Challenge! Queen Medusa

[Garyo]

For the next challenge we will base it off the recent Queen Medusa CHOW! I sent a pm to 10 of my favorite artist from the Medusa CHOW and six of them have graciously consented to letting their fine works inspire our attemtps in 3D. We'll leave the time frame at two months. You must stick closely to the art you choose. So nominate one of the six below as the piece you would like to create and remember not to look directly in her eyes when complete.


Once again WIP shots are encouraged. At least one, but I recommend once a week. Additionally the main reference shot should be posted as well. This way we can give each other solid criticism and improve our final results. If you work from a reference that is not your own be sure to credit the original

Finals are due at the end of March and I'll make a poll to see who is the most petrifying.

Now get to work!

Garyo

[Fire Moth]

You must stick closely to the art you choose

I want to play. But I would like the freedom to design my own.

[Garyo]

Part of the challenge is using the provided art work. As you would if you were commissioned. Making one of your own design is certainly a a great thing to do and I encourage, but you will fail the brief ;)


Garyo

[OMB]

Nice one GARYO,
just what i was thinking,
like being asked to do a commison piece,
get started this week,
should advertise on the main boards to try pushing challanges,

Speak soon


Ollie

[Garyo]

Glad you like it Ollie! I've already let the folks know in the CHOW forum, but if you think it would be good in another, go ahead and promote ;) My biggest problem right now is deciding which piece I'd like to try my hand at.

Garyo

[Amusedjester]

Hello! Found out about this challenge stuff from another place. I kinda like the source and Idea so I joined in + 2 months will give me lots of time to do other projects. I'll try the Carotello image if I may.

[unbounddreams]

I would like to give this a try as well. I really like Nutter's version. Do we post WIP here? Also is there a scale preference? does this have to be painted, primed etc? Last question..is there an exact due date in March?

Thanks,
-Jon

[smoothrider_41]

Im in =)

[Garyo]

Yes, post all pictures wip to final in this thread. Any scale you'd like is acceptable. They don't have to be primed and painted, but if you get that far it's certainly not going to hurt you in the poll. The final pictures will be called for around the 24th of March.

Garyo

[unbounddreams]

Yes, post all pictures wip to final in this thread. Any scale you'd like is acceptable. They don't have to be primed and painted, but if you get that far it's certainly not going to hurt you in the poll. The final pictures will be called for around the 24th of March.

Garyo

Much thanks for responding quickly. I will gladly enter in this.

Thanks,
-Jon

[castof1000s]

Never having done a challenge before..I think I might just give this one a go.

[mickeymao]

I'm interested in modeling one of these (probably my own, as that just seems natural), keeping it fairly low-poly and maybe trying to import it into NWN. I'm not sure if I'll actually have the time, but we'll see. Computer modeling is okay, right? Because I'm not prepared to get into sculpey right now.

[Garyo]

Yes computer modeling is welcome too.

Garyo

[underworldkits]

hey everybody.

i've just found my way over here from the sculpting forum at the clubhouse. ok if i join in? i'd kinda like to have a go at the carotello piece. :)

mike

[Anemos the Storm]

I am going to go for Nutter's version also
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/chow100_Nutter[1].jpg

Roughing in:
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Medusa_Nutter_1.jpg

[Garyo]

That's a great start Anemos, I think you may have gone a bit to long in the legs and arms though. Looking at Nutter's picture you'll see she has pretty close to normal human proportions if you don't count the very bottom of the foot claws starting at the reflection. Currently the elbows look like they would be as low as her hips if they were resting at her side instead of at her waist.

Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing more. Now everybody else, including myself, better get busy ;)

Garyo

[Anemos the Storm]

Thanks Garyo, I will take another look at her arms.
I was trying to figure out her legs, and assumed she has a normal tibia and fibia and calf muscle, so I built those then added for the foot where it should be pointing into the boot. If she stood fully erect on those stems that would add almost a whole 'nother foot length to the ground. Maybe she doesn't have a full calf area. Oh well i'll post updates soon.

