What's Yer Day/Night Job?

[PKMax]

OK, so now that we have an off topic section, I spose we better use it heh.

I already love the community feeling of this forum and it's members, so getting to know each other a bit more seems cool :)

By Day I'm a Computer Programmer, I mainly write applications used for marketing and research, some webbies and the occasional game when I'm bored heh. I've been a programmer by profession for about erm, 14 Years now, but as a hobby I've been doing it as long as I've been been taken photos which is about 20 years ish lol. Before I became a programmer I was offered a job as an apprentice photographer to aid some guy who was about to travel the world but for some really bizarre reason I thought my future should be in computers :) not that I have any regrets, I love programming.

By Night, I'm a single father of 2 children (aged 9 and 6), and either take photos of toy cars in the dark, or play computer games lol. occasionally i'm allowed out to the Cinema to watch a good film though heh.

[tomorrowstreasures]

PKM - I love the way you write! It is like being right there with you .... almost a Red Green feeling to your writing - the "erm" - loved it!

I am a para-educator and run the tech center for special education. (Not that I am technical, but more a warm body.)

I love, love, love humor and thinking outside of the box. Most often, you can find me making self - deprecating jokes ala Paul Newman or Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. I love to tease in a playful, non harmful way.

I am just getting back into photography after a 20 year absence. I am finding that the digital learning curve is huge. There is so much more to it than one starts out thinking there is!

I am an avid reader and a VERY avid knitter...so if any one needs help with the technical aspect of knitting, I, Susan, am your "go to gal"! (I only say that because I wish I could offer more help to balance out all of the learning I take away from the forum... I want to be able to contribute good strong advice and information, but can only offer a bit of "good job", "nice photo", etc...)

[tegan]

PKM I am a para-educator and run the tech center for special education. (Not that I am technical, but more a warm body.)..)

Special education, eh? I taught the gifted end of special education for 2 years. I remember one of my students at genius level with a tested IQ of 180, who was performing at that level and another with a total memory for anything that had been taken, mentioned, or written on the board in my class.

Tegan

[tomorrowstreasures]

Special education, eh? I taught the gifted end of special education for 2 years. I remember one of my students at genius level with a tested IQ of 180, who was performing at that level and another with a total memory for anything that had been taken, mentioned, or written on the board in my class.

Tegan

Whoa! My kids are learning disabled... hey, maybe that is why I am so good at my job - I can totally identify! And,I bet the same goes for you and your Sp Ed group, huh, Tegan?
Tegan = brilliant Susan = daft. LOL
is daft a word?
I think this part of the forum fits me best. hmmmmmmmmmm Off topic- yup, fits. Thanks for the idea, PKM and Marko for administering it!

[tegan]

Whoa! My kids are learning disabled... hey, maybe that is why I am so good at my job - I can totally identify! And,I bet the same goes for you and your Sp Ed group, huh, Tegan?
Tegan = brilliant Susan = daft. LOL
is daft a word?!

On a Ministry of Ed. grant, I also taught talented students: computer art for a year and a few of those were learning disabled, which certainly did NOT hamper their creativity, individual style or work in computer art.

I have done any number of diverse "jobs" over the years. Change and challenge is never boring.

Tegan

[mindforge]

During the day, I am a father raising my boy and moderating websites and doing freelance print and web design. From 4pm on I am an advertising designer for a newspaper, then I strap on my superhero costume and.. ok, scratch the last part, I am sleeping at that point to wake up and repeat.

I also do freelance photography during the day.

I am currently in school also... during the day to get my MFA in Graphic Design.. two years away still.

[tomorrowstreasures]

few of those were learning disabled, which certainly did NOT hamper their creativity, individual style or work in computer art.
Tegan

I adore the kids I work with. :goodvibes My first assignment was with a 4 year old fetal alcohol syndrome child (within the Sp Ed preschool program),that was for a year my next assignment, again, a year assignment, was with a 5 year old non verbal autistic child..next, was being transfered to the high school Sp Ed resource department for 2 years, then, spent 4 years in the MD department working with a wheel chair bound, delightful girl who had CP - low IQ, and a total delight to work with and for. Next up was a 2 year assignment with an MD young man. I loved working with him. The past 2 years have been in the tech center, working with the LD population. These kids, typically, have amazing artistic abilities.
I am the lucky recipient of some of their work. I used to barter with the kids - they would make me something , in return, I would knit them a hat to their color specs. The loved it. I made about 70 hats. Then, last April, I dug out the teeny little canon p&s, snapped a limited series of impromptu "portraits" of the kids the last 5 minutes of each class of any student that wanted it done... - just the p/s, the white board, and me....I would then order the prints, bring them to school, have the secretary in the office announce that they had a message in the office, which would be my little surprise gift to them.... They loved it...Some of them, had never had any one pay that kind of attenetion to them, not to mention ever had a nice photo of them self.

