365 Days Through My Lens

So, I've fallen for wordpress

2008-05-17T23:52:00.001-06:00

My playing around with it lead to me falling head over heels for wordpress. So, if you got here via bookmark, you can change it to http://heather365.wordpress.com/

I hope to see you all over there.

Pondering

2008-04-27T22:01:00.001-06:00

Still playing with dandelions and the magic of childhood wishes. It is very important that they be just the exact right wish.

As an aside, I imported all of my posts from blogger and some of them got messed up. I'm not going to worry about fixing them right now and I am going to try to export the ones from my Wordpress blog onto blogger. I will try to keep everyone both places updated while I decide what I should do. Any feedback would be appreciated as well.

What kind of plant was your day like?

2008-04-27T00:07:00.004-06:00

04-25-08
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

...8

2008-04-25T20:33:00.003-06:00

I wish...

2008-04-25T19:18:00.002-06:00

I wish...
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It were May 3rd already ;) I also strongly suggest that you click on this one so that you can view it large, it loses a lot being shrunk down to blog size.

It's grilling time

2008-04-24T20:46:00.001-06:00

DSC_0819_554
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I love the days of not having to mess up the kitchen to cook dinner.

10 Little Toes, 10 Little Days

2008-04-23T19:27:00.000-06:00

DSC_0778_513
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Nursing School survival tip #2 -- what not to do

2008-04-21T21:02:00.001-06:00

DSC_0751_487
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Cute, fluffy, and fuzzy animals need to be walked right on past on days you are feeling your internal strength is down. Unless you are planning on turning your home into a small scale zoo.

I did not act on that piece of advice.

Where I apply for a small scale zoo license?

Countdown begins

2008-04-21T19:31:00.002-06:00

and so it starts. I do feel I can officially say that the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train headed my way and I believe I can see others on the outside playing the grass and laying in the sun.

the one left behind

2008-04-19T11:52:00.004-06:00

I don't have a lot of stuff left to do before graduation, but I am finding myself doing everything possible to not do it. After all one of the rescue bulbs that got left behind was blooming and had to be shot. Right?

The ones that were rescued aren't going to bloom this year so I had to capture the one left behind. Portfolio due on Monday? Pshaw.

Tulips blooming? Highly important.

14 days exactly until I graduate. 2 weeks. 1/2 a month. 1/104 of a year. So why can't I sit down and finish my stuff so I can enjoy this time?

Open to the world

2008-04-18T17:49:00.001-06:00

DSC_0620_461
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

These tulips open up wide almost immediately, without keeping a tight blossom that is typical of tulips.

The business side of blogging.

2008-04-17T23:11:00.003-06:00

I'm playing around with things. Trying to decide if I like the pictures bigger in the middle of the blog or small and linked back to flickr (the bigger pictures are also clickable to take you back to my photostream) The bigger pictures don't work with the format but I can play with that (I think, I hope)

Nursing School survival tip #1-- Weeds grow fast

2008-04-17T23:02:00.002-06:00

Same plant, just 7 days inbetween them and different angle.

In life, and specifically nursing school there are things in your life that you really don't want around. They are prickley, itchy, make you grumpy, suck all of your time so that you can't be growing, er...doing, all that you really want to.

Whether that weed is a big project that you are just dreading because really it isn't anything but busy work or a negative situation at school or home the weed needs to go before grows. Projects get bigger when you are doing them the night before and the article you needed for it has to be ordered through the interlibrary loan so you don't have the information required. Big weed. Sometimes you have a problem with an instructor that you keep ignoring and hoping it goes away but it never does. When you try to address the issue later it has been blown out of proportion or is no longer rectifable (yes, I just made that word up)

Dealing with your weeds before they grow and overwhelm your life is key.

From apricots to crabapples

2008-04-16T16:26:00.001-06:00

DSC_0613_454
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I think my favorite part of mid-spring is the flowering trees. Our crabapple tree is absolutely beautiful in the springtime, I will miss it (it's one of the trees we are taking down and replacing with something else, probably a cherry tree)

Hoo-rah!!

2008-04-14T19:11:00.001-06:00

Hoo-rah!!
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Want to guess who finished with clinicals yesterday?

Ready to pop

2008-04-12T14:42:00.001-06:00

DSC_0510_408
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Yup, more of the apricot tree. I've been trying to cross things of off my Great Big Giant To Do List™ and my blog is feeling neglected because of it.

Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree

2008-04-09T19:52:00.001-06:00

DSC_0509_409
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I love apricots from the time they bud until we are eating them later in the year.

Go ahead Spring, take your time

2008-04-08T14:35:00.001-06:00

04080838
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

This morning as I lay in bed moaning and complaining that my alarm was going off (again!) I realized that my mornings are very much like spring. I don't get up and jump out of bed and am good for the day, my alarm goes off and flop over to turn it off, I might even get up to the bathroom and come back to bed making my family mistakenly think I was up and good for the day.

Similarly Spring starts and stops in spurts and sometimes we think for sure she has finally come to stay and she crawls back underneath the duvet of snow for another 9 minutes of rest before the day begins.

I enjoy the time between my alarm going off and me being up and functional to go nice, slow, and calmly so I'll stop rushing Spring. Go ahead and take your time, just know that my cabbage seeds have sprouted.

Achooo!

2008-04-07T21:20:00.001-06:00

04070836
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's a beautiful time of year, my nose just happens to disagree with my eye sees. I like the texture in the buds and the branch crossing through the image.

Looking for Breakfast

2008-04-06T13:04:00.001-06:00

04060827
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Texture

2008-04-06T13:03:00.001-06:00

04050810
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

The amazing thing about poppies to me is their texture so I converted this image to black and white to emphasis the delicate texture of the petals.

Sleep, rest, repose

2008-04-05T16:45:00.001-06:00

DSC_0351_299
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Depending on the source, poppies can have various symbolism. Modern symbolism of the red poppies goes to Flanders Field during World War I. Anciently Egyptians used poppies extensively during death rituals symbolizing eternal life. The symbolism I prefer is of sleep, rest, and repose.

I could use a little of that myself currently. Instead of knowing that I am going to be able to get my rest, I'm instead planting some poppies out back.

As another poppy tidbit, they are the state flower of California.

Not my work

2008-04-04T20:31:00.001-06:00

frozen delight
Originally uploaded by Dixie Native

I had a mystery person add me to their flickr contacts. I always do a little investigating to see what style they like, who their other contacts are, etc. I rarely post in any groups so I often wonder how people find me.

This photo belongs to a very talented photographer who is also a contact of the mystery person. Please, don't just look at this image go and look through their entire photostream, it is absolutely stunning work.

Welcoming Spring

2008-04-01T20:29:00.001-06:00

DSC_0320_269
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I feel like a little kid at Christmas, the closer spring gets the slower the days are going until I'm not hunting out the splashes of color here and there.

These daffodils make me smile inside.

Spring fever continues

2008-03-29T21:05:00.001-06:00

DSC_0298_247
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I am *so* ready for warm weather! This is my new easter lily that I planted today. I planted it from a forced bulb so we'll see what happens. For now she's beautiful.

Soaking up the sun

2008-03-28T20:42:00.001-06:00

DSC_0284_233
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Squash, watermelon, pumpkins, and some mint that I started yesterday in peat pots.

Lub Swoosh Dub

2008-03-25T22:42:00.002-06:00

DSC_0251_206
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Is the sound of The Baby's heart and is what is sending us to Primary Children's Medical Center tomorrow for a cardiac echo.

Please excuse the dirty face, we working in the yard.

The Color Purple

2008-03-25T22:23:00.001-06:00

DSC_0273_230
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I think I've decided that the reason purple is one of my favorite colors is that is such an alive color of spring. This is the same hyacinth that a few days ago looked scraggly.

Goodbye Mr. Winter.

Anybody home?

2008-03-25T22:21:00.001-06:00

DSC_0265_220
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

This nest is in a tree that I want to cut down, barring any residents growing in there. I guess we'll have to borrow a ladder tall enough to peek inside and if I get bombarded by an angry Momma bird I'll have my answer too.

Shakiest Lens in the West

2008-03-24T21:10:00.001-06:00

DSC_0268_223
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I knew my asthma had impacted my ability to train for the triathlon next month, but I never thought about it affecting my photography. After using my inhaler today I could have won a shakiest lens contest hands down.

Spring is on it's way one no matter what though.

Snubbed by Mr. Redbreast

2008-03-24T21:07:00.001-06:00

DSC_0260_215
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

He was looking at me up until the time I pulled the camera up. I've had kids that didn't want to look into the camera but this is the first time I've been snubbed by a bird.

Spring color

2008-03-23T14:24:00.001-06:00

DSC_0237_192
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

and it's not green!!!

Too cool...

2008-03-21T17:55:00.001-06:00

DSC_007450
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I attempted to blog this yesterday without much luck. She's growing up to the point that it's no longer cool to have your picture taken at a park.

Happy Birthday to me

2008-03-21T16:48:00.001-06:00

DSC_0099_087
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Mitzi saying hi to my new birthday present, Mary Sue Cotton.

too cool...

2008-03-20T20:15:00.001-06:00

Mission 1: Completed

2008-03-19T17:49:00.001-06:00

DSC_0092_080
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I have a few of the bulbs in my yard now, in the ground. I need to get some compost, but on the advice of a friend for now I may just cover them up with pine needles and bark.

I also nabbed some *something* that I think might be grape hyacinth. I was hoping it was crocus but the more I look the more I doubt it.

Operation Save the Bulbs

2008-03-19T12:16:00.001-06:00

DSC_0090_07634
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

FYI, there are more pictures on my flickr stream of some of the bulbs in question that are better from a photography POV, but this one speaks to the source of the problem.

A little history, I have an emotional tie to my garden and flower beds. I'm sad in the fall after I've harvested everything and things are no longer blooming. I spend a lot of time working in the garden nurturing it and contemplating life. Seeing it die in the fall is a sad time for me.

These bulbs have been cared for lovingly for decades, until the past couple of years. I took this picture today and it's now my mission to save the bulbs. I'll keep you updated on how Operation Save the Bulbs goes.

Green?!?

2008-03-10T20:07:00.001-06:00

DSC_0026_018
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Why yes, it is. This is what I found when I pulled all of the pine needles out of the flower beds today. I'm anxious to get planting and I hope that we have more nice days coming up so I can get things looking nice and fresh in the front yard and ready for plants.

Real Smiles?

2008-03-10T20:05:00.001-06:00

contrast layer
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's amazing the smiles I get when I haven't been pestering them for pictures in a while. It may just be time for a more formal session.

Spring is just around the corner

2008-03-09T22:07:00.001-06:00

DSC_0014_009
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

This is usually the first sign of spring in Utah, what is it in your area?

Clock tower

2008-03-09T22:06:00.001-06:00

DSC_0009_004
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's not finished yet, but it is finally looking presentable instead of making everyone wonder why they were building it. I think I'm going to like it, and I wonder if I'll be able to hear it from the house or not.

The definition of anti-climatic

2008-03-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

03070825
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Guess what came in the mail today? Yup, my new baby.

She's wonderful and beautiful and fits my hand like a glove (only better because I have a hard time finding gloves to fit) Unfortunately she needs a CF card. I knew this, I just have not had an opportunity to pick one up yet and she refuses to be satisfied by my SD cards.

*sigh*

So, there she sits just as wonderful as can be in her picture virginity.

I might not even be able to go shooting tomorrow because it's the last day of the conference and I don't know what time I'll be done.

Is patience still a virtue?

Just for me. Just because.

2008-03-05T16:31:00.001-07:00

03010824
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I'm planning for a bit of phototherapy coming up because I feel myself getting sucked into the unbalanced side of life again.

So, this is just for me. Just because.

Since it's been a while since I've just rambled and I'm getting some new hits thanks to A Big Corporate Messageboard I thought I'd mention that I love comments, of any variety, so if you have something to say just say it.

Forbidden

2008-02-23T17:16:00.001-07:00

Forbidden-01
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Stopped along the roadside today for a few minutes.

Ski time

2008-02-21T16:27:00.001-07:00

Up the mountain at the ski resort...

Christmas Moon

2008-02-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

Yup, I'm just that far behind.

Yes, I'm still here

2008-02-21T08:06:00.002-07:00

It's been such a long time since I've posted I'm ashamed of myself. I have not been shooting as much, but I've definitely gotten some stuff since November! Yikes.

School is almost done (73 more days) and my preceptorshift is complete so all I have left is 6 high acuity clinicals, a bazillion assignments, and walking.

Boots

2007-11-09T21:53:00.001-07:00

11090717
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Not much to say, just the Princess doing what she does best.

The last leaf

2007-10-26T18:05:00.001-06:00

10260703
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

First, about what's going on. October got crazy insane with school projects, clinicals, and life.

