About

History

 Date     Description 
 21-Mar-05    
  • Merging backend data files.
  • Cleaning up some of the code.
  • Tweak'd the layout.
  • Added more to the History notes below.
  •  5-Aug-04    
  • Serialize individual galleries.
  • Added captions to describe galleries.
  • Added matrix to match image to multiple galleries.
  • Tweak'd title and breadcrumbs
  • Cross-referenced 38 images.
  • Added 'All' gallery.
  •  4-Aug-04    
  • Added 7 new gallery titles.
  •  1-Aug-04    
  • Found/repaired bug on contact page.
  • Completed first sorting pass on 177 new images.
  •  31-Jul-04    
  • Added localized time/date stamp. Ported from main site.
  • Added 'About'
  • Repaired/Reintroduced 'Contact'.
  • Rebuilt 'Search'.
  • Tweaked a few image descriptions.
  •  30-Jul-04    
  • Removed all JavaScript, embedding all dynamic functionality in the PHP source.
  •  21-Jul-04    
  • New Look-n-Feel
  •  2003    
  • Created
  •  

    Hardware

    I have a couple of Nikon F's, a Nikon N70, an Olympus E-20N with teleconverter, and an Olympus D-550. For lenses, I have a AF VR-Nikkor 80-400mm, a Tamron AF 80-200mm, and a couple of 35mms for the F's. I only use the F's for night shots: stars, the moon, Northern lights kind of stuff. I use Pelican cases for all of my gear. I have found that even when I take a tumble on/off my bike, my gear is safe and sound inside the case. Additionally, they are waterproof and will float.

    I used to have a lot more equipment, but in the late 90's I sold everything. I didn't think I would ever use it again, so I purged it. I don't regret selling everything, but I do miss some of the little goodies I used to have around like a selection of gels and 4 different length lens. Better to let it all go than to hold on too tightly.

    Update: In March of '05, I picked up a Sigma 50 - 500mm lens and another small Olympus digitla camera. I took a number of photos with the new Sigma lens, but I haven't seen the results yet.

    Why?

    First off, I wanted to share some of the things I have seen. I have traveled a bit, always with some kind of camera with me. Peru, England, Canada, Alaska, the Badlands, Yellowstone, the Southwest, Florida, I have images of all of them somewhere around here. If only I could track down the find the really good ones and get them posted for you.

    Secondly, I built this site as an exercise in PHP programming.  I had used PHP at work, mostly doing repairs to broken sites.  Not having had the pleasure of building a complete site from the ground up, I knew I needed to learn more about this technology.  PHP is closely related to Perl, which as you probably know is my preferred programming language.  The site started out with 3 or 4 pages: home, galleries, images, and photographers if I remember correctly.  I got everything up and running, then forgot about it.  That was sometime last year (’03). 

    After taking some time away from personal site development, I returned to digitalFilament.net ready to get another rebuild started.  “But how should I do it? Should I continue using my own perl software which is showing the limitation of the original design and will require a total rebuild?  Are there any other options?”  I searched for a while looking for a content management system (CMS) that would suit my wants/needs.  I never found one I really liked.  So, I am back to rebuilding my own software, which is not a problem.  I just know it will take me about a week to get the code running that way I want it to.  “Beyond the build process, what else do I need to do?”  Balkanize!  I have grown tired of having a single look-n-feel for all of the different topics/areas I am covering.  I want to create a cluster of sites, each one with a unique look-n-feel, using shared libraries whenever possible.  This points me back to PHP and my ‘test’ site.  So here we are. 

    More than you wanted to know I am sure. 

     

    Me

    Being a rather private person, I am not interested in telling you anything specific.  If you want to learn more, look through the images I have posted and read through the other sites I have up and running.  That will give a reasonably good picture of who I am and what things I find interesting. 

    Not enough for you?  TSOL. I don't really think I want the pleasure of identity theft.