 The
News
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April 12, 2005
The Editor: Online Image Forum, new pics and new sites
James Gentles: Gentled2 and the Auto
In Spring 2005 the gentled was improved, now only 4grams (only 3 grams if you don't want the blue wire and cut it off) and more features!
The features are:
continuous operation: This allows multiple pictures to be taken if the RC servo control is held down. This is useful if you want the camera to keep taking pictures automatically approximately every 5 seconds.
servo threshold: This used to be 1.5mS (stick center position). This has been chance to 1.6mS to make the device easier to use with a center biased stick (and trim control) and to provide cleaner operation generally.
switch operation: This is an extra blue wire to the device which if shorted to black triggers the gentled . This allows the device to be triggered with either a RC servo, OR any device that can short two wires together.
repeat operation: When enabled this makes the gentled trigger the camera every 25seconds even if no trigger is received. This option is enabled by shorting the switch's blue wire to black at power-up.
The Auto is a Infra-red timer or intervalometer; "Simple solutions for simple shutter releases"
The new gentleds are available through www.KAPshop.com.
Brooks Leffler: Hangups© revisited
Following on Dave Mitchell's mishap of several weeks ago, I have renewed efforts to have a serviceable, foolproof Picavet hanger manufactured. It's been a frustrating exercise, with a promising conclusion.
In my opinion, the coat-hanger-wire designs offered by others have not been the answer, though the idea of using wire is a very good one. Coat-hanger wire is too small in diameter and far too stiff, and rusts, and the chance of the Picavet lines slipping through a crack is great.
I have followed two avenues: first, an improved, stamped-metal, beveled-edge design based on the Becobroox; and second, a bent-wire design drawing on the ideas of Becot and Hunt. Unfortunately, neither design is commercially viable in the quantities the KAP community could support -- even ordering 1000 pieces, my cost would have been upwards of $4.00 per hangup.
This week I found a source of 1/8" (3mm) aluminum wire and created a design which I think improves on all the previous ones. It is smooth, round-edged, very light (2g/pair), easily and securely laced into the Picavet lines, and foolproof in its attachment to the flying line. There is no "wrong" way to attach it to the line. The wire's diameter is much larger than the heaviest of coat-hanger wire, and though soft, is sturdy enough to hold up under considerable tension.
Best of all, I can make it myself quickly and inexpensively enough to offer it for half the price of the Becobroox Hangup©. It is not as elegant as the anodized Becobroox design, but should give satisfactory performance in a wider wind range.
The new Brooxes Hangups© are available through www.Brooxes.com (USA and Canada) or www.KAPshop.com (rest of the world).
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February 28, 2005
The Editor: New pictures, new sites and Zeaman
Andrea Casalboni: KAPita
Dear KAP friends I've read about the KAP meeting in Paris in Novenber 2005,
so I think it's too close with my idea of the KAPIta in spring or summer
2006 and also I think is better realize a big meeting every two years. For
this reason I ask to the community if 2007 is free for a meeting in Italy.
I'm looking for the location and most probably we can meet in Ferrara (100 km
from Venice). I think it's the best plase for KAPpers and wives!
Brooks Leffler: Becobroox Hangups owners please read!
An early purchaser of Becobroox Hangups© has had a line failure which seems to have been due to two factors:
1. He was flying a FlowForm 30 with 250# line and the wind piped up to 5 Bft -- 20 to 25 mph.
2. He may have wrapped the flying line improperly around the Hangup.
This combination caused his line to break at the Hangup, resulting in a smashed rig and lost camera.
I think 250# (110 kg) line is probably not strong enough for the FF30 in this kind of wind, and any hanger that requires line wrapping is probably not a good idea either.
Peter Bults suggests using the Prussik knot (as the German kappers have been doing for years) when the wind is so strong he can't hold the line in his bare hands (that may be another topic for discussion!). You can download a page of useful knots including the Prussik here.
Whatever the case, it is essential if you are using the Becobroox Hangup© -- and perhaps other wrapped-line hangers -- that you wrap the line around it with attention to minimizing sharp bends. It's possible to do so...and if you don't know the difference in the two ways of attaching the Hangup, or have misplaced your instruction sheet, you can download a diagram here.
KAP with care!
