I decided I discussed the Haunted Attraction Pictures (aka Haunted Pictures) enough that it deserved its own entry in the Dev Log. (Ed. Note: I added all past entries concerning this topic to the "Haunted Pictures" category, so this will not appear as the first entry.)
It's January, but my greatest photographic interest happens to be the Haunted Pictures. I officially enjoyed myself. It should come as no surprise that, given such an experience, I would continue to think about it.
This brought me to making some adjustments to the pages. The most significant change is the addition of a new page--the How-To page. Some of you have asked me how I did a few pictures and one or two (you know who you are) thought the ghost bride picture was edited digitally. Shame, shame. Take a look at the page and you can see how I did it and get enough information for you to take a stab at it yourselves.
I added attraction logos to the main page, which gives a splash of much-needed color as well as allowing people to make out the attraction list easier. Sorry, people; I tried to get the logos looking pretty enough, but only halfway succeeded.
I also added up all pictures I have posted to the Haunted Pictures page and came up with 914. That's not too shabby! From where I have looked and what I have seen, the pictures I have are just about the only collection of pictures for Woods of Terror, Haunted Forest, and Castle of Horror (which, by definition, makes them the best pictures you can find). It's all in the self-advertising (because I refrain from advertising at all).
Speaking of advertising, it appears I am #1 on MSN Search when looking for "haunted pictures" or "haunted attraction pictures"! This is just perfect! I am also somewhere around #3 when looking for Woods of Terror or Haunted Forest pictures. I doubt those who have contributed to my site's ranking read my Dev Log, but I thank them anyway.
Finally, I wonder how the 1/13 event will affect my photography? Certainly, I will have many opportunities to test this beforehand with the CSC Picture Project, visiting the observatory, some testing, and letting things settle. Still, I don't get many chances to photograph in almost nil light, but I have a feeling I shouldn't worry too much. If you don't know to which event I refer, please do not ask about this (it's a 13 year old chain of events I don't talk about). Anyway, now for some news:
A New Design? Perhaps I should come out with a new design for the Haunted Pictures site? I am thinking of something akin to what I did with the CSC Picture Project site. You know? I am still satisfied with how that turned out? Perhaps I should make some cookie-cutter banner for the new Haunted Pictures design? I don't know. Either way, I will roll the thought of creating a site specifically for the Haunted Pictures around in my mouth like a sweet piece of candy until I make my decision. I have until May or June to make my decision.
Woods of Terror - Calendar Picture? WoT contacted me last week, mentioning submitting a picture or two to a haunted attraction calendar. I'd say, "Go for it!" If my picture is included, it will be, above all else, a compliment to me and worth something to brag about. A nice side effect of this is that I could gain financially, though it's more of an afterthought.
Haunted Pictures Preparation Schedule, 2006 This is my schedule for preparing to do pictures in 2006:
May - Make a decision as to the new site design.
August - Finalize any site design.
August - Decide if I am going to charge for 2006 and how much.
August - Finalize the first list of attractions I want to photograph for 2006. The list will include Haunted Forest, Castle of Horror, Woods of Terror, and Spookywoods. I may have room for two more.
Mid-August - Email all attractions with fee notice, questions, and requests for confirmation or tentative interest.
Mid-September - Put the 2006 schedule in stone (or blood, if we follow the theme). Confirm with all attractions, remind them of copyright issues and rights, and make certain of the dates.
Last Week September - Begin!
