Walked around Shelly Lake, spotted a Bald Eagle! They have nested there, right below the trail around the lake.
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A Male Bufflehead Duck.
I've been seeing these Bufflehead Ducks on my walks. Pretty little duck. 13" - 15", Males white and black. I've seen the females on my walks, but none when I had the camera.
Here is a group of Ring-Necked ducks. Also very pretty on the same little pond.
And one of a Great Blue Heron that flew in while I was watching the ducks:
And who doesn't love flowers?
See the entire Gallery at https://karlfisherphotography.com/birdsandflowers19
Took a walk on Sunday at Lake Crabtree. Lots of birds around. Lots of people too, like me, stirring them up.
See all the photos by clicking this link: https://karlfisherphotography.com/lakecrabtree1-27-19
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Day 365
I did it! A new picture each day for an entire year. Actually, considerably more... there are 1259 photos in my 2018 Photo of the day gallery! So it should have been called my 3.45 photos a day project. I'm happy I did it, happy it is done, and very happy with most of the resulting photos. Will I start again tomorrow? No, not tomorrow!
Happy New Year!
Day 364
Had a nice visit with Dad this week. He is doing well and it was great to see him.
Day 363
No bunnies here at the bunny farm in winter, but lots and lots of pretty lights! Merry Christmas from Gloversville!
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Day 362
Here are Mom's bear frends. Buddy and others are on the shelf. Ozzy and Izzy are on the bed. It is winter, but they aren't hibernating. They are having a bear party at Mom's place!
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Day 361
Mom and I posed for a nice photo in front of the Christmas tree. Do you like the way Mom wears her glasses?
Day 360
Here is our pretty bunny girl on the last Wabbit Wednesday of the year. She really isn't going to miss this. She picked up her treat and hid to get out of the flash zone! I told her I wouldn't take her picture again for a while!
Hiding behind the snow kids:
Hiding under her hutch:
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Day 361
Have your self a Merry Christmas!
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Day 358
Dusty heard a noise outside, and guess who flew over? Santa! She was so excited!
Merry Christmas.
Day 357
Raleigh has a very happy bunch of dinosaurs on Duraleigh Road near Pleasant Valley Road. Very bright and colorful. I've been thinking I would get this eventually, and today was the day. Stopped on the way to the Woodcraft store.
Day 356
Finished a batch of pens today. All similar, all a unique. Which do you like?
Day 355
Don't these little bears look comfy! It is a good night for a sleigh ride. That is a perfect way to see Christmas decorations and lights!
Day 354
The new angel is here, and she is on the tree. She looks beautiful. Merry Christmas!
Day 353
Dusty is having a good evening, she knows there aren't many Wabbit Wednesdays left. Only one more after today! Will she miss having her photo taken? You bet!
Day 352
We have a bright moon, and partly cloudy skies tonight. 30s exposure gives nice movement in the clouds. Calm night, so the trees are very still.
Day 351
The tree is up! It is ready for hanging ornaments. Probably do that tomorrow. The angel won't light up... she is about 30 years old, so maybe she is done. I'll look for a new angel to top the tree.
Merry Christmas.
Day 350
I photographed ducks and swans at Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. It was a misty, rainy day, but the ducks didn't seem to mind. It is good to get a little rain on your face!
A gallery of 20 photos (these and a few others) has also been uploaded.
Day 349
Found a huge flock of snow geese today! Traveled to the preserve at Pungo Lake. Had rainy, foggy, but warm weather today. Too much water in the air for crisp photos like last year... but still a great day shooting. Also found some bald eagles and tundra swans. A good day!
Here is a gallery with 23 photos from Pungo Lake
Day 348
The latest project to come off the lathe. 8" Hard Maple bowl/platter. 2" thick. Carved and airbrushed in yellow, orange, red and purple. I am very happy with this little project.
Day 347
Thursday evening, and Sunday's snow is still here! The flamingos are no longer covered, and Santa should be back on his feet soon!
Day 346
Just a simple photo of Dusty. She posed while I grabbed the camera. One shot from above, one shot straight on. All done. The pretty bunny girl didn't mind this 2 shot photo shoot.
Day 345
More Funko Pop! figures from the Harry Potter advent calendar. From left to right - Dobbie, Fred, Hedwig, Hagrid, Moaning Myrtle, Ron, and Hermione. They are cool. I'll have another batch next week, and I will probably use the advent calendar background next time.
Day 344
Stopped by the town hall this evening. It is pretty with the snow and the decorations.
Day 343
Lots of snow today! Got about 7 inches of snow before it turned to rain. Very pretty morning. Hope we get a few more snow days this winter!
And of course the required photo of the table on the deck... See, we got snow!
Day 342
I made another nice little tea light holder today. This is Cherry wood. Stands about 5" tall, and finished up quite nicely. Good to have a shop day!
Day 341
I drove around tonight looking for nice Christmas decorations. I didn't find any over-the-top displays to photograph, so I had to settle for these pretty and tasteful ones! I'll keep looking so don't give up... I'm sure to find some great ones soon.
Mostly clear and cold... clouds moving in, snow is on the way!
Day 340
It is what it is! Merry Christmas!
Day 339
It's Wabbit Wednesday again. Grabbed my fast 50mm lens, and left the flash in the flash drawer... Dusty doesn't mind the camera when there isn't a flash going off in her face. She hopped around and I gave her a few treats as I took these pics. Do you know there are only 3 more Wabbit Wednesdays in 2018? Yep, not many left!
Day 338
Here are the first four Funco Pops from the advent calendar. Day 1 is Harry Potter himself. Day 2 is a Thestral with Day 3 bringing us Luna Lovegood. Finally there is Neville Longbottom. Who will be in day 5, 6, 7, ...? Tune in next week. I think I'll do another group on Monday!
Day 337
Beautiful December morning at SAS. This pretty sky hangs over building R, and the landscaped grounds. This fits December's palette, but does show it isn't only brown! There can be green and blue mixed in.
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Day 336
Christmas lights at Stan Hywet house and gardens. The lights at the annual Deck the Halls. The pictures don't do it justice. Just amazing. Over 1 million lights!
Day 335
I find December's palette calming and beautiful. After the exciting fall colors fade, it is time to reset, go back as basic as basic can be. Resting through the winter, knowing another spring will come and the greens will return.
Day 334
We are ready for December! Matt picked up a Harry Potter advent calendar. It is full of Funco Pocket Pops! I'm sure I'll be sharing them as December goes by. This will be fun(ko)!
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Day 333
Dusty is snacking on her Timothy Hay cube. Good snack for the bunny girl.
Day 332
The entry deadline for the annual Adirondack Life photography contest is December 1, 2018. Good news for me, my 5 entries have been selected! One from Indian Lake, three from Raquette lake and one from Eight Lake. Feels good to have this done.
Now I have to do the final checks and I will upload them tomorrow. 2 days to spare. Let's hope I get something selected for the magazine next February!
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Day 331
The little kids are bundled up and looking for Santa to come. Still a while to wait, but they are very patient!
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Day 330
Santa arrived in the front yard, and the flamingos welcomed him. they just know the big present he has is for them. Probably pink socks for the cold winter ahead! Welcome, Santa!
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Day 329
I made some pens today. The purple one is for my sister Karen. (Don't tell her!) She is crazy about purple. There is only so much you can do with pen making. I prefer other projects, but they make great gifts.
Day 328
Rained much of the day today, and the temperature is hanging at 40°. Perfect night for some street photography. Wet roads look so much better, especially at night.
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Day 327
Time for a piece of pumpkin pie. It is one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving. Yummy pumpkin pie. Topped with whipped cream. But first turkey. Better with stuffing. With gravy. And homemade bread. With butter. Real butter. And maybe another piece of pie!
Day 326
It is done! You saw this in the sneak peek back on day 316. Sure looks different now. The bowl portion is about an inch deep. 10" diameter sycamore bowl. I'm very pleased with my first attempt at carving and coloring. Learned a lot doing it too. Stay tuned for more!
Day 325
Dusty is getting ready for Thanksgiving. She doesn't share the Thanksgiving turkey, but she'll get some good Timothy Hay. And maybe some carrot to celebrate. Lucky little bunny girl.
Day 324
Back to the moon. Or at least back to photographing the moon. I can't go back because I've never been there!
The moon is at 88% and waxing. You can still see some crater outlines, particularly on the lower left. But overall much flatter than the other previous pictures of the moon when it was about 50% full. It was a nice clear calm night, so I just had to take one more shot.
Day 323
Treetops in the backyard from the driveway. Some bare, some green, some orange... Lightroom HDR panorama processing with Photoshop Orton effect added.
Day 322
I acquired this little duck while staying at the Best Western Inn in Staunton Virginia for the Woodturning symposium. I decided to get some photos today for the photo of the day. I found the duck doesn't float upright! He falls right over. Who makes a duck that doesn't float? Crazy! I tried to get it to float for just a second to take a quick photo... no go. Flopped right over!
Stand him up (black fingers because I forgot to wear gloves while using the airbrush today!):
and he flops right over!:
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Day 321
Spooky bond park after dark! I like the way the parking lot lights shine through the trees and down the slope. Nice night to sit on the park bench and watch the starlight fall on the landscape.
Day 320
Where else can you get pancakes as a side for your burger? IHOBP. It sounded strange but I needed to order it for the photo of the day. I did enjoy both burger and pancakes. Matt went with the Belgian Dark Chocolate Mousse Pancakes. Now we are talking!
and in the latest workshop equipment item, a new shop ceiling quartz heater:
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Day 319
Just put in an air filtration system for the shop. Now that it is cold, I don't have the door open with a big box fan blowing in fresh air... so I need to filter what I have in the shop. It is a basic unit, but I know it will help keep the dust out of the air and out of my lungs!
Day 218
Once again, it is Miss Dusty for Wabbit Wednesday! Pretty girl!
Day 317
This little guy always gets to skate... maybe I'll get to as well this winter. Been too long!
Day 316
Here is a sneak peek of my current lathe project. It is an 11" sycamore something. Just a peak, so I can't give away too much info!
The wood is beautiful, and the new wood burner works really well. Very pleased. I hope the airbrush works out just as well. It is one of the next steps on this piece!
Day 315
I found all of these leaves in the driveway this afternoon. What a nice variety! Most of the ones in the driveway are brown oak leaves. I looked around and managed to find others with some nice color. I'll get the rake and the leaf blower out soon.
Day 314
Some of my birds. I'll do another batch before the end of the year.
Day 313
More treasure! A little 1 1/2" coke bottle. Mom gave it to me. But not just a coke bottle... it is a lighter! Dates back to the 1950's from what I can find on the internet. The flint needs replacing, but I'm sure it would work if it was replaced and filled with fluid. Maybe I'll see what I can find on the internet.
Day 312
Here is some history. Two tokens from the old Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville railroad. Or its predecessor the Electric Railroad. I wonder how old these tokens are? My Mom gave them to me this summer. More treasure for the treasure box!
Day 311
Dusty's turn again... used the Galaxy S9 cell phone this week. She doesn't love it, but it a little less bothersome. She didn't run away!
What a pretty bunny this week.
Day 310
This is the Colwood Detailer wood burning tool. I picked this up while in Virginia at the Woodturning symposium. I hope to embellish my future wood turning projects with wood burning and texturing using this nice wood burner. At the very least my signing and decrative artwork on the bottom should be better!
Day 309
I bought an airbrush for painting my wood turnings while at the Woodturning symposium this weekend. Putting it all together today. Can't wait to get the paint flying!
Betsy Bell Wilderness Park overlooks the valley. It is a park in Staunton Virginia. There is a narrow gravel road to the top - 4WD recommended, but in reality, any car could easily drive to the top. Pretty views on a nice sunny fall day.
Day 307
Spent the day at the Virginia Woodturning Symposium. Great day. Learned a lot. Very nicely done.
Day 306
Random photo of the day. I traveled to Fishersville Virginia for the Virginia Woodturners Symposium. Dark rainy drive, so I didn't find anything on the way. So naturally, I went to Walmart to find something interesting. Here it is. I think I will keep the owl, but the hand and the flamingo may have to go back tomorrow. Maybe the owl too. I don't think bouncing photons off them for the photograph has caused much wear and tear.
Day 305
Dogwoods in the back yard.
Day 304
I gave Dusty the week off... she has had enough of Wabbit Wednesday. So I went to the pet store and photographed these cute bunnies. I did get Dusty some treats, so she is happy about this trip to see other rabbits.
Day 303
I went to Bond park to get some duck photos today, no knowing it was the Pumpkin Flotilla. I'm not sure what a Pumpkin Flotilla is, but it is a very popular one with people of Cary. No so much for the ducks of Bond Park. People everywhere... and it was getting dark, so I really had to up the ISO to capture what I did. Still, you can't have too many duck photos.
Day 302
A lone tree in a farm field in the morning light. Very peaceful, even if this tree looks a bit spooky! I always wonder why one tree is left to grow out in the middle of a field. I would like to go sit under it on a warm day. That is probably why it is there. Just a bit of shelter when needed.
Day 301
More forest photos for today, but it is all about the color and the feeling. Different kind of photos than I usually make.
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Day 300
A triple exposure of a misty diffused lit forest scene. One sharp, and 2 more out of focus and blended to wrap soft light around the trees and leaves. The technique works, but this scene is just too busy and messy to be truly pleasing. I'll keep looking!
Should have tried this technique with this much less busy composition:
Day 299
BK Whopper combo for dinner tonight. This doesn't quite look like the Whopper on the menu board. Tasted good, but not very pretty! I do think the food photo on standard mode came out better than the food photo on food mode. Not surprised!
Day 298
I tried the "food" style on my new Galaxy S9 phone camera. Seems to blur the edges. that might be what you want for some food photography, but I should have just used it in standard mode.
The stromboli was excellent!
And out in the parking lot, this frightening sight:
Day 297
I did Dusty's hair for photos today. Pretty bunny!
Day 296
This is what I have in the shop after turning a couple things... lots of shavings, chips, and dust. Hopefully most of the true dust is in the dust collector. This is what I swept up from the floor around the lathe. It is pretty! I wish I knew of something useful for all of this waste. It is currently going to the landfill...
Day 295
The overgrown Azaleas have been trimmed. And by trimmed I mean removed! I'll replace them with new small bushes in the spring!
Day 294
I dashed out of the house after eating dinner tonight to get the day's photo. I got to the lake just in time. The sun was down, but the sky was a brillant orange, transitioning to blue. Very pretty. Shot a quick 6 shot pano for the photo of the day.
Day 293
I didn't like yesterday's photo very much... so I decided to do one more of the jack o'lantern. I think this is a nice creepy face!
Day 292
I did some carving this evening. What do you think? Scary? Happy? I like it. Enjoy!
Day 291
Soon (tomorrow?) this will become a Jack-o'-lantern! Should I make it fun? Or scary? I'm thinking scary! I am sure it will show up here as the photo of the day. Come on back and see what I did with it!
Day 290
It is Wabbit Wednesday again. Here's Dusty!
Day 289
I took Eric's picture here on Sunday... my turn. Looks like my glasses need to be adjusted!
Day 288
Photographing flowers in the dark... with a 3 cell Maglite to selective light the flowers.
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Day 287
The birthday boy posed for today's photo... he wanted a majestic looking up thinking pose... so that is what he picked for this main photo. I like the more traditional ones... so I'll add them as well!. Happy birthday Eric!
Day 286
Back in the shop today. First time in a month. First time since I had a nasty reaction to wood dust. It felt great to be back creating one of a kind items. This one is for me. I like it! Beware of dragons!
Day 285
I made it back to The Cary after dark. So much more interesting than in the daylight. I didn't see The Cameraman tonight. I was the cameraman tonight!
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Day 284
A special edition of Wabbit Wednesday! The last two Wednesday have been part of my Adirondack series, so Dusty asked if she could have today. I said sure, especially since we were under a tropical storm warning and a tornado warning, and the governor asked people to stay home and indoors. So it all worked out!
Day 283
A panoramic image from the overlook on Route 30 near Indian Lake. What a pretty day!
This is the final photo in the series of fall color in the Adirondacks. It was a good run, but all good things come to an end eventually. Until next year...
Day 282
Some very pretty scenery at Lake Durant. Leaves are changing. A bright but overcast day.
Day 281
A nice fall morning at fly pond. Mist over the trees, calm water, some nice color starting to show. Very pretty. I always enjoy photographing at fly pond.
Day 280
Another misty sunrise in the Adirondacks. It was close to being a very colorful sunrise, but the color stayed low on the horizon. Still very pretty with the clouds and mist.
Day 279
Wading into the pond gives a pretty view back to the shoreline. This pond is pretty shallow, at least for a good way out. I really like the reeds in the foreground, and the fall colors starting to show in the forest. But that big Eastern white pine isn't ever going to change colors!
Day 278
Cloudy skies as a storm moves in at Eight Lake. The color just kept shifting from blue to yellow as the clouds moved around. Very dynamic scene.
Day 277
Very falt light at Moss lake before sunset. Total cloud cover. Decided to try to capture a nice picture of the island. Beautiful trees, one with an Osprey nest!
Day 276
Rain rain go away, come again another day. Rain makes for colorful leaves, and wet leaves too... Beautiful morning at lower Browns Tract pond.
Day 275
Just when I had given up on a colorful sunset, the sky turned pink! Luckily I hadn't put the camera away, and I was sitting in a perfect spot to capture it over this tree growing over the lake.
Before sunset:
and another during colorful sunset:
Day 274
The mist came across Raquette lake, and then shot into the air forming a Fog Tornado... Fognado. It was a unique thing to see, and it went on all morning. Very pretty sunrise colors behind the spectical made of mist.
Day 273
Sunset at the Woods Inn in Inlet, NY. This is the start of an Adirondack week here on my photo of the day. Fortunate to get a full week of photography on the Adirondacks this year in an Adirondack Photography Institute retreat. Hope you enjoy the photos from the mountains!
Another large work on SAS campus in front of building R. I like this one in the sunlight. Named "Subconscious Musings" by Peggy Burke.
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Day 271
I have photogrpaphed this scene at night. Looks so different with this scuplture lit from below, with SAS building R lit in the background. This piece is named "Intuition" by Konried Muench.
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Day 270
After seeing all the sculptures around campus, you might at first think this is more art... no, this is for pull-ups! There are outdoor fitness stations around the athletic fields. Get busy!
Day 269
Taking a bunny break from SAS photos for today. It's Wabbit Wednesday, and I haven't seen any rabbits at work lately.
Dusty is out and about for this week's photo shoot. She is sitting on the fireplace hearth eating a treat. Lucky pretty bunny!
Day 268
Frightened Deer by Richard Rothschild is placed near the athletic fields on the SAS campus. The vegitation has grown up around these deer, so hopefully they are less frightened now!
Day 267
Located at the front entrance of Building S is a piece named "Point Traveling Through Space At An Erratic Speed" by Robert Mangold. Also a large piece, it is quite striking!
Day 266
This 30' tall painted steel sculpture is entitled "Quest". Johanna Jordan is the artist. It is painted in the blue and gold of the SAS brand. Big boy!
Day 265
Almost floating... look carefully and you can see the webs holding it. Happy first day of Fall! This little leaf is ready for Autumn. And I only have 100 more days to go on this 365 project!
And a few more interesting things at SAS...
Pretty flowers on the patio
Chess anyone?
Going up!