Then the computer got a virus that required us to reinstall windows. Of course, I was in the middle of processing some gorgeous birth shots that I really wish I could share with you. Lots of stress, crossing fingers, and praying for my most important files to be saved and most of them were. As you can see, the watermark has changed again because it was one of the files lost.

Things are slowing down slightly on the school front and I need to looking for some more balance in my life instead of stress at every turn.

As for the photo, I don't have my settings (bad, bad me) but this was taken about 4 pm, probably around f2.something, ap priority, with my 50 mm lens.

Fall means so much to me, and this year I'm finding it symbolic of so many things going on. It ends a season but it's crisp, refreshing, and energizing if you can get up to going out and enjoying it.

Meet Fred

2007-09-03T18:16:00.001-06:00

090307002
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Yes, it's been a while but school is starting back up, we're going to be heading into a lot of testing with The Scientist, and I'm busy losing weight so expect to be less and less of me (literally)

Here is Fred, a moth The Investigator latched onto over the weekend. She carried him around for hours and he finally decided to leave yesterday.

Practicing with sun flare

2007-08-18T20:28:00.001-06:00

081807307
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

For the time being I'm taking people out of my sun flare pictures. I've come close a couple of times but never nailed it. I closed my ap way down for this one making the streams of light sharp instead of blurs of light.

Gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day!

2007-08-15T11:54:00.001-06:00

081507302
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I'm amazed at how fast the sunflowers are changing, it was worth the wait of them not doing anything other than growing up, and then having buds for what seemed like forever.

f/8.0, SS 1/500, ISO 200, 95 mm (55-200 mm lens), fill flashed used at 1/16th power

Woot!

2007-08-12T14:48:00.001-06:00

081207298
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I tried to use fill flash to not blow out the sky. I only have a pop up flash (yes, an SB is on the short list) for shooting outside. I turned it down to 1/8th power and got this.

f/7.1, SS 1/500, ISO 200, 55-200 mm lens (yes, my baby got sent back)

"Learning To See Creatively" exercise

2007-08-10T00:20:00.001-06:00

I picked up a couple of Bryan Peterson's books from Amazon and honestly, I wish I would have done it earlier in the summer so I could have been setting the information in my mind by using it.

Here are my results from the first exercise (around page 16) I'm wishing I would have used my graycard to set my exposure, I was aperture priority from shooting in different light from earlier and just didn't think (never a good thing) I was just trying to get this finished before the shadows that were continuing to grow reached the trike. I also wish I would marked off my shooting points with chalk and measured them (yeah, I'm geeky that way)

Technical stuff. 105 mm lens (it goes home soon :( ) f/7.1, ISO 200, SS varied.

I didn't PP these at all. No RAW adjustments and I resized as a batch to be able to post. No USM, no watermark (yes, they are still mine) no anything other than the batch resize.

These were taken standing and getting progressively closer.

Kneeling (my poor knees, I should have gardening knees on)

On my belly, neighbors were watching me army crawl. I'd think they'd be use to this by now.

Standing on a step ladder (yes, I went above and beyond)

Observations

#1- A little change in perspective really changes the entire feel of the images.

#2- I debating about actually 'doing' the exercises or not. Do I really need to, the wonderful photographer that I am?

Well, I decided that as long as learning was my goal yes I did need to do them even if I did similar ones in classes before. I've got new equipment since then and the principles all still apply but if I feel my composition needs enough help that I'm buying a book (albeit one I've wanted for a long time) to help me with composition I better do what the book asks.

Which observation do I think is most important? Probably the second. For anyone who's read the book and not done the exercises they are quick and don't take as much time as I originally thought.

Peek-a-boo

2007-08-09T22:26:00.001-06:00

080907294
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Is that some yellow I see? Might we have some blossoms for the fair? I think it will be close and yes you should expect a lot of sunflower progress pictures in the next few weeks.

Tomboy in love

2007-08-09T21:59:00.001-06:00

080907295
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

SS 1/250 f/3.5, ISO 800, 105mm

Calendar test print

2007-08-09T00:06:00.001-06:00

back
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's packaged and ready to go! I just realized that my copyright notice didn't end up visible, it must have been buried under layers. I guess this will have to be my copy then ;)

It was a pain today figuring out all the picky details and then realizing I had to do it all over again, but next time should go smoother.

No, I have no updated the pictures in the gallery to reflect the changes made here. If you are wondering about purchasing one the price will depend on how many people I have commit to buying one. The more purchased the cheaper they are.

