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?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Summertime
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.
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.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
PSA and update on Ernie
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.
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.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Calendar
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.
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
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.
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.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Beauty in diversity
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.
He does stand out among the crowd for his unique beauty though.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Meet Ernie
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
SS 4 sec, f/5.6, 200 mm ISO 200
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I believe I can fly!
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
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
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
SS 1/200, f/5.6, ISO 200, 200 mm
Monday, July 23, 2007
Ansel Adams once said...
"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)
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)
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Photographese.
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
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
Friday, July 20, 2007
Itsy Bitsy spider
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.
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
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)
f5.6, SS 1/400, ISO 1600 (yeah, I know but these were in dark shade and since they're 'just' updates)
Hamlin Valley fire
Or the smoke from it rising up over the mountain. They evacuated yesterday, I haven't heard any updates today.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
New glass!
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
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
Monday, July 16, 2007
Fire season
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.
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.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
I think this is the one!
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
Of course, I'm still open to alternative opinions or CC
Saturday, July 14, 2007
All sentimental and mushy
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!)
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!)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Mom, did you get his reflection?
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
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?
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Mmmmm
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
I did just that too :)
SS1/640, f2.2, ISO 200, 50mm
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Contest contender?
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
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
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
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
Monday, July 9, 2007
Tired of fake smiles?
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
SS 1/1600, f1.8 (I just grabbed the camera, I wish it had been a stop narrower), ISO 200, 50mm lens
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Heat does strange things to a person
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.
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.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Painting with light, old school
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
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
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Mystery wildflowers
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
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
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy Independence Day
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.
Thanks for all you've done, and the service given.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
New Studio?
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 :-)
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...
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
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
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Yes, it's sad
After my shift today and then checking in on my hospitalized Grandfather this is what I'm left with. Tired nurses feet.
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