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February 14, 2005
The Editor: Last weeks news
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December 24, 2004
The Editor: Merry Christmas and a KAPpy New Year
KAPita/06
Andrea Casalboni is planning KAPita/06. He likes to know if you like to come and what's your best time to KAP in Italy. Please, let us know and answer the these questions:
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December 7, 2004
The Editor: Bubbles, pics and a new KAP transmitter/receiver
- New pictures by Matthias Kary.
- Spectacular South Pole bubble panorames by Steffen Richter (thanks to Eric Muhs).
- New website by Mirco Gasse (in German).
- KAPictures from Finland and Estonia by Linnar Edesi.
- The new KAP 433 MHz radio control system by Harald Prinzler is now available through KAPshop.
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November 14, 2004
The Editor: JKPA contest, Brooxes, Drachen and KAPshop
Congratulations to the winner of the 2004 JKPA contest: James Gentles. Last year he was 5th, now 1st. Apart from being a good KAPper, he's also the inventor and manufacturer of the gentLED, a smart IR switch for many digicams.
Brooks Leffler expanded his range of Brooxes® KAP products. The Becobroox, the BBGG and the BFKK are new on his site for the USA and Canada. The rest of the world can buy these items through KAPshop.
KAPshop has a completely redesigned site. Now it is much easier to buy hard to find KAP equipment and books. A new range of products for windless days is added: the Mediazepp® blimps. These can be ordered with a complete camera system that was developed using Brooxes® parts and gentLEDs.
To celebrate all this we now offer the BBKK and the BFKK at reduced prices; save 15% now!
Unfortunately the 2004 JKPA contest results were published without names. This is the Top 10 (as far as I know):
| # |
Photographer |
Points |
Pic# |
| 1 |
James Gentles (UK) |
47 |
0025 |
| 2 |
Michel Clinckemaille (B) |
45 |
0011 |
| 3 |
Peter Bults (NL) |
44 |
0006 |
| 4 |
Dave Mitchell (UK) |
41 |
0014 |
| 5 |
Eric Muhs (USA) |
37 |
0007 |
| 6 |
? (Casalboni ?/Haefner ?) |
32 |
0028 |
| 7 |
Emmanuel Colonnier (F) |
31 |
0018 |
|
Simon Harbord (UK) |
31 |
0009 |
| 9 |
Cris Benton (USA) |
30 |
0002 |
|
Bernard-Noël Changny (F) |
30 |
0001 |
Do you read The Kite Journal by The Drachen Foundation? In their lastest edition (1.7 Mb pdf-file) there is a story by Eric Muhs on "Photographing ancient Polynesian art from the air".
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October 19, 2004
Michel Clinckemaille: New, new, news
- finaly a new site: www.clinckemaille.be,
- and a new book about wildlife reserves of Belgium (see details on my site),
- and a exhibition in Brussel...you are welcome from Oct. 29 th till Nov. 14th in Librairie Filigranes, Avenue des Arts 39, 1000 Brussels (Belgium).
More news:
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October 6, 2004
The Editor: Mixed news
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September 10, 2004
The Editor: 1st JKPA results, new pictures and gentleds
The results of the 1st selection of the 2004 JKPA contest are published. James Gentles is on top for now.
And the same James introduced 2 new versions of the gentled: the Stereo and the Zoom (for Canon only sofar). They are avialable through KAPshop.
New KAPictures:
New KAP websites:
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August 23, 2004
The Editor: Summer news
New pictures:
Updated websites:
Miscellaneous:
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July 27, 2004
The Editor: New, great pictures
New pictures:
Again: Don't forget to enter your best 2003/2004 picture to the JKPA 2004 Contest (the closing date is the 31st of July).
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July 15, 2004
The Editor: JKPA Contest and new sites/pages
Don't forget to enter your best 2003/2004 picture to the JKPA 2004 Contest (the closing date is the 31st of July).
New pages:
- Survey of Kite Reels - A good kite reel will give you more control over not only your kite, but where you have to stand to fly it. A reel can also help you bring down a kite in high wind that would be very tricky to do otherwise. By Charles Hall.
- Chris Frear-Butterfield's KAP. A new KAPer from the UK published this first KAP page.
- And an other newby to KAP: Nathan Abell.
- A new album by Scott Haefner.
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July 4, 2004
Anshori Djausal: (Almost) last call for KAPiSU/04
The KAPiSU/04 programme is ready. The event will start in just over a week. So it is still not too late join.
P.S.1: Simon Harbord (Mr. KAPiSCO/04) published more KAPictures (from last winter).