The first day in a series of shots from SAS campus. The campus has a large collection of sculptures and other artworks. This on is named "Series 4 No. 5" by Stephen Porter and outside my building, Building R. Needs to be polished and the base cleaned. I think it would be very pretty all spruced up!
Day 263
I know this is very similar to another shot, but I just love the moon at this phase. The craters just stand out and the shape is so cool. So here it is again... and it may not be the last time it makes it to the photo of the day in 2018! But you know something, I can't ever 'see' the man in the moon. Do you see him?
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Day 262
Dusty was not into getting photographed today. She kept hiding, so it was a short shoot! Still a cute bunny.
Day 261
I wish I had grabbed the camera and went to the lake instead of running to Best Buy. Oh well, win some lose some. I did find the flash drives I wanted, so some good came from the trip.
And when it is pretty in one direction, turn around... might be great there too...
Day 260
The yard needs a good raking! I'm not complaining that this is what Florence left behind, as it could be a lot worse, and *is* a lot worse for so many people in the Carolinas. I do feel bad for the squirrels - most of this mess is the remnants of the squirrel nests. Just note how well the moss came through our 4 days of steady rain!
Day 259
Hurricane/Tropical storm Florance is finally leaving the area. We've been under hurricane watches, tropical storm warnings, tornado watches, and flash flood warnings for the better part of 4 days now. Not good conditions to go out in search of photos. Fortunately, there was no real storm damage in the immediate area, so I am thankful for that. The lesson is when stuck inside, photograph inside! Here are my 5 gourds, all friendly in the pecan bowl from day 196 on July 15. This is what you can do with a failed lathe project! I hope you've enjoyed these colorful vegetables (or whatever they are)! I hope to get out and photograph something OUTSIDE tomorrow.
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Day 258
I love these little guys. Such vivid colors and cool textures. I hope they last a while. I've had some that dry out and turn into rattles as the seeds shake inside. I'll try that with these 3 this year!
Day 257
I didn't want summer to end, but now I am looking forward to a nice cool and pleasant fall. I found this guy in the supermarket today, and just had to bring him home. I always called this a gourd, but the store calls them decorative pumpkins. Hmmm.
Day 256
Hurricane Florence is headed our way, and most people have some preparation work before the wind and rain arrives. My next door neighbor, Al, had to brace his fig tree. I "braced" mine with a chainsaw a couple years ago! Al, I hope this works.
Day 255
More photos of the cute bunny! Happy Wabbit Wednesday.
Day 254
Suffering from a rash caused by exposure to wood dust! Both arms from the elbow to the wrist, and all around my neck. The pictures don't really do it justice. I've had on my arms for 8 days, and around my neck for 3 days. I'm so done with this. Itches like crazy. Benadryl helps, but it does make me pretty drowsy. All in all there are much worse problems to have than itchy skin. But it does get old - I hope it clears up soon. And then it looks like I will need to better protect and clean my skin if I'm going to keep turning!
Day 253
On this September 10th 2018, we remember 17 years ago tomorrow - September 11, 2001.
Right down the street from the memorial, a rock garden and a mini library:
Day 252
Drove one town over to see what I could find. Ended up in the pretty little downtown section of Apex NC. Fairly busy on a Sunday evening. Pretty old time main street (Salam St actually!).
Day 251
I finished 3 pens today. I am pretty sure they will end up as Christmas gifts... pens for everyone this year! Walunt on each end, pudauk in the middle. I bought an ebony blank for one pen, but it cracked while I was preparing it. Bummer. I'll get another peice and be a bit more careful next time.
Day 250
I was looking for my photo when I saw this lit up outside as darkenss fell. I shot this before in the daylight, but it really deserves to be shot at night. Here it is. Better late than never!
Day 249
The latest project off the lathe. A pretty maple tea light candle. The little LED tea lights are perfect for a nice artful maple holder. Simple and elegant little project.
Day 248
It is Dusty's birthday week! We celebrate it on Labor day. Today was the day to open presents and a card. Very nice gifts for Miss Dusty. She is now 5! Happy Birthday!
Day 247
A quick photo of the First United Methodist Church in Cary NC. Blue sky behind me, dark stormy sky ahead. Our weather pattern is bringing hot weather and storms every afternoon until things cool down in the evening. Can't complain about the dramatic sky in this shot!
Day 246
The old timey mural at 107 W Chatham Street. I beleive this is part of Ashworh's pharmacy, or at least it is connected to the Ashworth's building at the corner. Cool old mural.
Day 245
Cary train station on a summer afternoon. Looks like a nice blue sky, and it was pointing in this direction... behind me the sky was black and there was lightning (and of course thunder)! Got the shot and packed up before the rain came pouring down!
And one with the more dramatic sky:
Day 244
Here is a small bud vase from Quebracho. I used a small test tube to line the vase. I really like the quebracho. Reminded me of a giraffe's neck, so that is the animal on the bottom.
Day 243
A nice little (4-5 inch diameter) lidded bowl from Osage orange and mesquite. Both hardwoods. Turned very nicely. Woods look good together. I'll look for more osage orange for future projects. Mesquite too!
Day 242
Finished a square-ish bowl today. Pretty leopard wood. Different turning for a different wood. I liked it. Next one will have more pronounced tips.
Day 241
Dusty smiling for the camera on Wabbit Wednesday. She is a pretty bunny!
Day 240
Diner at Bojangles... 2 piece white meat with mashed potatos and gravy, with a biscuit on the side of course. Unsweetened ice tea to wash it down. Yum!
Day 239
This sunflower is so happy, a single size head can't contain it all... the happiness burst out into a double sunflower head!
And in the "what's your hurry?" category:
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Happened apon a very nice pice of wood for a future lathe project! These big burls are like gold, and I fortunate to have been given this one by a neighbor who cuts wood as a side job. What will I make? I'm sure it will be a future photo of the day.
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Day 237
It is a good year for mushrooms. Found some interesting ones in the woods along the trails.
Day 236
Here is a pretty panoramic image from the top of Baldface mountain. To get to the trail you have to paddle across the lake. Then is is a rather short .8 mile hike to the summit. Very nice views on a warm summer day.
Day 235
Today I visited East Jimmy Creek Waterfall. My first visit there. It is a very pretty waterfall. Probably about a 10-foot drop. Not huge, but very pretty.
Day 234
Dusty has the week off... but these little rabbits were happy to party in the pines. Wabbits are happy critters.
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Day 233
Trying to get a nice shot of a pine grove. I'll keep trying...
Day 232
View from the top of Sawyer Mountain. It was a hazy day, with passing storms. A nice pleasant breezy view from the top!
Day 231
Belle isn't a water dog, but a cool swim on a hot day is good for her. She is a good swimmer, although she doesn't enjoy it much.
Day 230
A pretty monarch butterfly feeding on the Zinnias
Day 229
Max is taking a swim in his little pool. He jumped right in as soon as we turned on the water!
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Day 228
A monarch butterfly chrysali on the side of a barn. We'll be keeping an eye on this to see a pretty butterfly!
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Day 227
Wabbit Wednesday with my favorite bunny. Miss Dusty was happy I turned off the flash this morning. I turned on all the lights in the room, and that was enough to get good pics without annoying the bunny with the flash! Anything for the Wabbit.
Day 226
Back to Lake Crabtree to see if there would be a nice sunset. Things looked promising - we had clouds and it was clearing to the West. But it just didn't really work out. Still not a bad way to end the day.
Day 225
Mom liked the first gobblet I made, so I made one for her! I gave it to her in July, but not before photographing it. It is time to share the photo as the photo of the day!
Day 224
Great Blue Heron on the shores of Lake Crabtree. Went to one of my go-to spots... Looking for a sunset, but I found this big beautiful bird instead! I didn't get too close, he was trying to his dinner!
Day 223
Been a nice wet summer so far. The mushrooms and moss in the yard love it.
Day 222
Here is a nice little box with a lid for Mom. It is made of cedar, and it smells good! First little treasure box off the lathe.
Day 221
The East Coast Greenway crossroads in Bond Park. White Oak Creek trail and Black Creek trails instersect here.
Day 220
Dusty builds a nest with beach towels in this little basket. She has spent a lot of time trying to get things just right... hard to get a picture of this as she is moving fast to arrange the towels just right. Then she needs to rest, and maybe have some hay.
Day 219
I visited my duck friends at Bond Park. They are a happy bunch of ducks.
Day 218
Post workout selfie in the SAS Gym parking lot. Ran outside this morning. Low 70s with dew point the same... lots of mist and fog to start out. Makes for a moist morning run.
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Day 217
Huevos Rancheros at Le Farm bakery for Sunday Brunch. It was very good. Cinnamon chip scone, potatoes, and melons. Perfect. Matt had the Eggs Benedict, and that was good too!
Day 216
Cary's oldest movie theater. Now owned and run by the Town of Cary, this theater hosts a variety of events. Good to have it back as a theater in the heart of the new downtown.
Day 215
Here for 61 years, and going strong, Ashworth's pharmacy. Old fashioned soda counter makes this a landmark in the Town of Cary.
Day 214
Another in the Academy Street Artwork Project. This one is Oak Leaf Shade Bench by Jim Gallucci.
Day 213
Some more Dusty photos! Yeah!
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Day 212
Academy street is lined with art, all part of CaryASAP - Academy Street Artwork Project. This one is 'Gemini' by Ray Katz, in front of the First Baptist Church. There are benches on either side... I wonder if they are part of the piece? I don't know. I do like the placement under this large tree.
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Day 211
Dramatic skies before a storm in the Cary Veterans Freedom park. When the rain came it came hard.
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Day 210
These spiders live in front of the SAS RFC. They are huge. This one is about 2 inches! The others are a bit smaller. There are lights that shine on the building here, so it must be very easy to catch insects in the webs. And there are pretty flowers planted below, so it is a classy place to make your web.
Day 209
I managed to get one shot of the big dipper before the clouds came in... I wanted the milky way, but I'll have to try another night...
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Day 208
I made a quick stop at Woodchuck Hill field and forest preserve today. Nice little preserve with a hiking trail into the forest and along wetlands and a beaver pond. Beautiful! Barn cats greet you at the parking area, and it just gets better from there. Just don't forget the deet!
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Day 207
A pretty little pond at Maple Downs on a bright sunny day. There is a swan in the pond!
Day 206
Dusty shreds documents for me. No one will be able to read them after they have passed
through this bunny.
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Day 205
It was time for new tires on the Wrangler. I went with new Firestone Destination A/T. Now I won't be afraid of driving in heavy rain. At least not for another 30,000 miles. And they look great on the Wrangler. Better than the old Michelins.
Day 204
At the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse today to take mom in for treatment. Visit went well, in and out in 20 minutes. Mom has 11 more radiation treatments left to go.
Day 203
The sunflowers may be done blooming, and that is fine with the birds! The sunflower patch was LOADED with gold finches. Happy well fed birds.
Day 202
Visited some sunflowers planted along I-40 at an exit /entrance ramp. Most have gone to seed, but a few are still standing tall. And still pretty in the late afternoon sunshine.
Day 201
Hot Point Deli. Yum. Pizza on a Friday evening. What else would be the photo of the day?
Day 200
Picking up greens for Dusty, and looking for the photo of the day. Found these pretty plants in the shopping plaza with the grocery store. Perfect and pretty for day 200.
Day 199
A very happy Dusty, in the Bunny loaf position. This is a happy bunny being, all settled in ready for attention. It is good to be a Wabbit on Wabbit Wednesday.
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Day 198
Good progress on the next project on the lathe. What could it be? Here's a hint. It is hollow! I'll have the finished product in a future post, so I will let you know eventually!
Oh, Do these help:?
Probably not...
See you tomorrow!
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Day 197
There are some pretty flowers out on the back patio at work. Bees and butterflies enjoy them too.
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Day 196
They don't all work out. Here is a nice 8" pecan bowl that turned into a failure, and a valuable lesson. It was the largest object I've turned, and it roughed out nicely. I was starting to make finishing cuts to clean up the outside, and things went terribly wrong. I have heard it is best to try new techniques on practice pieces... but at this point, almost everything is a new technique. This was a very dramatic "catch" of my skew chisel. It broke out a big chunk of the bowl, split the bowl in half (you can see the glue line if you look for it), and broke the chisel in half as well, sending it across the shop banging against the opposite wall. I didn't get hurt, so I'm happy with the outcome! Just lost a $50 chisel and a $15 bowl blank. Some lessons cost more than others.
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Day 195
Another bowl off the lathe. This is a pretty little figured maple bowl. Finished with a friction polish shellac wax. Perfect for jelly beans. Or loose change, or what nots. Yes, what nots will be placed in it!
Day 194
It is National French Fry Day. Just *had* to do a french fry picture. These are Remington Grill frys. And a small part of a Remington Grill cheese steak sandwich. Frys were goood! Happy Fry day. #NationalFrenchFryDay
Day 193
Sunset on the SAS campus at the site of the new SAS Building A. Opening early in 2019, the exterior is complete and the interior is coming along. At 9 stories, it is the tallest building on campus. It will house the office tower you see here, and a education, conference center, and cafe to the right.
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Day 192
My outside bunny posed this morning for the Wabbit Wednesday photo shoot. She was in the yard when I rolled the trash container up to the street this morning. She didn't like the sound of the wheels rolling, but after that she was happy enough to pose for a few photos. Good bunny!
Day 191
Visited the gardens outside of the Page Walker art center this evening. Very pretty. I like this one in Black and White. Also spent some time at a small fountain in the garden area. Interesting evening.
Day 190
Quarter dollars. 25 cent pieces. Two bits.
In 2017, as part of the America the Beautiful coin program, some quaters where struck with images of effegy mounds from Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. The national monument preserves about 200 mounds built during the first millennium.
Day 189
Today was banana pudding flavor of the day at Gooseberry's frozen custard. Mix in Reese's peanut butter cups and you have an Elvis. It was yummy. Lots of people getting custard today!
Day 188
Stopped by Woodcraft today, and got a good deal on the bandsaw I've been looking at. Decided to go for it. Had to rework the shop a bit to fit it in. I like the new layout. I'm getting a good selection of Rikon tools - Band saw, lathe, dust collector and grinder. On the lathe is some pretty wood - it is pink! It is an 'economy' blank so I don't know for sure what species it is... but I know what it will become!
Day 187
Had to get a new cell phone. A couple weeks ago I ended up putting my 20 month old Pixel in the washing machine. It still works, but it isn't right. I don't know how long it will last. So time for a new one. I decided to try a mid range cell phone instead of a flagship model. The moto G6 is highly rated. Also not water proof, so I'll need to keep it out of the washing machine!
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Day 186
Dusty has a nice room! Look at the nice things she has in her room...
Day 185
Happy 4th of July. Went to the fireworks display this evening. Very nice. Lots of good pics too!
Click HERE to see them!
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Day 184
Unfortunately,
LT Fleming Antiques shop was closed by the time I got there this evening. Looks to be stuffed floor to ceiling with 'Antiques'. I certainly post more photos when I go back. Be patient, it might take me a very long time to make it back there... a VERY LONG TIME.
Day 183
Hot and steamy today. Bugs are really screaming! Taking photos and slapping mosquitos, enjoying the sounds of summer.
Turn on your speakers, and listen to summer:
And one more short one:
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Day 182
Here are three blanks for future wood turning projects. 2x2x12 curly cherry for a long stem goblet, 3x3x8 cherry for something, and finally a 8x8x3 pecan blank for a larger bowl. Can't wait to see what is hidden in these blocks of wood. I'll share photos when I turn them into treasure!
Was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But I helped him a-drink his wine
And he always had some mighty fine wine
Day 181
That was 1970. Now he does landscaping in Cary. Whatever makes you happy!
Day 180
Here are Harry Potter's best friends. Hermione Granger with her time turner, and Ron Weasley in his lacy dress robes. And the POP trio to show the three young wizards.
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Day 179
Great sky today as I left work. I love clouds like this with deep blue sky. First photo of the day from my Moto G6. Not bad! This is a 4 shot pano stitched in Lightroom.
Day 178
Happy Wabbit Wednesday! Dusty is in her litter box, washing her face after snacking on some hay. Have to be clean and pretty!
Day 177
Here is a Funko POP Vinyl figure of Harry Potter with his Marauder's Map. Figure 42. Cute little guy.
Day 176
The soap bubbles had a party!
This is 9 separate photos blended in Photoshop to make a super bubble party photo.
Day 175
Another photo from my visit of the Gardenview Horticultural Park in Strongsville OH. While visiting, a heavy rain started to fall. This was taken during the downpour - shooting from under an umbrella. I got very wet, but I also Got the Shot!
Click here for a gallery of 15 photos from my visit to Gardenview.
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Day 174
Visited the Gardenview Horticultural Park in Strongsville OH today. It was amazing. Gardenview is a 16 acre park containing many plants, trees and two ponds. It is very beautiful and a great place for a day of photography.
A gallery of 15 photos can be viewed here.
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Day 173
This cute little guy is right by the front walkway. Keeps out the undesirables.
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Day 172
Found a pretty flower in my neighbor's yard. Photo is a bit soft because the camera and lens went from the cool air conditioned house out into the warm humid summer air. Fogged up, which is perfect for a flower shot. Didn't last long but long enough.
Happy first day of summer and the longest day of daylight all year!
Day 171
A second bowl off the lathe. I am not sure I'll be drawn to another piece of ambrosia maple, but it could be worse! I did enjoy turning this small bowl. Even put a small rabbit head on the bottom. I'll put an animal on every piece, and it is Wabbit Wednesday, so I put a wabbit on it.
Day 170
Here is a hint!
A surprisingly clear sky for such a hot humid night!
Day 169
Here is a photo that I promised to share back on day 166... the apple boxes. Here we have 2 "full" boxes and one "half" box. The "full" box is 20" x 12" x 8". The "half" box is, obviously, half that size! This is the primer, they are pretty much ready for the top coat of paint and then they will be put to use.
Day 168
I've been working on my mustache. I think I have it just right now!
It's a cardboard mustache that was part of a pizza box - Screamin' Sicillian pizza. Pizza was good. And the mustache is something special too!
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Day 167
Simple photo, with some unusual choices on how to process the colors.
And one with more normal processing:
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Day 166
I am ready to start another project in the shop. Not a lathe project this weekend. Making apple boxes.
In this photo you can see I've got the plywood blade on the saw, with the magnetic angle finder to square it up, the cut sheets printed for the correct cuts from 3 sheets of plywood stock (Android CutList Optimizer app) and my 5 measured and cut story sticks. Story sticks let you quickly reset the saw fence for perfectly consistent cuts.
Apple boxes are used for photography and film making. I'm sure I'll have a future photo of the day with the finished boxes... so just be patient!
Day 165
Went out this evening looking for flags on flag day. Found 'em! Flags at the library and the arts center. Calm evening, so not much in the way of flapping of the flags, but you get what you get.
Day 164
Dusty retreated to her condo when the camera came out for Wabbit Wednesday. I could still photograph her, but maybe I'll look for other bunnies next week. Hang in there Dusty, we are almost half way through the year!
Day 163
The big bush is in bloom. Smells great!
Day 162
I transformed the blank shown on day 155 into a very handsome travel mug. Many firsts on this project - first staved blank, first large hollowing project, first turning with critical dimensions, and first lacquer finish. None of these are too difficult, and I'm very happy with the results of these items.
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Day 161
The pear tree is loaded with pears this year. Didn't have any last year. Lots this year. Doesn't really matter... they are the virtually tasteless. So I don't mind when the squirrels eat them all.
Day 160
And this is why I'm always a mess after yard work! Another patch to treat, and another, and another...
I'll be mixing up a big batch of roundup tomorrow!
Day 159
I drove over to Lake Crabtree hoping for a nice sunset. It didn't really happen, but I didn't come away empty handed. Kudzu. Near the lake. Pretty impressive. And a bit of a sunset. And a duck. Can't have too many duck photos.
Day 158
Stopped after getting hay for Dusty to photography flowers in the middle of a traffic circle in the shopping center. Made it in and made it out! Got some pretty pics too!
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Day 157
Here's Dusty!
Day 156
The Mimosa trees are blooming. They will be pretty for a couple of weeks, then they will go back to their ugly selves for the rest of the year. Messy, invasive, pest-filled trees... but they are interesting and even pretty for about 2 weeks a year.
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I put together an 8 stave turning blank. It is oak, cherry, and walnut. It should be fun... It will be a stainless steel lined travel mug! (I hope)
Creating the octagon turning blank was new - this is my first try at a blank like this. Turning mixed wood blanks is interesting to me, so that is what I'm experimenting with.
I hope the joints are good enough. The wall thickness at the top is going to be a little over 1/8 of an inch. Once again, I hope it holds together while I turn this down to the size and shape I need!
The last glue step below. Yesterday I glued up two 4 stave halves, and today I'm joining them together for the completed blank. Tripple clamp action to hold things while the glue dries.
Day 154
Here are my latest flowers - white Gardenia and white Agave blossoms. Both very pretty. The agave is pretty much down, and the gardenia is just getting started.
Day 153
I completed my first bowl on the lathe today. I think it came out very nice! I wish I knew what the light wood is... it was in the budget section of the wood working store without a label. It has some nice figure and grain. It also has some cracks that had me worried it would break up while I was working it. But it held together to make a very nice first bowl project for me. The darker wood is some cherry wood I had from other projects. I like the contrast in this bowl.
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Day 152
Fish and chips Friday. First was the fish tacos. Very tasty! Grilled salmon, with cabbage, avacoados, black beans, cilantro with a sour cream, cilantro, avacado and lime sauce. Next up, wood chips! Making my first bowl. This blank was a photo of the day a while back... time to turn it into chips!
Chips everywhere!
Should be a nice bowl...
If it hangs togethere - there is a large crack in the blank... I'll see how deep it goes. Will this ruin my first bowl?
Day 151
After dinner trip to Goodberry's Frozen Custard. Flavor of the day was lemon. So my flavor of the day was vanilla, with Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups mixed in. Very good!
Day 150
Two wild wabbits on Wabbit Wednesday, and then a couple of Dusty because she was feeling left out!
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Day 149
Received a new shirt last week... isn't it great! Now I need 6 more just like it and I can wear it everyday of the week!
Day 148
Today I made a rack for my turning tools. Good to get them up off the workbench. I have a few holes in the lathe base for the tools I'm working with, but it is better to have them on the wall ready to use. I have room for a couple more, which I'm sure I'll get with time. I have a small oak block between centers ready to round... what will it become? I may come back off and I'll start with the other blank I glued up to make my first small bowl this week. And look there on the left... a nice little shop stool. Costco talked me into that a couple weeks ago. Better than sitting on a milk crate.
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Day 147
Drove almost 700 miles today, mostly in the rain. Not much time for beautiful photos... but I did take some with the Pixel out the windshield. Interesting, almost.
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Day 146
Today's photo is from Kim's Hooding ceremony. She graduates tomorrow and becomes Dr. Kim! Congratulations!
See all the photos from the event HERE.
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Day 145
Throw back Friday. This is the very first item that came off the lathe. A nice little goblet. Not sure what wood this is... it was in the budget block section at Klingspore Wood working. I'm very happy with it!
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Day 144
A quick 4 image pano in the last light of day. It is a pretty evening, and the geese are honking and the frogs croaking. Can you hear them?
Day 143
Look at all the Wabbits! Too bad Dusty isn't here today. Lots of friends to play with at the Gloversville Bunny Farm.
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Day 142
Flowers! They look so real, and very pretty
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Day 141
The little princess posed for photos today. We played in the grass, and then took some pictures. Sh
e is a pretty little girl.
Day 140
Always fun to look for circular swirls in moving water. They aren't always obvious until you take a long exposure - like 15 seconds or so. This one is just down from a 5-inch waterfall!
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Day 139
Nice walk along Brandywine creek today. Had a great time, and saw some pretty flowers. These are tiny, maybe a half an inch, but beautiful little flowers. Look at the colors. Also found some plants with the blossoms carefully hidden and shielded by large leaves above. Interesting! Add a huge tree and dogwoods blooming in the woods and it was perfect.
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Day 138
This is the pen that was going to be a giraffe spotted pen. Now a nice conservative walnut pen. Probably just as well. I really like the way this one came out. Congratulations Dr. Kim! (Just don't tell her yet!!!)
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Day 137
Look at this big fungus thing on the base of my oak tree! It is pretty cool. The photo of the day! Focus stack to get all the layers sharp!
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Day 136
Dusty is back. She sat down by the fireplace for a few pictures today. She is a good model. Enjoy Wabbit Wednesday!
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Day 135
Here is a giraffe spot acrylic blank. I am going to make this into a pen for Dr. Kim. She graduates from Cornell vet school on May 26 and/or May 27th. I'm afraid it will be a giraffe striped pen since the spots are along the end... but I will give it a try, and share a pick of the pen soon.
Oh, remember the 124/365 Name that tool ... well, here it is ready for action!
UPDATE, DAY 136: Sadly, there will be no giraffe spotted pen. The blank broke apart on the lathe... Falling back to a nice walnut blank. *That* pen will be shared in a day or two...
Day 134
Pineapples are cool fruits.
1. A pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple, but a fruit consisting of many berries that have grown together. 2. This also means that Pineapples are not a single fruit, but a group of berries that have fused together. The technical term for this is a “multiple fruit” or a “collective fruit”. 3. The scientific name of a pineapple is Ananas comosus. This word comes from the Tupi words “nanas” (which means pine) and “comosus” (which means tufted). Tupi is the language used by the Tupi people, who are indigenous people of Brazil.
4. Pineapples were historically very useful on long boat trips. Eating pineapple prevented scurvy, and pineapple juice mixed with sand is a great cleaning agent for boats.
Pineapples can “eat you back”! 5. Pineapples contain an enzyme called “bromelain”. This enzyme breaks down proteins in your mouth. So when you eat a pineapple, it is eating you back. Once the bromelain enters your stomach the enzymes are broken down, so you don’t need to worry about being eaten inside-out. Actually, pineapples have many medicinal qualities!
Fun facts from
https://www.lovebigisland.com/quick-and-remarkable-facts-about-hawaii/pineapple/
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Day 133
They finally look like birds! I think this will be the last check on the birds. They are starting to know what is going on, and I don't want to frighten them out of the nest too soon. I think there are 6 of them in there! At least they have a nice spacous birdhouse. Little birds, Adventure Awaits!
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Day 132
Made my first pen today. And my second. First one is made of Walnut, the second is colorful acrylic. I think they came out pretty nice! They are Woodriver Wall Street II Black Titanium pens.
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Day 131
This is a lovely little park right on Kildaire Farm Rd near the Cary Arts Center. The focal point of the park is the large fired "Monumental Fire Sculpture" by Nina Hole. There is no parking here, so visitors must walk in from the Arts Center, or be lucky enough to live nearby. There is a bench, and this little "Pocket Park" is a nice quiet place to sit under the large trees and enjoy the flowers planted in the park.
Day 130
My bowl came today! I like this one. It is a very pretty color. And it has a little different shape. Very nice, I believe it was made by Sue Young in Jay NY.
Day 129
My yard bunnies have fun. Doesn't he look happy?
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Day 128
Checked on the baby birds today. They are much bigger today. I don't know how many there are... I see one head and a bunch of body parts. Anyone else know how many birds are in the picture?
Day 127
Had an all white meal today! That is actually brown rice, but brown rice is still pretty white. Grilled fish, steamed cauliflower, and milk. At least there is some blue in the plate!
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Day 126
I glued up a mixed wood blank to my first bowl. It is about 6 1/2 inches square, and about 3 inches think. I don't know what the light wood is... it is a budget blank from the woodworking shop. The wood that I added is some cherry I had in the shop. I wanted to do this in walnut, but I didn't have anything 3" wide. I'll be posting the after shot when this is complete. I hope it doesn't end up a mess, like coming apart at one of the glue lines. New tools - the planer and jointer - worked beautifully for this. Nice perfectly mated surfaces to glue together. Wish me luck!
Day 125
Added screen door to the shop today. I picked up two 30" sliding screen doors at Lowes today. Cut two grooves into a 2"x2" to create a track above the door for them to ride along. Seems to work fine. Keeps the bugs out and lets in the fresh air.
Day 124
New turning tool arrived today. Any thoughts on what this could be?
Do you know?
OK, I'll tell you...
It is a pen turning mandrel with a live spur saving MT2 Mandrel saver. Also has the pen barrel trimmer. Guess what I'll be making on the lathe!
Day 123
The eggs have hatched... I can't tell how many birds are in this little lump of fuzz... can you? I'll keep watching, and post another when they actually look like birds!
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Day 122
Wrangler Wednesday (Sorry Dusty and all the rabbits out there!)
Warm weather means one thing... time to put the top down and take the doors off. I'm ready for the summer look for the Wrangler.
Day 121
All the prep work is complete, and the lathe is up and running. It works great. Finished my first project today! Can't share a photo of it because it is a surprise for Beth. I thought it might be a mess, but it really did come out pretty good. I'll post a photo of it eventually. Very exciting.
Up next - a screen door for the for the workshop. Too many bees and insects checking out the shop while I'm in there working...
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... enjoy the journey
Day 120
One hundred and twenty days of photos! 435 Photos in the 2018 gallery. Wow. Almost a third of the way into the 365 day Journey. That's an adventure too! With flowers and butterflies and fun stuff. Let's keep going!
Day 119
Went out for dinner to celebrate Matt's birthday. He choose Red Lobster. I ordered the grilled shrimp and Steak. It was vey good. Looks good too!
I took the shrimp off the wooden skewer before I decided to photograph. Bummer, that would have been more interesting!
Day 118
Late afternoon at the Veterans Freedom Park. Planned this trip earlier in the day when there were nice white clouds in the sky. Just wanted the later golden light... As you can see, the clouds didn't hang around!
Day 117
I need more power in the workshop! Adding a couple more circuits to power the power tools. Here is a switch box I added and wired up today. Very exciting, isn't it! (I'm starting to stuggle on photo ideas, especially when trying to work on things around the house. Tomorrow is Saturday, so I can do better!)
Day 116
I last visited this fountain when it was covered in ice! (January 6, 2018 photo) Certainly no ice today. Very pretty park in downtown Cary. HDR, Focus stacked.
And a pretty squirrel with an interesting color... gray squirrel with red squirrel coloring:
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Day 115
Dusty climbing on me while I try to photograph her! That makes it difficult to get her!
Day 114
Pretty little gold finch with eggs in a box.
Day 113
Me Monday. Look how long my hair is getting. Almost like 1979.
Day 112
New York Strip steak on the grill. Almost ready to take off. Thick and Juicy. Left one was marinated in Dale's sauce, so it got a little more crispy, but that is just onthe surface... I will say these were delicious - with corn on the cob and steamed spinach.
Day 111
I sat down to rest after working in the yard today, and I made sure to have my camera with me and ready to go. I waited a few minutes, and this Eastern Bluebird landed on a near by branch. He asked to have his portraits made. I agreed, and this is what we came up with. Very nice, I think. I hope he likes them as well.
Day 110
Here is my new birthday present watch! It's a beauty! I haven't worn a watch for a few years... just used my cell phone as a pocket watch. It is nice to have a beautiful new wrist watch to wear. Old school analog is the way to go!
Day 109
Interesting art piece in front of the Cary Arts Center. This is made from old school lockers from the Cary Elementry school - which is now the Cary Arts Center! Very cool.
Wrapped to the Future by Nate Key
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Day 108
Here is one of my outside bunnies. I see this one often in the yard. This is a big bunny! I think he is happy living in my bushes.
Day 107
Different today. What is this? Leave a comment!
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Day 106
One last day of my Azalea flowers for the 2018 photos. These are big 3 inch blossoms. Very pretty on a giant 12 foot bush.
and a double exposure...
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Day 105
Pretty yellow roses for today's photo. Aren't they pretty! I think so, happy to have these happy flowers! Enjoy
104/365 Herons are building their nests. This looks like a very nice stick. These big birds are interesting to watch.
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Day 103
Max is very focused while I get his photo for today's post. What a handsome boy!
Day 102
Mom liked the close-ups of each flower, but wanted a view of the entire bushes. I told her most of the bushes are in pretty bad shape, thus the close-ups! But here you go, messy bushes that need to be pulled out and replaced with new healthy well shaped ones.
And I have finches nesting in the camper!
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Day 101
Miss Dusty is feeling so much better than last week. Glad to have a happy healthy bunny back.
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Day 100
This plant hasn't bloomed in many, many years. Looks great this year. Love the bearded iris when it shows up!
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Day 99
Almost to 100!
Isn't this a pretty flower? Yes it is. And big too. Probably 2 to 3 inches across the blossom. And such a pretty color. Enjoy!
Day 98
A happy little Carolina Wren singing his morning song in the sunshine. Can you hear it?
Day 97
Getting the workshop ready to do some turning. I added lighting and power outlets, setup some new tools, and just generally reorganized it for some new work. Now I need the lathe to come in. The lathe stand is right in the middle, ready for action! Click photo to go to a larger view.
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Day 96
Food photography. A quick dinner at Zaxby's. 4 piece chicken fingerz patter. They gave me 5! Must be my lucky day.
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Day 95
Brought a few new pink azaleas into the studio for today's shot. Pink on white - great combination!
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Day 94
It is Wabbit Wednesday, and Dusty is a sad bunny. She has a sick tummy today, and isn't eating. At least that is what her doctor thinks. This is serious for a rabbit, so she will need to be force fed until she eats on her own. Poor Miss Bunny. Only one photo today, because no one wants a camera in their face when they don't feel well.
Day 93
Flowers! Spring! Flowers!
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Day 92
Dogwood tree blossomed on Saturday. I love these in the back yard. Spring!
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Day 91
Happy Easter everyone.
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Day 90
The bees are out, must beeeee spring!
And for something completely different... pretty day out. A cool bench by the Cary post office.
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Day 89
An Adirondack chair from the Adirondacks. Bought this at The Wood Place in Wells, NY. Decided to paint it Classic Red. I like it!
Day 88
This is actually a nice patch of flowers in an intersection median in Cary. It is in full bloom right now! Beautiful!
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Day 87
I brought in a nice fresh stick from the pear tree for the bunny today. She likes to chew on them, it is a good bunny treat.
Day 86
First red azaleas are blooming. These are small (about an inch) blossoms, and the bushes are loaded! Enjoy...
Day 85
Me Monday features some safety equipment. Here is my gear for running the wood lathe. I don't have the lathe yet, but I made sure to get the full face shield and respirator first. Now I just need the lathe and the gouges!
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Day 84
When you can't decide if you want chocolate or vanilla... have them both!
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Day 83
Simple today. 3 candles. Simple.
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Day 82
More treasure from the treasure box. A silver Liberty dollar from my Great Grandmother. Treasure. Also in the treasure box... an Eisenhower bicentenial dollar, and a couple of 1974 Kennedy half dollars.
Day 81
Two new flamingos arrived this week. Aren't they GREAT! Why yes they are. Two neighborhood boys complemented me as I was putting them in the front yard. Wonder what they really thought!
And the cherry tree one more time....
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Day 80
Wabbit Wednesday with the closeup macro lens. This is the full frame - no cropping for this one. That's a big bunny face with cute bunny lips. Also did the ears and tail!
Day 79
First day of spring!
I brought a few cherry blossoms into the studio for some macro shots. They are very pretty, but don't last long.
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Day 78
Cherry tree is all in bloom. Spectacular! #StayThisWay #CantStayThisWay
and a pano that went wrong...
Day 77
Pretty sunset. Not spectacular, but still very nice. Blue sky and contrails of RDU traffic.
Day 76
Upgraded my home security. This should do it! No one will mess with this bad ass.
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Day 75
More treasure from the box, Susan B Anthony, Sacagawea, and George Washington
and I have one more dollar coin. I am saving for a future Treasure box post!
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Day 74
Here is a souvenir tie tack I've had since I was very young. An Adirondack guide and his boat. Very cool piece.
The museum is no longer named the "Adirondack Museum" It is now "Adirondack Experience™ The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake". But it will always be the Adirondack Museum! https://www.theadkx.org/
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Day 73
Must be Wabbit Wednesday. Must be.
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Day 72
Went to the pet store today. Dusty needed her manni peddi. They always have puppies in the store. I want to bring them all home. Or at least let them out to play!
Day 71
Reminded that it is still winter... at least for 8 more days. The rain turned to sleet and then to snow. Very pretty and a bit messy. Messy is good.
Day 70
My old high school ring. Mayfield Central School class of 1981. The Panthers. Mom ('56?) was a Panther, Dad ('54?) was a Panther, big sister ('79) was a Panther.
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Day 69
Spent all day on the UNC campus in the Dean Smith center shooting the NCHSAA 2A basketball championship games. Some pretty good basketball - nice to shoot in such good light! Sure beats the high school gyms. Last games of the 2018 winter sports season. Last year I didn't shoot any spring sports, so this might be it for the school season... and maybe beyond!
Boys Basketball: Greene Central vs. Forest Hills (Mar 10, 2018)
Donte Johnson (33) of Greene Central during the NCHSAA 2A Boys State Championship game with Greene Central facing Forest Hills. Forest Hills takes the championship with a 63-59 win over Greene Central. Dean Smith Center, UNC,Chapel Hill. Saturday, Mar 10, 2018.
(Photo By: Karl Fisher/HighSchoolOT.com)
Day 68
White on white. Using the new white backdrop that arrived yesterday. Works with the pretty white light that I have.
Day 67
A nice bowl of apples. Red Delicious or Macintosh?
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Day 66
Dusty is greeting a new friend. The Bunny Crossing bunny has been on the wall for a week - it was time for him to get down and play. And they did! Dusty thinks it is always good to have a playmate come over. Have fun kids!
Day 65
Piece of Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake to be precise! Yummy. From Costco. Been looking at this in the case for a month or so... finally gave in and bought one and very glad I did!
And now for something completely different! It is a rainy and mildly breezy day. I thought the pear tree in the rain with a long exposure would be interesting. No so much. A short exposure was pretty tho - so here it is:
... but then I thought about the cake and gave that a try. So two completely different pics for today. Enjoy!
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Day 64
Love these little purple flowers in the yard. What are they? {I've been informed they are Hyacinths!}
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Day 63
A few photos from the basketball shoot. The facilities were nice, but loud! A good day of sport shooting...
Derrick Columbus (23) of Pamlico County. Pamlico County and Rocky Mount Preparatory meet in the 1A boys eastern regional championship game. Pamlico stuns Rocky Mount Prep with an 82-57 win to advance to the State championship game next Saturday. Capel Arena, Fayetteville State University Saturday, Mar 3, 2018.