[carotello]

Wow, guys. I am flattered, and I can't wait to see the results.
I have never really looked in this section, but now I am definitely gonna start checking it out.
Cheers!

[unbounddreams]

Here is my WIP on Nutter's Medusa:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/panel2page/chow100_Nutter400.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/panel2page/wip1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/panel2page/wip2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/panel2page/wip3.jpg

Basically I have started on the robo leg. I had to make a diagram of the leg in order to understand the mechanics, the shape, angles, etc. Basically reverse engineering the design to make it 3d. Kind of like what you would do in 3d modeling for low-poly game characters I suppose(it has been awhile for me). I use magic sculpt(apoxie/epoxy) and super sculpey firm for the robo legs. To explain it best: I can used armature wire with magic sculpt....let it dry...grind and sand to corrent shape if needed...added SSF onto it and sculpted it...baked...sanded and grinded if needed to keep with shape. I then add more magic sculpt to bulge and flesh out the curves and shapes again. I also added metal round disc to hold for future disc shapes. Later this week I will sand and grind accordingly. I have also been primering with white and grey to see inmperfections that need sanding or filling. It is why it it is so many colors...

On the body I have started the thighs and torso. Used regular skin tone super sculpey and magic sculp. The reason for the skin tone is to compare and understand the shape and color better. The thighs need much more work with sanding, filling, and a little bulging in certain areas. The torso is another beast I am slowly working on. The arms and head will be done separatly later. The staff will be worked on by this weekend.

Thanks for letting me share and join in on this!

-Jon

Almost forgot: She is 1/6 scale ( based on a 5 foot 6 inches average woman if it weren't for the robo legs). With those robo legs and hair she will end up about 14/1/2 inches before the base is added.

[Amusedjester]

Wow! Great starts on the nutter pieces! I should have time to start on this tomorrow since I mostly done with my other pieces. Great to see the original artist as well. Maybe they can give us some input as we go along.

[Amusedjester]

Here's what I've done so far. I'm just trying to place the anatomy according to the Photo. Right now I'm trying to figure out the weight of the right thigh and how it's interacting with the chair.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3753/chow100carotello2lf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/3272/picture1496lh9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Anemos the Storm]

Looking good AmusedJester and Jon! Keep it going.

Little more roughing in of body.
Shortened the arms a tad.
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/compare.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Nutter_WIP2.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Nutter_WIP.jpg

[Amusedjester]

Thanks, anemos. Your figure is really coming around now, that you're putting in the details of the armor. That is SS, yeah?
Here's a little addition. I just compared to the control art and realized that the thighs are too thick and the head slightly smaller. NutS! It looked ok on the actual piece. Ah well, need to cut some stuff. Anybody else spot some changes that needs to be done?
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8954/picture1497ta0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[TeaMonster]

All looking good in these early stages!
Good level of friendly competition - very exciting.
Im in, gonna start today! :}

[Garyo]

Nice stuff guys! Anemos, coming along very nicely. Amusedjester, the trimming down thighs and calves, but you need to bring back the sexy curves again, especially in the raised thigh. The top is straight as an arrow and the bottom side has an awful dent near her tushy. I think the rib cage is a bit more forward in the original art. I'm liking it though and can't wait to see more.

Garyo

[spectrestudios]

hey I want to play. will i be allowed to sell mine on ebay when i am done tho?

[unbounddreams]

hey I want to play. will i be allowed to sell mine on ebay when i am done tho?

If it is of your own creation I am sure your could, but if not permission and rights from the original concept designers would hinder that step and caution should be used until that is cleared.

-Jon

[VulgarDragon]

Looking great! I'm going to try to find some time to participate. I pick Daestwen's version.

[THE KHIJOTE]

Hey there!

This challenge sounds fun , i hope i still have time to give it a try! I will start this afternoon. I can see that no one has chosen the one with snake lower body so i go for that one!

Pics soon!

