Thought for the Week

"A hug is a perfect gift - one size fits all and nobody minds if you give it back."
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'D' is for ...



Darts.

Darts in a Dartboard, if only I had asked him to throw at the Double's instead of the Bulls Eye!

20 years ago, G and I used to play darts regularly for respective mens and ladies teams, and played for a number of years.

Last year, our pub started a darts team for the Wednesday league, which is now mixed so men and women can play for the same team. We bought a new dartboard and played a little at home.
In no time at all G was back on form, better even, than he used to be. He has twice if not 3 times hit 180 during a league game, and has had a few at home whilst practising too, bugger. It's like his darts have a homing device on them or something!

Me on the other hand, I can't hit shite with a shovel. My score's are about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

Anyway, whilst I was upstairs last week, listening to the rhythmical thump, thump, thump ... thump, bounceout, thump of his darts it occured to me that capturing a Dart in flight with the Dartboard in the frame too would make a good post for today.

I have to tell you, that I have learnt this week that my mind is not safe to let loose on it's own. I have a really good camera, a little knowledge, and bags of enthusiasm, but do you know how hard it is to capture what my mind 'thought' would make a good shot? Well? Do you?

200 photo's later, I kid you not, and this is the best you are gonna get. The photo's are a little grainy because I had to hike the ISO setting up to 1600 in order to get enough light for a decent exposure, but it's this or nothing.

So 'D' is for ... Darts in a Dartboard.

37 comments:

Michael said...

It's all about anticipation...and maybe an EOS 1D Mk III would help with its 10 fps.

Mike said...

What you were trying to do was very difficult. I had an idea for a dart board. What I thought of doing was sticking a couple of darts in a double then macroing (if there is such a word) right in so that the rest of the dart board was blurred.

Michael has the best idea, a 1D Mk111 with 10 fps. I can't begin to imagine what that would be like. My new 30D has 5 fps which always puts a smile on my face when I give it a go. Great effort Ali!

Ali said...

Michael ~ I am always full of anticipation.. but that's a whole new story!!!!!

I did tell G last night, when I was having another go at this that I needed a 1D Mk III but I don't think he bought into the idea...lol

Mike ~ I think if I had been able to shoot in daylight, rather than in the evening it would have been a little better, more light would have meant I could have used a much higher shutter speed :o(

Remember the 1D when you are thinking about my xmas pressie. x

RUTH said...

Oh this brings back so many wonderful memories. Mick was a great darts player and captain of his team; it's how we met. We used to travel miles to various pubs to play in the competitions. :o)

RUTH said...

If you have a moment to spare please drop by
http://ruth-boofie.blogspot.com/2006/11/sport-and-leisure.html
and read one of my darts memories :o)

Ali said...

Ruth ~ Glad to revive a fond memory for you today. Darts is a very sociable game isn't it.

On my way over right now for a read. :o)

Anonymous said...

I'm permanently banned from playing darts. My hands shake so much the population for two whole blocks would need to be evacuated before I threw. Not sure if theres a sporty techo word for hurtling needle sharp missles at a bullseye?

Ali said...

Kate ~ That good huh? Maybe I would stand a chance if more people like you played, I sure don't stand much chance at home!!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

Cool pictures. I am one of the few Americans that likes playing darts.

Ali said...

Digital ~ I didn't realise that it wasn't popular in the States! It is a fun game, but it can be oh-so fecking-frustrating too...lol

Anonymous said...

I give in and admit it, I'm in the presence of real pro's when I read about fps etc. You've come up trumps Ali - a great 'D' and a super photo!

I love darts too. :)

Ali said...

WFW ~ Thanks for your kind words. I am my own worst enemy sometimes, and I just KNOW that I will persevere with this theme until I get a REALLY good shot. Just need a really bright sunny day first... hmmm, could be a flaw in my plan!!

dot said...

Darts sound like fun. Keep trying with the photo taking.
I enjoyed your post!

Ali said...

Dot ~ I will persevere, thank you.

kml said...

I think it is a cool image - you caught the action!

Ali said...

KML ~ It may have been easier to just photograph the darts already in the board, but I was never one to take the easy option with photography!!!

Thanks for calling in, come again.

Anonymous said...

I love playing darts. This makes me want to skip work and go to the pub.

Ali said...

DWQ ~ Sounds like a great plan to me... can I join you?

gma said...

I enjoyed reading the previous post about you meeting G. Also this one. We have a big dartboard here on the patio....It gets a workout some weekends!

Annie said...

BULLSEYE! Let me buy you a beer.

Or given that it is "D" day, should I have said, "Dadgum, girl, give it a go again."

Hin Man said...

Nice combination of Dart photos. I never thought of Darts for 'D' theme. Very creative.

Can you please add the following to your blogroll?

Hin's Tech Corner Hin's Tech Corner

mrsnesbitt said...

Amazing, how did you manage to hold your camera AND your pint glass?

Talking of pint glasses......
mine's a large one! Oooooooooh Matron!

LOL!

Ali said...

Gemma ~ Glad you enjoyed it, seems lots of people could relate to a dart board in some way.

Pt 2 of meeting G is next Monday!

Annie ~ Alas it was not me throwing the darts but G!!! I couldn't hit a nail with a shovel!!! lol

Ali said...

Hin Man ~ Thx for dropping by, love your D is for Drummer btw.

Consider your other site added.

Denise ~ Hold my camera AND my pint glass? Are you mad woman????? My alcohol is on a drip feed!!

Ali said...

Camiseta ~ I'm sorry sweetie, the blog roll is only for ABC Wednesday participants, but thx for dropping by

Unknown said...

I got banned because I could throw with either hand. I think they made that rule up, rotters! I think you are very brave 'cos D could've been for Duck!

btw I can't believe you don't want a portuguese personalised T Shirt, I heard they're the new black lol!

Ali said...

Pauline ~ That does seem a bit unfair, what does it matter, you still have to throw the same distance!!! Sore losers maybe huh?

Re T-Shirt, if that's the case I shall order you one in for christmas, what size would you like dear?

david mcmahon said...

Bullseye, Ali,

Thanks for the visit and the comment.

I used to play darts as a kid, when it was too wet to play cricket or soccer.

But I never played it in an English pub, so I guess I haven't really lived.

Must make amends one day ....

Do keep in touch.

Cheers

David

Michael said...

I did NOT run away.

I crept.

AVCr8teur said...

You hit a bulls-eye on these photos. Very colorful and great lines.

Cherrie said...

Even though you didn't catch a dart in flight, I like the photos.

Ali said...

Michael ~ Thanks for calling by, I am just loving this ABC Wednesday slot, and everyone's photo's are so unique. Roll on 'E is for ...'

Michael ~ You most DEFINITELY ran honey, in fact you departing was so damn quick I'm only surprised you didn't require a runway! lol

Ali said...

Cherrie ~ Glad you like them. If you click on the photo to get a larger view you will notice that although very close, one dart is not actually in the board yet. That's why one dart seems fuzzy and semi seethrough, because it's still moving.

Elaine Denning said...

I can just image G saying "1...2...3...GO!

Great pics Ali...as always. You'll put me to shame!

Ali said...

Laney ~ lolol, it wasn't that technical!!!! I watched for his arm moving backwards and then shot on continous until it hit the board.. hence my obscene amount of photographs!!!!

Momentary Madness said...

I love the game - to play it that is - especially with a pint of Bud and someone not too good like me, average.
Y;-) Paddy.

Ali said...

Paddy ~ What better way to play!