P.S.2: The first (?) KAPictures from Russia are published by Pavel. Huis in Tournan te koop
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June 22, 2004
The Editor: June's news
- KAPiSCO/04 is over. See the first pictures on James Gentles' site.
- KAPiSU/04 has still some places left. Don't miss this unque opportunity!
- Take a look at the new Birdseye.be. Beautifull site with great pictures by Yvan van Hoorickx.
- Brooks Leffler got his "bubble machine" working. See the results here.
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May 20, 2004
The Editor: Mixed news
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April 24, 2004
The Editor: The gentled and high school courses
James Gentles developed a new way to release the shutter of many cameras. The device is called gentled and uses the IR remote control sensor. Easy to use and very light weight. And avialable now from KAPshop.
The SouthWest Edgecombe High School in Pinetops (NC, USA) offers KAP courses next autumn. Interested? Contact Frank Matthews.
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April 18, 2004
The Editor: Aber, Berck and Good Times
Note: www.kiteaerialphotography.net is now redirected to http://www.bults.net/kapnet/ . If your bookmarks or links point to http://www.dolphinazur.nl/kapnet/ , please change them.
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April 12, 2004
The Editor: New pictures and a new website
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April 2, 2004
The Editor: Various news
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March 22, 2004
The Editor: KAPiSU/04 and Muhs
- Only US$ 350 for more than a week of unique KAPing! See KAPiSU/04. OK, getting there might be a bit more expensive, but ...
- Eric Muhs has some new pictures and video's (broadband connection recommended).
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March 20, 2004
Brooks Leffler: Hot news: the BBKK and BCPC
Yesterday I went truly commercial and posted a new page on Kyteman's KAPsite describing (and selling) Brooxes Basic KAP Kit, my newly updated, professionally-fabricated, black-anodized, radio-control, do-it-yourself camera cradle designed to be built in 4 hours.
I'm also offering separately Brooxes Compact Picavet Cross (which also comes with the kit), a new, simple, black-anodized Picavet X designed to be used with or without PeKaBe blocks. And also the blocks themselves.
See the US-version and/or the Euro-version.
The Editor: Other news
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March 16, 2004
The Editor: Miscellaneous news
Some news items on this issue:
- Gerco de Ruijter opens an other exhibition of his work in Rotterdam, Netherlands on March 18th. On that occasion his first KAP-book will be presented (avialable soon on KAPShop).
- KAPER has a new website on a new URL.
- Scott Haefner has a new, repackaged R/C transmitter.
- There might be a KAP-item in "Hobbythek" on WDR (German TV) on March 21st.
- The organisers of Berck-sur-Mer, KAPiSCO/04 and KAPiSU/04 (see the item on February 18th) are still waiting for some action.
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February 29, 2004
Masami Nakajima: JKPA's
Aerial Photography Contest 2004
Now, we would like to draw your SPECIAL ATTENTION to the contest
schedule: the deadline of entry for the Contest 2004 is July 31,
2004. This schedule change is intended to align with publication of
our JKPA magazines. Information about this contest (entries, final
selections, etc.) will now appear on the JKPA magazines, which will
then be delivered to all participants in the contest.
It would be great to share the wide variety of photographs from all
over the world. We are looking forward to your entry to the JKPA
Aerial Photography Contest 2004.
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February 26, 2004
James Gentles: Digital Camera Magazine (UK) out now
Digital Camera Magazine (UK) has run a 4 page feature on KAP in their March 2004 edition. Simon Harbord, Peter Bults, and Charles Benton who were interviewed for the feature have done a great job in presenting KAP. The article is illustrated with beautiful images from Simon Harbord, Scott Haefner, and Charles Benton. The four pages race through the do's and don't, construction and photo technique, just enough detail to be informative and hopefully wet the appetite of some new KAPers to fill our ranks!
Not many web links provided, just http://www.kiteaerialphotography.net (this site), all the same I'm sure the new starts to our hobby can use Peter's site and google to get more information!
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February 24, 2004
The Editor: KAP on Dutch TV
Remember the Discovery video with Cris and Scott and their KAP Utility Vehicles and the high-tech digital systems? (See January 27, 2004) Now you can see the Dutch NCRV version of it. The KUV is a bike, the camera is an old fashioned, heavy machine and the kite is a simple Rokkaku. But the results are as amazing. See Gerco de Ruijter at his favorite KAP location. Sorry, Dutch text only and a DSL connection is recommended.
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February 18, 2004
The editor: Time for action!
Some KAPpers are organising KAP events in 2004. In order to do that in a proper way they need to know if you are going to participate.
First there is the Berck-sur-Mer kite festival in April. As part of this event in the "KAPitol of KAP" there is an exhibition of KAPictures. This years theme is "Monuments around the world". I know many KAPpers have pictures that fit into this exhibition; Craig, Cris, Scott, Ulli, Ralf and .... If you like to join, please contact Michel Clinckemaille (in English, German, French or Dutch) or Christian Becot (in French, English or Japanese). And I suggest to add a "normal" photo to your KAPicture, as I did in the above example, to show the added value of KAP.
Then there is KAPiSCO/04 in June. Simon and Lyn are planning a KAP tour in Scotland for those that know how to fly a kite and lift a rig. A "just do it" event in a beautiful landscape with pleasant breaks to exchange experience. Interested? Contact Simon Harbord ( in English, Scottish or Dutch) now!
Then the KAP scene relocates in July to Indonesia for KAPiSU/04. A totaly different event. For and by KAPpers in an oriental region. For beginners and the experienced KAPpers alike. For more information, contact Anshori Djausal ( in English or Malay/Indonesian), Wolfgang Bieck (in German, English or Korean) or Peter Bults (in Dutch, English, French, German, Afrikaans).
While you're thinking about these events, take a look at Eric Muhs' Hawai'ian pictures.
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February 10, 2004
The editor: New UK pictures and ...
Patrick Snodin send me some new pictures that show KAP is not only a summer activity.
Simon Harbord proves it is a winter thing too. See his amazing Northumbrian shots.
Some of Simon's KAP history can be found on Benton's (!) site. The description of the 1989, German style (heavy), BBQ-D2 rig might give you inspiration for a different approach in rig control.
Straight foreward but with all the latest technology is Scott Haefner's new carbon rig. With plans to make yourself a copy of it.
Note 1 (for UK KAPpers): Don't miss the March issue of Digital Camera Magazine. It is said to have a KAP story!
Note 2: James Gentles has moved his site to http://www.gentles.info/KAP/. Please, update your bookmarks.
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January 27, 2004
Scott Haefner: KAP on Discovery
Discovery Channel, Canada flew to San Francisco to shoot a video clip about Kite Aerial Photography featuring Cris Benton and me.
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January 10, 2004
The editor: Scotland or Sumatra or both?
This new year will offer at least 2 major KAP events: KAPiSCO/04 and KAPiSU/04. Two events but of a complete different nature. Read the (draft) programmes.
Other news:
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December 29, 2003
The editor: KAP on BBC News Online
Some days ago Scott Haefner and I were interviewed by BBC correspondent Mark Ward. You can see the result now.
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December 24, 2003
The editor: New pictures and old stories
Over the last weeks some new KAP galleries appeared:
- New pictures by Harald Prinzler
- New gallery page by Simon Sherwin from Japan
- A page on Craig Wilson on kitelife.com
- New gallery by Emmanuel Colonnier
(Editors note: Emmanuel's site is not finished yet but I couldn't wait; it shows some unique KAPictures. Like the ones from Paris.
A main difference between kiting and KAPing is the place where you fly the kite. The open field is often not very interesting for KAP but down-town Paris with an audience of over 17 million is something else. I've been there more than once and never was brave enough to laungh a kite. Emmanuel shows it can be done. If you like to try it, please read all safety and risk management information first!)
- Christian Becot published new pictures and some new, very usefull information
For those amoung you that like to read about KAP and kite history there are new webpages to kill the time:
I've just finished reading Eric Tielkes' new book "L'œil du cerf-volant". It is written for scientifical and argicultural use of Kite Aerial Photography. But it contains lots of new material for most KAPpers.
Speaking of books: due to the increasing difference between the US$ and the Euro, the prices of most (European) items, such as books, on KAPShop.com will go up on January 1, 2004. So it is SALE now.
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November 26, 2003
The editor: Scott's stories (cont.) and KAP books
Remember Scott Haefner's story about his swimming Nikon Coolpix 5000? Well the story goes on. Did he tried to learn it to swim again? Read on and don't forget to look at the pictures!
Hey Scott, congratulations on winning the 2003 Canon Award for the pano's!
