Ding Darling NWR, Sanibel Island, and Cape Coral coming to mind first. We could depart Ft Myers early Tuesday morning for the Venice Rookery and spend the day at the Venice Rookery before heading for Melbourne on the East Coast. I will furnish attendees with sheets describing each recommended site, to include directions from the motel.
Cape Coral (Burrowing Owls) and Ding Darling are both easy shoots in that it is not necessary to even leave the car. You can, of course leave your automobile, but it is not necessary. Corkscrew Swamp is comprised of boardwalks, requiring a long walk and and a modest admission fee. I will post more on what birds you can expect to find at the various location at a later time and this information will also be part of the information packet that you receive before arriving."

[gluwater]

So tempting to go to the West coast. I may just have to do it. I've got a friend that lives on Sanibel Island so it would give me an excuse to go see him also. Decisions decisions.

[Osprey Whisperer]

So tempting to go to the West coast. I may just have to do it. I've got a friend that lives on Sanibel Island so it would give me an excuse to go see him also. Decisions decisions.

I know a guy that'll treat you to lunch if you make it to Venice. He might even take you out on the boat to see the osprey nests if you're interested. :huh :D

[Seanna]

Hey Harry,

I heard the MI IV shoot dates had been set. I will be joining the group for this shoot.

Robin

[Harryb]

Hey Harry,

I heard the MI IV shoot dates had been set. I will be joining the group for this shoot.

Robin

:clap That's great Robin. We need more local shooters to make sure the out-of-towners don't step on the gators.

[gluwater]

:clap That's great Robin. We need more local shooters to make sure the out-of-towners don't step on the gators. I thought they were just for decoration?

http://gluwater.smugmug.com/photos/103224720-L.jpg

[Harryb]

UPDATE

Currently we have had 34 folks indicating that want to do the shoot. They are
(in no particular order and using their screen names)

Woundedmallard
Merlin50
Flew
Harryb
Gale
Robin
Trish
Kevin Scott
Ched
PhilC
Bob Hoge
Nan Hoge
Gordon Large
Gchappel
Dreuter
The chemist
Louis Champan
Andreasb
Mike mac
TheKO
Gluwater
GonzoBernelli
Reggie
Marketvillagedad
Donkolson
Txbonds
GeeJay
Happyfish
Birdmanphotographer
Pathfinder
Nightingale
David Taylor
Michael Allen
Dragon300zx


If you intend to go and your name ain't on this list please let us know that you're coming. For the folks flying in the Orlando Airport is where you want to fly into if you are doing the Space Coast portion of the shoot.

Tampa would be the best airport to fly into if you are doing the west coast portion of the shoot.

Remember if you want the group rate for the Comfort Inn in Titusville you must make your reservation by 1/4/07

[Andy]

Remember if you want the group rate for the Comfort Inn in Titusville you must make your reservation by 1/4/07
Is my room at Chez Harry & Linda available :ear

[Harryb]

Is my room at Chez Harry & Linda available :ear

The two spare bedrooms are filled but I still have an air mattress open and we can find some corner to stick you in or you & Nick could share the futon in the one bedroom if you promise not to get funky on us.

Gluwater, Pathfinder and Nightingale are staying over for the shoot.

[Osprey Whisperer]

Hey Harry...just thought I'd mention there is a nice airport in Sarasota (SRQ) and Ft. Myers that folks hitting the West coast can fly into also. Sarasota is a bit more expensive than Tampa usually......but Fort Myers is pretty much the same as Tampa. Both these airports are less busy than Tampa.

[Osprey Whisperer]

The two spare bedrooms are filled but I still have an air mattress open and we can find some corner to stick you in or you & Nick could share the futon in the one bedroom if you promise not to get funky on us.

Gluwater, Pathfinder and Nightingale are staying over for the shoot.

I call pool side air matress. :rofl ok...pool matress will work also lol. You have a tree I can sleep in with the birds? You have to be one with them....you know. Need some raw fish too. :thumb

[gluwater]

....or you & Nick could share the futon in the one bedroom if you promise not to get funky on us.
This could be the most interesting trip to Florida yet! :uhoh:lol3

[Harryb]

This could be the most interesting trip to Florida yet! :uhoh:lol3

I may be able to get wildlife shots and not even have to leave the house. :ivar

[JenGrace]

I'll probably be in for the 4th and 5th, oh and the 11th, and I'll see about swing a couple of extra days off. Woo! :barb

[Harryb]

Hi Y’all,

I’ll be sending this out as a PM to everyone who has expressed an interest in MI IV in case you miss it here.