Khijote

[THE KHIJOTE]

Here we go! It is gonna be my first so please be gentle ;) dunno if we need all this shots but here they go anyway . I have learned a lot from tutorials in this forum so i will keep the format i have seen :)

Pic number one Just starting....

[THE KHIJOTE]

uffff too big !! sorry first time doing this kind of things !! here we go , second one....

[THE KHIJOTE]

Much better this size, ok and pic number 3, and that's all i've done today , at least it's strating to look like something! :)

[Garyo]

Nice start Khijote, only thing I can say so far is that the snake part of her body is bothering me a little and I'd like to see the rib cage a bit better defined ;) Your idea on cutting out a silhouette is a good one as well as using your anatomy books.

Garyo

[Anemos the Storm]

Few update pics.
Still roughing in SS Black Fimo mix
Don't like the head, will probably redo it.
Ref again:
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/chow100_Nutter[1].jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7652RS.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7643RS.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7646RS.jpg

[Maestro Andres]

Hey this is a fantastic idea, glad I bump into it. Didn't see it announced anywhere else. Just want to confirm something, if I made a 3d model, it doesn't needs to be textured and painted right? Just the model itself it's acceptable? If that's the case I will give it a try. And also, when exactly is the deadline?

[Anemos the Storm]

From Post #9
"Yes, post all pictures wip to final in this thread. Any scale you'd like is acceptable. They don't have to be primed and painted, but if you get that far it's certainly not going to hurt you in the poll. The final pictures will be called for around the 24th of March.'"
and Welcome!

[TeaMonster]

Here we go.....Shazam!!

Look out peeps another nutter about-Sorry. I know I said I'd start earlier, but I only got on it this week, so far.......
309723

I know, it looks like a contender for stickman 08, but believe me by end o' next week it'll be looking like a bad-ass snake headed she warrior! :medusachow:

[TeaMonster]

Hi all, thought I'd try and post up-to-date, if you don't mind.
So far....http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3622/wipmed02jm6.jpg
This is the rough bulk, I'm working on form now and will be using anatomy books to help.
-oh, and the cone head is there to support the weight of the head-dress later.

[Anemos the Storm]

Welcome TeaMonster, nice armature! can't wait to see more.

I have redone a few parts, mainly the head.

http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7775s.jpghttp://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7774s.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7771s.jpghttp://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7772s.jpg

[Garyo]

Looking good guys. It's interesting seeing the different approaches you guys are taking to nutters piece

[Clodioz]

good work all of you huys, cool idea!

[Anemos the Storm]

Still working on the head of my Medusa.
Crits
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Sketch/MHead.jpg

[TeaMonster]

It's about time I gave you guys an update.....
316909
316904

Just getting to the fun stuff now. Had to do quite a few repairs on the pose but i'm close now. Onto the details, snakes, armour face etc.
(the wires you see are temp place holders)

[Anemos the Storm]

Watch the time it will slip away...:) Looking good TeaMonster.
Ok, i have baked the head and will add lines later. Hood is a WIP using Magic Sculpt it seems a little big. I have to file down the sword and shape it more. I will make a push mold of it when i get done and make the rest.
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/3_1Med..jpg

[TeaMonster]

QUOTE "Watch the time it will slip away..."
LOL -Just transferred random dance tracks to Ipod....
....must work faster,
...must work faster,
..must work faster,
.must work faster!

[Garyo]

Mmmm tasty updates. All the Nutter projects are looking good, I hope unbounddreams' piece is coming along as well. Amusedjester any updates from you? Just a little reminder that we are just past the halfway point. Just to put a little pressure on everyone ;) Just so you know I haven't been completely lax here is a wip from me of my attempt at one of these fine gals. Let me know what you guys think....


