Select Models wrote:

Hey James... Darren answered your concerns about the possible 'fly-away problem'... looks like the Phantom Vision has 'GPS Auto Return' with no lost drone problems there.  Another thing you should consider when purchasing your PV2+ is A CASE!... here's a link!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHzAtN3o7VE

8:38

FFantastique wrote:

8:38

?... you mean 'runtime'?...

Select Models wrote:
?... you mean 'runtime'?...

Affirmative, Runtime: 8:38 [M:SS]
[I think this is nice disclosure to make so viewers can gauge how much time to budget to view the video.]

Sometimes I'm overly parsimonious--just the essentials.
[switching gears...]

Reminds me of the lady on the top deck posing with alacrity...and just the very barest of essentials LOL.

Attracted a lot more attention than was desirable!

[BTW, since I believe less is more better [sic] I was NOT the one who filed the complaint that brought security to investigate the scene/scenery! ;-)]

Hmm, wonder how a drone would work at sea since the ship is moving the GPS coordinates of the helipad would be changing. Should a loss of connectivity were to occur, would the drone know where to land so it doesn't land in the drink?

FFantastique wrote:
Hmm, wonder how a drone would work at sea since the ship is moving the GPS coordinates of the helipad would be changing. Should a loss of connectivity were to occur, would the drone know where to land so it doesn't land in the drink?

I don't think James plans on using it while the ship is in motion... maybe on the deck while the ship is anchored in Mexico.  Definitely plans on using it on the beaches in Cabo and PV...

Select Models wrote:

I don't think James plans on using it while the ship is in motion... maybe on the deck while the ship is anchored in Mexico.  Definitely plans on using it on the beaches in Cabo and PV...

I didn't think he was BUT a lot of products sometimes get used in contexts for which they were not originally intended, sometimes with good, and sometimes not so good results.

e.g. do blow dryers have tags "DO NOT USE IN BATHTUB!"?  I don't know--[I don't need one LOL] but I read on the Internet somewhere [and we all know the Internet, with a capital I--is Infallible] that such cautionary tags exist! Don't iron while wearing, don't operate while intoxicated &/or on drugs, etc. etc. etc.

Since it's gimbled...maybe it was also sufficiently sophisticated to plot the course of a moving base of operation. While I don't expect this to be feasible, I'm just saying that we can do facial recognition, 3-D printing, send a man to the moon and return them safely to earth, it's not too far fetched of a feature to expect.

FFantastique wrote:
Since it's gimbled...maybe it was also sufficiently sophisticated to plot the course of a moving base of operation.

Definitely NOT feasible at this pricepoint... coming in at alittle less than $2000... but actually 'great bang for the buck' for what you're getting.  Also heard (unfortunately).... the camera that comes with the Phantom Vision 2+ is vastly inferior (in both video and still image quality) to the GoPro3...

Matthew Helton wrote:
Check out this camera.  Found it on Kickstarter and had to order one!


http://www.360.tv/store

Pretty cool... can you connect it to a quadcopter?

Select Models wrote:
Hey James... WOW... after viewing those 'side by side' comparisons between the two cams... I'm thinkin the Phantom Vision's camera looks better in some ways than the GoPro3.  Appears to have snappier contrast and might be alittle sharper.  What do you think?

Your observation is completely correct.  Buying the Phantom Vision 2+ is pretty much for sure.  As far as the Airdog, it looks cool, but it's not available on the market until December this year or maybe even next year.

Yani S wrote:
Cool Stuff!
I like that 360 camera even though it made me sea sick!

I totally agree... it was makin me dizzy just watching the video...

Phillip M Grierson wrote:
I am going to check out the models that are looking for sponsors here on MM and also looking at some of the models I have worked with closely in the past in my area.
This sounds like a great event to participate in. keeping my fingers crossed to attend.
Phil Grierson - Tampa Bay Florida

Hey Phil... definitely IS a great event to participate in.  This is 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot' number 6 (in 6 years) with a very strong cast of 13 beautiful models so far... 10 photographers participating.  This is by far the best deal on any 'out of the country' photoshoot events, with free food, free room and 5 photoshoots in 6 days... all for less than $1000 ALL INCLUSIVE!... no additional promoter fees or workshop costs to pay for... no permits to buy... and zero photographic restrictions of any type on both these beautiful beaches in Mexico. 

Of the models you've worked with, I'd vote for 'Tinkerbell' and 'Amiya'... two WINNERS there for sure.  Keep posting on the thread and let us know which one of your models you decide to bring.  And don't forget... there's a casting call for this event at the link below with a few dozen models definitely interested in attending...

https://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/1945729

Phillip M Grierson wrote:
Is this cruise leaving out of LA or San Diego? I am hoping to make this happen. I already found one model on the list that I have worked with before. I just sent her a message to see if she is still interested in going.
Phil Grierson - Tarpon Springs, FL

Cruise leaving Nov 2nd from 'Port of Los Angeles'... which is actually Long Beach Harbor... right next to the Queen Mary.