Mom's wall

2007-08-07T21:41:00.001-06:00

080707142
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I'm printing this big for a couple of reasons.

1- I need to how big I can go with my new printer (and these are general test prints too)

2- It's going on Mom's back of her cabinets

3- I love getting big prints back.

SS 1 second, f/something, ISO 200, 105 mm

Also, today on flickr I was playing with the sun. I'm definitely not there yet but you can't see my progress pictures if I don't take them.

Just been buzzing around

2007-08-06T21:31:00.001-06:00

080607122
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I'm loving the lens, but I'm amazed at how thin the DOF is. This bee was taken at f/4.5 but I was able to get close enough that the middle of the bee is in focus but the bud of the flower he is on and the top of his back isn't. He's a curly little bee so he was 'thicker' than some of the others I've shot and he let me get a lot closer.

Cool old building

2007-08-06T20:05:00.001-06:00

080607131
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I wish I knew who owned it, I bet there is some wonderful streaming light inside of there and the tall weeds in front of it would be wonderful to stick kids behind too.

SS 1/800, f/3.5, ISO 200, 105 mm

Adjusted version

2007-08-05T23:10:00.001-06:00

08050794-ps
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I didn't do heavy anything. Curves, contrast, saturation, levels, and light burning.

Bee whisperer

2007-08-05T23:04:00.001-06:00

08050794
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I took my "not mine" lens up the canyon today and notice a bee on some clover. Of course I had the tripod on and everything set to get the waterfall blurred. I got a couple of shots with the tripod sticking out behind my arm but went on to the waterfalls.

On the way back I stopped again to sit down by the little patch of clover and see if any other bees were hanging around. I saw one, waited for him to come closer and then they were everywhere (not in a bad scary horror movie about bees way, I was calm they were calm we were all good)

Once again, no PS'ing done other than cropping, resizing, watermark, and USM. I think I will pull this one into PS again and see what a few layers do but I wanted to post before I forgot.

Oh, if anyone is curious, when a bee lands on the lens hood you can not focus on it.

SS 1/320, f/5.0, ISO 200, 105 mm

I'm in love

2007-08-04T20:44:00.001-06:00

08040769
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I've been shooting just about anything I can think of, a few are being cropped/resized/usm'ed so I can post here but not much else. I shot about 260 images today (a lot of multiples playing around the settings and I only saved one)

Some of them are on my flickr stream. If you click the image it will take you to my flickr.

105 mm f/2.8 micro Nikon lens -- I'm in love

2007-08-03T21:13:00.001-06:00

08030712
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I'm renting this from ziplens, and was getting all antsy and impatient like a kid at Christmas with waiting.

I can't put into words how much I'm loving this lens. I have a lot more images on flickr, none of them have been edited besides resizing.

For this one, f/5, SS 1/2500, ISO 200, 105mm

There are no words

2007-08-02T22:41:00.001-06:00

08020704
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I almost didn't blog these via flickr, but decided why not.

Nothing quite like a walk for frozen yogurt after a long hard day. She ditched the second shoe on the way home, and yes the one remaining shoe is on the wrong foot.

I'm so not going to worry about settings. It was late, ISO was high, SS was low.

08020705
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Rainy days

2007-08-01T21:12:00.001-06:00

08010701
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

SS 1/40, f/4.0, ISO 1600, 80 mm (55-200 kit lens)

Reflection of the evening sky in a puddle after the rain.

Love the lashes

2007-07-31T17:24:00.001-06:00

073007242b
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

SS 1/320, f/4.0, 55mm (55-200 mm kit lens) ISO 400

I went for a softer conversion here rather than my typical dark and contrasty conversion. Did I manage to stay away from muddy and flat and keep it soft?

Summertime

2007-07-30T16:44:00.001-06:00

073007230
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

The Investigator, The Scientist, and some neighborhood kids have set up shop. If people don't have 50 cents they also offer smaller (think 4 oz glasses) sizes for 25 cents. They're all about the customer after all.

I went up (they're on the neighbors lawn) and bought a glass for me, glass for The Princess and went inside to talk to Mom. I asked if I could pay for both glasses at the same time and they had to have a conference about it. In the end, that's ok.

PSA and update on Ernie

2007-07-29T16:51:00.001-06:00

072907229
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

CDC guidelines say that if you were sleeping in a room with a bat that was out of the area it's normal for them to be it counts as a possible exposure.

