Here’s the scenario, you’ve been out shooting at a remote location or maybe just around town and now your ready to get your photos processed and online. But wait, you also need to Geotag all those photos so everyone can see where you were. Best thing of all about geotagging, you won’t forget where you’ve been (something that happens to many of us raised in the 70’s).

For most of us, the standard way to Geotag is getting our shots onto a location map via Zooomr, GoogleMaps, GoogleEarth, Flicker and other more intricate ways. The problem is it requires hours of searching for each location and dropping batches of photos or for those with a lot of time on their hands, dropping each photo onto the exact spot you took the picture(s)

Well for me, I barely have enough time to shoot and process my pictures as it is. So, I started searching the internet, reading articles and talking to pink elephants (oops your not supposed to know that). I came to the conclusion that most of the automatic ways (shooting with a GPS attached to your camera and info being placed directly into the EXIF of the picture) are at least $300 - $500. I’m not cheap but I knew there must be a more economical way and there is.

By getting a GPS logger ($150 for name brands and under $100 for the unit I’m using) to record your tracks, you can easily download that data and create a datalog file (GPX works great). Then all that is left is getting your photos onto your computer, drop your photos (RAW or JPEG - Yes this solution works with RAW!) and data into a Geotag matching software and it’s done - Yeah I know, I get a little excited when things work with RAW. This is the best solution I’ve found yet to Geotag my RAW pictures.

But you ask where are the details RandyMan? If you made it through all my babble, then you deserve to get the cake and eat it to —->

RAW or JPEG - This writing is mostly for those shooting in RAW and on a Mac - For those shooting in JPEG and on a PC - the solution comes pre-packed with any decent GPS.

In a discussion I had with Thomas Hawk and others, the main concern is how well the GPS picks up the satellite signals. The Qstar BT-1000 has 51 Channels (that’s an ability to pick up 51 satellites!) A High Standards for most GPS’s are around 32 channels.

• Mac Users: You do need windows to get the data out of this GPS - But this GPS rocks!! I get connection inside my house! - Another Solution would be to buy a GPS that is compatible with HoudaGEO.
• PC Users: For JPEG shooting - all software needed comes with the GPS.

1. Get yourself a GPS Data Logger - I bought the “Qstarz BT-Q1000” $99.95 . This one is bluetooth and doubles as a Navigation device to use with my laptop, PDA or any bluetooth Navigation program. This comes with a Window base application to set your logger defaults and retrieve the data. (Sorry Mac guys - need to install Parallels or run bootcamp). There are many to choose from Garmin, Magellan, Wintec, but I’ve heard great stuff about this Qstarz and I’ve yet to have an issue with it. -Here’s an Assortment of GPS’s to check out.
2. Download HoudaGEO for the Mac - Demo is limited and full version is $40. (only problem is that HoudaGEO doesn’t have a driver to recognize Qstarz yet - you could get a Garmin for $150)
3. Turn your GPS on at the beggining of your adventure, put it in your pocket or backpack (I had this thing in my glove compartment without any issues) and when your finished turn it off. (Special note: Using it inside of a building can cause issues).
4. Plug your GPS via USB into your computer and turn it on (switch to log if required) and start up the GPS Software that came with the device. In my case it’s “Travel RecorderV3″ works better then V4. Press the “Connect” button.
5. Press “Download” data from the GPS. All your logs are now viewable - depending how long you had it on, it could be excessive (don’t worry) - The Qstarz BT-Q1000 can track up to 200,000 waypoints. That means in a period of 24 hours you can set this thing to record your position every 2.3 seconds. WOW!!
6. Save data as a GPX file. (I put it into the folder of the shots it belongs to, but it doesn’t matter - you just need to know where the file resides).
7. Now go into your Mac environment and open HoudaGEO. Select the photos that you want to Geotag and simply drag them into HoudaGEO.
8. Next, click on the icon for downloading file and find your GPX file. Now like magic it matches the time of the photo with the time in the GPS Logger and instantly all pictures are Geotagged.
9. Last part - Click “Write to EXIF” and you’re done . . now all your RAW files (or JPEGS) are Geotagged!! YEAH!

HoudaGEO will also let you:

• Export directly into GoogleEarth - Drive to Work - You need Google Earth for this link to open properly. - Download Here -Don’t pay any attention to the shots - They’re bad, I know - But it worked perfectly! (within 5-10 feet of where I took the shot)
  
• Save KMZ or KML file (This is a file you can send to your friends with tracking info and Pictures)
• Upload into Flickr.

