The Hideout Forum

At the end of September 2008 I was browsing around Flickr, and one of the artists I regularly visit, Michelle Black, had taken some very interesting self-portraits for a challenge at The Hideout. I was so intrigued I had to register and take a closer look. Soon I was hooked, because the place is a total blast – friendly and qualified people in different fields of photography, support in the technical issues part, creative outlet in the color and black and white parts as well as the challenges. Interviews with talented and well known photographers, group chats and weekly themes are great ways to get to know people and get your creativeness flowing!  There’s always something going on there and someone to talk with if you have a problem, or just want to talk about your passion for photography.

The Hideout has made me push my boundaries and leave my comfort zone, only to discover that I can do more than I thought I could. It has made me more aware of the creative parts, communication with your subjects and all the unknown amazing artists that are on this forum. You never know what to find there when you log on, and that’s the beauty of the place. It’s in constant change, and that only to the better.

I can encurage everyone with an interest in photography to join, from amateur to professional. You’ll learn something either way.

The Hideout Forum

How to save a camera that’s been under water

This happened to me exacly a week ago. I slipped, and my camera fell into the water in a river-mouth, so it was a mixture of salt-and-fresh water. Having a dad that’s a photographer, he came in no time and took my camera to try save it.

Recipe:

• First of all, take your battery out IMMEDIATELY. The salt in the water can destroy circuits, so this is vital. Taking out your memory card is also a good idea.
• Then you have to get that salt out ASAP. This is done by drowning your camera in fresh-water, such as in your bathtub. Every inch of the camera should be drowned to be sure the salt gets out, so take off the lens, open the battery and memory card hatches, and everything else you can think of where water may have entered.
• When you’re sure there’s no salt left (you can taste the water coming out of your camera), it’s time for the oven. Set it on 50 degrees Celsius (122 F) and put the camera in. It should stay in there for 48 hours. It’ll look dry in one day, but you need to make sure absolutely everything is completely dry.
• Your battery will be flat, this is normal in this case. Recharge it, and when you are ready you can try starting the camera.

There’s a 90% chance that this will do it for you camera. If not, you should get it looked at by professionals.

Last but not least; I hope none of you will ever have to do this!

Featuring: Mabyn Ludke

Mabyn Ludke is one of the first persons I talked with on the hideout forum. When I looked at her portfolio I was amazed – this person is already doing GREAT and she’ll go so much further. Her use of colors and black&whites are breathtaking, and I can’t wait to see what she’ll do in the future. Visit her at http://www.mabyn.com!

© Mabyn Ludke