Garyo

[Amusedjester]

My apologies by being absent. Gary, you're right it is fascinating seeing the different versions of one subject. Also, loving the different process being used.
I've made some changes to the left leg by shortening it, cut out about 3/4 of inch. Thrust out the rib cage a bit..Now that time is running short, I'm trying to get to the details + I'm sure the wings will take a lot of time. The hair is actually removable, thanks to a pic I saw earlier. I still need to make changes on the calf of the left leg. I'll whittle it down to something skinnier once I have it harder.
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6315/picture1540mf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4016/picture1541xm4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Amusedjester]

Gary, I really like the hips on this. That was one of the problems I was having with mine. You're doing the Jesse bean one, right? The finish on this really looks great. The only thing I might add is the way Bean has the hips pushed at a sharper angle, counterbalanced by the left leg bent across the other. Her left foot is probably on its tip toes.

Anemos, You're really getting far along on this. It's good to see how you're doing the details on this.

TeaMonster, drill in the eyes, Looks painful. :) Can't wait to see more updates.

[Garyo]

I think you might be right on my leg and hip placement. I might be able to cheat it a bit when I start the clothes... I feel good about the syncopation of the figure so far, but scratching my head a bit on making the lower part of her dress.

I like the progress on yours. The hips and ribs feel much better, but for such a sexy girl shes got cankles at the moment...

Oh and I forgot to Call Khijote out for updates too in my last post as well as anyone else being a bit shy!

Garyo

[Amusedjester]

Cankles! LOL. You're right about that. I'll be slimming it down at some time.

[Anemos the Storm]

Great Start GaryO! You are going to have some fun with tentacles and feathers...i purposely avoided feathers :) Let's see more!
Amusedjester, anatomy is very nice, face is beautiful. In looking at the concept, I think the artist meant to have the face pointing more towards the sky giving her more of an 'air', if you know what i mean.
I started hands and refinements last night. I will try to start on 'hair' tonight leaving me a whole lot of clean up time hopefully

[TeaMonster]

You guys are all onto winners. Well seeing as we'all friends, I'd thought I'd let you into a secret....
Here's how I make my models look so beautiful......
317705

[Amusedjester]

TeaMonster, A mudbath or a slimebath? lol
Anemos, Yah, the more I look into that face I see it tilted upwards, I decided to just have her looking off into the distance

[TeaMonster]

Update.....
320675
Out of the spa and into major surgery!

[Amusedjester]

Ummm,, WHAT happened? I see that you cut her into parts, right? Is that for casting later on?

[TeaMonster]

Seeing Amusedjester and Garyo capture lovely 'ladyness' made me re-think the anatomy.
I had a problem with the legs, she looked like she just got off a horse!
The other parts broke while I was trimming off excess bulk.
I'm fixing it now, I'll post a pic later
ps; I'm not intent on casting at the moment
Time's getting on, I gotta go sculpt like lightning to catch up with Anemos'.;)

[TeaMonster]

322714
Note, ref pic on right from the fabulous book;
'How to draw manga-sketching manga style 1' isbn 978-4-7661-1709-7
I highly recommend it!!

[Garyo]

Hey Teamonster,
The face is much more human, but a bit mannish. For a feminine face no hard lines and rounder features. Look at Anemos' last wip for a nice soft girly face... I know I'm still scratching my head figuring out how I want to go about the lower half of my figures dress.

[TeaMonster]

Whoops, my bad....
I should've probably mentioned that the 'Skeletor' look is temporary. That's my muscle structure base, I'm giving her a facial now :)

Garyo, thanks for looking out for me, thats what this place is all about, I love it!!
By the way I don't envy you on that dress detail. I'm going for a wire mesh to make my material if that helps?

[Garyo]

Yes, I've thought about mesh. I want to be able to cast her and that is what I'm puzzling over more than how to support the under structure. I'll try to post another wip in the next day or two also as I've resolved her a bit further :)

Garyo

[Anemos the Storm]

WOW TM you cut her up good :)
Jester, I know you have been Starwars'in but you gotta get here too :P
GaryO show us whatcha got!