This year’s shoot will be a little more complicated than last year’s so we can use all the help we can get. Right now if its possible we need to know the following info:


Are you coming?
What days are you coming for?
Will you be doing the West Coast portion of the trip or staying on the Space Coast?
Are you interested in taking Ron Reznick’s workshop? If yes do you want the group sessions or an individual session?
Remember that room reservations for the Space Coast portion of the trip must be made by January 4th.


Also we need to get some idea of who’s doing the West Coast leg. Ron Woolridge needs a rough idea so he can get a group rate and the places are filling fast down here, as February is snowbird season.


Thanks for your help and I’m looking forward to seeing and shooting with y’all

[Zanotti]

In.
East Only
Thurs - Saturday
Workshop

Zanotti

[JenGrace]

Are you coming?
I'm going to try damned hard to get there.

What days are you coming for?
Hopefully the 4th, 5th and maybe 11th.

Will you be doing the West Coast portion of the trip or staying on the Space Coast?
No to the West Coast. I'm wanting to do Space Coast but not staying in a hotel.

Are you interested in taking Ron Reznick’s workshop? If yes do you want the group sessions or an individual session?
No


Also we need to get some idea of who’s doing the West Coast leg. Ron Woolridge needs a rough idea so he can get a group rate and the places are filling fast down here, as February is snowbird season.
Only doing the east coast.


:D

[Harryb]

I'm going to try damned hard to get there.


Hopefully the 4th, 5th and maybe 11th.


No to the West Coast. I'm wanting to do Space Coast but not staying in a hotel.


No



Only doing the east coast.


:D

:thumb

Looking forward to meeting ya and shooting with you.

[JenGrace]

:thumb

Looking forward to meeting ya and shooting with you.

Me too! I'm so excited now. :barb :barb

[Harryb]

Reminder for everyone attending MI IV

Motel reservations for the Comfort Inn in Titusville must be made by January 4, 2007. This is the motel for the Space Coast area.

For those attending the west coast portion of the shoot here's the motel info from Ron Wooldrige:

"Today, I spoke with Clark, the manager of the Econo Lodge in Ft Myers, FL. He will give us a nice rate reduction if we have at least 10 people booking. The rate we are getting is $109.95 plus tax, per night. The normal seasonal rate is $ 149.95 plus tax. The address is: 13661 Indiian Paint Lane, Ft Myers, FL 33912.

Cut-off date is Jan 15, 2007. This location is very convenient to most of the locations we plan to shoot, and is close to the Ft Myers airport. Telephone 239-561-1117. The rooms will be booked under the name "Nikon Group". "

[gluwater]

Do you realize that about 1 minute before you posted this I booked a nonrefundable flight to Orlando? Oh man I hope I can switch for a flight to Ft Meyers or I have a 3 hour drive once I get there.

BTW Southwest has cheap flights right now for that week. My flight from Chicago to Orlando was $135 total roundtrip.

[Harryb]

Do you realize that about 1 minute before you posted this I booked a nonrefundable flight to Orlando? Oh man I hope I can switch for a flight to Ft Meyers or I have a 3 hour drive once I get there.

BTW Southwest has cheap flights right now for that week. My flight from Chicago to Orlando was $135 total roundtrip.

One minute :yikes that is really bad timing

I made the drive over to the west coast once and it was an incredibly tedious and boring drive. Don't forget that you will be leaving from Orlando after the shoot.

[Harryb]

I got a call from the lady at the Comfort Inn in Titusville today asking if I still wanted the rooms I put on hold because so far only two reservations have been made.

If you're coming I would suggest making your reservations ASAP. I had them hold 12 roons for us and told them we would probably need a few more. Now this is snow bird season and prime time for the motels in the area. They will give us additional rooms at the group rate if they are available. That's an if and not a gurantee. I can't ask them to hold more rooms for us when we have only reserved two of the 12 on hold so far.

The phone motel # 321-269-7110

[Harryb]

Here's the current on fo on the shoot.