Select Models wrote:

Hey Phil... definitely IS a great event to participate in.  This is 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot' number 6 (in 6 years) with a very strong cast of 13 beautiful models so far... 10 photographers participating.  This is by far the best deal on any 'out of the country' photoshoot events, with free food, free room and 5 photoshoots in 6 days... all for less than $1000 ALL INCLUSIVE!... no additional promoter fees or workshop costs to pay for... no permits to buy... and zero photographic restrictions of any type on both these beautiful beaches in Mexico. 

Of the models you've worked with, I'd vote for 'Tinkerbell' and 'Amiya'... two WINNERS there for sure.  Keep posting on the thread and let us know which one of your models you decide to bring.  And don't forget... there's a casting call for this event at the link below with a few dozen models definitely interested in attending...

https://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/1945729

I have contacted Tina Marie Desaro who I worked with before. She is a great model and what a figure she has too! Thanks for the info.

Select Models wrote:

Cruise leaving Nov 2nd from 'Port of Los Angeles'... which is actually Long Beach Harbor... right next to the Queen Mary.

Cruise leaves on the 2nd of Nov? time? and ate and time of return please???

Phillip M Grierson wrote:

I have contacted Tina Marie Desaro who I worked with before. She is a great model and what a figure she has too! Thanks for the info.

I just checked on r/t flight from Tampa to LAX and cost is around $400. Not bad. Just need to know what day and time to get there and what day and time to book return flt. Any help with this info would be greatly appreciated.
Phil

Phillip M Grierson wrote:

Cruise leaves on the 2nd of Nov? time? and ate and time of return please???

Yes... Nov 2nd... departure time is roughly 4:30pm... BUT... I would strongly recommend that you start your checkin time around 11:30am, as it does take approximately 3 hours to get checked in and on the ship.

Would recommend flying out on Nov 1st and giving yourself a good night's sleep before getting on board Nov 2nd.  Cruise will be returning late morning Nov 8th, and I would recommend a return flight either very late in the evening on Nov 8th, or anytime Nov 9th.

Phillip M Grierson wrote:
I have contacted Tina Marie Desaro who I worked with before. She is a great model and what a figure she has too! Thanks for the info.

Thanks Phil, let me know if you end up going on this and want to sponsor me

Phillip M Grierson wrote:
Is this cruise leaving out of LA or San Diego? I am hoping to make this happen. I already found one model on the list that I have worked with before. I just sent her a message to see if she is still interested in going.
Phil Grierson - Tarpon Springs, FL

This is may work for your navigation device:

Long Beach Cruise Terminal 231 Windsor Way Long Beach CA 90802 United States

Confirm with the powers that be.

Concur with Gary--get there early and allow for snafus.
Ship may wait for you...or may not!

Also undoubtedly fun...at least if you have what you need. So do checklist and work it!

Bob-W wrote:
Hey, I'm glad we're talking about cruises and models again instead of toys!
I have enough trouble handling all my regular photo gear.

I like that coptor tech stuff too but I'm just saying.. 13+ beautiful models!

I am OK with copter but some may prefer term drone, others UAV. :-)

I noticed that digression and was wondering how they felt!
Expected them to say, "Hey, what about us?! ;-)....we're HERE! :-)"

James Sioux wrote:
...at the meeting, we'll have a chance to introduce ourselves, Gary will announce our schedule, inform some rules and things to watch out for, and make sure everybody's ok with their cabins and living arrangement.

I'd like to hold a spot while I cogitate what to say, how to say it, so that it is both accurate yet hilarious ... And not geek speak! :-)

UPDATE:
Somewhere in this thread
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … 877&page=1
I recall there is a post by the very nice OP [but I can't find the exact post even using the inadequate Search feature] that the OP said he would assemble us and read us the Riot Act!

However:
* I somehow missed that meeting,
* I can't find anyone who has been to that meeting, and
* I can't find the minutes of the meeting! :-)

This is intentionally vague but I'll let the smart ones interpret the implications of those statements (what it means and what it doesn't mean) and the OP can possibly respond.

OK, found the link after tedious search process:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st17436884

Here is a written "threat" to read us the riot act! ;-)
Saber rattling! LOL.

James Sioux wrote:
For photographers/model(s) who need to fly in for this amazing event, I'd say flying in the day before the ship sets sail is the best way to go in terms of time.  Book a cheap motel or something in the Long Beach area.  Figure out how you're gonna get to your place of stay from the airport and to the ship terminal from your place of stay.