These kids are what really brought me back to photography, their enthusiasm for my modest sessions helped to rekindle the passion I had had prior to life upchucking all over me.

So, a lot of verbiage later, yes, Tegan, there IS a lot of talent in the LD community!

[tomorrowstreasures]

During the day, I am a father raising my boy and moderating websites and doing freelance print and web design. From 4pm on I am an advertising designer for a newspaper, then I strap on my superhero costume and.. ok, scratch the last part, I am sleeping at that point to wake up and repeat.

I also do freelance photography during the day.

I am currently in school also... during the day to get my MFA in Graphic Design.. two years away still.
Good luck with your MFA! And, there is not a more important job than being a parent - that is awesome that you are doing that!

[tegan]

prior to life upchucking all over me.!

Interesting metaphor and it is perhaps surprising how many mature types can relate to that. I certainly can.

Tegan

[tegan]

My day job is looking after my son which means dealing with the health care and legal profession, most often via email and working on a variety of photographic projects.

Tegan

[Marko]

I run this website, another website (pets.ca) and I'm a freelance shooter.

[PKMax]

I am an avid reader and a VERY avid knitter...so if any one needs help with the technical aspect of knitting, I, Susan, am your "go to gal"!

ok, How do you get a knitted jumper that isn't itchy?? My Nan used to make me them every year for christmas, but I can't wear them lol. I now hate all jumpers as a result and would rather be cold in the winter than wear one heh.

[tirediron]

By day (and very often by night as well) I'm an Above-Water Warfare Director (Translation: The guns and missiles belong to me and the team I supervise, or "If it flies, it dies") in the Canadian navy. I'm currently serving onboard HMCS Protecteur enroute Esquimalt, BC, after a six month, government-sponsorsed, sun-filled excursion in the Middle East.

I'm also an avid restorer of old agricultural equipment, and possess a boiler-ticket allowing me to operate steam-traction engines and other assorted old toys, an active Geocacher, and of course, the odd time, I take a picture or two as well.

~John

[PKMax]

By day (and very often by night as well) I'm an Above-Water Warfare Director (Translation: The guns and missiles belong to me and the team I supervise, or "If it flies, it dies") in the Canadian navy. I'm currently serving onboard HMCS Protecteur enroute Esquimalt, BC, after a six month, government-sponsorsed, sun-filled excursion in the Middle East.

I'm also an avid restorer of old agricultural equipment, and possess a boiler-ticket allowing me to operate steam-traction engines and other assorted old toys, an active Geocacher, and of course, the odd time, I take a picture or two as well.

~John

Blimey...
erm, all your pictures rock.. I love you (please don't blow me up..)

[kiley9806]

my night & day job is the same... "mom".
i stay at home with my almost 2 yr old daughter, and am at the front door, for 845am & 345pm, mon-fri, shuffling off or welcoming home my 10 yr old son from school. Grade 5 homework sure is harder this time around....
so besides kids & photography, my other hobbies & interests would be travelling (need to do more - only been to the states, mexico, thailand, & cambodia - scotland & australia are next on the list), the environment (ive gone green as big as i can so far, recycling, composting, conserving, purchasing local etc. the hybrid car is next on that list). and animals are a big love of mine as well. we have 2 dogs & 2 guinea pigs and we are planning to get moved from our little town of 3000 people to an acreage where i can have a hobby farm and grow my garden & have goats and piggies and chickens to keep me busy...

[baddness]

my night & day job is the same... "mom".
i stay at home with my almost 2 yr old daughter, and am at the front door, for 845am & 345pm, mon-fri, shuffling off or welcoming home my 10 yr old son from school. Grade 5 homework sure is harder this time around....
so besides kids & photography, my other hobbies & interests would be travelling (need to do more - only been to the states, mexico, thailand, & cambodia - scotland & australia are next on the list), the environment (ive gone green as big as i can so far, recycling, composting, conserving, purchasing local etc. the hybrid car is next on that list). and animals are a big love of mine as well. we have 2 dogs & 2 guinea pigs and we are planning to get moved from our little town of 3000 people to an acreage where i can have a hobby farm and grow my garden & have goats and piggies and chickens to keep me busy...