There are two new KAP books out now.
Well the one by Michel Clinckemaille is not really new but the 2nd edition of his KAPiCA/02 Award winning book is much cheaper. Only US$23.45. That's half the price and only a few pictures less. The text is in French, but who cares? It is all about beautiful pictures! (A new book by Michel is promised for the autumn of 2004)
The second book is new and written by Dutchman Erik Tielkes who works for the German Hohenheim University in French (are you still with me?). The book was written as a manual for French speaking Africans to improve their crops in the Sahel using KAP as a tool to monitor it (FLiBB 2000 attendees: remember that impressive story by the German professor on this subject?), but it includes lots of additional information on safety, digital interpretation and more that might be interesting to all KAPpers.
More info on these books in the KAPShop's Bookshop. And remember, if you promised yourself or a friend a KAPresent for Christmas, order now!
Did you know the Dalhousie University is working on a KAP project? You can follow their progress online.
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November 10, 2003
The editor: Miscellaneous news
This issue's items:
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October 31, 2003
The editor: #100
This is issue 100 of the News-page of www.kiteaerialphotography.net. And this issue is focused on what really counts: the KAPictures.
I started this webside after FLiBB 2000. Having talked to Brooks Leffler about the way we could setup something to replace the unforgetable Aerial Eye, the most successful magazine on kite aerial photography so far.
As was the Aerial Eye this site depends on input by others. And that is why I'm happy to see the number of websites on KAP is still growing. Some of the earlier sites are no longer maintained or have even disappeared. But those of Cris Benton, Andrea Casalboni and Simon Harbord are still sources of inspiration. Newer sites with lots of added value are those by Hunt, Beutnagel, Bieck, Haefner, Leffler, Chagny, Becot and Gentles.
James Gentles just wrote a new page: Photo Technique. A page that will be helpful to most KAPpers and that summarizes the basic elements to create great KAPictures.
An other very talented new KAPper from the UK is Patrick Snodin. Patrick send me some of his pics and I was pleasantly surprised.
To celebrate this 100st issue I've put many of the pictures that for some reason or other were shown on this webpage into a, not too fancy, webalbum. No comments, just pictures. Two of them are bubble pano's that require QuickTime.
Extra: Three full screen bubble pano's.
What's next? I think KAPiSU/04 will be the highlight of the coming year. I know Anshori Djausal is already working on the event that will give KAPpers an unique opportunity to visit and KAPhotgraph a different part of the world. More info on this happening soon.
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October 20, 2003
The editor: 4th and last "live" edition of The KAPiCA/03 Journal
The 4th edition is out now. It includes all finalists for the "KAPiCA/03 Award for Best Winner", pictures by Doug Davlin and Carlo Didier and, of course, the award winners. See The KAPiCA/03 Journal.
Thanks Brooks Leffler for organizing the event and Carlo Didier for his almost real-time reports and pictures.
Note for all KAPiCA/03 attendees: If you have fine picutures, good stories or ... , please send them to The KAPiCA/03 Journal. Thanks.
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October 19, 2003
The editor: Third edition of The KAPiCA/03 Journal
The third report by Carlo Didier is out now, including the group picture and 59 new pictures. See The KAPiCA/03 Journal.
For those who have missed KAPiCA/03 but would like to buy the KAPiCA/02 DVDs/tapes, they are avialable by mailorder through KAPER and the KAPShop Bookshop.
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October 18, 2003
The editor: 2nd edition of The KAPiCA/03 Journal
Thanks to our special correspondents Carlo Didier and Brooks Leffler we can show you the pictures form KAPiCA/03 taken by Benton, Didier, Cooke, Bieck, Nelson and Nauman. See The KAPiCA/03 Journal.
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October 17, 2003
The editor: 1st edition of The KAPiCA/03 Journal
Thanks to our special correspondent Carlo Didier we can show you the first pictures form KAPiCA/03. See The KAPiCA/03 Journal.
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October 10, 2003
The editor: JKPA contest and Picavet
The final results of the 2003 JKPA contest are published. And the winner is ... Cris Benton! Congratulations, Cris!
Peter Van Erkel send me copies of the pages on the Picavet suspension previously published by NCB, the Belgian kiters club. Most of the text is in French, Picavet was a Frenchman, but a small part is in English and Dutch. (the French/English introduction only; or the whole document, a 7.5 Mb pdf-file, so be patient)
Gianni Alvito published KAPictures from the Tiscali Campus, Sardinia, Italy.