Hi y'all,

Here is the inside scoop on MI IV. http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/images/smilies/easter06/657.gif

The dates for the shoot are from 2/4/07-2/11/07. I will be coordinating the shoot on the Space Coast for that entire week. The motel for those coming to the Space Coast is:

The Comfort Inn in Titusville, Florida. The address is Comfort Inn, 3655 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, FL 32780. Its right off of exit 215 of US 95 and its a 20 minute drive from there to all three of our main shooting locations (Merritt Island NWR, Orlando Wetlands, and the Viera Wetlands). The room rate is $75/night for a room with two queen size beds. The motel supplies a free continental breakfast in the morning. Most of the rooms are non-smoking but we also have a few smoking rooms. The motel phone # is (321)269-7110 (sorry no 800#). Reservations must be made by January 4th 2007. The group rate is under the name of HPB Photography.

Those flying in for the Space Coast should fly into the Orlando airport and rent cars there for the 45 minute drive to the Space Coast.

Now in addition to the shooting on the Space Coast there will be some folks shooting on Florida's West Coast from 2/4-2/6. They will be leaving the West Coast mid 2/6 to join the rest of us on the Space Coast. The motel info for folks shooting on the West Coast is:

The Econo Lodge in Ft Myers, FL. He will give us a nice rate reduction if we have at least 10 people booking. The rate we are getting is $109.95 plus tax, per night. The normal seasonal rate is $ 149.95 plus tax. The address is: 13661 Indian Paint Lane, Ft Myers, FL 33912.
Cut-off date is Jan 15, 2007. This location is very convenient to most of the locations we plan to shoot, and is close to the Ft Myers airport. Telephone 239-561-1117. The rooms will be booked under the name "Nikon Group".

On 2/6 (Tuesday) I will host a BBQ at my house from 6-9 PM for anyone interested.

In addition to all this good time stuff we have an additional bonus this year as Ron Reznick will be joining us. http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/images/smilies/easter06/866.gif He will be conducting probably two workshops during MI IV on the Space Coast. The approximate cost of this two day workshop is $650. The final cost Will be determined by Ron's expenses and the number of folks taking the workshops. The more who take the workshop, the lower the cost. Once I talk to Ron I will provide more specific info on the workshops. Right niw 15 folks have expressed an interest in taking the workshop.

If you have any questions please PM Reggie or myself. Do not respond in this thread please. My home # is 321-639-7302 and my cell # is 917-703-3590.

We need folks to make their reservations ASAP and to confirm their attendance to Reggie or myself via PM.

[Harryb]

REZNICK WORKSHOP

Here’s the info on Ron’s workshops during the MI IV shoot.

There will be two two-day workshops during the shoot. The first will be from 2/5-2/6 and the second will be from 2/8-2/9. The approximate cost will be $650.00. Once we get a final number on the participants and Ron’s expenses we will be able to give you an exact amount.

If you want to attend please PM me and let me know what dates you want. Also a deposit of $300 will be required. Your deposit check should be sent to Ron as soon as possible. The checks should be mailed to:

One Night Management Trust
Ron Reznick
636 E. Harvard Road
Unit B
Burbank, CA 91501

The balance of your payment will be due during your workshop.

If you have a laptop/notebook please bring it with you for the classroom portion of the training.

[dragon300zx]

I put in the request for the time off from work today and it looks like I got approved. Looks like you guys are stuck with me. :deal

[dragon300zx]

Ok So I'm deffinatley in, I will be there on the space cost from the 3rd to the 11th. I will be renting a trailblazer so will have plenty of room for carrying people, and if anyone needs a roommate to split hotel costs with let me know.

[Harryb]

I put in the request for the time off from work today and it looks like I got approved. Looks like you guys are stuck with me. :deal


:clap :ivar :beer

[Osprey Whisperer]

Ok So I'm deffinatley in, I will be there on the space cost from the 3rd to the 11th. I will be renting a trailblazer so will have plenty of room for carrying people, and if anyone needs a roommate to split hotel costs with let me know.

Do you drive REALLY REALY FAST? :dunno :D PM sent

[dragon300zx]

Do you drive REALLY REALY FAST? :dunno :D PM sent

Do I drive really really fast? Wow so my reputation hasn't spread around here fully yet eh. I drive very very very very fast, however I have to watch it a bit more when I'm in florida because of those air patrols gggrrrrrrrr. I was goin to rent a 350Z but the are all rented out that week, so I was gonna go with a mustang, but the rentals are only 6 cylinders, so I decided the trailblazer for comfort, and I can still get it to 90+. Oh and I replied to your PM already.

