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Thursday, February 9, 2012

First solo attempt.

So I found myself up pretty late last night as a result of the pot of coffee that I main-lined due to the migraine that came out of nowhere. As I sat in my office, all amped up, I figured, let's try to tie some weighted nymphs.

the buffet
Like everything new, there is a huge learning curve. If I could leave out the half hitch and whip finishing, tying would really be fun, kind of like Play-Doh for adults. Either that, or I know how Dr. Frankenstein felt when he flicked the power on...so many combinations of materials, colors, textures and you can really try almost anything. 

At first, I was trying to follow online videos and duplicate what I saw using some basic patterns as a guide. This was fairly monotonous as I found that I just couldn't make a realistic copy of the video pattern. I decided to first practice just making knots, thankfully still juiced from the caffeine, I became fairly consistent and had it not been for the coffee, I might have had as much fun watching grass grow. Tying really is an art form and right now, I am in the color by numbers stage. My feeble attempts give me a new found appreciation for those flies I use and those I view that are tied by others. The other issue is photography...if anyone has a suggestion as to how I can take good close up pictures, I am all ears.

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9 comments:

  1. Brk TrtFebruary 9, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    Just do it. Keep at it.
    Those flies are OK.
    Nantucket Blend K-Cups.

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  2. SteveFebruary 10, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Thanks Alan...sat up practicing last night as well...each one looks a little better than the last. I like Nantucket Blend but I'm hooked on DD Hazelnut...

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    Ditto to Alan's comment. Axe the K-cup and rock the french press for a real caffeine mainlining. LOL. Seriously though, pick one pattern and do a 6-12 at a clip until they all come out the same. The repetition becomes second nature and after a while you wont even need a materials list either. Have fun

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  4. The Jassid ManFebruary 10, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I guess that I have to suggest my own favorite coffee as an introduction, that coffee is called Zoega's Mollbergs Blandning. Rich dark blend with an outstanding aroma. When it comes to fly tying it's just to keep on tying and when you get trout on the flies you have tied yourself it will work like strong coffee, stimulate you to stick to it and continue.

    Have fun continuing to tie flies,
    M.O.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SteveFebruary 10, 2012 at 2:55 PM

      Hey Rich,

      Pressed really that good? Might have to try it out...will keep tying, only way to get better!


      The Jassid Man:

      I travel overseas a few times a year and I am always spoiled by some fantastic coffee's that are found in Europe. Thanks for stopping by...

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Get yourself a great macro-zoom lens, or get a filter which will permit you to do close-up photography. It's great to keep the background clear (usually white) and have one light (even a small desk lamp) come in from behind to highlight the tie, and a front bounce card, or even a light that's not going to overpower the colors of the flies. Actually, make yourself a little box with which board, and a spot in the back to let in light,
    and a top spot to let in light. The rest of the white will reflect and you'll get good depth of field (small aperture) with a longer shutter speed, perhaps putting the camera on a very small, hand-sized tripod. Look up close-up and/or macro photography. Buena suerte.

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Cafe Bustelo. Cuban blend. Dark as mud, great boost from a press pot.

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    Anonymous great photo tips. Steve, I am saving for the nikon 105 mm macro lens. At about 1 G note, its pricey but worth the investment for flies and bugs. I should have one by mid season and you will be welcome to borrow it. Plan on using it to film my tying dvd.

    And yes, a french press is a great coffee ordeal if you like high test.

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