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September 29, 2003
Brooks Leffler: Late KAPiCA conference cancellation
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No, the conference hasn't been cancelled -- but one participant with wife has cancelled at the last minute, leaving a vacant double room. If you've been thinking it over, now's the time to jump! Be ye newbie or old hand, come join 36 of your KAP colleagues for fun and frolic -- and a whole lot of KAP info exchange -- on the gorgeous Central California Coast, October 15 - 19. That's just 17 days away, still time for 14-day airline pricing! email me now!
Wilma Culinair, Wilma van Hoeven
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The editor: Additions to the www Index
6 New sites were added to the KAP www Index. Some just show pictures, some might give you new ideas. Take a look
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September 23, 2003
The Editor: Various news items
- Gerco de Ruijter opened his website.
- A new gallery from the UK by Burt.
- Craig Wilsons pictures are on display in the New Visions Gallery in Marshfield in December and January.
- A new book by Michel Clinckemaille is announced (more info later).
- The KAPiCA/02 DVD/Video by David Hunt will be on sale on KAPiCA/03 (if all goes well). Order your copy now!
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September 7, 2003
Manfred Fuchs: New rig, new pictures
There is something new on my homepage:
- In the section "Equipment" I describe my experience with blurred
KAP-Pictures (Sorry, only on the German page)
- In the section "Picture of the Month" there is a new Pic in 800 x 600
- In the section "KAPing" there ar new pictures of our summer holiday on
the German island Sylt
- In the section "Elektronics" I describe my emergency-KAP charger, build on
Sylt (Sorry, only on the German page)
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September 6, 2003
James Gentles: Picavet testing
Many KAP enthusiasts have commented on their method of attaching the Camera Rig to the kite line. Whilst the pendulum method has generally been superseded by the Picavet much of the material as to its stability is anecdotal to say the least. Why doesn't size matter, when as an engineer I would expect it to? Why does my picavet keep moving about? What is the relationship between the other variables involved? In an attempt to answer some of these questions, and improve the stability of my rig, I decided to look at the Picavet in much more detail. There is a lot of material here, so feel free to start at the conclusions, they are not what I expected!
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September 3, 2003
Peter Bults: Bubble pano
Inspired by Philippe Hurbain, Scott Haefner and Wolfgang Bieck, I too started to experiment with this way of kite aerial photography.
Whereas Scott uses only 2 vertical fisheye pictures, mine is based on 3 horizontal pictures. In my opinion, in some conditions, this method has some advantages over the 2 picture stitching. I plan to write a webpage about my experiences sofar soon.
The Editor: Rebuild websites and ...
Brooks Leffler and Andrea Casalboni both rebuild their websites.
Christian Becot added some pages to his website and Gareth Owens's site has a new URL: http://www.kitesandaerialphotography.com.
Note: All these changes might have led to new URL's of each page in the KAP www Index. So you might get a 404 "Page not found". I will check that soon.
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August 3, 2003
The Editor: Summerseason
In the summerseason all is quiet. There is hardly any KAP News and even the KAPshop is closed in August.
I hope to see lots of KAPictures from all over the world as soon as everybody is back home.
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July 10, 2003
The Editor: Exhibitions
In July there are at least 3 places where you can see KAPictures:
- The Netherlands, Amsterdam: Gerco de Ruijter has 3 KAPanoramas on display in the exhibition "Panorama Amsterdam 1862-2003". You can see one of them as a 173 kB file now; the real print on display is 4.5 meters (15 ft) high!
- Belgium, Mariemont: René Desclee and KAPWA-KAPpers
- USA, Carmel (CA): Scott Haefner
For more information see: The KAP 2003 Diary.
What's next after KAP on the South Pole? Cheap kite aerial photography on the Azores! I've been there twice in the early 1980's. Pitty I didn't know about KAP at that time. Such pritty islands and nice people and good food (real fresh fish).
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June 30, 2003
Peter Bults: KAPshop
Together with Chris Sampson and Brooks Leffler I am proud to present you KAPshop. It is a (small) shopping mall for KAPpers. You can find it on www.kapshop.com.
You'll find departments you've already seen, like the bookshop and the Doperos. New are the HiCam&Skymaster and the Soft KAP Kite departments. I plan to have more items that might be helpful to KAPpers and would-be-KAPpers. That why there is a previeuw to the prototype of a KAP-transmitter. And I'm discussing with some other people tp join the project. And if you have some interesting KAP-stuff you'd like to sell. please let me know.