[Harryb]

REZNICK WORKSHOP UPDATE

I just spoke to Ron this afternoon and he told me that out of the 18 or so folks who expressed an interest in the workshop only 5 have sent in deposits.

Ron can not travel from the west coast to the east coast if only 5 people want to take the workshop. The break even point is 10 participants.

So if you want to take the workshop you must get off your duff and send your deposit to Ron ASAP. ASAP in this case means immediately not next week. Ron has to arrange to ship his gear, get a room, and airplane tickets. I have to find a space for the classroom portion of the training and this cannot be done w/o a minimum of 10 participants.

I really don't know what else to say at this point. I have no finanacial interest in this, in fact its easier on me if the training gets cancelled (one less thing I have to handle).

I just hate to see folks miss an opportunity. You have heard past workshop participants rave about the workshop and the results it produces. In this case you have the chance to take Ron's workshop w/o incurring the additional travel expenses that you would incur if you take it at a later date.
If you want to do the training please get your deposit off immediately and PM me. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail, PM, or call me on the electical telephone.

The ball is in your court.

[Harryb]

Here's the current list of attendees for MI IV. If your name is on the list and you are not coming please let me know via PM. If you are coming and your name isn't on this list please PM me.

MI IV Attendees

1. AlexF
2. AndreasB
3. aushutterbug
4. Backdoctor
5. Harry Behret
6. Birdman Photographer
7. Gale Bizet
8. John Carroll
9. Louis Champan
10. Gary Chappel
11. Ched
12. The chemist
13. BJCooper
14. Donkolson
15. Doorman
16. Dragon300zx
17. ebwest
18. Flew
19. GeeJay
20. Genera
21. Gluwater
22. Steve Griffith
23. Happyfish
24. Bob Hoge
25. Nan Hoge
26. JenW
27. The KO
28. Gordon Large
29. Mike Mac
30. Makmel
31. Marketvillagedad
32. John Mohr
33. Bill Newton
34. Pathfinder
35. Nightingale
36. John Nuss
37. PhilC
38. Reggie
39. Robin
40. Kevin Scott
41. Stanjano
42. Jose Suro
43. David Taylor
44. Trish
45. Txbonds
46. Andy Williams?????
47. Woundedmallard
48. Yoza717
49. Zanotti

[dragon300zx]

Well I just rented a 400mm f/5.6L prime for the trip. Now I just gotta figure out how to get it back down to florida with me... Guess I'll have to leave some of my stuff at home....

These last couple of weeks are going by really slow.

[Osprey Whisperer]

Well I just rented a 400mm f/5.6L prime for the trip. Now I just gotta figure out how to get it back down to florida with me... Guess I'll have to leave some of my stuff at home....

These last couple of weeks are going by really slow.

You could send it to me.....and save a bit on shipping. Then when you get here...I'll hand the lens over. :D

[dragon300zx]

You could send it to me.....and save a bit on shipping. Then when you get here...I'll hand the lens over. :D

That defeats the purpose of shipping it up to me. If I was gonna do that I could pick it up at their offices but they are only open during the week so....

[Harryb]

Hi y'all,

Things are slowly shaping as the time draws nearer for the shoot.

The three main shooting locations will be the Viera and Orlando Wetlands and the Merritt Island NWR. I will have driving instructions from the motel for all three of these sites. Also the rookery at Gatorland in Orlando should be worth a trip (about an hours drive from the motel) on one of the days.

I will meet the Space Coast shooters in the breakfast area of the motel around 6:30 AM on 2/4 and we'll go from there. Ron will take care of the west coast contingent.

FOOD

I will hold a BBQ at my house Tuesday, 2/6 ( I will get driving instructions out to all who want to attend) from 6-9 PM. Space Coast shooters will have a shorter drive if they shoot at the Viera Wetlands that afternoon as its only a 15 minute drive from the wetlands to my house.

I will be serving up smoked baby back ribs and grilled burgers and hot dogs. They will be baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad, and salad also. I will also have soda and Coronas on hand. If you want any other liquid refreshment please feel free to bring it along..There's no charge for BBQ the just bring your self, a smile, and your appetite. Pls PM me or E-mail if you're coming to the BBQ so I can get a count on how many folks I will be feeding.