As if an almost 2 year old doesn't keep you busy enough :)
We have some things in common other than the hobby farm. Don't plan on getting one of those.

[tomorrowstreasures]

ok, How do you get a knitted jumper that isn't itchy?? My Nan used to make me them every year for christmas, but I can't wear them lol. I now hate all jumpers as a result and would rather be cold in the winter than wear one heh.

PKM - What a sweetie! Asking me something so that I can contribute in a useful way to the forum!!!!:goodvibes What a sweet gift from your Nan! A lot of hours go into them!

A couple of thoughts here:
-Older wool is a bit scratchy, especially if the breed of sheep wasn't meant for wool, but the meat. Usually, you would grow up wearing the wool which would lead to developing a non-sensitivity to the wool's scales, which is what causes the itching...By the way, wool products today are a dream to knit and wear.
-Try soaking - not swishing or agitating at all (it will felt)!!! with hair conditioner about 30 minutes- yup, what ever you use...then rinse till clear--- again, do not twist, ring, agitate, swish. Just run the water on top of it...water temp - tepid. That should soften the wool fibers.
-Make sure you have on a shirt under the sweater so the sweater does not make contact with your skin. For around the face, maybe a turtle neck.

If all else fails, have someone unravel the wool, and create a rug, decorative pillow, hand bag or something that does not come in contact with the skin.

[tomorrowstreasures]

By day (and very often by night as well) I'm an Above-Water Warfare Director (Translation: The guns and missiles belong to me and the team I supervise, or "If it flies, it dies") in the Canadian navy. I'm currently serving onboard HMCS Protecteur enroute Esquimalt, BC, after a six month, government-sponsorsed, sun-filled excursion in the Middle East.

I'm also an avid restorer of old agricultural equipment, and possess a boiler-ticket allowing me to operate steam-traction engines and other assorted old toys, an active Geocacher, and of course, the odd time, I take a picture or two as well.

~John

Hey John - you would love it here! Land of John Deere!! We have all kinds of expos that show the old equipment - a lot of it restored.

[mindforge]

I live in Tulare County which is home to the World Ag Expo (the worlds largest agricultural every year. We have old farm equipment in steel graveyards out here in Central California. If you are ever bored you could probably come out here and people would be happy if you took some of it.

I actually hate this Expo (I like Expos for the most part)... our roads become clogged, forget about shopping. The area's population triples for a week or so. In a metro area of about 130,000 people it gets dwarfed by the attendees from all around the world.

[tirediron]

Hey John - you would love it here! Land of John Deere!! We have all kinds of expos that show the old equipment - a lot of it restored.

John Deere? :yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck: Cornbinder all the way!!!!

[morgan]

Day: i'm a grad student in in the genetics phd program at duke.

Night: learning photography, photoshop, working out & spending time with my husband. we got married this june. i've wanted to learn photography all my life, but searching for a wedding photographer inspired me to take the plunge and spend the money on a camera.

for the last year, i've been learning photoshop. In the lab, i do lots of repetitive things so I listen to podcasts a lot. I just started downloading photography & photoshop podcasts to speed up the learning process. that is how i came across this forum.

I do not have any plans to go pro with photography. I mostly want to learn for my own enjoyment. But, I have considered making it a part time job just so the hobby can become self-sufficient. i can already see how easy it would be to spend a small fortune on equipment!

PS. my mom teaches special ed

[tirediron]

Blimey...
erm, all your pictures rock.. I love you (please don't blow me up..)

And I'd expect nothing less! ;)

[tomorrowstreasures]

John Deere? :yuck: Cornbinder all the way!!!!

Watch your tongue, Tirediron! ;)

[AcadieLibre]

I own and run a recording studio and do some freelance music production work. I now also sell fine art photographs and I do a lot of work for bands and freelance for various music entities. With the photography part of my work I am also doing charity work for mostly the homeless and American War Resistors. Then of course there are my kids but they are not work just a great part of my life.

[taffy]

Just found this thread. Interesting to see the varied backgrounds/interests.

