A visit to the Natural History Museum, London, produced these images. They also had a special exhibition of Animatronics stuff, called Dino Jaws.

The pics are a pretty mixed bunch, quality-wise. Some are fine (IMHO). Looking up in the 'Manual of Excuses', I can blame the sheer size of the building, the size of the exhibits, the distance from camera, the low available light and the tiny camera, with tiny flash, for some of the poor quality. However, I thought it worth uploading some of the poorer ones, anyway, to see if anyone could do some salvage work on them.

I also have some 'video' footage (of the Animatronics displays) but am not sure how to upload those and whether it's worth doing so.

I shall slowly display them on this page, as time permits (very short commodity, just now) but if a sneak preview is wanted, a quick visit to my 'contributions' page will show what I've uploaded, during 3rd July & 4th July (Happy Independence Day, by the way, to all our U.S. friends).

See also

Albertosaurus

Comment:

Image #2 is incredibly dark. Image #1 needs a closer crop on the pelvis and some lightening.--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:51, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Sorry that I've worked 'upwards', through your feedback - so this was my last to respond to. As with Allo-, #1 was taken second time thru', with hand-held and flash inactivated. #2 was first time thru', with autoflash and enforced distance to great for adequate lighting of the object. - Ballista 04:55, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
You mean we're only supposed to go one way? Well, then, I've a small confession: I've done all these completely at random, adding comments wherever I felt like it. If going backwards is bad, imagine how bad going thru them randomly is! ;)

Allosaurus

Comment:

Image #1 appears to be a bit out of focus: the cabling in front is in sharp focus, but the animal behind it looks fuzzy, especially around the ribs and futher to the left. Image #2 is incredibly dark.--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:49, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

  1. 1 was taken on my second run, using hand held and flash inactivated (see my comments somewhere further down the page - I think I let the jostling crowds on the suspended walkway hassle me, on this one, so I centred wrongly and probably moved. I'll have to go again, one day, armed with a list of points..... #2 was taken on the first run thru', with auto flash - distance too great. - Ballista 04:52, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Apatosaurus

Comment:

Baryonyx

Comment:

Brachiosaurus

These head models by Animatronics had the right side as exposed skull and the left side fleshed out - hence the white bits that show from the far side on this and other head models on this page. Comment:

Yes, of course I can. That's no problem. I just don't want to 'take over' any images you might feel are suitable as-is.--Firsfron of Ronchester 05:07, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Hey, give over! I'd like them to be as good as poss, if they 'go up', so, as usual, any help you can offer is GREAT! - Ballista 19:36, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Well... I just wanted to make sure, you know. --Firsfron of Ronchester 23:16, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Nice one! I appreciate your deference with these images but, I am sort of handing them over to the project, so you really are very welcome and your input is highly valued. - Ballista 05:07, 6 July 2006 (UTC)

Camarasaurus

Comment:

Citipati

Comment:This exhibit was labelled 'Oviraptor', in the museum.

No, putting up both would be bad news! Should I rename it? - Ballista 04:15, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

I'm afraid so. --Firsfron of Ronchester 04:36, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Oh well - it will have to await another day, now, as run out of time today - very hectic 'real-life' schedules for the coming weeks. I've never liked the name Citipati, seems as if it should have been some sort of Indian side dish! - Ballista 05:05, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
I totally agree. Next time I'm in Europe, I'll look you up, and all the Citipati you can eat will be on me! ;)--Firsfron of Ronchester 05:17, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
That's a date, then. - Ballista 19:45, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Name-change done - Ballista 05:17, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

Coelophysis

Comment:

Article Coelophysis has only one image; it needs images. The picture name has a typo. The hands on the first image look a bit pronated, but I'll let Dinoguy decide. The back half is also a bit dark, and the whole image can be cropped considerably. The second image also needs cropped, but otherwise good!--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:34, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Here we go again, with sloppy spelling .... I have been working with too much haste, in short bursts of available time - 'more haste less speed'. Can you work your usual magic with the images? - that way, the edited versions at least will have the correct spelling on their file titles. - Ballista 04:44, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
No, I understand you're working under some time constraints. It's not hard to fix, and given the sheer number of images, a few mispellings are bound to happen! Yes, of course I can work on these lovely images. I just want to make sure that maybe you don't want to work on them yourself, if you think you could do it. You mentioned you have a graphics editing program, and if it can do the work, go for it! :) --Firsfron of Ronchester 05:12, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
I only have Corel Photohouse (that I've used at all) & I ain't too hot with it - I only crop, lighten, darken, etc. You're more than welcome to work your usual magic, as you see fit. - Ballista 19:43, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Thanks - they both work better, don't they? - Ballista 05:05, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
Well, on the second set, all I did was remove some distracting elements: the border around it, and a bit of the spotlight effect in the middle... not enough to make the picture look artificial, just enough to bring the focus back to Coelo himself. At least, that was my intention.--Firsfron of Ronchester 00:18, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Successfully, IMHO - Ballista 03:37, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Original image name changes done - Ballista 05:19, 8 July 2006 (UTC)
Third name change done - Ballista 05:27, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

Diplodocus

Diplodocus is the feature exhibit, as you enter the main hall of the Natural History Museum. He is vast. A real photographic challenge with a 'point & shoot'-type camera. Diplodocus front-on image now brightened.

Obviously, it was a challenge to get such a large animal in the photo. Cas has put the first image up already, and I totally concur. Nice job, given the circumstances (photographing these huge animals...)--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:54, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

I lightened the 'front-end' shot (No 3), as per Cas's suggestion - stupidly, in my haste, I overwrote the original image file!!! He now suggests more contrast, which is absolutely correct - can it be salvaged? - Ballista 04:55, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
I've edited in more contrast (No 3) now - is that any better? - Ballista 05:45, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

Dromaeosaurus

Comment:

I can certainly give it a go! --Firsfron of Ronchester 05:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Is this one just cropped or have you done more? - difficult to compare when switching from one to another. - Ballista 05:03, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
Cropped, and most of the distracting cables are removed. I left in the two by the tail, simply because they weren't really blocking anything.--Firsfron of Ronchester 00:20, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Obvious as anything, now you point it all out - nice job! - Ballista 03:39, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Well done, indeed - true to your word - do you think it's useable now? They are now visible for what they are. For my money, the bright light would be better extinguished, it really shows up now, in your new version. I suppose these chaps might ought to have feathers, in modern thinking but they look pretty realistic, nonetheless. I don't know how 'old' the exhibit is, but the models move, rather like Animatronics jobbies. Strange they didn't put some feathers in. - Ballista 04:40, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
I'll see what I can do! But, forgive me, it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm just about ready to head home. Have a great night...er...morning!--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:44, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Safe travel - have a good evening & THANKS - Ballista 04:57, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

'Dromaeosaurid'

Cutaway detail - possibly Utahraptor but I'll need to double check, one day. Comment:

That's alright. They might not have had any real name for it. If that's the case, it can surely go on the Dromaeosaurid page.--Firsfron of Ronchester 05:02, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Edmontosaurus

Comment:

I imagine getting some of these would have been a huge nightmare! Trying to capture moving beasts in a darkened room using a camera and a toothpick...! Yes, of course I can fix the white areas. That's no problem at all!--Firsfron of Ronchester 05:00, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Oh, you remembered the toothpick? I didn't pull that excuse this time or mention the ruckus when I dropped the d**** thing in the dark! - Ballista 05:08, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Hey, that IS neat! - Ballista 05:00, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
It's the clone stamp tool. It does almost all the work. A bit tricky in some places, but impossible to do with another tool.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:12, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Most impressive! - Ballista 04:14, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Euoplocephalus

Comment:

The head shot looks great, although still a bit dark on my monitor. Either of the remaining two images could go up, too, but only one of them (no need for two tail shots, I think). The 'flames' in the third picture are a little distracting, but I think I like that one better overall.--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:21, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