(Photo By: Karl Fisher/HighSchoolOT.com)
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Day 62
Heading out to photograph 2 basketball games for highschoolot.com. This is my kit for the shoot. 2 camera bodies with battery grips, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, black rapid duo strap, memory cards and business cards, cleaning items, laptop, cord, locking cable, track ball, 2 card readers, water, snacks, and the think tank roller bag!
I tried to do everything from photographing to editing to posting this entry on my phone. I was *almost* sucessful. Pixel has a great camera, Lightroom mobile is a pretty good editor, and the zenfolio app uploaded the photos nicely. But the blogging interface is buggy on my mobile chrome browser. I created the post, but couldn't add the 3 additional photos to the post. So I had to switch over to the chromebook for the last step in adding photos and publishing. So close!
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Day 61
Birthday selfie for day 61. That's DAY 61, NOT birthday 61!!! Happy Birthday to ME.
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Day 60
Here is a photo of my photo in Adirondack Life magazine. Took 2nd place in the black and white category. Very pleased! I will recieve a prize - a hand made ceramic bowl. It will probably arrive in May, and will be a photo of the day when it gets here!
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Saniya Rivers (22) of E.A. Laney blocks Alana Brown (15) of Heritage. E.A. Laney travels to Heritage in the 4th round of the Women's basketball playoffs. Laney comes from behind to win 52-45 - moving onto the regional round. Tuesday, Feb 27, 2018.
(Photo By: Karl Fisher/HighSchoolOT.com)
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Day 58
Spring has arrived. The Crocus are in bloom, daffodils looking bright and happy, pear tree all lit up, and blossoms on the magnolia tree. Yard looks great. Enjoy!
Day 57
The pear tree is in full bloom! Here is one little blossom cluster. Very pretty time of the year.
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Day 56
Good Luck Lake is the prize at the end of a short hike. The water and ice make give the lake a beautiful shade of green. Very pretty in the falling February snow.
Day 55
The little Princess out for a morning walk in the snow. She's a pretty little girl!
Day 54
Sunrise at Fly Pond. Beautiful morning light.
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Day 53
Hiked to Rock Lake, and found two small snow kids on the lake. Their heads were small and missing, so we gave them new abnormally large ones!
Atmosphere was amazing!
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Day 52
Dusty just finished her cookie, and her morning run around. Time to stretch out on the nice cool floor and chill. She knows how to chill. Good work Dusty!
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Day 51
There are 40 marble slabs, one for each of the passengers and crew members near the crash site. The memorial slabs are aligned on the final flight path, leading to the impact site. A large 17 ton sandstone boulder marks the impact site, and can be see through a memorial Wooden gate. Only family members are permitted inside the gate.
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Day 50
The Flight 93 National Memorial. This is the crash site of United Flight 93 on Sept 11, 2001. It is the final resting place of the 33 passengers and 7 crew members. These 40 heros took on the highjackers, and prevented the plane from reaching Washington DC.
It is a beautiful memorial site, and I will visit again.
Day 49
Almost nesting season. Will this camper be used this year? Last year I had a wooden house here, but the carpenter bees used it so the birds stayed away. Carpenter bees won't like this one! Door is open, come on birds!
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Day 48
Two of my welcoming committe members. Right up at the road by the mailbox. The pink flamingo has the day off!
Day 47
The warm wet weather has the daffodils blooming. These bright and happy flowers are always always welcome.
Day 46
I was driving through Bond Park looking for photo oportunities, when I spotted this large red tailed hawk on a log in the woods. I looked for a parking spot, had no luck and circled back around. Still there. I continued on and fond a spot to park. I bushwacked back to the road where the hawk was. Gone. I then looked up as the hawk flew over with his meal in his claws and landed in a tree. A second hawk was screeching and circling, going for this birds food. They flew around in circles and disappeared out of sight before I could get much of a picture. I managed a few so so ones before I they got away.
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Day 45
Dusty is running away from Wabbit Wednesday photo shoot! A quick dive into a box and she is safe from the camera. I managed to get a few before she fled though. Enjoy the bunny on Wabbit Wednesday.
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Day 44 (Another ducky day)
This big boy is much bigger than the other ducks on Bond Lake. But my bird book doesn't have any ducks besides Mallards with this coloring... Is this just a really big Mallard? I don't know. Leave an answer as a comment if you know! Thanks!
And these I know are Mallards. Regular size mallards at that!
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Day 43
Visited downtown Cary looking for photography subjects. I found a few at the library. The big wave is by Ana Huberman-Lazovsky. The sculpture is titled “Big Copacabana Wave”. I also found a small hand painted rock, and an angel statue. Good variety in about 30 feet.
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Day 42
A Camellia near my front porch. I always like the winter blooms. Pretty flower, and the bush has more blossoms ready to go.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia
Day 41
That's it, beach week is over. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
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Day 40
Pretty beach scene on a Sunday afternoon. Had the beach to myself. Must have been the rain, wind and cold. It is nice when the weather forecast scares away EVERYONE else! It really was quite nice out.
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Day 39
Taken at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. There trees are so interesting. They grow between the old fortifications and the sea.
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Day 38
Dusty has the week off... cuz that's not a wabbit.
This is a White Ibis along the trail to the Fort Fisher recreation reserve observation deck. Also saw Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, Great Egrets, Mocking birds, gold finches, Cooper's hawk, and ducks. Great trail for birds! Not so good for Wabbits.
Day 37
Afternoon at the tip of Federal Point, where the Cape Fear flows to join the Atlantic Ocean. A cold, sunny day with building clouds. Nice day to be out enjoying the surroundings and making photographic images.
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Day 36
Me Monday at the Beach. Winter at the beach is a treat. It was upper 30°s, very windy and sunny! Very few people around - almost had the beach to myself. Setup for a photo of myself at the beach, but these two ugly guys came up and photo bombed me. Some people!
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Day 35
It's beach week. I can't spend a week at the beach, but I can post beach pictures for a week!
Carolina Beach, near Wilmington, NC.
Day 34
Photo for ebay listing of a Ravenna Box Easel.
1 of 4 photos in a product white box tent. Didn't come out bad, but could be better. It is a bit large for the whitebox - spilled over the white backdrop so photoshop was needed to fix the background. Would you buy this? $35.00. Good condition. Some paint on the lower support. $66.35 new on Amazon in black.
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Alternatives-AA1250-Ravenna-Easel/dp/B001PNCK18
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Day 33
Like these interesting flowers in a park in Cary. I don't know what it is, but it is pretty.
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Day 32
The forest has different stars in the winter. Love these glowing leaves in the forest in winter. Simple scene. Very pretty.
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Day 31
Dusty would like a cookie. Not really cookies... we call her timothy hay treats cookies. And she loves them. Cute Dusty!
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Day 30
Pretty little finch in the back yard on a rainy day. They love the bird feeders!
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Day 29
Gross and creepy, but also interesting looking. Found this dirty dead fly on my window sill... just had to photograph it!
Three images focus stacked into this lovely picture.
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Day 28
Tried to photograph a pack of black cat firecrackers going off today. It worked. Twice. And a small fountain too. I'll try this again in a more attractive location next time!
Day 27
Visited the NC Museum of Natural Science's Prarie Ridge Ecostation. Too many people around to see many birds. (Why do they have a playground next to the bird feeding area? Why did I go during the "Playdate" event?)
Luckily, this milkweed plant didn't mind all of the activity!
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Day 26
Testing my options for Macro photography. I put my extension tubes on 3 different lenses to see what would get the best closup. 40-70mm, 50mm, and the 100mm macro lens. 100mm macro lens wins the shootout. I could get more of a closeup, and it was far easier to use. The working distance on the other lens was very small... so I will stick with the 100mm.
And the Test photos...
Starting with 3rd place - worst quality and most difficult to use. The 17-40mm lens at 40 mm with 21mm of extension tubes. Focusing range was VERY shallow, and about 1/4 inch in front of the lens. Blocked out almost all light!
2nd place - The 50mm f/1.4 lens with 65mm of extension tubes. Not bad. Shallow range of focus. About 2 inches in front of the lens.
1st place - Goes to the 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens with 65mm of extension tubes.
Day 25
Cary Verterans Freedom tower. Went to make star trails around the tower... but the clouds came in so I decided to go with time lapse. But for that I really should have a horizontal shot. But I didn't know the clouds would come in. What is a guy to do?
Gave up trying to rotate this... so enjoy sideways!:
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Day 24
All of Dusty's bunny friends got together for a photoshoot. Think Dusty would like this printed and framed for her Condo? Certainly!
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Day 23
Beautiful Mallard duck stopped by the studio today. Such a pretty boy.
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Day 22
Me Monday number 2! I'm in the Big Muskie Bucket. Wow, that's a big bucket.
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Day 21
Looking for a photo... and this is it. Kept stopping, and looking, but really didn't end up where I needed to me. So this is it. Day 21 done. Sort of.
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Day 20
Big ice by Brandywine falls today. Nice light in the morning.
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Day 19
Love this statue of a rabbit and her boy. Looks a bit like Dusty! This was a birthday gift from Dusty's Godmomma. Perfect!
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Day 18
We got 4 to 6 inches of snow! Yeah Snow! Very pretty in the trees. Will walk later this evening to explore some more!
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Day 17
Not ready for a portrait session! Cute bunny even with only one ear...
Shooting with a shallow depth of field tonight. Breaking the rules... instead of the eyes in focus, I'm going for the nose in focus. I didn't succeed on all of these, but I like 'em.
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Day 16
It is what It is.
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Day 15
First Me Monday shot. Dusty said it was my turn if she had to handle all the Wednesday photos. Fair enough.
Umbrella flash camera left, reflectors below and to camera right. I think it worked. Can't make be beautiful, but the lighting isn't bad.
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Day 14
Sea gull portrait day at Lake Crabtree. Sunny but cold and windy afternoon. Birds seemed happy enough, so I was happy too.
Bonus photos:
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Day 13
Took a trip to Eastern NC, to Lake Mattamuskeet. It is the location of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge as well as surrounding public and private lands in eastern North Carolina are a major wintering site for waterfowl including ducks like northern pintail and green-wing teal, geese like Canada geese and tundra swans.
This is a century-old hunting lodge on Lake Mattamuskeet. Mattamuskeet Lodge first opened as a pumping station in 1914 in an attempt to drain the lake and replace it with farmland and a town called New Holland. The federal government ended that experiment when it bought the property in the 1930s, and the building was converted to a hunting lodge, with an observation tower that resembles a lighthouse.
It was closed in 2010 when engineers found structural damage so severe that the second-floor ballroom could collapse under the weight of an event.
Renovations scheduled (legislated) to be complete by June 30, 2018. No estimate on when it will be opened to the public.
Taken from:
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article163253953.html
A Great Egret and a Beaver working together to find a meal:
Pintail ducks:
More photos in the Lake Mattamuskeet gallery.
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Day 12
First duck photos of the new year. You know, you can't have too many duck pictures.
EF 100-400 II with a 1.4x teleconverter.
Three good friends walking off into the sunset:
And another park resident:
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Day 11
Shot for 30 minutes to make a short night sky time lapse. Just enough cloud movement to make things interesting.
And the Video!:
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Day 10
Miss Dusty is grooming me. She takes very good care of me. She is a kind, loving bunny.
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Day 9
Ball of light?
Ball of stars?
Dreamy!
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Day 8
My new baby. Santa left this under the tree this year. I was a very good boy last year.
8 images at f/2.2 focus stacked to give me this image all in focus but still keeping a very shallow depth of field.
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Day 7
Visited WRAL today, knowing the fountain out front is what they are calling Fountain Mountain. Lots and lots of ice. Probably the last in my series of icy fountain shots. Unless we get a good cold spell next December. I love the layers of icicles that have formed on this fountain. Very cool. And very cold!
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Day 6
Found the ice. New fountain in Cary. Been below freezing for days, and the ice has built up nicely on this fountain. The Lights cycle through many colors, I caught a bit of a pink color here. Very pretty. It is cold, but there were many people checking out the water and ice.
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Day 5
Went out looking for icy fountains this evening. Been below freezing for 5 or 6 days now, and some fountains are really iced over. Not this one. There were two other fountains above this, and I think they would have been icy if they hadn't been removed... that limited the ice! But this one is pretty, and was fun to photograph. The flames should be bigger, at least on a cold night like this. 21° this evening.
I will find an icy fountain this weekend!
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Day 4
It snowed! We only got about a half inch, and it melted quickly where the sun hit it.
SAS Building R
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Day 3
First Wabbit Wednesday of the year. I don't beleive *all* Wednesdays will be of Wabbits, but many of them will.
This is Miss Dusty nibbling on a Carrot Crunchy treat. She is so cute!
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Day 2
Merry Christmas on this Ninth day of Christmas!
My Christmas tree. Tried a new techinque to capture the tree. I took a photo with the lights on, reducing the exposure to capture the color of th lights. I then turned the lights off, turned on more room lights and took another photo capturing the details of the tree. I then blended the photos in Photoshop with the Lighten blend mode. Brought the lights into the tree and preserved the detail in the ornaments. Would it work with subjects posed in front of the tree? Probably will.
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Happy New Year!
Day 1
Welcome to 2018. Very cold this morning (16°), but not cold enought to freeze the bubble solution. I'll have to do this in a colder climate I guess. Still, bubbles are always an interesting photo.
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Happy Thanksgiving
Replaced the counter top microwave with an over the range model... and I really like it. Was great for a big cooking day like today!
Look at all the quaters! 1120 of 'em. All just hanging out waiting for a trip to the bank.
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A few leaves on the deck. Not as colorful as I would like... but you get what you get!
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Apple pie!
Made the crust from scratch, with a little help from my Mom. Family secrets!
Used my favorite apple... Macintosh. It is very good. But I'll adjust the filling a bit next time around. Don't need as much sugar or cinnamon as I used this time. I'll get it perfect!
Here it is ready to bake:
And just from the oven:
And on the table, ready to cut:
All done! Building a better burger! All the ingredients of a Big Mac and a Double Whopper. Just right for 3 people!
And a bunch more available in a dedicated gallery for the McWhopper!
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Day 228
One of Mom's many African Violets. Very pretty and very happy plant.
And the nicest room in Brookdale:
Day 226
Karen's aniversary orchid was the inspiration for this Mother Daughter portrait. Happy Aniversary!
Day 226
Hello. This is Mop. And Flop. And a nice little flower too.
Amazing what treasures you can find at the thrift store!
A nice quick photo for a busy day. What will tomorrow bring?
Day 225
Tried to capture the meteor shower... too much light polution, and probably went out too early. I tried a few new editing techniques with the shots I took. Not too good... Can't wait to get some dark skys. Adirondack will be soooo much better!
Day 224
I've seen some "twirl" photos over the last two days... so I thought I would give it a try. Extreem twirl of my 5 headed lamp. Colorful. And groovy.
Here is how it started out:
Day 223
I watched this little guy training on his high wire. His name is Karl Humallendas, and he is one of the Great Flying Humallendas. It is impressive to watch him on the high wire, but his being able to fly takes some of the tension out of the show. None of the Great Humallendas has ever been injured during a performance, so this is a very safe act.
Day 222
Took another look at the 2015 CVA Outdoor Scultpure Exhib entries. I like this 8 foot tall giraffe made of found steel objects. I award it the Karl Fisher Best in Show award. Very prestigious award! Very.
Day 221
I watched this little squirrel for a few minutes. He didn't move from this spot, but kept his head kept sinking down lower and lower. Gave me a chance to get a nice B+W portrait for the Fall edition of the Gentelmen Squirrel Quarterly. It is an honor, really!
Bonus photos....
Day 220
Printed and framed a group photo today - hung it on Dave's door. Won't he be surprised when he gets back to the office!
There as a space suit photo prop - with the face cut for photos - in the building last week. The entire group posed, then I put them on a photo from January 24, 2012 of the building we work in... Came out nice... Especially Lili's cheeta suit!
Day 219
Drops on a misty afternoon. Had a nice cloudy, cool rainy day today. I liked it. Very nice break from the summer heat. I liked the water drops on the *side* of the Jeep. This is a near vertical side panel, and it was covered with small water drops. White on white... made some adjustments in Lightroom, and brought out the drop detail. Probably not too exciting for anyone else, but this one is for me...
... and if you didn't think that was exciting, how about this one?
This is my cable TV buster! Just need to get a real Antenne mast rather than a broom handle and zip ties!
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Day 218
Noticed the hickory nuts are going to be plentiful this year. The squirrels are rejoicing. Maybe I'll see what I can get this year. I don't know what variety of hickory this tree is, so who knows! They could be good!
Day 217
Muddy Cicada Exuvia. This is what is left of the exoskeleton after the adult moults from the final nymph stage. These remain on trees other objects where the adult emerged.
This is a focus stacked image using a macro ring light.
Day 216
Found this beautiful hawk watching over the street when I returned home on my morning run. He waited for me to get the camera for my pic of the day. Thanks Hawk!
And here is something else watching over the street this morning - 4 days past full...
Day 215
Another of the new Renegade's little design elements. This little classic Willy's Jeep is climbing a rock pile up the side of the passenger side windshield. Fun!
And as usual, a couple more from the driveway...
It looks like two steering wheels because of the reflection off the inside of the glass.
and Matt...
Day 214
Near sunset panorama at the lake. Pretty light today. Should have removed the polarizing filter... tried to improve in lightroom, but it is still a little off!
And a few more...
Day 213
Created the image for my custom bumper sticker for the Renegade. "My other Jeep is a Jeep". Cafe Perss - 3x5 Custom Vinyl Sticker (Clear) $3.99. I'll get another photo of it on the Rene!
Also, note the 'fancy' new Windows 10 OS on the PC. Upgrade when very well, and I like Windows 10 so far...
UPDATE 8/3/2015: CafePress has rejected my order because they will not print images with company names in them. Guess I can't have a non-Jeep Jeep sticker on my Jeep... or at least not one printed by CafePress. I understand their policy, but I'm disappointed not the less.
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Day 212
Dinner time for Dusty. Some nice yummy Oxbow Western Timothy Hay. Glad I didn't have to eat it!
And I might as well add a few more of this cute little bunny:
What do we have here?
and what do we have here? (light stand for the flash)
And I know you!
Day 211
Here is a beautiful moose pitcher. I would love to see the moose that posed for this!
Day 210
"Steel Inverted Arch 3" by Ken Thompson of Blissfield, MI
Awarded Best In Show in this years Cary Visual Art Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. Displayed in front of the Cary Art Center.
Día 209
La tercera foto de la trilogía ... La pimienta es maduro ahora .
(The evolution of the Jalapeno, part three
Day 209
The third photo in the trilogy... The pepper is ripe now.)
See Part I, Day 197 "One Jalapeno left" and Part II, Day 199 "Getting Ripe"
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Day 208
Fish tonight. It was delicous. Wild caught flounder quickly cooked with olive oil and my secret spices, finished with cilantro and served with hot noodles. Salad on the side. Yum!
UPDATE July 31, 2015: Oh no! Cilantro was recalled! "This product may be contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis and, if eaten, could result in severe illness to those who may consume this product." The good news is I didn't get sick, and neither did Matt or Dusty!
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Day 207
Found these at the county library. Not what I headed out for... but very pretty. Nice warm later afternoon light, in a bit of shade. Also saw some hummingbirds, but didn't get a shot of them. Can't win 'em all.
Day 206
Colorful stack of shirts... my own little rainbow!