I have worked for the National Health Service in the UK for 4 years, managing contracts with hospitals. Before that I spent 16 years with Safeway Supermarkets (originally part of the US Safeway group), starting in store management and ended up working up at the Head Office in London (240 mile daily commute).

Married with 3 children - 7,9 and 12 years old. With work and kids, I did have not had much time for photography for a long time.
Unfortunately I had a serious blood disease 4 years ago and had a bone marrow transplant which saved me. The upside was
1) I lost all the weight I had been trying to lose for years! Most effective way of dieting I have ever tried but would not recommend it to others!
2) I had time to do some photography during my recuperation!

I have been off work again recently with problems related to the BMT and have been able to indulge in my hobby again! I hope to go back to work soon so you will probably hear less from me then!


On a happier note, I am Welsh so my big passion is rugby! The Welsh team are on a high at the moment so life is good! :goodvibes

cheers taffy

[kiley9806]

interesting to hear about you taffy! thanks for sharing...
all my good health vibes go out to you!!! :goodvibes

[tekguy22]

Police Dispatcher/911 Operator

[tomorrowstreasures]

Great to see the diversity of the members here!

[Gem]

Wow. I think I'm one of the youngest here :p I just turned 18 this past May and am doing my first year as an Undergrad at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Science. Hahah, I have noooo idea what I wanna do as a profession and my dad ain't too happy about that.

Hmm, it's been two weeks since I've taken up photography and at first, most of my friends were, erm, very teasing of the fact that I now carry a camera with me everywhere (heh, lost track of the number of times they called me a "creeper") but they're starting to come around now :)

Other interests? Just hanging out with my friends I suppose, as I don't see them nearly enough in Uni :( And, well, studying. Don't think that's really an interest though.

I used to live in Dubai, UAE but moved here when I was 7. I'll be going back this winter break for a week (after a 11 year absence) and can't WAIT to take some pictures there! :goodvibes

Anyhoo, just thought I'd share some info about me!

[tomorrowstreasures]

Wow. I think I'm one of the youngest here :p I just turned 18 this past May and am doing my first year as an Undergrad at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Science. Hahah, I have noooo idea what I wanna do as a profession and my dad ain't too happy about that.

Hmm, it's been two weeks since I've taken up photography and at first, most of my friends were, erm, very teasing of the fact that I now carry a camera with me everywhere (heh, lost track of the number of times they called me a "creeper") but they're starting to come around now :)

Other interests? Just hanging out with my friends I suppose, as I don't see them nearly enough in Uni :( And, well, studying. Don't think that's really an interest though.

I used to live in Dubai, UAE but moved here when I was 7. I'll be going back this winter break for a week (after a 11 year absence) and can't WAIT to take some pictures there! :goodvibes

Anyhoo, just thought I'd share some info about me!

Gem - welcome to the addiction! You are entering the world of photography at an awesome time with what technology offers the layman as well as the professionals! Enjoy! BTW, it is normal for some one your age to change their mind about a major declaration many times... take advantage of all that is offered to you!

[PaulaLynn]

By day (and very often by night as well) I'm an Above-Water Warfare Director (Translation: The guns and missiles belong to me and the team I supervise, or "If it flies, it dies") in the Canadian navy. I'm currently serving onboard HMCS Protecteur enroute Esquimalt, BC, after a six month, government-sponsorsed, sun-filled excursion in the Middle East.

I'm also an avid restorer of old agricultural equipment, and possess a boiler-ticket allowing me to operate steam-traction engines and other assorted old toys, an active Geocacher, and of course, the odd time, I take a picture or two as well.

~John


Interesting..... I am a secretary by day and a Mom/Wife by night. Spent 10 years on the East Coast Tanker lol, didn't know tankers had AWWD's ;)

[danalive]

Hi Guys,

I'm an Application Support Analyst with state police here in Melbourne by day. It's an interesting environment to work in and tends to motivate me most days. My work is not my passion though and my dreams are still alive but not sure if they're realistic at all (music). But hey, life's a journey I guess and this crossroads will no doubt be interesting (less stressful in hindsight i'm sure!).

Otherwise i am loving photography, very much a beginner and it is exciting me in my downtime. Music is a big part of me, but has lay dormant for a couple of years until now... looking to get back into it with other people soon.

great to hear each of your stories too... and the journey continues!

Dan.