To give some background, the Photo Marathon was a daylong event, where 12 themes are presented (6 at the start, 6 half way through). A photo for each theme must then be presented; with photos [in theory] taken in the order the themes are given, with no Photoshop/Aperture/ whatever editing allowed.

Examples of themes for the Canberra event included “Light”, “Evolution”, Earth Hour (which was that night) and my entry number (70). It was really well organised, with entry into the National Zoo and Aquarium included.

Naturally, I was eager to participate in this event, and it started off well. However, about an hour into the 12-hour event, tragedy struck. Attempting to fulfil the theme “Upside-down” I was taking images of the National Library as reflected in a pool of water. I had my Lumix GF1 sitting on a tripod along the edge of the water….

I turned around for just a second to assist my brother with his tripod, in that time; I heard a splash and turned to see my camera sinking into the water, it was only a few seconds, but it was enough to get water into the body and into the lens (the same lens I’d waited months for Panasonic to supply…).

My gut reactions were to do all of the right things, pull it out, drop the battery and memory card out and then proceed to dry it off as much as I could.

As I had to refrain from turning the camera on, the Photo Marathon was cut short, but that was the least of my concerns (although I was pretty disappointed it happened BEFORE I made it to the Zoo…)

Over the next few days, the camera and lens were alternated between spending time in the sun and in a container of rice. Rice apparently is a natural desiccant (absorbs moisture). After a couple of days doing this to draw the wetness out of the camera, I dared put the battery back in.

It worked…

The lens seems fine, with no noticeable blemishes, the body operates fine and its taking photos just as well as it did before going in the water. There was some condensation on the LCD screen that lasted about a week, but that cleared up gradually and now it’s fine.

A couple of test photos, let me know if you notice anything that doesn’t look right (besides technique issues…):

So… if you ever have a camera end up in the drink to the following:

• If not already, turn it off
• Drop the battery/memory card out
• Get as much water out of it as quickly as you can
• Open all compartments (battery, flash, and connector sockets) and leave it in a warm spot, to help evaporate the water.
• Store the camera in a container with rice, pour rice into the container, place a sheet of plastic (like a bag) onto the rice for the camera to sit and seal well
• DO NOT TURN IT ON FOR AT LEAST 3-4 DAYS, be confident its dry before turning it on again

After having such a good week, there’s nothing worse than wondering if your expensive camera will ever be the same again, but be patient.

Related posts:

1. Mushies and the Lumix Vario G 14-45 lens
2. Lumix DMC-GF1 Arrives + First Shots
3. 2010 National Multicultural Festival – Canberra

• Increase my fitness
• Save money
• Find a place to live – move out of the family home
• Continue to produce work and study that I am proud of (not specified originally, but should be mentioned). This includes Work (capitalised to denote actual employment), Photography, reading and generally seeking knowledge.

I have specifics to these goals, that I will keep personal, to use as a measure and ensure that I meet these goals. It’s only been two days, but I have already crossed on of them off the list. Today I received confirmation that an application for my first apartment! It will be shared with a mate from Uni, located much closer to work and Uni itself, plus providing the freedom and excitement of moving out of the family home, which I have been living in ever since I was born (22+ years…). Point 3 taken care of. A first.

Last night I attended a Climate Change Forum at my Uni, being one of the very few “young people” to attend. Surprisingly, interesting events like this, whilst hosted by a University, attract very few student attendees. Before and after the forum, with a little spare time at hand, I sought out some chances to take some photos (see below). Combined with a a reasonably busy week at Work, I think I’ve made a pretty good go at meeting Point 4. Notably the first image, which represents my first decent capture of lightning in an image, learning technique as I went. Another First.

Oh, with almost daily exercise, Point 1 is being addressed too, but as most fitness attempts, lapses are easy, I’ll be conservative and delay claiming success just yet.

The last two pictures are of a couple of the many sculptures that have been installed around the Canberra city centre, the first is part of the ‘Icarus’ series, the second is called ‘Relic’. There has been some criticism of the amount of money spent by the ACT Government to bring these art pieces into Canberra, mainly due to their obscurity. I do like them however. I believe public art brings character to a town centre. If they stand out, to the point that people are debating whether they are aesthetically pleasing or not, I think the goal of their installation has been achieved. Art needs to stand out and be noticed, otherwise you may as well not have them. Over time, people will grow accustomed to their presence, and will form a part of the city scape.

Related posts:

1. Crashing back to Earth…
2. Spurts and Stutters…
3. Figma 003 Saber