Work and home have been killer. Small update:
Starting on snake hair, remade the sword, will sand and copy for the rest.
Hopefully I can finish up this weekend.
I have to finish legs
Replicate swords
finish snakes
make cloth
Clean up and detail.

http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7996.JPG
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7993.JPG
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/IMG_7986.JPG

[Anemos the Storm]

Come on Slackers POST UP!!

[cupidsart]

Wow, I wish I had known about this earlier! Still I'm going to try and get an entry in, I'm going for Jessibean's.

:)

[Tommy Allison]

http://conceptart.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=289626&stc=1&d=1201478428

I know I'm coming into this way late, but I think I'll give this a shot. So I have 11 days?

Let's see if I can't make this one happen.

[TeaMonster]

AAaarghh!
329371
I admit there is much to do, for instance you may have noticed she has N0 ARMS. Im keeping it loose for now till I've got her assembled, then I'll tighten up on detail.
oh well I'm still loving the project and think I'll make the finish. [opens can of energy drink]

Garyo, when exactly do you need the finished pics?

[Amusedjester]

Sorry, I haven't been able to update my Medusa, but I am working on her right now. The wings just made me put it off, the feather detail is driving me nuts. Anyway, she's almost done. Probably tomorrow, I'll post the next to final pics and you guys can give me some final tweaks info on it.

Anemos, Now that all the vital elements are in place you are definitely capturing the essence of the Ref. Art.

TeaMonster - I agree with you, keep it loose. Don't tighten up and panic. In Gary's original post it says the end of March. I originally thought he had a date there, hopefully he'll get back to us.

TommyA - Having followed your posts in the other place, 11 days is probably 10 days too long for you, you Speed Sculptor. :)

[Tommy Allison]

I guess I need to pick one and hammer it out. The worst thing a guy can do is to come in late, and then pick something someone else already has done.

I'll pick something good and bang it out.

[Amusedjester]

Here's as far as I can take this one for now. The wings shape kinda got out of hand. It's the second time in 15 years I've done wings so hopefully next time will be better. I trimmed down the ankles a little. I didn't add the long nails, as they would be easily broken. I designed the hair and wings to be removable. I hope everybody is coming along with their pieces well. :)
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4373/picture1574is7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3645/chow100carotello2ng0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1412/picture1570bgh4.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture1570bgh4.jpg)
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/136/picture1572brs0.th.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture1572brs0.jpg)
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4877/picture1571bbd9.th.jpg (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture1571bbd9.jpg)

[TeaMonster]

Jester that's AWESOME!!
Well done to you, great feathers [jaw dropped] and over all form. Congrats on a fine piece of work.
Please, please please give her a spear tip :teeth:

[Tommy Allison]

I think I'm going to have to wait til the next challenge.

[Garyo]

Ha Amusedjester that is pretty freakin' awesome!

The Call is going up for all FINAL pics by this coming Sunday the 30th.

I admit even I'm behind on this one, here is another wip for me not sure I'll have it ready by my own dead line lol, but I do like her.

So all you gluttons for punishment you do have a wee bit less than 7 days if you still want to do a figure.

Garyo

[Amusedjester]

Thanks, TeaMo. I added that tip for you.

Thank you, too, Gary! . I am really digging the cloth folds and textures you've got going. Looking at what you have accomplished on the face I can't wait to see the next phase for your Medusa. You were right about the hips, her stance looks quite natural.

[Tommy Allison]

Well thanks for telling me that I have until the 30th to get pics in.

I will not make the deadline anyway. Way too much work. Maybe next month's.

[cupidsart]

Thanks for the heads up Garyo.

I can't wait to get pics up of mine, but I have to wait until I can buy batteries on Fri, :D

[TeaMonster]

Small Update.
332302

Good news about the deadline, thanks Garyo, btw you material's come out brill.
So I'm almost ready to cook her, then I'm finishing snakes, blades etc...