On Wednesday I've made a group reservation at Dixie Crossroads for 7 PM.
http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/ (http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/)

On Thursday I have reserved the banquet room at Charlie & Jakes BBQ & Brewery, 6300 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida 32940 for us at 7 PM. Charlie and Jake's is closer to the Viera Wetlands so if you want to make this dinner I would end the day at the wetlands.

I haven't made any other reservations for the rest of the week. If anybody wants a group chow down on those days it should be easy enough to arrange during the day.
__________________

[Harryb]

few "housekeeping" items.

1. For the folks who will be on the east (Space) coast 2/4. I will meet y'all in the breakfast area of the Comfort Inn at 6:30 AM. We will head out from there probably to Merritt Island Blackpoint Drive. If you are arriving later in the day on 2/4 call me on my cell phone 917-703-3590 and I can tell you how to meet up with us. My home phone # is 321-639-7302

2. If you're coming to the BBQ on 2/6 please PM me so I can send you my address and driving instructions.

3. We have some fairly new shooters coming down to the shoot. It would be great if some of the more experienced shooters would volunteer to spend some time with the newer shooters and give them some assistance. If you are willing to mentor a shooter please PM me. If you would like some mentoring from a more experienced shooter please PM me and I will try to pair some folks off.

4. IF you have a cell phone please PM me your cell phone #. This will facilitate communications during the shoot. If you were at the shoot last year and your cell # hasn't changed don't send it to me because I still have last year's list of cell #s.

5. I will have driving instructions to all of the main shooting sites from the Comfort Inn. If you need a copy of them let me know when you see me down here and I will give you a copy of them.

Gosh its getting close.

[Osprey Whisperer]

We have some fairly new shooters coming down to the shoot. It would be great if some of the more experienced shooters would volunteer to spend some time with the newer shooters and give them some assistance. If you are willing to mentor a shooter please PM me. If you would like some mentoring from a more experienced shooter please PM me and I will try to pair some folks off.

If she's cute, legal and single...I'm in for some mentoring. :huh :rofl :D

[pathfinder]

Be glad to help Harry, even if they shoot Nikon.:D

[JenGrace]

I'm definitely coming on 2/4 and 2/5 since I don't work on those days. If I can manage to get Tuesday off I'll come to the BBQ and bring some of the free beer I get from work (2 cases a month...I love working for A-B! :D ).

Harry, I'll be calling you on Sunday because I don't plan on being there at 6:30. I'll probably be leaving my house around 7 a.m. Can't wait. I've never done anything like this so I'm excited. :barb

[gluwater]

I need all the help I can get, I may need an entire team of mentors!

[Harryb]

I need all the help I can get, I may need an entire team of mentors!

Hey Nick,

When you are on the west coast talk to Andreas, the dude from British Columbia. He's a really good shooter and he had offered to do some mentoring on the shoot.

[Harryb]

I'm definitely coming on 2/4 and 2/5 since I don't work on those days. If I can manage to get Tuesday off I'll come to the BBQ and bring some of the free beer I get from work (2 cases a month...I love working for A-B! :D ).

Harry, I'll be calling you on Sunday because I don't plan on being there at 6:30. I'll probably be leaving my house around 7 a.m. Can't wait. I've never done anything like this so I'm excited. :barb

Free Beer from work!!!!!!! :clap :ivar :lynnma That could get me unretired.
I'll get you driving instructions to my place on the 4th or the 5th

[gluwater]

Hey Nick,

When you are on the west coast talk to Andreas, the dude from British Columbia. He's a really good shooter and he had offered to do some mentoring on the shoot.
Will do Harry. I remember Andreas from last year, very nice guy.

[Harryb]

Hi Y'all,

Just some basic weather info and other stuff.

West Coast temps should run from the mid 50s (night and early AM) to the mid and upper 70s. Sunrise 7:10 AM Sunset 6:10 PM

Space Coast temps should run from the low 50s to the low 70s.
Sunrise 7 AM Sunset 6 PM

Its pretty dry down here in Feb so rain should not be an issue.

For you northerners I would recommend some sun block as the sun should be bright even though the temps won't be extreme.

Bug activity isn't high but having some repellent handy is usually a good idea.

There will be gators around but they normally run from humans. Remember I said normally, please don't try any macro shots with them. If you are going to shoot by some water you should check out your surroundings before you set up.

Fire ants are present at the Viera Wetlands and Blackpoint Drive. If you see a mound of dirt (small or large) that is usually a fire ant colony. Do not step on it or set up next to it. Fire ants are nasty and extremely aggressive. I once stepped on one of their mounds and couldn't walk for two days afterward.