Day 205
Little Ms Squirrel rested on the deck, and was nice enough to stay there while I got the camera ready. I have the best behavied squirrels!
Day 204
Headlight of the new Renegade. This is a closeup of the detail right in the center of the headlight, right in front of the actual bulb. Says "Jeep", for those that don't know the language!
Day 203
I spotted a Yeti-Sasquach-Bigfoot today! He followed me home from work!
Just one of the many fun design elements on this new Jeep Renegade!
Day 202
Moth at night. I think this one has a bad comb over? Or is The Donald in the news too much?
This guy looks hurt, but it was tough to get a good pic of him. I wonder if he will still be on the house in the morning?
Day 201
A neighbor has some beautiful wild flowers in their front yard. Very pretty right now. Bees like 'em too.
And of course one more bunny pic:
Day 200
The bunnies have been enjoying the early pears falling from the tree this year. Came home one day to 3 rabbits eating in the driveway! This morning, just the one. She kept eating as I sat on the porch with the camera. The click made her look up to me, and I told her the pear was all hers... Glad they are enjoying them. Bunnies are far cuter than yellow jackets!
And more, of course
:
Day 199
The jalapeno is getting ripe. I didn't know they turned red! I've always eaten them while green. Learn something everyday!
Day 198
Nice sunset this evening. Nice calm water. I didn't even disturb the ducks and geese (too much).
Much different just 8 minutes later:
Day 197
One jalapeno pepper left after making cajun fish tacos tonight. And it is the good lookin' one!
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Day 196
Giant Pi outside Building C. Not Pi day, but a good day for Pi.
Sculpture is Pi in the Sky II by Micajah Bienvenu. http://micajahbienvenu.com
https://www.sculpture.org/portfolio/sculpture_info.php?sculpture_id=1004822
Also here at Building C
Day 195
Wolfpack at the NCSU football center. Just ignore that blue in the background!
And another of this little sweetie:
Day 194
Found this deer in my yard today. I grabbed the camera, and wondered why she didn't just run off. She just looked intently at me. Then I noticed the two fawns on the other side of the fence in my neighbor's yard. She jumped over the fence and ran off with the young ones...
Day 193
Traveled to Wilmington NC today to tour the USS North Carolina. Very interesting touring this WWII Battleship and Memorial. She is an amazing ship from a different era.
Day 192
What a way to start out each trip in the Renegade. I have to make this my driving mantra.
Day 191
The Italian Easter Egg in the new Jeep Renegade. A little spider under the fuel door. Don't worry, he doesn't bite.
Day 190
Jeep emblem tail light. Love it.
Day 189
Found a small Cottontail rabbit for today's photo. I couldn't get one with the tail, but I enjoyed getting the rest of this cute little rabbit. Nice of her (or him?) to 'freeze' when I came out with the camera. Bunnies are so cooperative!
Day 188
What's better than an ice cream cone on a summer evening? Had to work fast on this one, soft serve doesn't last long at 87°. But that is why it is so good on a summer evening!
Day 187
Stopped by Waverly Place this evening. I like the water fountains and water falls they have there. Before today, I had only photographed them after dark. This is nice too...
Day 186
Enjoying the sunflowers NC DOT plants along I40 on a Sunday morning. Very pretty. The bees are enjoying them too.
ISO 100, 40mm, 1/3200 at f/2.8.
Day 185
Mushrooms after the storm. The day's thunderstorms let up, allowing me to photograph. Not sure about fireworks tonight! I'll go for these pretty mushrooms in the yard that I noticed while mowing today.
And the other nice one:
Day 184
Took a drive to Jordan lake, hoping to see some birds. It was raining lightly and not too much going on. So I shot this pano - 14 overlapped images - and when I look at it closely, I find my birds! 3 Great blue herons on the shoreline. Just take my word, you'll never find them in the uploaded version!
Day 183
It is July. Almost July 4th! Summer nights and fireworks.
Writing with sparklers is FUN!
Matt and I took turns writing in the night. A lot of fun, a bit tricky, interesting results!
And of course there is more!
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Day 182
Dusty would like a cookie. That is what I call her Baked Timothy Biscuit rabbit treats. I'm holding one up, and it has her full attention! Don't worry, she got it right after I got this photo. Seems like a fair trade.
Day 181
Wanted to photograph the storm tonight... setup on the porch, and the storm fizzled out. Waited and waited, and ended up with just a little breeze and some drizzle. Not much of a storm!
Day 180
Art along the Black Creek Greenway trail - Househouse and Maynard, Cary.
Day 179
Butterfly!
Off to photograph blue birds this morning, but found this yellow and blue butterfly instead on a thisle blossom. Very pretty. Glad she came along as I was putting my gear back into the Renegade.
And a few others from the morning:
Day 178
Pretty sunflower in my neighbor's garden. Very pretty, and they bring in the bees.
Day 177
Went out for a drive in the Renegade, and found this for the photo of the day. This is the Triangle Aquatic Center, or TAC. The TAC is the home of the Titans - the larges swim team in the triangle.
It is a very humid night, so the lens kept fogging over while taking this pic. Once the camera warmed, the fogging slowed, but still continued. Need to wipe and then shoot quickly. HDR in PS CC15 and tweaked in LR CC 15.
Day 176
Traded the Ford Focus in for a new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Pretty sharp, don't you think!
Day 175
Matt takes his freshly grilled honey mustard grilled chicken off the grill. It was fantastic!
Day 174
The Yellow Blaze focus. Still lookin' good.
Day 173
Floating grapes in the photo tent. Fresh from Food Lion, right into the tent. What is the white stuff on the grapes? Reminds me of metals oxidizing, but somehow I don't think this is the answer...
Had a few photos without any shadow, and it looked strange. I like the shadow to the side. Falling off below is good, but when the shadow fell above the grapes it looked really odd. I guess we are conditioned to primary light coming from above. Much about photography is about human perception.
Day 172
A quick on on this Father's day. Hot Dog!
Day 171
Thunder clouds closing in. For the 4th day in a row, strong thunderstorms a forming after a hot humid day. Interesting sky. Just have to get the photo before the lightning gets close. There were only distant rumbles while at the lake. It is storming more strongly now!
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Day 170
We went out to dinner tonight... back to the Hot Point Deli. Excellent food, fast and fairly priced.
Day 196
A hot afternoon, still 95° at 7 pm., at Apex Lake in Apex Community Park. Big clouds where building, and thunder rumbling as I looked for the picture of the day. I liked this view over the water from an open spot on the bank. Color was okay, but the B+W has a nice feel to it.
ISO 100, 1/40s - .4s, f/16, 17mm, HDR in LR CC15, B+W in SilverEfexPro2
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Day 168
Still a couple days until it is officially summer, but with days in the upper 90s, I think we can call it close enough. Goodberry's was doing a brisk business today. I had a small Snickers Sundae. Yummy.
Day 167
More bugs! These creepy crawlies built a tent and have eaten some of my hedge. They have completely devoured the leaves within the tent. Then what do they do?
Day 166
Look who was guarding my jeep when I went out to run to the store! My big ugly watch spider.
Do you have someone watching over your stuff?
Day 165
Max is happy with a BIG stick. Good to play with a big stick after a nice morning swim.
And a few more:
Day 164
Pretty day in the gardens of Stan Hywet. I liked these, I just don't know what they are... so I all them Summer Flowers. Good name!
8 more photos here.
UPDATE: Mom identified the flowers - Tiger Lillies! Thanks, Mom!
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Day 163
Some table top tent photography for today. This is my pano rig. Gets the camera in just the right position to take perfect panos. Mix of Really Right Stuff ($$$) and Sunwayfoto ($) parts. I'm happy with it.
Day 162
Looking for some good clouds today. Not too much to work with, but this little patch dresses up this planter on the parking deck at work.
HDR processing in LR CC. First I've used from Lightroom. The HDR Efex 2 and PS CC were not as nice. Also removed some green John Deere Gators from the parking lot. Good to have them gone!
Day 161
Full bush of blossoms!
Day 160
Our new floor! I really like it. New table and chairs are next!
Took this in a 16 shot image and stitched them together. First pano were I used flash. That varied the exposure, and caused the right side of the pano to be a cloudy. It also was a bear to stitch together. Had to do it into 3 segments in LR CC, then a send those 3 to PS CC14. Glad I have both!
Day 159
Traveled to Morrisville today in search of the photo of the day. Ended up at the Pugh House, a home on the National Register of Historic Places.
The home dates from the 1870s, and was moved to this location in 2008 to save it from a highway widening project. Pretty house on a pretty afternoon.
More information is available from the town's website.
And directly across the street, a Morrisville landmark, Ben's Bargin Barn
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Day 158
Dusty is trying to each one of her new Slims with Alfalfa rabbit treats, and I'm trying to take her picture. She has had enough of the flash I think... enough for now. I'll use this nice close-up!
Day 157
Bunch of bugs near my front door. I think they are assassin bugs! Look out!
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Day 156
First blossom of the year for my gardenia bushes. You smell these flowers before you see them... at least that is the way it worked out this year. I smelled them getting in the car going to work today. So I grabbed this shot when I returned home. My BIG BUSH is loaded with blossoms, so I'm sure I'll get another day out of these sweet smelling flowers this year.
ISO 125, 300mm, 1/50s at f/6.3, 5 images focus stacked in PS CC14.
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Day 155
Bubble!
5 bubbles images overlaided and blended in Photoshop CC14. Fun!
Day 154
Hummingbirds flying around the studio after dark. But I managed to get a photo!
ISO 50, 50mm, 8s at f/11, 5 images combined in PS CC14
Day 153
4 of my candle lanterns. All with LED candles. Pretty cool.
ISO 400, 57mm, 3.2s at f/5
Day 152
For dinner tonight - grilled teriyaki boneless chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, green leaf lettuce, fresh pineapple on a Pepperidge Farms top sliced hot dog bun. Delicious.
White rice with pineapple juice and cooked spinach served on the side.
ISO 400, 48mm, 1/60s at f/11. 580EXII on camera ETTL
... and the same sandwich, on a hamburger roll, with the sides on the side...
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Day 151
This is Eric's plant. He named it "Plant". Tough to argue with that.
Needed an easy one today - flooring has me all worn out and I have a sinus head ache. This has been on my list for a day when I needed something quick to shoot around the house. In other words, a day like today.
ISO 400, 38mm, 1/10s at f/9.0, shaded with large reflector to remove the hotspots
Day 150
Putting in new flooring today. Matt and I got a bunch done... probably half way there putting it down. Then we have to put everything back. Will be great to have this new floor and after living with the almost 30 year old worn out nail heads poppng through vinyl flooring.
ISO 400, 24mm, 1/60s at f/3.5
This morning:
Lunch time... all the vinyl gone!
Day 149
Another in the SAS art collection, "Jelly Bean II" by John Clement. (Recall "Oiler" back on day 122).
Used selective color on this one. Not usually a fan of the technique, but it seemed like a good way to treat the Jelly Bean.
ISO 100, 200mm, 1/50s at f/22
Day 148
Another try at the Magnolia blossoms near home. This is on a different variety - I believe it is the dwarf "Little Gem" Southern Magnolia tree. This one is planted in the median of Harrison Avenue near home. I had a bit more light to work with today, and "fresher" flowers. Very pretty this time of year. Bees like them too!
Fresher still:
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Day 147
Deer artwork at SAS. Pano stitched from 20 photos. Each of the individual photos was shot at 200mm and f/2.8 for limited depth of field. The idea is to get a wide angle end product with a limited depth of field. I this case I'm far enough from the deer that the effect isn't as pronoundced as I was hoping.
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Day 146
Southern magnolia are in bloom! Large pretty flowers. What's not to like?
ISO 400, 100mm, 1/250s at f/13, On camera 580EXII flash
Day 145
I've been waiting for weeks to see hummingbirds at the feeder. Today was the day. Guess they needed a holiday to stop by!
I hope they enjoy the feeder all summer.
I sat on the deck with the camera and waited to get some good ones of these pretty birds. I like the chatter as they chase other birds away from the feeder.
ISO 400, 400mm, 1/250s at f/7.1
Day 144
Donut run this morning! Clockwise from top left - The Beach, Chocolate Peanut, Maple Bacon, Vanilla Peanut, Strawberry Coconut, and Peanut Butter Bacon. The Beach is their donut of the day - a donut with vanilla coating and sugar and cinnamon toppings. Just add a hot cup of coffee and you've got a great Sunday morning breakfast. Great tasting that is, not all that great for you.
ISO 200, 51mm, 6s at f/20
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Day 143
Went to volunteer at the balloon festival this morning. Saw many balloons take off. They were heading out one at a time, so no mass ascension today. The balloons didn't come back to land here on the targets put out because the wind picked up. Not sure where they went!
So disappointed with this though - it was so poorly planned they didn't even check in or give volunteers anything to do! I can't say that I didn't expect this, communication and planning has been almost non-existent since I signed up for this last December. Shame really - could have been such a nice event. The weather is wonderful for this weekend.
Gallery contains 20 photos.
ISO 400, 29mm, 1/1000s at f/5.6
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Day 142
She loved me,
She loved me not.
She loved me.
Yes, of course she did.
Focused stacked 3 images in PS CC14, B+W conversion done in Silver Efex Pro 2.
ISO 100, 68mm, .3s at f/5.6
Day 141
Different fruit salad to go with the lemon/pineapple Cajun rub baked flounder and white rice. I meant to pick up a mango, but ended up with a pomegranate instead. And it wasn't even that ripe! It was good, and different! I may have made up the part about the honeydew and the coconut too. Why would I do that?
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Day 140
Veterans Freedom Monument in the Veterans Freedom Park, Cary, NC. Moon and Venus in the purple sky just after sunset.
Day 139
Blowing soap bubbles onto a cactus. It is less dramatic than it sounds. But cool.
I like the reflected images of Matt blowing the bubbles and me taking the pictures. We did a bunch, right up until Matt got light headed!
ISO 800, 400mm, 1/30s at f/5.6
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Day 138
Shooting up in the back yard, inverting and playing with the colors in PS.
ISO 800, 153mm, 1/50s at f/20
Day 137
Nice walk this morning, and everyone enjoyed it! Don't they look happy! I think so!
ISO 800, 50mm, 1/200s at f/2.0
Day 136
Great blue Heron on the nest. Can just see the babe in the nest. Pretty soon the young one will be large enough to clearly see. Love these big birds.
Day 135
My roses, in their natural surroundings today in nice morning light.
ISO 400, 1/250s at f/2.2, 50mm
Day 134
Eric gave me the idea for this photo yesterday. My junk drawer. Do you have one? What is in yours?
ISO 400, 50mm, 1/60s at f/8
Sorry, no additional photos for this one!
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Day 133
Dessert at the Hot Point Deli. Yummy Chocolate cake. Great after stromboli! Very nice meal.
ISO 400, 50mm, 1/60s at f/8.0, 580EXII ETTL
The Stromboli:
And Matt's Muffaletta:
Day 132
This is the last of the original blossom's on Midnight's yellow Gerber Daisies. Plants are doing well, so I hope it blossoms again.
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Day 131
The new pears are coming on. Not loaded, but I should get a few this year!
I like the way they start out pointing upward. Won't be too long and they will hand down and get the distinctive pear shape. But they start out pretty round point up to the sky.
Look back to Day 82 and 85.
ISO 100, 321mm, 1/40s at f/8, pop-up flash
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Day 130
Happy Mother's Day. Roses for Mom.
These roses are planted in the median of N Harrison Ave near my house. When they get taller it makes it dangerous leaving my neighborhood. But today, I don't hate them!
Day 129
Went to Hemlocks Bluff Park today. Thought I might see some good birds to photograph, but they don't have bird feeders out - at least they didn't today. So I took a nice little walk around the Swift Creek trail/boardwalk. It was raining so I pretty much had the park to myself!
By the nature center, there are beds of these green leafy plants. I don't know what they are, but they are pretty in the rain.
ISO 3200, 400mm, 1/125s at f/8. Camera on monopod.
And a few more from the outing:
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Day 128
Very nice fireworks show tonight at the spring festival. Weather looked threatening, but it cleared up and was perfect for the show to cap the event. Very nice, and a joy to photograph!
18 more HERE in a gallery for you to enjoy
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Day 127
One of many town art pieces around town. NE corner of Harrison and Maynard.
Day 126
I put a rabbit treat on the lens, and triggered the camera remotely when Dusty investigated. She was very cautious, and didn't get too close. I had to take the treat and give it to her away from the camera. I'll try things again soon. I want to get a nice closeup of her going for a "cookie".
I need 1) a bit more light 2) get sharper focus 3) get out of the picture!
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Day 125
Time for the Selfie of the month. I didn't do one for April (or February for that matter) so this is turnig out to be an every other month thing. That is plenty often enough!
ISO 100, 70mm, 1/60 at f/5.0
Day 124
Miss Dusty likes to sit in the sunshine in the afternoon. Today she sat on her mat, and scratched her ears and licked her feet. What a life!
More cute bunny...
Day 123
My roses are here! This one isn't quite open yet. I love them at this stage.
ISO 100, 100mm, 1/4s at f/2.8
And a few more of this pretty flower:
Day 122
Pretty afternoon today, so I just had to get out. This is an art piece on the SAS campus called Oiler by John Clement. It sits out in front of the Q building. I like the orange. There is a smaller one in yellow, but that one just looks like some pipe from construction was left around campus.
A few more from the days outing:
This last one is SAS Building C. It was in the movie Ironman 3 as one of the Stark Enterprises buildings.
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Day 121
Did a couple of portraits of a co-worker's son today. Just a quick session of this very nice high school senior. I photographed him playing football a couple times this year. Nice to be able to see his face this go round.
Day 120
This is a nice birthday gift I received this year. The top comes off and there is a place to hide treasure. What treasure do I have in it?
ISO 100, 200mm, 1/15s at f/5.0, 5 images focus stacked in PS CC14
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Day 119
A pair of Common Mergansers drying out at the end of the day. At the mouth of Black Creek, Crabtree Lake, Cary, NC
And a 55 image pano stitch of the Black Creek mud flats just upstream from the shot above:
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Day 118
Matt's 25th! Happy Birthday Matt! Hope you have a great day!
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... duck pictures!
Day 117
My other secret weapon is bond park and the ducks that live there.
Beautiful afternoon, so I headed to the park after work to get a duck picture. Here it is!
ISO 400, 400mm, 1/200s at f/5.6, on camera flash for fill light
Day 116
Chickadees are busy bringing bugs back to the bird house that they've used to nest this year. Why would they be doing this? More little chickadees maybe? I'll be hearing little chirps soon I believe.
Day 115
These little sunflowers from the grocery store are the only sunshine there is today. Cloudy, rainy, dreary day brightened by these guys!
ISO 400, 105mm, 1/6s, f/4.5, EX220 flash on camera for flowers, 2 speedlights on the white background to completely blow it out.
And a more artsy take on it:
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Day 114
Golden hour pano of SAS building R. Stitched in newly updated Lightroom CC.
ISO 400, 27mm * 3, 1/125 at f/7.1
Day 113
Yummy dinner tonight. Banana pudding and tossed salad not shown!
Day 112
This is a birthday present from my boy Max. He got me a nice solar LED light up hummingbird.
The bird got tired and the batteries gave out before I got my shot setup. So I'll do my planned shot another night after a sunny day, and I won't spend a couple hours on the phone before taking the photos!