This Dino Jaws exhibition was a really good display, with these lovely Animatronics things but, from the photography point of view, very difficult with a very basic camera. Distances great, available lighting VERY low, objects large and constantly on the move (static, though). Oh those excuses .... - Ballista 04:22, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
No, I completely understand what you're talking about. There are so many that can be easily lightened, cropped, or slightly altered, that it doesn't matter anyway. Don't worry about it! :)--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:57, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Very slight alteration on this one... I just slightly dimmed the one horn that looks so very bright.--Firsfron of Ronchester 01:26, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
That works! Any chance of a tiny bit more? - Ballista 04:56, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
Absolutely. :) --Firsfron of Ronchester 04:57, 6 July 2006 (UTC)

Gallimimus

Comment:

Both images show up a bit dark on my monitor. Green light could be removed, too. Otherwise, great shot! I think I prefer image #2, because it appears to show more of him. --Firsfron of Ronchester 22:16, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Now it may be a bit bright. What do you think?--Firsfron of Ronchester 01:58, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
I think it's great BUT, could the skull only be turned down a tad? If not, I'd run with this latest version. - Ballista 04:53, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
Yes of course it can. I'll work on it tomorrow.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:56, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
Hey, you're just too quick for me - no sooner than I have responded to two fo your messages but you're responding to mine!!! Great stuff - Ballista 04:58, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
I think communication is key. ;) --Firsfron of Ronchester 05:00, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
You're absolutely right and you have an exemplary skill in that direction. BTW - I was late 'on' this morning - terrible thunderstorms (after fearsome drought, so no complaints) but I feared to switch on the machine until now. Result will be a shorter working slot than usual. - Ballista 05:11, 6 July 2006 (UTC)
No problem. I had the exact the same thing here today: heavy rains all last night, so I didn't get to respond to your messages until now. BTW, is this last Galli better? I applied a filter to brighten up the body, and a filter to darken up the head a tad. What do you think?--Firsfron of Ronchester 01:09, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Another success to your credit - looks great now. - Ballista 03:41, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Cool. :) --Firsfron of Ronchester 03:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Iguanodon

Comment:

Massospondylus

Comment:

Removing the purple box altogether made the image look artificial. I toned it down, removed the text, sharpened the image a bit, and cropped it. What do you think?--Firsfron of Ronchester 01:41, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Certainly works for me - turned it into a real professional shot! These museums certainly don't plan photography into their exhibits and, anyway, IMO, this one was too far away from the walkway/too small for easy observation/scrutiny by visitors. Your result with the photo beats the actual exhibit, for me! - Ballista 03:45, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Great. I know exactly what you mean about the lighting/distance conditions. --Firsfron of Ronchester 03:51, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Indeed, very tricky for most of their exhibits - however, in this case, this one was 'hand-held/available light. No, what I meant was that this particular fellow was way too far away from visitors, for his size, so that the photo (in its edited form) actually enhances the experience several times over. - Ballista 04:04, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Parasaurolophus

Comment:

You got it! :)--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:37, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Psittacosaurus?

No name on the cabinet - is this Psittacosaurus (or who)? Comment:

Sheep's re-write of Psittaco says "at least one species had" the quills, indicating it's not known whether the other ones did. Your image is a go! --Firsfron of Ronchester 04:40, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Torvosaurus

Comment:

Hey, if you can get a good image editing it, go for it! I'm not sure what you're using, but I guess nothing really fancy is needed here?--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:41, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Brightened this one up a tad, now - better? - Ballista 05:50, 8 July 2006 (UTC)
Oh, yes! It looks really great now! :) --Firsfron of Ronchester 09:29, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

Triceratops

Comment:

Troodon

Comment:

Many Maniraptorids had feathers. I don't think Troodon has been found with feathers, but it's looking more and more likely these last families before proper birds had feathers.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:48, 5 July 2006 (UTC)

Tuojiangosaurus

Comment:

Yes, that's right. Also, thanks for the back half of Tuo.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:50, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
I applied a lighting filter to the back half, and slightly adjusted the color. OK, It looks like I did absolutely nothing on this one, but I really did! :) --Firsfron of Ronchester 01:54, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Far from it. Despite being loathe to disagree with you, I think this one's subtle changes amount to a transformation, making the object of the photo much more comprehensible. The shadows are still a mite distracting but it stands out fine. - Ballista 03:49, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about the shadows. There isn't enough plain background to "morph" them out of the shot. :( --Firsfron of Ronchester 03:54, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
No, that's fine - it's a function of their lighting set-up. I reckon it works well as is, now. - Ballista 04:00, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Tyrannosaurus rex

Comment:

These are so dark. The third image appears to crop off the front of T-rex's face, but it's so hard to tell. I don't like that one so much. The second one is nice: they even stained his face with what looks like blood. Nice touch. If the image can be lightened a bit, and the distracting elements (lights and the 'cone thing' below his chin, and maybe the girl) are removed, I think it might make a good addition, provided there's still room on the T-rex (or popular culture) pages.

As you say, we may be 'up to here' with T. rex images anyway. If there's mileage in No2, do you feel like doing the necessaries? This may have been an animatronics model, although in the museum proper (it was certainly constantly moving & difficult to catch in the relative darkness & with the jostling crowd that were using the ramp that bordered the display). He was really quite impressive, 'in the flesh' so to speak. He roared nicely too, although I had a funny fantasy: what if T. rex were to have twittered or warbled, like his bird relatives? - Ballista 04:04, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
I'm certainly willing to edit the picture! I'm not sure there's even room, but maybe one of the T-rex sub-pages (there's at least one) has some room? Also: blasphemer! ;) --Firsfron of Ronchester 04:52, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
Image #2 lightened, 'cone' (it turned out to be a column on close inspection) removed, photo cropped. What do you think?--Firsfron of Ronchester 02:39, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Amazing! - All we need now is the twittering sound effect! Strange how lightening it has brought out two people whom I hadn't really noticed in the original (although they're clearly there when you look). I don't think having people looking on matters, does it? It's a museum after all. - Ballista 03:53, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Twittering? Ha! ;) The original image was so dark that I could barely see the first girl in the picture. She's now been cropped out: she was bright and distracting. I didn't even see the other three (there are three) children until I lightened the photo: I'm in agreement with you, there's no real reason, I think, to edit them out of the photo: they're pretty dim, and I don't think they take away much from the photo. I did fix their eyes, as they had severe red-eye.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Just looked at the full-size version of my original and see what you mean about the eyes - very devilish. No, I'm for leaving these onlookers 'in', as they appear now. - Ballista 04:09, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Velociraptor

These are from the Dino Jaws exhibition (Animatronics models) - individual captions not necessary for this gallery. Sadly no museum display, in the museum proper. Comment:

Got it. A less white butt: he'll have a nice tan on his rear end by this weekend. ;)--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:05, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
Ah yes, those transatlantic language differences ......... - Ballista 04:12, 7 July 2006 (UTC)
The image is hereby adjusted! The bright areas were dimmed out by 15-20%.--Firsfron of Ronchester 23:12, 11 July 2006 (UTC)
Great stuff, as ever - Ballista 04:20, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

Non-dinos

Comment:

The Megalotherium would make a perfect date for our lovely Bradysaurus, don't you think? ;)--Firsfron of Ronchester 22:06, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Nice touch about the date between two fruits of the ugli tree! - Ballista 12:22, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

Mary Anning


The photo of Mary Anning cannot be used, I think. It is a painting from after 1932 (the bottom says 1935). I'll check on this. The plesiosaur with the plaque could easily be photoshopped to remove the plaque. --Firsfron of Ronchester 22:06, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Ref. Mary Anning, just checking a technicality, here: is there anything wrong (if we wanted to use it at all, that is) in using the image as a 'photo of the display', rather than as an image in its own right? - Ballista 03:58, 5 July 2006 (UTC)
I've officially asked about Mary's portrait on an image help page. Hopefully they will get back to us soon. I'd love to see this on a page, but I do worry about the copyright status.--Firsfron of Ronchester 04:54, 5 July 2006 (UTC)