[dragon300zx]

Haha. I'm ready, my 400mm just showed up. I can't wait to get on the plane.

[Osprey Whisperer]

Haha. I'm ready, my 400mm just showed up. I can't wait to get on the plane.

Get out and test that puppy. I was out shooting with my rental toady. Was shooting the BIG BIRDS today. War Birds...that is. Was at the airport shooting the WWII bombers. Had a B-17 "flying fortress" and a B-24 "liberator" taking off and landing at the airport. I could have taken a ride in one if I had $430 . :huh :D Got some good pics...as I was at the left side of the end of the runway...sun at my back. :clap :barb :ivar

Hope that lens flys, Gary. You are not missing much. It was 49* this morning...and only got up to 62*. Brrrrrr I"m ready to move South. :D

[dragon300zx]

Hope that lens flys, Gary. You are not missing much. It was 49* this morning...and only got up to 62*. Brrrrrr I"m ready to move South. :D

I'll take 62 over 23 any day of the week.

[Trish323]

I got the chance to swing by the Viera wetlands this afternoon...cranky, crying grandson in tow...but boy the skys were busy. Around 3 pm..crested caracara, eagle and hovering kingfisher all in the same vicinity at the same time....Now if I had just had some Big glass....:rolleyes The eagle was waaayyyy up high and soaring, crested did a close flyby, and the kingfisher hovered close by for about 30 seconds! Not my best but wanted to get all of you excited!! Hope to meet up with all of you while you are here for MI IV

http://trishfahnerphoto.smugmug.com/photos/126041181-L.jpg

http://trishfahnerphoto.smugmug.com/photos/126041159-L.jpg

http://trishfahnerphoto.smugmug.com/photos/126041178-L.jpg

[Harryb]

I got the chance to swing by the Viera wetlands this afternoon...cranky, crying grandson in tow...but boy the skys were busy. Around 3 pm..crested caracara, eagle and hovering kingfisher all in the same vicinity at the same time....Now if I had just had some Big glass....:rolleyes The eagle was waaayyyy up high and soaring, crested did a close flyby, and the kingfisher hovered close by for about 30 seconds! Not my best but wanted to get all of you excited!! Hope to meet up with all of you while you are here for MI IV


Love the KF and carcara BIFs. :thumb I've been wondering what's been going on there because I haven't been there since the merry maids visit.

[Harryb]

All you folks coming to the BBQ. My address is:

5960 Herons landing Drive, Viera, FL 32955

Mapquest provides the best driving instructions to my location.

My phone #s are home -321-639-7302 cell - 917-703-3590

I will have printed up driving instructions to my house from the motel and the Viera Wetlands so you can get them from me on the shoot.

West Coast shooters PM me if you need driving instructions. It would help if you could tell me what your starting point will be.

[Harryb]

Hey y'all,

I've just spoken to the Florida Audobon Society's Center for Birds of Prey. I'm trying to arrange a tour and a photo shoot there of some of the raptors for Wednesday and Thursday morning for two groups of 8. If I can arrange it it will be a good op to get some close=ups of a few raptors.

It will start at 10 AM. They are about an 90 minute drive from the Comfort Inn. I figure we can shoot there in the AM break for lunch and then shoot at Gatorland's rookery in the afternoon (Gatorland is about a half an hour drive from the Audobon Center).

I'll see who's interested at the Tuesday BBQ or you can PM me.

[JenGrace]

I've had a bit of a stomach issue for the past two days. If I don't feel 100% later I probly won't make Sunday. :cry Hopefully this will have cleared up by Monday.

Harry, I'll give you a call in the AM to find out where you guys are if I feel better.

[Harryb]

I've had a bit of a stomach issue for the past two days. If I don't feel 100% later I probly won't make Sunday. :cry Hopefully this will have cleared up by Monday.

Harry, I'll give you a call in the AM to find out where you guys are if I feel better.

Feel better. The weather tomorrow is still iffy. There's still next weekend and the BBQ on Tuesday.

[JenGrace]

For those of you planning to come to Orlando this week:

The Orange County Convention Center will host the 2007 International Home Builder’s Show from Wednesday, February 7 through Saturday, February 10. This show will have over 100,000 attendees who will be traveling in the area.

So plan your travel times accordingly, since 528 (the "Beachline") comes straight into the OCCC area.