But I do like this one... I setup the bird in front of the black background and shined a nice big mag light on it. Lit it nicely, just not as colorfully as it would with the intended light. But I'll get to that one another day! Promise!
Day 111
Hung 2 new pictures today. The canvas on the left is an 80" x 11" photo of the Barn in the Keene Valley, and the one on the right is an iced in winter shot of the Ausable Chasm near Keeseville.
Lots of other good stuff too. This is where most of the photos of the day are processed, and you can see Dusty's box and paper scraps on the floor! Where is that little rabbit?
ISO 100, 24mm, 1/60s at f/7.1, 580EXII flash
Day 110
Playing in the water again... stopped by a water fountain at the Page Walker Arts center. Took a bunch. Kind of cool. Then the lightning started and I finished up!
ISO 3200, 158mm, 1/320s at f/5.6
and more...
Day 109
Almost peak color at the azalea gardens today. Probably some day this week will be peak, but today sure wasn't bad. Got there before the storms arrived. Join me on this bench?
ISO 100, 46mm, 1/8s at f/16
Some additional photos:
Day 108
Pink azaleas from my "Big Bush". This one is huge, 10 foot tall and 12 feet across! And full of big pretty pink flowers. Nice calm overcast morning to capture this one. 13 images focus stacked to get it all in focus.
ISO 100, 200mm, 1/25s f/2.8
Day 107
View through the ball.
ISO 100, 58mm, f/10, .025s .05s .1s .2s .4s
Day 106
Another birthday present. Can I get Dusty like this? Maybe, but I know it was easier with this little bunny!
ISO 100, 200mm, 1/60s at f/10, 6 images focus stacked
Day 105
Rainy cool day... good day for inside photography. Here is a nice new lantern birthday present this year. I have a many nice lanterns, and this is my newest addition to the collection. I'll have to photography the entire group in the future for one of my photos of the day!
ISO 100, 50mm, 1.6s at f/2.2, 3 candles in front of the lantern for light.
Day 104
Headed out to get ducks, but got to the park with too little light. So I did this. Boats, trees, lake, sky, and one little duck. I'll take it!
ISO 100, 24mm, .2s .4s .8s 1.6s and 3.2s at f/14, PSCC14 LR5
Day 103
I think these are my favorite azalea blossoms in my yard. They are pretty good size, come i pairs, and I like the pretty pink color. I have similar ones I'll get in a day or two that are a bit more purple.
This is an image focus stacked from 11 exposures, then blended with one of them one more time to get the right blur on the leaves lower left. I'm getting better at this!
ISO 100, 58mm, 1/160s at f/2.8, 5DMIII, PS CC14
Day 102
I was fortunate today to get some beautiful views just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia looking down to the Carolina Piedmont. The views along the parkway are lacking in this area, but a welcoming home owner invited me to photograph from her gorgeous property. Very nice and much appreciated.
The photo above is a panorama from 14 overlapped images, stitched in Photoshop CC14.
Here are a few more photos from the afternoon:
Day 101
This Redwing blackbird was pestering the hawk to leave the area, but the hawk was not really bothered by the blackbird. The hawk only left when he spotted a squirrel!
Day 100
Morning light on a pink Azalea after over night rain.
Focus stacked 8 images to get this one all in focus, keeping the background nicely blurred.
Day 99
Some things just go together... like pine pollen and azalea blossoms!
These little red ones are right by my front porch. Very pretty little flowers, and usually the first of the season. True again this year.
Single dogwood blossom. I really like these trees this time of year. This tree is pretty light this year, I wonder why?
Day 97
Another shot of the yellow Gerber Daisies. I like this one. Now windy today, so things stayed still for me.
It rained today, so there were some drops on them, and I added a few more with a spay bottle. Hope Middy doesn't mind... she didn't like the rain.
ISO 100, 100mm, 1/30s at f/7.1, 9 images focus stacked in PS CC14
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Day 96
Flowers on the deck, one of Midnight's favorite places. I miss you, Miss Middy.
I'll probably take another shot at this later in the week, when the wind is less of an issue. It had the pretty petals moving around quite a bit. But I like it, and I'll do it again with move in focus.
Day 95
Dusty has her Easter breakfast in her new veggie bowl. That is a big fat carrot!
Happy Easter.
Day 94
Hangin out in the sun, enjoying the warm weather. Didn't mind getting his picture taken. Thanks little guy.
Day 93
I am using an old photo for today's photo of the day. This is from 2004, one of the first photos I took of this little girl. She was so happy and full of it!
She was always such a happy, friendly, and good natured girl. She loved to go for walks and play in the yard. When she was younger she would run in circles and let out barks of happiness. Good times for sure.
Today she ended her fight with Cancer. I will miss her.
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Day 92
How is this even possible? A utility knife through the tire, and then right on through the inside of the wheel.
Anyone have a used wheel for a '13 Mazda 2?
Day 91
Very pretty moon tonight. 91% full and waxing. Full moon at 8:05 on Saturday. But Saturday is supposed to be cloudy. Not a cloud in the sky this evening.
ISO 400, 400mm, 1/250s at f/8.0, processed in LR5.
Day 90
Dusty poses for a closup. She just finished some red leaf lettuce. Just. Like still chewing. Think I'm bugging her?
Day 89
Grackles are in town. They will leave pretty soon. Until then, I'll be going through seed like crazy!
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Day 88
Almost forgot the selfie of the month! I did forget it in February, so maybe it should be the selfie of the every other month. That would probably be enough of me for this little blog.
ISO 100, 50mm, 1/250 at f/5.6, Dual flashes camera right
Photographing with a rabbit running around is always fun.
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Day 87
I went to Bond Park today thinking about getting a duck picture. Here it is!
It was Easter Egg hunt day, so the park was FULL of people, and most of the ducks had the good sense to head to the other side of the lake. Luckily for me, this guy didn't mind the crowds!
He is a beauty, and I don't know how he stays so white!
ISO 160, 400mm, 1/1250 at f/5.6
And because you can never have too many duck photos...
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Day 86
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with sweet onions, green leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese on a sesame seed bun - Spanish rice on the side. Yum.
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Day 85
Pear Blossoms.
Headed out to try soft focus with panty hose over the lens... but I'm just not a soft focus guy. So I took off my panty hose and started shooting. And you can quote me on that!
ISO 640, 1/200 at f/14, 271mm
And the rejected soft focus version...
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Day 84
Cherry tree is all decked out! Spectacular in the springtime. The bees are really really enjoying it.
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Day 83
My Camellia greets visitors. Not this one, this one is now in a vase in the kitchen... but the others do!
So pretty!
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Day 82
Pear tree is always an early bloomer! First bumble bee of the year too. Enjoying spring, but not enjoying the pollen much. Mr Bumbler is welcome to it...
ISO 400, 400mm, 1/1000 at f/6.3
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Day 81
Midnight's paw. Just back from our morning walk. Love this big dirty paw.
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Day 80
Midnight is staying for a long weekend. She loves to weekend here at the spa.
ISO 100, 1/60s, f/4.5, 100mm
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Day 79
Dusty time! She is telling me "Enough of the flash already!"
ISO 100, 200mm, f/5.0, 1/60s, On camera flash, Red eye correction in Lightroom.
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Day 78
Miss Midnight is here! This is a little patch of white she has on her chest area. She is laying down here so the legs are at the far left, and her neck is to the right.
Good to have her here. I'll get a nice portrait of her on Saturday. Til then, this will do.
The bunny isn't too happy she is back!
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Day 77
Black and White Daffodils.
3 photos focus stacked in PS CC14. Converted to B+W in Silver EfexPro2.
ISO 100, 400mm, f/7.1, 1/10s
color version:
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Day 76
Out a the airport today. I like to try to get the planes while landing, rear wheels down and front wheel still in the air, and a puff of smoke still in the air. Did it!
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Day 75
Great day for taking the kayaks and canoes out.
Just be sure to get in behind the ice breaker!
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Day 74
Almost spring... rivers are running and the ice is melting!
Get ready for the Easter bunny!
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Day 73
Love this. There are still Christmas trees up in some special locations! Had to be my photo of the day!
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Day 72
Sunrise as I was leaving the gym this morning. Wish I had my big boy 5DmkIII for this, but the Samsung phone did a fine job.
This is 3 images stitched in PS CC14
ISO 64, 4.8mm, f/2.2, 1.30s, Galaxy S5
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Day 71
Pretty daffodil. 3 days in the 70s have the daffodils all in bloom! So pretty.
5 images focus stacked in PS CC14, with some post stacking cleanup also in PS.
ISO 800, f/8, 100mm, 1/100s
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Day 70
What in the world?
ISO 800, 1/80s, f/6.3, 148mm
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Day 69
Went for the sharp image of my pretty little crocus plants. Love the color of these little bitty flowers. Taken late in the day as the light faded into the evening. Thank you DST!
This is a blend of 4 images to get the entire center blossom in focus. Thank you Photoshop CC.
ISO 320, 120mm, f/6.3, .5s, 31mm of extension tubes
And another!
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Day 68
Part 3 of my soft focus experimentation. This one is done with an inexpensive Polaroid Optics soft focus filter. On the plus side, it is just another filter in the bag. On the down side, the entire frame is soft focus, so unlike shooting through tissue or Vaseline where you can have a portion of the field of view normal, the entire shot is soft. And I mean soft. Can't imagine using this for portraits like they advertise on the package!
ISO 320, f/2.8, 1/400, 200mm, Soft focus filter
And another one:
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Day 67
I brought a bunny home for Dusty. Almost Easter, Dusty!
ISO 320, f/5.6, 1/30s, 50mm, Set the white balance by sampling Dusty's nose!
More!
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Day 66
Visited the farm where some state owned horses live. I like to see them. They look very happy on a warm day in the afternoon sun.
ISO 160, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/250
Horses weren't the only ones enjoying the warm sunshine...
Day 65
Close-up of my left eye.
I want to figure out how to better light this... the bright reflection of the ring light spoils the picture! I think I will try using my big reflector and maybe a nice big white wall too... next time!
ISO 200, 100mm, f/5.6, 1/60
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Day 64
Another round of soft focus work.
For today's photo, I took a Kleenex, separated it into a single ply, and ripped a hole in it. I then used a rubber band to hold this over the front of the lens. Made the edges fade into the fog. Very dreamy!
ISO 100, f/4, 2s, 80mm
Day 63
First attempt at a soft focus shot.
Interesting look. This was shot though a single layer of kitchen plastic wrap. I tried a double layer, but that was too soft. Nothing like putting a penny's worth of plastic wrap in front of a $1600 lens!
ISO 100, f/4.0, 90mm, 3.2s
The double layer shot:
Day 62
JaKelbi Lewis (1) of Hillside drives as the clock winds down and Hillside trails by 1. Ball is turned over. The Southeast Bulldogs take a close one from the Hillside Hornets in the third round of the 4-A NCHSAA girls basketball playoffs. Hillside 52, Southeast 56. Tuesday March 3, 2015, Raleigh, NC.
(Photo: Karl Fisher / WRAL contributor)
ISO 6400, 80mm, 1/320, f/2.8
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Day 61
Birthday today! Very yummy cake that Eric got for the birthday celebration. Whipped cream frosting on a Chocolate Raspberry Cake. Very very yummy.
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Day 60
Dusty says hello to a new friend.
She isn't sure about this little rabbit!
ISO 100, 70mm, 1/40s, f/4.5, Softbox flash right, umbrella flash left.
Day 59
Drops on the aquarium bottom, with flower wrapping paper below.
Still Groovy.
Reused most of the setup from day 58. No pie pan, and no oil. Added Rainx to the bottom of the aquarium tank, and sprayed it with water. Different than oil and water.
I also combined 9 images for sharper focus on in the bubbles, while leaving the background very out of focus.
ISO 100, 100mm, 1/30s, f/2.8
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Day 58
My try with the oil and water photography seen on the FB PHTTC group.
Blue glass Pyrex pie plate filled with water and vegetable oil, placed on upside down aquarium tank, set on flowered wrapping paper. Daylight CFL bulb lighting the setup.
Groovy.
ISO 100, 100mm, f/2.8, 1/20s
Setup:
Day 57
Snowy day! Ended up with about 3" of heavy wet crusty snow today. Everything is closed. Working from home today. But did have to take a few minutes to get a picture of the trees. Very pretty with the snow frosting everything. Birds don't find this at all amusing though.
ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/1000s, 200mm
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Day 56
0" to 12" forecast for tonight. I'm thinking 0 is unlikely... Nice big pretty heavy wet flakes falling now.
Double processed the image to give it a little more atmosphere. Took he photo and dropped the clarity to 0 in lightroom, and then blended it with the normal image in photoshop using a Lighten mode. Gives the distinct lines of the snow over the hazy background of the de-clarified version. I like it.
ISO 800, 1s, f/3.2, 125mm
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Day 55
Snow has fallen all day long... not a lot of accumulation. This one had all the weather geeks fooled. They didn't predict more than a few flurries, and they keep calling for it to stop, but it doesn't! Got to like a sneaky "storm" like this one.
ISO 50, f/22, 14mm, 5 exposures 1/13s to 1.3s.
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Day 54
Something different... pineapple under a pen light.
Lit with a small AAA flashlight, swirled around for a 10s exposure.
ISO 100, f/4.0, 10s, 110mm
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Day 53
Sunshine Sunday was a challenge today... Not too sunny, but what light there was certainly came from the sun! Headed out not knowing what I would find. Put a variety of things in the backpack, and ended up at the beaver pond. Not much happening there today. Too many walkers, joggers, bikers, pets, photographers, and even a guy play the accordion and singing. Thought about taking his picture, but found him annoying making such a racket when I would have preferred the sounds of nature. Guess I'm a bit grumpy today! Fresh bread should fix that in a few minutes.
ISO 100, 17mm, 1/25s, f/18
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Day 52
Went to Yates Mill today, to see how much ice has formed on the mill and dam. A bit! Very pretty at the mill today.
Speed S L O W Saturday.
.6 ND filter, ISO 50, f/11, 148mm, 5 exposures: .1, .2, .4, .8 and 1.6s
Others from the trip to the mill:
Day 51
Smoke. On a black background. Vanilla incense, if it matters.
Flash left 1/16 power, Flash Right 1/16 power, hand wave to disrupt the air a bit...
ISO 1250, f/8, 1/250, 48mm
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Day 50
Thumb Texture for Thexture Thursday. That's That... Thimple Thumb picture...
ISO 100, 100mm, f/4.5, 1/200s, MR-14EX ETTL
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Day 49
The February Theme said wide angle, but I wanted to get a bird pictures with flurries coming down. So I did. Love the snow on his little head.
I think this is some kind of Warbler, probably the rare Snowy Headed Warbler, but I don't know for sure.
UPDATE: Eric Dresser identified the bird for me, he says it is "a female Yellow-rumped Warbler. Her first winter".
ISO 800, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/500s
Alternate POTD:
Day 48
Snow, sleet and freezing rain last night, in that order... Mostly sleet, so that is good. Did leave the trees with a little bling today. Good subject for Telephoto Tuesday.
ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0, 1/400s
A few others:
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Day 47
Candle flame. Macro shot of the flame as I am blowing it out. I like how the wick comes up through the flame.
Macro Monday
ISO 1250, f/5.0, 1/400s, 100mm
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Day 46
This little guy has come a long way in a week. A little droopy from the cold and wind today, but still a welcome sight on a cold day.
February theme Sunshine Sunday.
ISO 640, 1/60s, f/22, 100mm
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Day 45
Playin in the creek today, didn't even get my feet wet.
February theme - Speed - Long exposure
ISO 50, f/16, 70mm, 15s
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Day 44
Just got back from shooting 2 basketball games. This is my basketball setup - 5DMkIII with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM the Black Rapid strap, and the stylish green swirl lens wrap. Throw in a 32GB CF card and it gets the job done!
February theme is Flash Friday
ISO 200, 1/200s, 35mm, f/18
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Day 43
How's this for texture? Be careful touching this one!
February daily theme - Texture Thursday
ISO 100, 100mm, f/6.3, 1/60s
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Day 42
Relatively clear night, so I went out to shoot a shot for Wide Angle Wednesday. Looking for dark sky... not really possible in the Afraid of the Dark city. But the golf course is fairly dark, accessible (the closed gate is only about 3 feet high), and close.
This is about 16 minutes of images - each image is a 10 second exposure.
I like it, wish I had shot for another 15 or 20 minutes.
February Wide Angle Wednesday
ISO 3200, f/4.5, 10s, 14mm
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Day 41
Busy day today, so I'm going with a quick Dusty shot. She is so cute, can't miss!
She is rubbing her scent glands on her purple basket. Fair enough... I got it just for her.
February telephoto Tuesday.
ISO 800, 100mm, 1/250s, f/4.5, red eye correction in Lightroom
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Day 40
Macro Monday. Strawberry time. A couple of these survived the drop into the aquarium on Friday or Saturday... Good for them, and good for me. Guess what I'll be snacking on during my photo upload!
Straight macro shot, hardest part was getting the berries to stay put. Had to take a nibble out of the bottom of the two on top so they stopped rolling off!
February Macro Monday.
ISO 200, 100mm, f/4.5, 1/60, Ring flash on camera ETTL.
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Day 39
70° today, the daffodils are getting ready to blossom. Still winter at your house?
February theme: Sunshine Sunday
ISO 400, 34mm, f/2.8, 1/2500 s, 6 images stacked in PS.
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Day 38
Purple hour at SAS.
Long (S L O W) exposure for speed Saturday.
Intuition in foreground, building R in background.
ISO 400, f/14, 25mm, 30s
February theme: Speed Saturday
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Day 37
It is raspberry drop day. Yummy photo.
Tried the berry drop again, with raspberries and strawberries today. I like the littler raspberries. Still need to fine tune the lights. The squeegee worked well to clean up the glass between drops. I switched to the 70-200 and moved it back from the tank. I think it worked better.
I may give this another try tomorrow. I want to increase the light on the background too... so I'll add the last flash unit to the background. But I also think light from above would be good. Or perhaps get the lights on each side a little higher. So many variables!
February there: Flash Friday
ISO 100, 170mm, f/11, 1/250s, lights all over...
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Day 36
texture [teks-cher]
noun
1. The visual and especially tactile quality of a surface:
"rough texture".
And these are my bricks. The visual is easy... but can you feel them?
ISO 200, 100mm, f/8.0, 1/60s, flash camera right and one slightly to the left.
February theme: T(h)exture Thursday.
Day 35
I put on the wide angle lens, setup the flashes pointing to Dusty's porch, and setup for the picture of the day.
She hopped around, and did her bunny thing, and I got a few cute ones. It isn't as easy as photographing a lump of iron pyrite, but it certainly is more friendly.
580EXII camera right, YN560II camera left, EX220 center, CFL's center and far left, Dusty front and center at full attention.
ISO 200, 1/125s, f/8, 14mm.
February theme: Wide angle Wednesday
And a few more....
Day 34
Moon is at my favorite state right now, a nice big full moon. Cresent moon is nice, but I love the full moon better. Is it strange to have a favorite moon state? Probably, oh well. That's me.
ISO 200, 400mm, f/8, 1/320s, Adjustments in Lightroom 5.
February theme: Telephoto Tuesday
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Day 33
Today's photo is a macro closeup of a little stone, mineral actually, from somewhere that I picked up as a souvenir, intended for a little water fountian I have. I *think* it is from the gift shop at Secret Caverns near Cobleskill, NY. That is quite an experience, but I digress...