This process takes about 5 - 10 minutes tops to do about 350 photos. The only way to shorten this time is to get a GPS that is compatible with HoudaGEO as stated early, but no guarantees on how strong of a signal you’ll receive with the satellites.

In a nutshell - I do not want to fork up extra $’s for something that will get better with time or at least until I see a 16GB Compact card that doubles as a GPS. The future does look promising - Check out this cool new device: ATA Photo Finder - it came out the end of last year, but I have no idea how well it tracks.

If you have any other work flows and/or GPS’s that work good for you - share the knowledge and leave a comment.

Hopes this helps out some of you.

3 Generations, originally uploaded by RandyMan007.

]]> http://randymanpix.com/blog/general/3-generations/feed/ http://randymanpix.com/blog/general/dec-12-portrait-assemblywomen-audra-strickland/ http://randymanpix.com/blog/general/dec-12-portrait-assemblywomen-audra-strickland/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:17:42 +0000 randyman http://randymanpix.com/blog/general/dec-12-portrait-assemblywomen-audra-strickland/

Assemblywomen Audra Strickland

Audra Strickland was first elected to serve in the State Assembly representing the 37th Assembly District in 2004. She received overwhelming approval and support from her community, she was subsequently reelected in 2006. Before being elected into office, Audra Strickland taught junior high school students American history and Language Arts. Although deeply committed to educating our children, anyone who has worked with Audra knows she has a strong passion for public policy.

Audra Strickland earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Irvine. Shortly after graduating, she gained considerable legislative experience working in our State Capitol for several legislators including Assembly Members Bill Campbell, Chuck Poochigian, and former Speaker Curt Pringle.

As a member of the Assembly, Audra Strickland’s legislative priorities include measures to address the state’s economy, tax relief for California’s families, public safety and improving education. Major legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Strickland includes eliminating the state’s unfair double tax on gasoline, reducing property taxes for homeowners, limiting the ability for state politicians to increase college tuition, and strengthening punishments for sexual predators.

As our voice in the Capitol and at the request of local elected officials and community members, Assemblywoman Strickland authored legislation to strengthen punishments for unlicensed drivers, improve traffic safety on Highway 118, protect the safety and cleanliness of our water resources, strengthen laws that prohibit weapons to be brought onto our school campuses, eliminate the statute of limitation to prosecute sexual predators and change the way property taxes are assessed on affordable housing to make it more fair to homeowners.

Early in her legislative career, Assemblywoman Strickland was appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly to serve on the Little Hoover Commission, the state’s premiere fiscal and government efficiency oversight agency. As a good government proponent, Audra Strickland authored the first ever state measure to provide civil penalties to state government officials who knowingly lie to mislead the public on official state reports.

Audra is also involved with a variety of local organizations and causes, from a cancer awareness effort to a battered women’s support organization. In 2002, her dedication to her community was recognized by her appointment to the Ventura County Board of Education and receipt of the Teacher of the Year award from the Ventura County Republican Women’s Federated. More recently, she has been named Legislator of the Year by the Young Republican Federation of California.

Assemblywoman Audra Strickland represents the 37th Assembly District, including the communities of Acton, Agua Dulce, Camarillo, Canoga Park, Castaic, Chatsworth, Fillmore, Los Angeles, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak View, Ojai, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Somis, Thousand Oaks, and West Hills.

Audra is an inspiration to all people who have had the opportunity to work or to be lead by her. The path this strong Californian is paving for our state has only just begun. This is one women to keep your eyes and your votes on. I’m sure we will see many great things from this Californian voice in the Senate.