Yup, we've had The Scientist going out to the ER for the series of rabies shots. The bat has been sent off and we hear back on Wednesday (when his next shot is due BTW)

This PSA is a couple of days old, but I've been busy with flower pictures for the calendar.

Calendar

2007-07-28T22:05:00.001-06:00

flowers2007
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I found a new printer, uses fuji paper, has a lot of 'fun' things like keychains, calendars, the class collage ala lifetouch, mirrors etc. Their 'normal' offerings are amazing too. I had about 20 sample prints (one of their images) on all of the different papers/canvas/watercolor paper with all of the different finishes.

I haven't submitted anything yet, but I think I'm hooked.

This is the back of the calendar I'm getting to sample their press printed line. I was going to print up a few for Christmas gifts and I've had a few others interested in purchasing them too.

You can see (or will be able to see soon) bigger web size versions of the pictures in my online portfolio, under 2008 Flower Calendar.

Rose mallow

2007-07-28T18:30:00.001-06:00

072807213
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

My drought friendly, local flora flower bed is on the verge of adding in an 'outsider' who drinks a lot.

Meet rose mallow, a bush that grows 4-5' high and 2-3' wide. She comes in dark pink or white and the flowers are 5-6" across. They're huge, and beautiful.

I don't know if I'll end up buying one or not, they are very thirsty plants and I'm not sure where I'd put her.

Beeeeee yourself

2007-07-27T14:08:00.001-06:00

072707189
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

or, I *really* want a macro lens. *pout*

SS 1/320, f/5.6, ISO 200

Beauty in diversity

2007-07-27T12:29:00.001-06:00

072707192
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Yeah, I'm being kind of a sentimental mush today, but I was taking pictures of the wildflowers, which this time of year are largely yellow/orange and this bachelors button stood out among all of the sunflowers and black eyed susans. He's not loud, arrogant (yes, I personified the flowers) or overpowering. In fact, if you just rode your bike by you might not even notice him.

He does stand out among the crowd for his unique beauty though.

Meet Ernie

2007-07-25T15:52:00.001-06:00

072507183
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

He's visiting us for the day (uninvited) and hopefully will leave peacefully at dusk.

SS 4 sec, f/5.6, 200 mm ISO 200

I believe I can fly!

2007-07-24T19:21:00.001-06:00

072407172
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I wasn't going for a silhouette but that's what I got. I was trying to get the angle and perspective I need to have a child swinging into the blue sky and clouds. Of course today we didn't have much blue, just the clouds.

Needless to say I didn't manage to get everything exposed nicely, and I'll have to pick a sunny day to test it out on.

SS 1/3200, f3.2, ISO 200

Wildflowers

2007-07-24T16:00:00.001-06:00

072407168
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I've been feeling really connected to all the wildflowers around here lately. I'm also feeling a bit 'ruttish' about my shooting and not sure how to get out of that.

SS 1/200, f/5.6, ISO 200, 200 mm

Ansel Adams once said...

2007-07-23T17:35:00.001-06:00

072307164
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

I felt I was there today, a beautiful storm (in the second driest state in the nation none the less) The Investigator had on pretty flowy dress, the street was nearly empty, and I had the wrong lens on.

I wish I could have gotten my SS up more, I already upped my ISO thinking it might make for a nice grainy BW (I did a similar one last year) but I love the natural almost selective color, and it's calling to be left in color.

SS 1/100, f/4.8, ISO 800 (I thought I was at 1600, I could have gotten a little more SS that probably would have stopped the motion blur :( bummer)

Photographese.

2007-07-21T22:45:00.001-06:00

072107159
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

A couple of internet buddies have been asking more technical questions about my pictures, and photography so I'd explain which left them confused because I was speaking in photographese.

Yes, I'm aware that's not a real word.

So I wrote a bit, a blurb (well, a LONG blurb), an article, that's what I'll call it! I wrote an article about photographese and covered the basics of the language and how they impact photography. I didn't get into it all, I didn't touch bokeh, catchlights, or any of the 'rules'

When you are talking about photography, the written word is empty without an image to go with it so I pulled some out of my gallery to share but it's hard to compare and contrast two completely different images so I spend today gathering stuff and finding places I could shoot for examples.

Every time I'd get something set up the pager would go off, so those few images were literally an all day project.