For those that are driving and parking the duration of the cruise, there are "park and cruise" deals at hotels. I stayed at the Maya, which included parking, for a little more than cost of parking at terminal.
I forgot the discount code for Maya Hotel, so I might book here:
Golden Sails Hotel Golf & Conference Center
Long Beach, California • 800-762-5333
YOU MUST CALL to reserve instead of using website or other means to get the deal.
About $150 includes parking and breakfast. Also includes terminal shuttle round trip.

Bob-W wrote:
I like that coptor tech stuff too but I'm just saying.. 13+ beautiful models!

Yo Bob... ya wanna know what's so cool about forum threads like this?... with one reply, you can TOTALLY change the discussion topic for over 1/2 the page... and HEY amigo... you totally have my permission to do it...

And HEY... It's not stopping at 13 models either.  Just got wind of another 2 photographers and models coming along.  We'll be sitting at 15 models and 12 photographers pretty quick... stay tuned for the additions...

FFantastique wrote:
3 months (to the day) before departure! :-)
[Not doing the to-the-minute post like before.]

Awwwww come on JT... oh well... guess we'll all have to be happy with the 'to-the-hour' posts then... ...

Phillip M Grierson wrote:

Cruise leaves on the 2nd of Nov? time? and ate and time of return please???

This link https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … 877&page=1 might give you clues.

Not sure why you nor I can't find the departure time on this current thread. Maybe the OP can include it in bold so we can all find it for planning purposes.

Also imbedded in this thread is a checklist that might be useful. I've used the Forum Search function over the years and find it woefully inadequate. [expletives deleted ;-)].

Select Models wrote:

Awwwww come on JT... oh well... guess we'll all have to be happy with the 'to-the-hour' posts then... ...

This is for old time's sake.
Ship is scheduled to leave in 3 months--to the minute!!!

FFantastique wrote:

This is for old time's sake.
Ship is scheduled to leave in 3 months--to the minute!!!

Cool... now lets see this happen every day to the minute... that way I don't have to keep bumpin the thread...

Select Models wrote:

Cool... now lets see this happen every day to the minute... that way I don't have to keep bumpin the thread...

Sorry I won't be there in the flesh but I'm very much with you in spirit.

I won't be doing a daily bump--too labor intensive and it's done manually--not by a 'bot!

I will suggest that with a quarter to go, 13 weeks from today develop a checklist and work it. See link below for an old checklist I developed that would be a start for you to customize your very own.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st17392676

IMHO, main thing is to get your travel documents, passport or otherwise, so that the ship doesn't have to wait for you!

Also figure out how to get to the dock! I know all this sounds basic but I've been hammering one person to do so and so far it hasn't yet happened. As has been said 13 weeks can fly by fast! Be brilliant at the basics.

One the way back home we were shooting until the wee hours of the morning and a very senior photographer [as good as Gary :-)] asked, "Why do we wait till the last few hours to be productive?"

The shoot ran so late that I fell asleep! Can you imagine? Surrounded by such beauty. The question of why we wait till the last few hours is legit.

Other than the usual procrastination and working under time pressure, Parkinson's Law, I explained that groups go through 4 stages:
* Forming
* Storming
* Norming
* Performing

I'm sure you can Google this somewhere and read the theoretical underpinnings but as this applies to photo shoots on ships, the performing stage came so late because we were stunted on the preceding stages.

FORMING: To accelerate getting to the performing stage try to accelerate the forming process by connecting prior to the cruise. There isn't normal free internet nor cell phone service on the ship and power plugs are limited and the ship is moving and there is too much potential for intoxicants, etc. :-)

You may wish to print the profiles of the participants before the trip to bring as a directory so you know who is whom. Midweek I was asking my waiter to ask the waiter at the next table who that photographer was because I had forgotten and  nobody at my table could remember either.

It's very nice if it happens, but don't count on anyone to read you the riot act or perform any introductions. You may want to bring name tags.

STORMING:  A lot of friction can be avoided if there is a clear protocol as to what the norms are. Is it OK to shoot over someone's shoulder--or not?  Then what are the appropriate usages of the images? Even if you aren't required to have a release, I recommend that model or tog have a release, discuss it, amend it as needed, sign it, share it. While it may be legally binding, both parties can agree to new terms and conditions if they find that what they've done is not working for them. I am not an attorney but having some understanding in writing can be helpful! ;-)

NORMING: We know what's normal.

PEFORMING: Optimal output.

"Interrogate" previous participants for their faux pas's, perspectives, perceptions, plans, proposals, etc.

Example, don't let the waves get your camera on the beach or don't accidentally immerse it in the pool.  Thousands of dollars--shot. [pun intended].

Tina Marie Desaro wrote:
I would still love to go on this cruise and don't have a sponsor yet I just need to know in the next few weeks so I don't make other plans .

*I*'m still looking for a sponsor too! ;-)  I'm the straw man, so to speak.
Between the two of us, sponsor Tina--she takes far better pictures!