Jesus Abelardo Carranza

I’m doing a few family Portraits and this is my Dad. His Grandfather was the brother of Venustiano Carranza - The President of Mexico. When my grandparents where alive, they would get all the kids together during thanksgiving and tell us about the Mexican Revolution and how Pancho Villa assassinated President Carranza. This heritage lives deep within my father and his drive to protect our County is as pure as gold. He was even named after Venustiano’s brother and father. He fought in the Korean war as a communication cryptographic code breaker and a liaison between commanding officers. He set up the 127th orphanage and hospital during the Vietnam War that housed and took care of all those kids orphaned due to the War. He’s been shot multiple times, survived a 450 foot cliff fall, has been electrocuted by 10,000 volts, survived a head-on motorcycle crash on the freeway and so many other things. A cat may have nine lives, but my father has over a 100. Our country has recognized him by giving numerous letters of recommendations. This man has shown me how to build a house from the ground up (literally every part), he is an incredible artist and a father of two sons and one daughter. Unfortunately life’s adventures have taken a toll on his body, along with 15+ years of diabetes which combined has has taken his health down a critical path. His kidneys are working at only 15% (dialysis starts at 14%) and a transplant is required ASAP. My Dad is my Hero and in my world Hero’s never die . . . a Hero’s life should be in our hearts forever!! My Dad has shown me what a heart without compromise can do and I pray that I take the torch of our heritage and make him proud.

I was truly honored to be one of the first to congratulate and interview the new Major of our city today. Major Craven was just moving into her new office as we met and even apologize for the delayed interview (you ask me - four days after getting the position was fantastic). Major Craven has been an elected member of our Camarillo’s City Council since 1986. This is Charlotte’s fifth term as Major in 20 years, that fact alone shows our appreciation for this incredible leader. She was the recipient of the CASA Individual Achievement Award in 2001 and has made an incredible impact for Affordable Housing within our community. Charlotte lead her fellow Councilmembers with one of Camarillo’s crown jewels, a City Library that we can boast about and hold up next to any of America’s finest. I asked Major Craven what advice she would give the kids of this world? She said “My advice for life is; Do one thing a time, do the best that you can, and do the most important thing first”.

Major Craven was so kind with her time and even put on a “Warrior” tribal outfit and told me the craziest story about how she received it. This is definitely the type of leader our community needs, someone willing to meet anyone exactly where they’re at and willing to laugh along with them.

All potential prospects fell through today, but what a blessing that was! I was able to do a portrait of a leader in the making. My little friend and neighbor Katlyn. This girl has leadership written all over her, from her Dad’s example (a helicopter paramedic) to a mother that teaches all things good. To bad Dad didn’t want to get his portrait - I still working on him - another hometown humbled hero.

Carlos ‘Sugarbear’ Reyes

Carlos is the owner of Olas Mexican Grill, my absolute favorite mexican food in Camarillo. Carlos is one of the original Longboard Crew members of HB.
His cuisine is not only magnificent, but the place is decorated in 21st Century ‘Soul Arch’ motif with beautiful longboards hanging from the ceiling and
60” plasma screens playing surf videos everywhere the eye can see. Carlos is intertwined within the youth of Ventura County by giving sponsorships and a caring heart to those who need more than just an encouraging word. Carlos thrives on reaching out to those kids that may only have their skateboard or surfboard to hold onto. This man has changed lives and attitudes to our youth, not by words but by his walk and his larger than large “Sugarbear” giving.

Kim Olson

I met Kim while standing outside my home one day. Now here is someone who is like a modern day rancher. He sells fresh flash frozen meats and fish (incredible tasting) right from his freezer truck. He has numerous satisfied clients (I being one) all around Camarillo and Ventura. Not to many of these guys left anymore, gone are the days that a rancher would deliver meat, eggs and milk to your doorstep. This is one guy that is trying to keep a small town attitude in an every growing community.

Bud has been an integral part of camarillo for many years. He started a Summer Camp (mapped out on a pizza box) in 1984 and has since developed the well established Pacific Camps. Through before & after school programs and an incredible summer program, Bud reaches out to all of Ventura County with his unique ability to lead the vision of “building relations with children so they and their families come to know Jesus Christ”. Being a faith based camp (six as of this day with two more on the way), you would think it might limit growth. But far from it, it’s Bud’s never ending love for people that attracts Ventura County, who in turn embraces this camp like no other. Bud truly has provided a sanctuary for kids to learn and be safe. With up to 1,000 kids and a staff of 1 for every 10 kids - He is instrumental in employing the youth of Ventura County. I really love this man and what he stands for.

David Kromka is Captain at the Camarillo Fire Department. This man’s presence was as strong as any man I’ve ever met. He commands respect yet has this innate way of giving assurance. Captain Kromka has served as a fireman for 25 years all within the Ventura County area. He’s the lead instructor at the Ventura County Firefighter Academy and respect by Ventura’s best. Raised in Camarillo and a football player at Camarillo High, he has a longing to protect and serve his hometown. It’s meeting men like this that bring me comfort knowing that Camarillo is in safe hands.