This is iron pyrite, also know as fools gold. It is very shiny, and a lovely gold color. This makes it a bit of a challenge to photography - not so much the gold color, but the very shiny surfaces. I lit this with a daylight CFL at each side of the camera. I used 44mm of extension tubes to get a nice closeup filling the frame of my crop body 7D.
I took 11 photos, each at a different focus plane, process in PS CC to align layers, and stack focus layers. Worked well.
ISO 100, 100mm, f/4.0, 0.3s
February theme: Macro Monday
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Day 32
Tough getting a pic today. Went to the Prairie Ridge Ecostation hoping for some birds... not much going on. Shot some in the stream, and some of the sky...didn't like 'em. So here is a nice pine cone up in a tree. Nothing wrong with that... just not very exciting.
ISO 400, 400mm, 1/60s, f/5.6
February theme: "Sunshine Sunday"
And I wanted to add the other photos that I took to this blog, but Zenfolio has just "upgraded" its software, and it doesn't work! 2nd problem this week with the blogging feature. I'm getting PO'ed.
UPDATE: worked around the zenfolio bug.... here they (the rejects) are:
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Day 31
Food photo day. I bought Girl Scout Cookies this week. They are yummy! These are my favorites I think... chocolate and coconut goodness. This cookie is of the caramel deLite variety... but I remember them as Samoas. Either way - Yum.
"Vanilla cookies topped with caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut, and laced with chocolaty stripes."
I used focus stacking to get these cookies sharp front to back. This was made up of 7 images - it worked to get the entire cookie pile sharp. Not like sharp cheese, more like a sharp knife.
Excuse me now, I have some cookies to eat - better find the milk!
ISO 200, 1/30s, f/5.0, 182mm. 7 images aligned and stacked in Photoshop CC.
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Day 30
Here is my little studio space. And my little model.
It is late, I worked my real job today, then photographed 2 basketball games, selected processed and uploaded the pictures. Now I just need a photo for my 365. So here it is... glad Dusty wandered into the shot. That is the way it works 'round here.
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Day 29
Self portrait. With bunny hair all over. Good grief.
I'll probably do a few self portraits over the course of the 365. Hopefully they will get more creative as I go! I'm trying to get the bugs worked out of my flash setup. For this one, I had a third flash (270EXII) that did not fire. It was set to slave mode, but I don't think I had the 580EXII set to master so it didn't trigger. My YN560III slave worked perfectly just as an optical slave. So I learned something today, and still have much more to go.
I got this one all set and Dusty Bunny kept jumping up into my lap. If you look, you'll see rabbit hair between my eye and my glasses! and all over my shirt. But it is nice to be greeted that way by Dusty.
ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/60s, 50mm, Flash camera right @ 1/16 with 15" soft box, Flash camera left @ 1/64 with 30" umbrella, flash on background - did not fire.
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Day 28
Setup the lights tonight to see about getting some rabbit photos. Guess what? I got some rabbit photos! Have to keep up with the Hoopers.
I draped the black muslin backdrop from the background rod up over the posing table. It kept Dusty in the lighted zone for a few minutes before she made a break for it. Then she spent the next 15 minutes trying to figure out how to get back up onto the table. Rabbits are funny (and cute) critters.
ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/125s, 35mm, flash with 15" softbox head @ 1/8 camera right, flash with 30" umbrella camera left @ 1/8 power. Sweet little bunny center.
And just one is NOT enough...
Day 27
Another HSOT sports night. No time for other photos - 1350 photos is enough for one day!
These girls caught me before the game started, and told me the cheerleaders should be on the HighschoolOT.com website too... I said, "Yes, let's get a group shot before the game starts", and we did.
Riverside High School Pirates Cheerleaders. Riverside Pirates at the Northern Knights in a 4A PAC 6 Boys Basketball game. Northern 73, Riverside 63. Tuesday January 27, 2015, Durham, NC.
(Photo: Karl Fisher / WRAL contributor)
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Day 26
Trying to get the birdhouse in the water drop. Not totally successful on this one. But I like the dogwood branch coated in water forming a drop. That is nice. Played around with the lighting angles. I think next time I'll get out the polarizer filter, and try to knock back some of the reflections. Maybe I'll fine tune my drop mixture as well!
ISO 800, 100mm, f/5.6, 1/25s, 2 daylight bulbs camera right - one on the drop, one on the birdhouse.
Day 25
Moon is at my favorite state right now, a nice big cresent moon. Full moon is nice, but I love the partial moon better. Is it strange to have a favorite moon state? Probably, oh well. That's me.
ISO 400, 400mm, f/8, 1/125s, Adjustments in Lightroom 5.
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Day 24
My entry for the January Challenge in the Photography Help - Tips, Techniques, & Critiques FB Group.
Zoomed on the marque of the new old Cary Theater - "The Cary". This Art Deco marque as added about a year ago. Wish it was a little more brightly lit - I may be the only one in Cary that thinks this way! For the most part it worked well for my purpose. I do have some thoughts on doing something similar, but a little different, and I will use a different subject.
This was shot by placing the camera firmly in the tripod down the street from the theater. I started at 360mm and zoomed out to about 100mm during the 2 second exposure. Only minor adjustments in Lightroom - a little clarity added, a little vibrance boost, brought the white point down and the black up a bit.
ISO 50, f/22, 2s, 360mm - 100mm.
And one without the zoom:
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Day 23
HighSchoolOT night... so here is one of my shots from the early game.
Northern High School's Kentrell Barkley (15) finshed with 32 points. Not a bad outing, but his Knights lost.
Northern Durham Knights at the Jordan Falcons in a 4A PAC 6 Boys Basketball game. Jordan wins a close one, 65-63. Friday January 23, 2015, Durham, NC.
(Photo: Karl Fisher / WRAL contributor)
ISO 5000, f/2.8, 1/640, 70mm
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Day 22 (Night 22?)
Street shot in front of the house. Fun to do. Also did some star shots, but there is just too much light and light pollution around here! Can't wait to get up to the mountains and some DARK skys. Somewhere there isn't a bright shiney new LED streetlamp every 100 yards down the road. Is everyone around here afraid of the dark?
ISO 6400, f/22, 30s, 24mm.
I have one more... but Photoshop CC is still crunching on it. Auto align layers is long running with 20 layers! I may come back and update later... maybe.
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Day 21
It was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to get another few photos of Miss Midnight. I've been lucky to sit for her while her house was resided, redecked, rewindowed, etc... I enjoyed having her at my much more quiet home, and I know she enjoyed being here and being spoiled just a little bit.
I will take her back home tomorrow, and I will miss her loving greetings when I get up in the morning, and when I return home from work.
ISO 800, 43mm, f/3.5, 1/125s, On camera flash directed up with white card out for fill.
And 6 more photos:
Day 20
I got out the little light tent for some table top work. This is another of my Mom's figures. I call it Mr Moose(-like). It is almost a moose.
The other thing about this photo is that it was created by merging 5 photos, each focused a little "deeper" into the moose. First right on his nose, last on the back most antler tip. But in merging the photos, I see there are "soft" planes between sharp focus planes. Thus, Five is not enough.
I was then not sure which title to use for this, Mr Moose(-like) or Five is not enough. Easy really, USE BOTH. Interesting enough to be the photo of the day... Had I done 10 photos photos for stacking it would have been Killer sharp!
ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/60s, 100mm
And here is a version - one photo at f/16 Not as sharp in the sharp spots. Not as soft in the soft spots.
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Day 19
Look at these two! Hard to tell them apart!
Midnight is back for just a few more days... so we are having fun (at least one of us is having fun...) with the picture of the day.
She is such a good sport about this goofyness.
ISO 100, f/5.0, 14mm, 1/50s
Some other gems:
Kisses...
More kisses, and oh, my!
Are we done yet?
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Day 18
Cloud filled sunny sky over driftwood at Lake Crabtree park.
Used my manual Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens. It is a cool lens, gives a different look, shows that the earth is round!
ISO 100, 14mm, f/18, five exposures - 1/50s to 1/800s.
Day 17
Pretty day out, so I hung out and photographed birds. I have a nice variety in the yard... I think due to a nice variety of seed, water and good luck!
Not sure what the lower left wood pecker is... Anyone know?
UPDATE: The mystery bird is most likely a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Juvie. Thanks to all that helped ID this fella.
ISO 400, f/5.6, SS 1/500-1/2000, 349mm & 400mm. Canon 7D, EF100-400 f/4.5-5.6L II
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Day 16
Here's my Dusty! She is having a good night - no D O G in the house - a weight is lifted, the feeling of doom is gone. Time to run and play.
It is a challenge to get her tonight. Photos are best when done at eye level, but when she sees me on the floor it is play time. And chewing on the camera and/or the lens hood is good fun. You're so cute Dusty!
This is my safe pic of the day. Once my other batteries are charged, I'm going to see if I can find and photograph comet lovejoy. Nice clear calm night, so this is my best shot. But I wasn't sure I would be back in time to get it up today - thus I called upon my Secret Weapon - Dusty.
ISO 200 400mm f/8.0 1/60s, 580EX on camera, Second flash off the ceiling. Red eye corrected and cropped in lightroom.
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Day 15
Dusty was very calm and quiet tonight. She was chilling next to my feet as I took care of a few things on the computer, and then I got down with her. She wasn't giving off the same high heat output from her ears, so I gently put her pink kitty blanket over her, and Dusty liked it! She laid there and I petted her little bunny face and she was one happy rabbit.
So cute I just had to snap a quick picture, but if I went to get the real camera the spell would be broken and I wouldn't get the picture... S5 in the pocket to the rescue! Click. Photo of the Day!
Isn't she a cutie?
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Day 14
Miss Middy was very restless this evening, so it was a good time to pose with her. She really doesn't like my real camera, but didn't mind the cell phone in our faces. I think that is true for many people. A big DSLR with a big flash unit on it is just too intimidating! At least I know it is for Middy after a couple weeks of me taking photos of her in the evening!
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Day 13
This is one of my mom's little figures I now have. I'm enjoying the little birds she had around her house now around my house! I will be nice to see the hummingbirds return in May. Until then, I have this guy.
For this shot I'm trying out a new 30 Inch Light Tent Kit I bought. Just a little cheapie from Amazon, and it arrived with one broken light housing... but they are supposed to be replacing it. I do like the two daylight color CFL bulbs, and the tent is a good size. Nice for photographing "little things" with diffuse light.
ISO 200, 158mm, f/5.0, 1/30s, Constant light left and right, speed light flash bounced off the ceiling.
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Day 12
Midnight kisses Matt. Good to see! Nothing like a dog kiss!
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Day 11
More bluebirds! They are such pretty birds. I'm lucky to have them visit the yard each day.
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Day 10
Spying on my bird bath. The blue birds stopped by to bath, and they didn't even mind me clicking a few pictures as they did it. They were just thankful for the open clean water! I tell them to stop by anytime...
And three more:
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Day 9
Shooting for High School OT. Late night. I like this one... Visit HighSchoolOT.com for more...
Riverside High School's Markeise Crutchfield (44) and Hillside High School's Jalen McGee (21). Riverside Pirates at the Hillside Hornets in a 4A PAC 6 Boys Basketball game. Hillside wins. Friday January 9, 2015, Durham, NC.
(Photo: Karl Fisher / WRAL contributor)
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Day 8
Hello. Meet Dusty. She may look like a little rabbit with hay in her mouth. And that is true, but not all there is to it. She is my secret 365 weapon.
Don't know what to shoot today? Pressed for time? Need something good? Grab the camera, and let the bunny out.
Click, click, click. Another day done!
ISO 200, 164mm, f/5.0, 1/250s, OCF - 2 units in room bounced off ceiling.
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Day 7
Miss Midnight's nose and paw. Two of my favorite parts! She is a little restless tonight, but finally settled down for her closeup.
Used the new Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L II! It is fantastic. Can't wait to setup the bird blind, and maybe get a few of my little rabbit too!
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Day 6
Midnight looking for a treat. She is a good girl, and she is visiting all week!
We will probably see another one before the week is out.
ISO 1250, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/60s
Had to crank the ISO, she just sucks up the light!
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Day 5
Pizza night! I made my own pizza dough today, using Bobby Flay's recipe from FoodNetwork.com. Easy and delicious, thanks to Big Red, my KitchenAid stand mixer. All you need to do is top the dough with sauce, add browned hot Italian sausage, green peppers, onions and mushrooms ('shrooms only on 1/3). Then cover it all with pizza cheese, pop it into a preheated oven at 425° for 22 minutes. I used a 16" airbake pan (the ones with all the little holes 'em)
Remove from oven, place on table and photograph the pizza for a few minutes. RAW recommended, flash optional but suggested. Slice and enjoy! It really was very good! I'll be doing this again soon.
And yes, the D O G can have a small ~small~ taste of the yummy crust (AKA pizza bones). Dusty, on the other hand, can not have any. Sorry R A B B I T.
ISO 200, 24mm, f/14, 0.5 s, ETTL flash reflected off ceiling.
Day 4
The great berry drop has begun! Everyberry into the pool!
This was a fun one, but I need to make some adjustments. I picked up a little aquarium at WalMart that was on sale, and stopped by the grocery store for some berries to drop. It worked okay, but I need to clean the glass better before i fill it next time - there are all these water spots in the photo!
For the photograph, I put a speed light at each side (end?) of the aquarium, and pressed my remote switch as I dropped the berries. I thought the timing would be tricky, but it really worked out fine every drop. I guess they really aren't traveling very fast.
Next time, I will try different backgrounds behind the tank, and probably snoot the speed lights to keep the direct light off the back and front of the tank.
I have a nice clean tank though, so at least I can eat the strawberries after their plunge into the pool!
Here are a few more photos from the great berry drop:
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Day 3
One of my pear trees died a couple of years ago. It is now home to fungus and other members of natures clean-up crew. I guess I'll remove it soon. I may place it near my bird feeders as a nice perch for the birds waiting their turn. I'll place it with a good background lined up with a bird blind... more material for my photo of the day!
Oh this photo, I was experimenting with extension tubes on my 50mm lens. With the full set I could focus down to about an inch from the front of the lens. But there wasn't anything I wanted to get *that* close to, so I removed the tubes for this photo. Good to know that tube lens combination limits though. But I failed to notice the depth of field here, so the closest edges of the fungus are out of focus! I failed my photo today... but I'll post it anyway. And I can come back and do it better on another day.
ISO 200, 50mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, 7D
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Day 2.
Miss Midnight lets me take her photo, because there is a treat at the end... and the end doesn't always come as soon as she would like! She is a good sweet dog, and I enjoy her visits to my house. Dusty, not so much.
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Day 1!
Happy New Year. First of many 2015 photos. Starting the year with a little bubbly.
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Stop by this blog each day to see a new photo...
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My little bunny
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Pretty little waterfall.
Blue hen falls on an early summer day. Captured it before the sun came around and hit it full on.
Long hairy legs.
Borris lives under my weight bench in the garage. Good to have a guard spider.
ISO 400, 1/60, 100mm w/ extension tubes, f 29, Ring light flash
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High altitude lightning. Most of it was above the lower layer of clouds... but I did get a few bolts! No jolts for me, so that is good!
Paused 24 on TV, and took some lightning shots. Jack Bauer patiently waited for me to finish my photography and then he continued to battle evil. I am honored, is isn't usually very accommodating.
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359° pano of the atrium at night. 30 images, 2 rows of 15, stitched in Photoshop CC. Each image a 3 shot HDR, 10s 3.2s 1s, ISO 800, 36mm, f/22.
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Posing for a portrait just isn't my style.
This is a happy Dusty. This velour blanket gives Dusty happy feet, and happy feet lead to Binkying. I'm just glad I caught it! Took a few minutes, and now I know the drill I should be able to get a few more.
3 image HDR pano
ISO 100, f/9, 40mm
.1s, .2, .4s, .8s, 1.6s
B+W 77mm ND 1.8-64X
See additional photos from this trip in my 2014 project gallery.
Night shot at Bond Park.
1/4 moon out, with some clouds passing through. I thought this made an interesting night shot.
It was senior night scavenger hunt for Green Hope. So I was asked to dance! Oh my. I said yes, and danced for 20 seconds so they could check off one more scavenger hunt item. Funny!
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What do you have on your walls?
My office landscape photo gallery.
34 images (17wide x 2high) stitched for a full 360° view.
See my other wide angle photo pano ( 5 wide x 2 high) of the SAS Atrium.
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Visited the new Veterans Freedom park on Memorial day after dark. Very nice new park, honoring our veterans. Showcase is a 90' granite spire.
See additional photos from this evening in my 2014 project gallery.
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For this last day of 2013, I have a top 10 posts of 2013. The following are the top ten viewed blog posts for my 365 project. These are not my favorite 10, but they are the posts most viewed... so here they are!
#10 with 233 views, 041/365:
#9 with 247 views, 043/365:
#8 with 265 views, 280/365:
#7 with 271 views, 290/365:
#6 with 274 views, 227/365:
#5 with 299 views, 037/365:
#4 with 303 views, 025/365
#3 with 308 views, 124/365:
#2 with 361 views, 027/365:
And the #1 post, with 391 views, 051/365 Long Sexy Legs:
See you next year!
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Day 361
Lights on the Lake with Mom
Saw a wonderful light desplay in Liverpool with Mom. A nice 2 mile 40 minute drive. Loking forward to next year already!
Day 358
Merry Christmas from the Moose family.
Day 357
I finished a project started on Thanksgiving... stripping off the peeling wallpaper, patching the walls, sanding, priming, and finally painting! Thermostat back, doorbell back, railing back -- good to go!
Photo info:
This is a photo that has more to it than you see at first glance.
I decided to do this picture, and my goal was even lighting up the stairs and down the hallway. I took a 6 shots, adjusting things as I went. And in the end, I added the house lights as a nice accent. There really isn't too much in this photo, but I'm happy with it.
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Day 356
Here is my flock of Cardinals. Cardinals are not flocking birds! But they tolerate each other at the feeder. The blurry one at the bottom right is at the top of the pecking order. What should I name him?
Photo info:
ISO 800, 310mm, f/10, 1/160s
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Day 355
The Christmas Angel on my tree.
Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (KJV)
Photo info:
ISO 200, f/22, 70mm, 0.8s 1.6s 3.2s
Fill flash, 3 exposure HDR - processed in Photoshop HDR Pro and Lightroom
Stopped down to get some star burst effect... limited success with that.
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Day 354
Tree is up and decorated! Merry Christmas everyone!
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Day 353
I hope this little guy used an express mail package, because it is a little late to be mailing Santa. I'm sure it will all work out... Santa has been watching!
Photo info:
I took this photo in a dark room with the Christmas tree lights on in the backgound. I set the exposure so the background lights where how I wanted them, then used a Maglight to paint the figure in the foreground. Took a few tries, but I got the even light I wanted on the little fella.
ISO 50, f/2.8, 100mm, 0.6s.
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Day 352
This is the setup for yesterday's soap bubble photo. Enjoy!
Day 351
Just have to be like Mike. Photog Mike P, aka Tanto-san, sent some bubble photos this week. It got me thinking, and just had to setup to shoot this.
Last time I tried it outside. This time I did it inside - I used a black background and light reflected in from the side. The light was a combination of constant spots and then a good strong full power flash for the photo. This worked better than the outside attempt seen here 095/365 Feeling groovy.
I've got to admit, it is still groovy.