[Anemos the Storm]

That's what I'm talking about!
GaryO she is looking great!
AJ, WOW, where do you find the time? Complete nitpick: Her wings on your sculpt look great, almost angelic (great job!) but the art has more scraggly looking appendages. Otherwise spot on! Hands look great very nice anatomy. you should be proud.
Tea. Everything is looking good, that trip to the spa did her wonders. Her legs look good too, they are killing me on mine right now.
I'll be there at the finish!

[Amusedjester]

TeaMo - man you are really scrambling on this one. What a difference from the last post. It is looking really good!

Anemos - you're right about the wings. I learned a few things while doing the wings and would probably approach the tips a little differently.

Can't wait 'til week's end.

[dreamsorcerer]

[quote=Amusedjester;1697272]Here's as far as I can take this one for now. The wings shape kinda got out of hand. It's the second time in 15 years I've done wings so hopefully next time will be better. I trimmed down the ankles a little. I didn't add the long nails, as they would be easily broken. I designed the hair and wings to be removable. I hope everybody is coming along with their pieces well. :)

Wow, I'm really impressed with the sculpt. The sculpt looks so much like it's design.. congrats.

And I've been thinking lately about how to sculpt feathers, it's something i'm unsure about doing because the texture is so subtle. But looks like you're doing well.

[Amusedjester]

Thanks, dreamsorcerer. I think that if I were to do wings again the things to avoid would be uniformity. The size, width, length and direction of the feathers were too similar. I laid down a row of clay and shaped the feathers in; and I think it made it too uniform even when I tried to lift singular feathers or change their direction. The wing tips I think I should have done separately and stuck them into the major wing shape. Just things to keep in mind for the next wing project.

[dreamsorcerer]

Thanks, dreamsorcerer. I think that if I were to do wings again the things to avoid would be uniformity. The size, width, length and direction of the feathers were too similar. I laid down a row of clay and shaped the feathers in; and I think it made it too uniform even when I tried to lift singular feathers or change their direction. The wing tips I think I should have done separately and stuck them into the major wing shape. Just things to keep in mind for the next wing project.

Yes, it does sound very difficult. I was looking at this technical diagram of a kestral's wing opened out, quite complicated, and I just wondered how the bloody hell I'm going to achieve such a feat. And what you said about doing the feathers seperatley, yes I totally agree. Because from looking at the kestral's wing, each feather looks simiilar but are individual in size and shape. I'm looking forward to seeing your future wing project. Good luck! And thanks for sharing matey.

[TeaMonster]

Hint
333933

[Garyo]

Two Days

[TeaMonster]

Ooh this place is a bit of a ghost town today?
Garyo do you want the finals posted here?
'are you still there?'

[TeaMonster]

I didn't want to be the first to post, but I can't wait any longer :)
So here's mine, hope you like it.....
336315
So I'm not completely pleased with it so I'll carry on tweaking. But for the purpose of this thread I'm done.
A big thanks to Nutter, for letting the likes of me use his work, Thanks also to Garyo for organising this challenge.

Look forward to seeing what you guys got! :)

[Anemos the Storm]

Great Job TeaMonster! You sped up and finished. I wish I could say the same :(:anime:
Here is what i have...I will continue to play with it, but work and family time came first.
Thanks GaryO can't wait to see what CHOW is next.
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Final%20Show.jpg
http://thewhisperingleaf.com/Sculpt/images/Final_Montage.jpg

[Amusedjester]

TeaMonster that looks fantastic AND you even found the time to paint it. WoW!
Anemos - seeing it in different views really brings this piece to life. Those legs adds to the dynamics of this figure. Cool.

[Garyo]

Great work everybody! I ended up getting pulled away by family matters, but I'll try to put up the poll in the next day or two. We have three really solid entries. I'll post where I ended up and probably keep posting till she's finished, but won't make her a part of the poll since I didn't make the finish line. Looking forward to cooking up the next challenge...

Garyo

[cupidsart]

Yeah, I was really hoping I could fit this in my schedual but got hammered. I'll post her up when I get batteries for my camera. Man I really wanted to be a part of this, :(