Simon Harbord: Digital Dilemmas
You know where this is going -I'm worried about the "my pictures" folders on my PC. I'm worried about digital pictures, I'm worried about our ability to swamp ourselves with ephemeral data. I take so many pictures - "my pictures" is brimming with hundreds, more probably thousands of pictures. (just checked - 5600) I'm amassing CD's of KAP pictures as well.
The Editor: Frank Lloyd Wright
Remember that "old" Simon&Garfunkel song? "Architects may come and architects may go and never change a point of view. So long, Frank Lloyd Wright." Stupid song, from a KAPpers standpoint.
Anyway, I like Wrights buildings. Most people might say that it is crazy to put so much detail into a roof, but Wright must have known Benton would come along some day.
Fascinated by Cris's pictures, I let Google search for more of that same building. I found lots of them but none as good as the ones I've seen already. Bravo Cris, but please read Simons "Digilemmas".
For PenCam lovers; James Gentles updated his page on that camera.
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June 15, 2003
The Editor: The masters did again
Lots of super pictures were published over the last weeks. Enjoy, and keep on trying!
Isn't it a pitty we can only see these pictures on a computer screen?.
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May 25, 2003
The Editor: New additions
The following pages were added to the KAP www Index:
and take a look at the colors, shapes and quality in the new pictures by Cris Benton.
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May 13, 2003
The Editor: More Becot
Christian added some very interesting pages to his website: night KAP at Mont St. Michel, the theory behind stereo photography, a very light rig with a cheap remote control and a link to a R/C-switch.
The R/C-switch from Michel Schippani of Italy is really small. I've got mine today and at first sight I thought the envelope was empty, but no. The whole thing messures only 11 x 22 mm and weights near to nothing. If you order the kit-version you'll get a completed assembled board. The only thing you need to do is solder the wiring to it, and that's not to difficult.
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April 30, 2003
The Editor: Berck-sur-Mer 2003 in pictures
Emmanuel Colonnier made the picture above with an old Russian Horizon panoramic camera. This camera has a 120° rotating lens.
Wolfgang Bieck used more modern equipment. A Coolpix 5000 with fisheye and a Beutnagel Multiflare. The results can be seen in a VR-way here and here (new, very large (1 Mb) version (May 1st)).
Ralf Beutnagel was there too and Ulrich Monsees with his KAP- and PAP-equipment toke some pictures of the presentation of the "KAPiCA/02 Award for KAP in Print" to Michel Clinckemaille and more.
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April 4, 2003
The Editor: Bad news & good news
The bad news: A few days ago the doyen of modern kiting in The Netherlands and co-author of the KAP-book "Fotograferende Vliegers" (sorry, only in Dutch), Gerard van der Loo died at the age of 55. "Gerard, bedankt."
The good news: Bernard-Noël Chagny added new material on archaeology to his site.
On Elmon Morrisons photo:
I met with Elmon during KAPiCA/02. While driving him to the doctor more than once, we had some interesting conversations. Here is a very brief summary of what he said:
"KAP is very nice. I learn a lot on electronics and kites and so. But what I do miss in most KAPictures I see here is what I learned from Ansel Adams and Minor White long time ago."
"Whu? You've met these great photographers?"
"Sure and I've flown R/C aircraft before you were born, I guess. The way these people toke photographs is great."
"In what way?"
"Have you ever heard about The Zone System? I'll send you a picture that shows what I mean ..."
Elmon made a "print" in Photoshop of one of his color KAPictures in b&w following the rules of that system. Isn't it great?
And now to Berck-sur-Mer ......
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March 23, 2003
The Editor: New KAP-sites
The following homepages were added to the KAP www Index:
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March 22, 2003
Manfred Fuchs: "KAP-IK"
On my website I have added some logos to point at the industry and culture from the air in the Ruhr district of Germany. The sites are marked with the button "KAP-IK" which stands for "KAP Industrie Kultur".
The newest page on this theme is: 01.03.2003: Industry-Culture in the German Ruhr-District
Old coal mine buildings, winding towers and monuments in the German "Ruhrgebiet"
Part #7:
Winding Tower from Shaft II, of the coal mine "Recklinghausen"
(Editors note: Whether or not you like Manfreds pictures, there is one thing that you can learn on his site: pick a subject. I think it can really help KAPers to improve. Generally the aera where he works is known as overcrowded and dirty. But Manfred proves that you can find nice KAP-subjects in such a place.