I'm not sharing them all, just the one I used to demonstrate slow shutter speed. I really wish the office building were elsewhere, and these are SOOC, just resized.

SS 1/3, f22, ISO 200, 50 mm

Itsy Bitsy spider

2007-07-20T23:32:00.001-06:00

072007144
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Yup, me wanting a macro again :)

It's also part of 'my message' that spiders aren't inherently bad and how many bugs we'd have to deal with if it wasn't for spiders (and bats, I have a bat picture from last year, I'll come edit it back in.

SS 1/500, f5.6, ISO 1600 (yes, I know--again)

Ok, here's the bat. We were up at the cabin and I used a tripod and a long exposure.

Garden update

2007-07-20T23:20:00.001-06:00

072007143
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Corn again this week. Yeah, I know this doesn't you much about how it's growing. It seems to have stopped shooting up and it's getting tassles. One of the squares is a lot taller than the others and while I do have 2 varieties in there, they were planted half and half.

f5.6, SS 1/400, ISO 1600 (yeah, I know but these were in dark shade and since they're 'just' updates)

More Hamlin Valley

2007-07-20T14:23:00.001-06:00

071907140
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Hamlin Valley fire

2007-07-20T14:22:00.001-06:00

071907141
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Or the smoke from it rising up over the mountain. They evacuated yesterday, I haven't heard any updates today.

New glass!

2007-07-19T22:16:00.001-06:00

071907131
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's old, a 105mm f2.5 that doesn't even auto focus. I'm going to struggle because I can't meter with it and I realized I need new glasses.

For my non-moving, not in a hurry subjects I'm liking it. I'm also very grateful for Sunny 16 and my histogram when I'm not outside in the sun.

f (something, fairly wide I think it might have been 2.5) SS 1/4000, ISO 200, 105mm

Fire season

2007-07-16T21:42:00.001-06:00

071607115
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

It's going to be a bad year, we're already at a level 4, at level 5 they call in support from other countries (not that I object to the help, it's just a sign of how bad the year is when we're not even into August yet)

We went to see what we could see from a distance and we caught the planes flying directly over us. You can see the red from their drops.

We went out a little closer to the fire and couldn't see much besides smoke but we were able to watch the planes working.

I think this is the one!

2007-07-15T22:11:00.001-06:00

071507108
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I uploaded this earlier and am posting from my laptop so I don't have settings (or opanda to find the settings) but I think this is going to be my flower pict for the fair.

Of course, I'm still open to alternative opinions or CC

Corn is as high

2007-07-15T19:14:00.001-06:00

071507111
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

as my waist. Yet the tassles are popping up.

SS 1/250, f5.0, ISO 200, 120MM

All sentimental and mushy

2007-07-14T23:11:00.001-06:00

I went to a family wedding today, and ran into someone who means the world to me (I didn't expect to see him) From the back of the crowd I got some pictures of him singing, unfortunately with full harsh sun I blew his shirt in them. Not kind of blew, but really blew it.

This man has had a huge impact on my life, one that he probably doesn't even realize.

Which made me realize that there are many important people in my life I don't have pictures of, or the pictures I do have are of them splashing in the kids' pool. (Hi Mom!)

Mom, did you get his reflection?

2007-07-13T23:37:00.001-06:00

07130758
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

We were at the duck pond today (yes, 2 pictures from the same day I admit it) and The Investigator was taking some pictures for the fair and she noticed the ducks reflection. I could hear her say "square on the duck, make sure I have the reflection, ok"

BTW, "square on the duck" was talking about the focus point.

After her shots, I got this one and she wanted to make sure I had all of the reflection. She'll be disappointed I missed part of it.

DD is getting very good at shooting flowers, and I was avoiding putting anything with the same subject as her in the fair but I think I might put the duck in too. I'm not sure, he's kind of plain and nothing wonderful with him but it was hard (especially with The Princess by us) to get him this close to us, so that I could print this one big.

Stats:

SS1/200, f5.6, ISO 200, and I think 200mm

Baby Dragonfly?

2007-07-13T23:25:00.001-06:00

07130759
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

cropping as a zoom again, I want my macro lens!

This little guy was at the duck pond and at first I thought he was a tadpole in the middle of turning into a frog until I counted the legs and got a good look at his eyes. I think he's a baby dragonfly!

