:cat: Hi there poopbunny.

Photography is actually one of my hobbies. One of the problems amateurs have with photography is how they actually photograph objects and people.

Usually with an amateur photographing a car-the car itself becomes a problem. Amateurs don't think before photographing the car. If the car is in the carport- that is where the photo is taken. If the sun is in the wrong place-who cares? Is the environment right? Photos taken of cars right next to a wall or fence is not all that appealing. Usually amateurs put too much into the frame. You get the car-the flower bed-the garden hose-the dog from next door, the broken window on the kitchen window etc-all in the photo of the car!!

Conversely, professional or trained photographers put very little into the photo. The less to see the better. The background forces you to view the car-nothing to distract you. The background contrasts rather than blends with the car.

As for the pix of my car-yes that is coming. I want to wax it a bit more and then get the new tyres. My existing ones will be replaced for the next WOF-probably about August.

Cheers :right:

Hi Auckland

I'm sure forum members would eagerly await photos of moderators. I know I am.

I use to do a bit of photography in the old days before digital, but that extended mostly to photographing people (rather than objects) and darkroom printing (B&W and color!).

I agree, less in the background is more. Also important is reflection....that you don't see yourself in on the panel reflection like a mirror taking the picture. :lol:
On my pic I went as far back as I could in order to decrease the depth of field, hopefully throwing the background a little out of focus, but alas the light was so intense it closed the aperture and increased the depth of field. The small focal length of a 3x optical didn't help either.

I think it is worthwhile for you to take as many pictures as you can, even some closeup ones, just for insurance purposes. In case of an accident, you can than show those photos to let them know what the car looked like before the accident. Even minor accidents on Volvo's are incredibly hard to repair with precision. I'm glad I took many pictures of mine.

WAX - I'm currently using Meguiars NXT Tech Wax. When I first bought my car, I even when through the trouble of claying away contaminants.

What tyre's are you going to get?

When I bought my car I had Yokohama's on the back and 2 different tyres on the front. So I changed the fronts to Bridgestone Grid III Potenza..

Ken

:cat: Hi there Ken.

I use Meguiars NXT also. I like the wax very much. But it doesn't last any better than any of the others I've used over the years. I simply like the synthetic polymer idea in the product.

I usually wax the car about every two months. It is a four hour job for me.

As for the tyres-I am pressed for variety here. I like the idea of Michelin's, but I notice that not too many other people like them. I am gettying very mixed reception about Michelin.

I have been recommended Hankook, Goodyear and Bridgestone-which is what I have got already. I really like quiet tyres with long wear. I don't really drive hard enough to warrant very high performing tyres.

Talk to you soon.

Cheers :right:

Hi Aucks...

Glad to hear NXT has your seal of approval too :57:
Meguiars also make a nice mag wheel polisher. Smells like coconut but shines really well.

The Grid III were the best value for money for my 17" wheels. I like the thread pattern. Quite similar to the Falkens I had used before, one of the best gripping tyres ever. The rubber compound is quite soft yet after 10k it ate about 2mm of thread, I think the tyres will be good for at least 50k with proper rotation. Noise is not too much of an issue for me since the S80 is reasonable well insulated.

I get my tyres from Herb Morgan. They are the cheapest supplier I know and the service is pretty good.

Ken

:cat: Hi there poopbunny.

Smells like coconut If that is what it smells like-what does it taste like? :P

Volvo forums has a new member with an S80 very similar to yours. This is very good for all of us. I don't know if he is a VEC member yet. He lives here too.

I have an excellent supplier of tyres and batteries. Somebody very close to me in a business venture.

Talk to you soon Ken. I must away to bed.

Cheers :right:

Hi Aucks

Another s80 owner :460:
that is great :amen:

Here is an idea for VEC.

- Get promo leaflets made. (distribute to Scadinavian & Archibald Shorter)
- check volvo's for sale, send leaflets to dealers to include with car sale
- offer dealers 1 yr discounted VEC membership to be included in sale of car?
- distribute to members, when parking if they see another volvo they could put leaftlet beneath wiper blades!

:cat: Good morning Ken.

We are doing most of what you are talking about already. I am still trying to make up a window card for dealers to display in car windows. Waive the joining fee if the person buys the car from the dealership etc.

As for brochures under car window wipers-apparently already been tried. Very little luck. Brochures not worth the printing costs.

As you already know-some ethnic groups own a lot of Volvo's here and they do not like joining clubs.

Cheers :right: