Hello to all and happy holidays!
Well, I received my Holiday gift early. Truly there is no realistic way to thank Ray adequately for what he has given me -his time, but I will give it the best I have today to express my gratitude -Thank you Ray!
For the past 3 months or so, it seems like I was chasing my tail more and more as I used the tools and calibrated displays especially with the conversion from CalMAN v4 to v5. I was having a heck of a time relating to the new gamma layouts (especially the inverted gamma luminance chart), absolute v relative gamma, and dynamic range in v5 -it was definitely running me and I was not running it. Unfortunately, I currently lack the skills to competently modify or build the workflow I think I need. And, there's the rub. Beyond not knowing how to actually make what I wanted, I didn't know what I wanted, because there are so many useful options to play with. I definitely got blinded by the magnitute of the software. As if those points weren't enough to make you scream, I had also got really twisted into thinking I could effectively, possibly manipulate the entire gamma linearity within a 2pt system.. In short, I was just lost and full of the wrong idea.
Anyway, out of the blue last night, I received a telephone call from Ray. Realize, I have never met him or spoken to him directly; so, I was humbled and definitely blown away. I had only read his posts online, and I recall being in awe a bit with his diplomacy, integrity and the way he has been able to gently help people find the truth, regardless of whether or not they would accept it. I was one of those people at times.
He called just to see if he could help, no strings attached. He actually said he just wanted to help if he could. Well, it was a very long conversation in time (~4 hrs), but very short in some respects because he and I could have gone on all night and into the next day. I felt I had finally made a connection with someone I could clearly understand -he made it so simple. We thoroughly ferreted out where I had lost my way. What a gift! It seems like I sort of knew the direction, but was really trying to do something that just wasn't realistic, and he was able to explain it so well, and so clear, that it will be hard to forget. Teaching is an art as well, and he has a wonderful palet of knowledge from which to paint a beautiful picture many ways.
Though I still don't know what I did right to deserve his attention, I sure respect and value his time and the amount he gave me. I will remember his selfless act for the rest of my life. I just hope some day I can carry even a portion of the torch of knowledge he has. It was a pleasure to talk with someone who has such passion and understanding. It is far easier for somone to just simply reply and pontificate a lofty answer than it is to take a leap of faith, pick up the phone, and reach out to someone struggling. Again, thanks Ray for having the confidence in yourself and strength to reach out. We definitely all are benefitting from it.
I look forward to further discussion with Ray. He definitely does this because he loves it, not because he has to. I, for one, am glad there are folks such as him in this industry -it would definitely be a great loss to us all if he had NOT chosen this industry to apply his knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart Ray. And, if there is any way I can ever be of assistance, just let me know. I will do my best to represent the industry and pay it forward.
Kindest Regards,
Terry.
tbaudoin
A Visible Result
Austin, Texas
Bottom line is, Ray is awesome!
