1142 replies to this topic

[Tomyboy]

How did you make that pics from above?

[MikesPhotos]

How did you make that pics from above?

Since it is a bigger hit on my server to link to each thumbnail individually and load each one every time, I go through the latest pics I upload, pick out a handful that I feel showcase a good representation of the update, and then just copy the urls into notepad. Using some basic html, I can make a grid like you see and then just screen cap it into a small jpg.

If you want to do it with local files, I recommend using irfan. It has a great thumbnail to jpg feature.

[MikesPhotos]

UPDATED 04/4/2008: CanyonIC: CWN Erickson Air-Cranes



First update of April and this time it's 64 shots of Erickson Air-Crane HT732 and HT742 at the Canyon Fire in Malibu. These shots were taken at the Pepperdine Helispot where it snorkled reclaimed water from the schools pond. Enjoy!<br />

[Tomyboy]

No, i mean, the pics from above the helicopter, that you see the top of it

[MikesPhotos]

Wow Mike!You really have some skills when it comes to cameras

Thank you! I was never very good at art such as drawing, painting, and such. Coming from a very technical background with my college studies in Computer Science, BioChem, and Geographical Information Services, photography really appealed to me due to the fact that it is 50% science of light and 50% artistic creativity. I just let the events happen for themselves, and nature takes care of the creation and beauty. My goal is to just find the best way to capture it and find a way to make what I see really stand out and pop.

No, i mean, the pics from above the helicopter, that you see the top of it

Ah now I understand your question better. If you look at my website, you'll see that whenever possible, I'm pretty well known for my "pics from above" angle. I tend to avoid going to the same places other people do, and maybe it's my former military background, but I find taking the high ground is always advantageous! I'll climb hills, onto roofs, and shimmy up a tree whenever possible. I even paid a guy 10 bucks once to let me shoot from the top of his semi!

For the Pepperdine helispot pics, the helispot just happened to be lower then then the surrounding area. Instead of staying at the HS, I drove around a bit until I found a good area that had a view of it and wasn't too dangerous. The problem with this kind of thing is you don't want to be directly in their path since more then a few times you'll see them take in a full tank of water and as they're pulling away, the debris and stuff is still falling from the donkey dick. A lot of the area is also kept clear simply because going from a hover to foreward flight with a full tank can lead to other issues, especially with a strong wind and you need to be aware of that for your own safety.

Beyond that, it's just about looking around, seeing their flight path, knowing the safety issues involved, and making sure you have the right kind of light from the sun. A really good pair of boots and having the proper focal length lens helps too!

Mike

[MikesPhotos]

A Personal note you won't read anywhere else... I am SOOO glad this I'm done with the Canyon Fire pics!!! I still have about 30 air tanker shots to go through, but it'll be a long time coming before I bother with them. This is pretty much my last bit I had from that fire and I'm just glad it's done!

UPDATED 04/4/2008: CanyonIC Pt. 2: Misc. Apparatus and Scenery

Hey everyone, today's update is a little bit of everything for everyone. We have 12 shots in the Misc. Apparatus folder of Long Beach City Fire's Engine 1 and 18, LASD's special command vehicle, LAFD Fire 3, USFS H534, and LACoFD Engine 106. Also in this update are 30 scenery shots of the smoke, fire, and area around Pepperdine and the Pacific Ocean. The destroyed vehicles in the pics belonged to the campus and were parked near the Tower and shows just how close this fire came to devastating a larger part of Malibu then it did. Enjoy the pics!

[MikesPhotos]

Today's update is 53 pics from a reported structure fire in Calabasas. LACoFD Q125, E65, E68, B5, and LASD responded to a 2 story single family dwelling that was being built when a fire broke out in the wall. It was pretty much out by the time fire resources responded on scene, and LACoFD units ovehauled the area and made sure it was out and safe. Since this is an apparatus thread, here is a mix of the best of the units on scene. Click the pic or the link below to see the Firefighters in action. Enjoy!

Click Here To Go To:
-- UPDATED 04/11/2008: LACoFD Structure Fire/Fire Out --

[MikesPhotos]

LAFD E92 & RA909

The next few updates are going to be very heavily LACoFD focused so I thought I'd throw in an LAFD one first to break it up. Today's update is 35 pics of LAFD's E92 and RA909 in Sherman Oaks on a medical aid. E92 is one of the new 2007 Seagraves and I have to admit, I was very impressed! Enjoy!

Click Here To Go To:
-- LAFD Medical Aid --

[Ami89E1234]

Hoppah's ambulance. :1046275747_biggthumpup:

i think you have too much time on ur hands lol (even though its probably your living)
good pics :1046275747_biggthumpup:

[MikesPhotos]

Hoppah's ambulance. :1046275747_biggthumpup:

i think you have too much time on ur hands lol (even though its probably your living)
good pics :1046275747_biggthumpup:

LOL I wish I had more time, I'm swamped with unedited pics that are all due Saturday. As for the ambulance, it's actually one of the older ones. 909 means it's the BLS, non-paramedic, ambulance from Fire Station 109. Most of the newer ones are Paramedic (ALS) rigs with even more coming soon including new heavy-lift capable ambulances.

[james23222000]

From my work experience with the RAF (Royal Air Force):

4x4 Rapid intervention vehicle


4x4 Major Foam tender (has water on board as well though)


Me having a go on the major foam tender (this will be removed after two days)

[james23222000]

Lol thats a big bubble bath

Its water not foam by the way but ye, just put johnsons baby in the tank

[MikesPhotos]

From my work experience with the RAF (Royal Air Force):

Love the ARFF rigs. Between spending most of my time assigned to MCAS El Toro before joining the FD, and my first fire station being at French Valley Airport, I've always had a thing for specialized ARFF.

and now, another update!

UPDATED 04/24/2008: LACoFD B5, E65, E144, S89 & FS89



As promised, here is the first of a series of LACoFD Updates over the next few days and weeks. This update is 38 pics of LA County Fire Battalion 5, Engine 65, Engine 144, Squad 89 and Fire Station 89. Enjoy!

Click Here To Go To:
-- LACoFD --

[james23222000]

delete this post please, I answered my question using mikes website

[MikesPhotos]

UPDATED 04/25/2008: Huge LACoFD Update & 1 Cloud

Today's update is probably my biggest in a while, so hopefully there is something for everyone. There are 68 new shots of LACoFD Engine 144, Patrol 144, Fire Station 144, and Repair 5. 12 Shots of the new Fire Simulator training aid at Fire station 89. 53 Shots of a Traffic Collision with minor injuries and 30 shots of an Overturned Vehicle accident with Ventura County Fire. Also updated are shots of a Snake call, Smoke in a Structure, and 2 medical aids. And just for those who only go to the general folder, there is a new Cloud/sunset picture. All told, there are 252 pictures added, Enjoy!

[MikesPhotos]

The other shot was just a teaser, here is the sample of what's been added, apparatus wise. All told, there's a lot to see, and a lot more to still be added!

Mike