And while you are on his site, take a look at his equipment, for example his pan-gearing.)
Patrick Skibinski: New website coming soon
I'm working on my KAP-site right now. I hope to have it on the web in 2 weeks....
The Editor: Cary's new rig
Cary Clements is working on a new rig too. Follow his progress here.
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March 15, 2003
The Editor: New additions
The following pages were added to the KAP www Index:
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February 23, 2003
Brooks Leffler: KAPiCA/03
KAPiCA/03, an international conference on Kite Aerial Photography, will be held in Pacific Grove, California, from October 15 - 19, 2003. Information about the conference and how to register is contained in a separate .pdf file here (you'll need the free Acrobat Reader).
If you have decided to come, please fill out the registration form and send it to me a.s.a.p.(copy the contents of the file into a new e-mail message to Brooks Leffler).
PLEASE NOTE THAT MEETING ROOM ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED TO 50 ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS, although friends and family are welcome to join in for field trips, receptions, and meals.
Peter Bults: KAPiCA/02 goes on in Berck-sur-Mer
While we're already working on KAPiCA/03, KAPiCA/02 isn't finished yet. The winner of the "KAPiCA/02 Award for KAP in Print", Michel Clinckemaille, was not able to come and collect it Pacific Grove. But I will meet Michel in Berck on April 5th to present this well deserved award and all KAPers in Berck at that day are invited to join us for the occasion.
If you like to come, please send me an e-mail so that I can make sure that there is room enough for all of us.
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February 21, 2003
KAPER: RISK and KAP, Reflections by Craig Wilson
"...each and every location has risk, it becomes an issue of how you manage the risk."
This page is a must-read for all KAPers!
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February 18, 2003
James Gentles: Electro-magnetic Compatibility
This page details my learnings when I built my first rig with SERVO control and VIDEO downlink, Rig02. Whilst the rig worked OK in the workshop, field trials highlighted a series of issues whose root cause were interactions between the servo receiver and video transmitter, resulting in severe servo jitter at normal operating distances.
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February 16, 2003
Emmanuel Colonnier: New gallery
I'm new to KAP and here you can see my first KAPictures.
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February 10, 2003
Carlo Didier: New website
I finally managed to get a site on-line. The KAP gallery is still in the making, as other parts of the site, but I already have some pics from KAPiCA/02. Look under KAP, the KAPiCA/02. The URL is http://kites.carlodidier.com.
M. Nakajima: JKPA Aerial Photography Contest 2003
We express our gratitude to all the people having participated in the
last JKPA Aerial Photography Contest 2002.
Now, we would like to draw your SPECIAL ATTENTION to the contest schedule --
the deadline of entry for the Contest 2003 is July 31, 2003 (not previous
April 30). This schedule change is intended to align with publication of
our JKPA magazines. Information about this contest (entries, final
selections, etc.) will now appear on the JKPA magazines, which will then be
delivered to all participants in the contest.
It would be great to share the wide variety of photographs from all over the
world. We are looking forward to your entry to the JKPA Aerial Photography
Contest 2003.
More information and the schedule on The JKPA homepage.
Ralf Beutnagel: New rig
Ein neues Rigg ist in der Luft und auch auf meiner Homepage: Ein Rigg für eine Canon PowerShot S45.
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February 5, 2003
Peter Bengtson: New gallery
I'll just tell you that I have a new KAP-gallery.
It's on a big Swedish photosite and it has a lot of space for pics.
I have also bought a Canon Digital IXUS V3 to use for KAP. On the top of this page you can see the first photo taken with it.
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January 12, 2003
James Gentles: New pages
These are two areas I couldn't find much help on the web with so I wrote
them up. I find this more useful that a detailed expose on my Rig, which I'm sure no-one will duplicate, and is such a personal thing.
http://www.gentles.milestonenet.co.uk/KAP/rig02/centerofgravity.htm
This is about how to find the centre of balance of your rig, and maintain it's balance as you construct it.
http://www.gentles.milestonenet.co.uk/KAP/rig02/videoswitch.htm
This is the automatic video power-down switch.
Currently these 2 URL's are not linked from my main KAP page, I'll fix that in a few days.
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