Mmmmm

2007-07-11T21:22:00.001-06:00

07100720
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

This is my favorite part of the garden, and specifically organic gardening. I know that right after I took this picture I could pick this tomato and pop her right into my mouth without the worry of what pesticide residue was hanging around on the plant.

I did just that too :)

SS1/640, f2.2, ISO 200, 50mm

Contest contender?

2007-07-10T12:14:00.001-06:00

07100717
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Debating about putting this in the contest or not. I love flower shots, but in this contest a unique eye really matters and I enjoy the flowers but I don't know that I'd call my perspective on them unique at all. Nothing stands out for me with this.

I'd love everyone's thoughts on the matter, feel free to email me them if you want.

SS 1/2500, f2.8, ISO 200, 50mm

Learning to swim

2007-07-10T00:04:00.001-06:00

07090716
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

The Investigator (and The Scientist) have had horrible excema and every time I've tried to go swimming they've instantly developed bleeding rashes so we've stayed away. Last year they went half a dozen times, not knowing how to swim.

The Investigator's friend has been teaching her, but with her nose plugged (yes, I know) When my friend comes back home this fall I'm going to put her private swim lessons so I've been trying to teach her to blow bubbles. I don't feel qualified to teach her much else, but I don't want her plugging her nose either.

So, here she is swimming the length of the 5 foot pool without plugging her nose.

Yes, there will be many more pictures this fall :-)

SS 1/4000, f1.8, ISO 200, 50 mm lens

Tired of fake smiles?

2007-07-09T23:55:00.001-06:00

07090715
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Ok, so this technique wouldn't work for clients or even all kids, but with mine all it takes is saying "don't smile like you are trying to poop" and you get lots of big belly laughs and very wide smiles (I wish the gum wasn't there too)

SS 1/1600, f1.8 (I just grabbed the camera, I wish it had been a stop narrower), ISO 200, 50mm lens

Heat does strange things to a person

2007-07-07T22:58:00.001-06:00

07070713
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

We were melting today, and I convince Mom to come get in the pool. The kids had been canon balling while I was gone and the water was filthy.

We dumped most of the water out, The Informer was scooping some out with a bucket and ended up splashing my Mom. One bucket full turned into an all out water fight and then this. A grown woman sitting in a pool of dirty water, fully clothed, splashing around.

Yes, the heat does strange things.

Painting with light, old school

2007-07-06T23:06:00.001-06:00

07060709
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Long exposure, outside, after dark, with a tripod and a flashlight (yes, a camera too)

It's hard with all of the night ambient light we have around here, the only other times I've done it has been no moon middle of nowhere pitch black and a landscape. I had a had to narrow the light from the flashlight with my hand (I used of used my pen light now that I think about it)

I wish there were less light on the top flower, and perhaps a narrower ap so that I could have lengthened my SS even more.

SS 6", f4.0, 50 mm 1.8 lens, ISO 200, D50

Mystery wildflowers

2007-07-05T22:22:00.001-06:00

07030756
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Anyone know what these are? I've never been quite as obsessed with ID'ing the flowers I've been shooting as this year.

Also, in case you've noticed my file naming system, yes this was taking on Tuesday. I was going to paint with light tonight (again) and I finally bought a new flashlight but now my tripod is in DH's car.

Tomorrow night, I'll paint with light.

SS 1/1250, f4.5, ISO 200, 62mm

Happy Independence Day

2007-07-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

07040707
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I don't have words to describe how I feel about our nation's Vets, I hope this image can do some of it for me.

Thanks for all you've done, and the service given.

New Studio?

2007-07-03T21:07:00.001-06:00

07030704
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

I wish!

I drove up to Duck Creek today for a session and it's been a long time since I was up there. It was absolutely gorgeous and I wish it were closer (or I was closer to it)

This is one of our first pictures of the day and the first one that I've proofed. Ok, only one so far I just sat down :-)

If I could fly...

2007-07-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

07030727
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

Yes, I missed yesterday so I'm posting twice today.

This eagle's nest is up at Aspen Mirror Lake. I don't know if it's a baby eagle or what, but he never flew anywhere just kept poking his head over the edge of the nest. I'd love to go spend some time up there and watch him to see (with a longer lens of course)

SS 1/800, f5.6, ISO 200, 200 mm kit lens

Yes, it's sad

2007-07-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

07010701
Originally uploaded by HDC Photography

After my shift today and then checking in on my hospitalized Grandfather this is what I'm left with. Tired nurses feet.