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Day 350
Santa has a new perch this year. I usually put him on the roof... and he usually falls off at some point when the wind blows - once falling on my truck and denting it!
This year he is much lower, and screwed down, so he will be safe this year.
Merry Christmas y'all.
Day 349
Went out on a warm (60) and sunny December day to Historic Oak View Park.
Pretty day for one of Wake County's nicest parks.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 24mm, 1/50s, f/8.0 3 shot HDR. Vertical adjustment in lightroom 5.3.
Watching:
NY Giants get blown out by the Seahawks. Bummer. Not the Giants year.
Day 348
Hallmark ornament from 2002, The Wishing Star with Snowball and Tuxedo. It is cute. First ornament on the tree!
I have two more strings of lights to add, then the rest of the ornaments can go on. Until then, Snowball and Tuxedo have each other.
Photo info:
5 photos stacked to improve the depth of field. Ranges from Snowballs ears to the tip of Tuxedo's bill. Should have continued out to the star... it got a little distorted.
Watching:
There be Dragons
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Day 347
I drove around until I found a nicely decorated house... 106 Carmel Ct sure fit the bit. Lots of lights, and Christmas music playing too. Very nicely done.
Merry Christmas from Carmel Court. It's Sweet.
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Day 346
Put the lights on the tree. Need a few more. Probably another 2 strings.
This is a double exposure. One out of focus and under exposed to get the glowing balls, and then one in focus with more exposure to give a clear tree image. I like the way it came out. Gives the Angel a nice glow at the top!
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Day 345
After having a nice iHop breakfast for dinner we went out to pick out the perfect tree. Or make that the perfect two trees.
Matt picked out a nice 6'er, and we selected a nice full 7' one for me. Nice evening!
House smells great already!
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Day 344
Santa and the reindeer under a full moon. This year Christmas eve the moon will be at 65% and waning... so Santa will need to use a bit of his Christmas magic to get it up to Full moon - but I have complete faith in the big man! He can do it.
Merry Christmas!
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Day 343
Today I'm working with a beautiful pink poinsettia plant. Very pretty and a bit different. Makes me think of Christmas!
Photo info:
ISO 100, 100mm, f/9.0, 1.6sec. Poinsettia placed near western window, it is an overcast day. Added white reflector on backside to add a little light to the shadows.
Day 342
Christmas lights are up and it was a wonderful night to see them!
Stan Hywet hall and Gardens, 2013 Deck the Halls. No tripods allowed, so hand holding best as I can. Good time to get out the 50mm 1.8.
Photo info:
ISO 1600, 50mm, f/1.8, 1/100s
Listening to:
Assorted Christmas music!
Day 341
Icy waterfalls.
20 images stitched... 4 wide, 5 tall, each image from 3 exposures combined in Photoshop HDR Pro.
There is incredible detail in full size, 11278x12352, photo. It is not quite as good here on the blog, but I like it.
Enjoy the water, snow and ice.
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Day 340
Tea light candle Christmas tree, backed with hand-made Christmas wreaths. Beautiful, for a beautiful season.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 105mm, f/3.5, 1/2s, 580EXII at 1/64 power left and behind camera
Listening to:
The Christmas album This Christmas by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
Day 339
Shooting coins for next week's photo group. Shiny metal can be difficult, so I have some things to work out. This isn't bad, but I see a couple things to work on before next week. Like that intense quater. Maybe a little different angle. I think it is angled for a full reflection from the flash. And I only have one Elizabeth II coin from New Zealand, but I'm pretty sure I can find a better looking US dime around here!
Any other thoughts on this one?
Photo info:
ISO 100, 70mm, f/9.0, 1/60s, two flashes, extension tubes for close-up work
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Day 338
Went out to see about photographing bark - that is this week's theme for a photo group I post to. And while I was out, I noticed this little slug climbing my pear tree. Just had to take his (her?) picture. Handsome little guy, well, maybe not!
Photo info:
ISO 800, 140mm, f/7.1, 1/6s, extension tubes for close focus, tripod mount. Slug moved continuously, so difficult to get a sharp photo on this rather cloudy and dim late afternoon.
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Day 337
Big day for the kids. They are visiting Santa's workshop today.
Here is the traditional Christmas picture at the workshop. I think it came out fine this year!
Merry Christmas!
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Day 336
Sharpen your laces and tie up your blades... it is skating time.
Ho Ho Ho
Photo info:
ISO 200, f/4.0, 200mm, 1/60s, Flash left and right
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Day 335
Once again, a home improvement project is competing for my time... and keeping me busy when I should be out photographing things, and working on Amazing photos for this 365 project. Maybe tomorrow, probably not!
Working on a little project... wallpaper was peeling up at the seams, so it is in a messy pile in the garage now waiting for garbage day. That leaves me to prep the walls for paint. Up to the sanding phase... so I had to get a nice respirator to handle the dust.
Wish me luck!
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Day 334
Who doesn't love an Oreo, or two, with whip cream?
That's what I thought.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 1/60s, 100mm, f/8.0, Ring flash ETTL +2
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Day 333
I was not at WalMart today :)
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Day 332
Backlit leaf on a cold crisp Thanksgiving morning.
Simple.
Pretty.
I like it.
Photo info:
ISO 800, 100mm, f/5.6, 1/125, Extension tubes
Listening to:
Hitchen' a Ride - Green Day
Don't be Stupid - Shania Twain
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon - Queen
Daytime Outing - Dan Gibson (Call of the Loon)
Can you find the hidden turkey?
No, neither can I.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Day 331
Almost Thanksgiving!
Photo info:
ISO 125, 70mm, f/4.5, 1/25s
Flash left, right and center
Background extended in Photoshop CC
Listening to:
Boys 'round Here - Blake Shelton
Streetcorner Symphony - Rob Thomas
Day 330
Fresh from the oven...
Yummy. Crust stuffed with cheese!
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Day 329
Macro of my right eye. Ring flash makes it look pretty spooky. I darkened it some, but really would need to spend some time in photo shop to remove it all together. The iris is very interesting, don't you think?
Seeing spots. 6 flashes to get this zeroed in.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 1/60, 100mm, f/3.5, ringlight
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Day 328
I've been watching this squirrel. He is distinctive with his split ear and scrunched up face. I wonder what happened to him. He gets along fine and seems healed and healthy now. But I'm pretty sure he was an unhappy camper at some point.
Bless you old Split Ear.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 400mm, f/7.1 1/320s. Shooting out an open window, hiding behind a blanket blind.
Listening to:
Africa - Toto
Lean on Me - Nicholas David
After the Gold Rush - Neil Young
Can't Buy Me Love - Michael Buble
Hold My Hand - Hootie and the Blowfish
Heartless - Heart
You Baby - Tne Mamas & The Papas
Truck Driving Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
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Day 327
Setup at the bird bath again today, shooting out the open window. Birds noticed me, but still drank. Water is a powerful attractor!
I love having these bluebirds in the yard. I think they like me too.
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Day 326
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is getting close! I have much to be thankful for. We all do when you think about it.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 100mm, f/11, 1/60,
Triple flash - Softbox with 580EXII left, Umbrella with YN-560II right, ringlight on camera
Black background selected and darkened
Text added in photoshop, first use of the text warp tool.
How many on/off switches to take this? 9.
1: camera;
2,3,4: flashes
5,6,7: photix transmitter and 2 receivers
8,9: giga t pro 2 transmitter and receiver
at least the battery grip doesn't need a switch, although it does have one!
Listening to:
If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows), Rodney Atkins
The More I Drink, Blake Shelton
I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight, Toby Keith
The More Boys I Meet, Carrie Underwood
What About Now, Lonestar
I Just Wanna Be Mad, Terri Clark
Something 'Bout A Woman, Lady Antebellum
Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under, Shania Twain
Bring On The Rain, Jo Dee Messina
Don't Take Your Guns To Town, Johnny Cash - Willie Nelson
Cupid's Got a Shotgun, Carrie Underwood
In the Middle, Rodney Atkins
Sunday Morning Coming Down, Johnny Cash Kris Kristofferson
Ashes By Now, Lee Ann Womack
There Will Come A Day, Faith Hill
Ol' Red, Blake Shelton
My List, Toby Keith
No News, Lonestar
Flat On The Floor, Carrie Underwood
Stars Tonight, Lady Antebellum
I Wanna Do It All, Terri Clark
Honey, I'm Home, Shania Twain
Burn, Jo Dee Messina
Flesh And Blood, Johnny Cash - Willie Nelson John R. Cash
Wasted Whiskey, Rodney Atkins
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Day 325
My one and only fall bloom. This bush usually blooms in April or May. So does that make this blossum very early or really late? I'm going with early!
It is different to get this photo with the colors of fall in the background.
Photo info:
ISO 640, f/4.0, 100mm, 1/60, ring flash
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... is that a moose?
Day 324
Yes, this is a moose. His name is Amy. He is from Inlet, NY.
Photo info:
ISO 640, f5.6, 100mm, 1/60, Ring flash. 4 images combined in Photoshop CC, each with slightly different focus, ranging from his right ear to the tip of his nose. Done to get all of Amy sharp, while keeping a nicely blurred foreground & background. Wonderful technique for macro photography.
Day 323
I heard this morning that Oxford Dictionaries word of the year for 2013 is "Selfie".
You've got to be kidding me. Well, here is another one for my 365. My right foot. May be my photo of the year? It's that good, isn't it!?!
Photo info:
Macro lens with ring light. ISO 640, 100mm, f/11, 1/60
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Day 322
Water spayed on leaf
Drops form
Traveling ever downward
Drip Drip
Shutter pressed flash fires
Check screen
Upload the card to computer
Check photos
Select and edit one
Number photo
Write a witty caption, (maybe)
Export it
Share the photo to the blog
365 done
tomorrow, do it again
Photo info:
ISO 640, f4.5, 100mm, 1/60, circular polarizer, 580EXII 1/4 power camera left soft box, YN-560II 1/4 power camera right umbrella, black background behind.
Listening to:
Adam Levin, Tony Lucca - Yesterday
Kelly Clarkson - Where is your Heart
The Who - Eyesight to the blind
Barry Manilow - Copacabana
P!nk - Glitter in the air
Faith Hill - If my heart had wings
Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the way
Bruce Spingsteen - The Ghost of Tom Jaod
Meat Loaf - All Revved up with no place to Go
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Day 321
One little finch is putting on a show splashing around... others just sit back and watch. I enjoyed the show too.
Photo info:
I had the camera on the tripod aimed at the bird bath. Then I just sat back, and hit the remote switch when the birds came by. Worked pretty well. I'll setup again for this.
Bonus photo:
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Day 320
Sunny Saturday. Went out to the Dam. Never been there before. Pretty day. Pretty scene. 22 Shots combined into this panoramic photo. 45954 x 5633 pixels. It's a big boy.
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Day 315
I setup a time lapse before leaving for work this morning. Wondered what I would have when I got home.
Birds, squirrel sex, leaf removal, sun and clouds. And a crazy guy look in the window. Squirrel sex is around the 2:50 mark up in the tree, and the crazy guy is shortly after... 2:53 or so.
Photo info:
Put the 2 battery grip on the camera for extra juice, and set it to take a photo out the back window every 30 seconds. ISO 400, f/18, 17mm. Av, time varies with amount of light. Took 1136 photos from 7:34 a.m. to 5:01 p.m. Video created with QuickTime Pro.
Extra stills:
Cardinal on feeder to right:
Squirrel on railing at right
Blue jay
Unidentified blog falling... right of big oak out back.
Cardinal
Junco
Squirrels doing it in the tree (lasts about 3 minutes)
Crazy guy
Happy squirrel
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Day 318
Old hard drive disposal. Drilling a few holes in the platters makes it harder to read... but is it NSA proof? Probably not completely, but then again they probably hacked the system and already had the old data!
Listening to:
Peace and quiet
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Day 317
Moon is exceptionally bright and clear here tonight. Full in four days... 79% tonight.
I feel I'm in a rut... but it gets dark so early now that we are back to standard time... and I'm a couple hundred photos into the 365 project and running out of ideas... Suggestions?
Photo info:
ISO 320, f/8.0, 400mm, 1/200, tripod, mirror lockup live view, remote switch
Listening to:
Little Big Town, Songs from Tornado CD
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Day 316
Winter is coming, and today it feels like it! So I'm burning some leaves on the deck... yeah!
Double exposure - the fire is in the fireplace, and the leaves are on the deck, cold and damp.
Interesting!
Photo info:
Double exposure in camera - using Func/Ctl and ctrl set to Average - probably doesn't mean much to non 6D, 5D MkIII users.
Fire pic: ISO 800, f/4.0, 38mm, 1/160s. Leaves pic: ISO 800, f/ 4.0 40mm, 1/8s.
Listening to:
Wind chimes and leaves blowing.
Bonus photos!:
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Day 315
At it again........
It is another clear night, so do I use star trails or timelapse? Especially on an evening where Bond Park is the final approach to RDU.
Once again, I'll use both! the timelapse on the computer is just stunning. Looses a lot on the website. come visit and I'll show you in person.
Photo info:
90 exposures, 15s each, 1 sec apart, 31 minutes elapsed time. ISO 400, 17mm, f/4.0, 15s. Stacked in Photoshop CC, Timelapse in Quicktime pro.
Listening to:
The Cars, You are the girl
Darius Rucker, Only want to be with you
Elvis Presley, Burning Love
The Doors, Break on Through (to the other side)
Elton John, Sacrifice
Neil Young, Comes a Time
Carrie Underwood, Thank God for Hometowns
Metallica, Damage, Inc
Blake Shelton, All about tonight
John Mellencamp, This Time
America, Sister Goldenhair
O.A.R., Black Rock
George Winston, Frangenti
these stack/time lapse take awhile to process!)
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Or Time lapse video, if you prefer:
Day314
Semi clear night, lends itself to timelapse, but I have a soft spot for images, so stacked trails it is... or is it?
Info:
128 photos - over 65 minutes, stacked in Photoshop CC or combined in time lapse video in QuickTime Pro, your choice
Listening to: (Processing 128 files in 2 forms takes a while.......)
Jewel, Cleveland
Doobie Brothers, South City Midnight Lady
Shania Twain, Ka-Ching
Van Morrison, And It Saved Me
Queensryche, I don't believe in love
Beatles, Eight days a week
Sheryl Crow, When
Hootie and the Blow Fish, Hold My Hand
Terri Clark, Almost Gone
Beatles, We can Work it out
Bee Gees, Close than Close
Seether, Rise Above This
and
Jackson Brown, Hold on Hold Out
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Day 313
Midnight posed in front of the large pile of leaves.
She is such a good girl. Sits nice and poses for me until I tell her she can go. And she doesn't even look too unhappy about it.
Photo info:
ISO 800, f/8.0, 43mm, 1/50s, Fill flash - 580EXII w/ garyfong lightshere
Listening to:
Pete Townshend, Slit Skirts
Blake Shelton, Boys 'Round Here
KT Tunstall, Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
Aerosmith, Back in the Saddle
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Day 312
Nice clear night tonight with a beautiful half moon. Love this.
Photo info:
ISO 800, f/8.0, 400mm, 1/200s, Tripod, mirror lockup, remote release, calm night.
Listening to:
Chris Isaak, Wicked Game
U2, When Love Comes To Town
Neil Diamond, Cherry Cherry
Jewel, Who Will Save You Soul
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Day 311
Stepped into the back yard with Miss Midnight when I returned home from work, and look what greeted me in the dead tree behind my property... Eeeek. A big flock of buzzards. Is that creeeeepy or what?
Photo info:
The range on this shot is extreme. Black birds on overcast cloudy sky. Used 5 bracketed shots for this huge dynamic range 1/30, 1/100, 1/320, 1/1000, 1/3200 of a second. Merged in HDR Efex Pro2.
Listening to:
Birds chirping in the yard,
tires on pavement.
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Day 310
I am dog sitting this week. This is my Midnight. I always enjoy having her at my house. Midnight doesn't really enjoy having her picture taken. She tries to look away, and gets that far off look in her eyes. If I take her outside and have treats, she does a bit better. She sits there and tries to make the best of it... it just isn't fun having that scary camera pointing at her.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 60mm, 1/80s, f/3.2, flash - 580EXII ETTL
Watching:
The Blaze - Glenn Beck Show
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Day 309
Playing with the leftover Halloween candy.
Skittles.
Why are there no blue skittles? Do rainbows leak? Is that purple? What will I do with them now? Where is ET when you need him?
Photo info: ISO 400, 52mm, f/3.2, 1/60. EX580II 1/8 power with softbox at ceiling.
Thanks to Matt for the idea, and building the rainbow, and arranging the leaky skittles.
Listening to:
P!nk, Get the Party Started
Tonic, Soldier's Daughter
Rob Thomas, Now Comes the Night
Carrie Underwood, Nobody Ever Told You
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Day 308
Came back to water drops... wanted to try a new technique I read about. Need to fine tune it. I do like the splashes it made.
The technique is to put one wet shirt in a second shirt and hang them up. The water drips out of the cloth, and when it slows to drips it is easy to start catching drop photographs. The part that needs tuning is to get shirts that drip faster... and to hang it at the height where one drops falls onto the water column from the previous drop. I wasn't even close with that spacing, so I'll revisit that. But I want to experiment with different cloth and drop heights outside... my downstairs was wet enough after this so I called it quits for today.
Photo info:
ISO 400, f/8.0, 70mm, 1/50s. 580EXII 1/16 power with softbox to the right, YN560-III 1/16 power with umbrella to the left. Red Christmas gift bag under clear bowl, Green background well back from setup in background.
Listening to:
Saving Able, New tattoo;
Lonestar, What about now?;
Allman Brother's Band, Good Clean Fun;
Tom Petty, Don't Fade on Me;
Elvis Presley, Baby Let's Play house.
Day 307
Nice fall morning at the pond. Love the fall color!
Photo info:
A quick grab shot while out walking... no tripod for this one, and that is unusual for me!
Listening to:
Blues Traveler, Price to Pay; Storyville, Bitter Rain; Sheryl Crow, Lullaby for Wyatt; Johnny Cash, Sunday Morning Coming Down; Sister Hazel, Beautiful Thing; Sixx:A.M. Courtesy Call; Glenn Campbell, Southern Nights.
Would have been shorter, but needed to re-install Google Nik collection because the MS C-runtime went missing. I don't know... just glad a reinstall fixed it.
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Day 306
I was trying to photograph a jar candle filling with smoke, and just couldn't get it. So I did just what you would expect... see what a banana stem looks like burning.
Unexpected, at least for me. The stem caught, and burned much like a cigar. A good cigar at that. Caught easily, with a nice steady burn and a slow flame-less burn. Then I smelled the smoke. Also very cigar like - smelled good, not a burning smell at all. Not sure what would have happened if I let the burn go down the green stem... I assume it would have gone out. If now, I guess I would have had a nice slow cooked roasted banana. Pass the peanut butter and bread!
Photo info:
Close-up with my macro lens, with off camera 580EXII flash @1/64 power, camera right and below the banana. Never light a banana straight on... you won't like it.
Fails:
I'm listening to:
Darius Rucker, True Believers on my iPad.
I'll start adding this "listening to" section if I am listening to something... which I usually am. Not sure if anyone cares, but maybe?
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Day 305
Happy November.
Things are pretty colorful here at work on a very warm Friday morning.
Can it be November already?
Photo info:
iPhone pano, straight out of the phone.
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Day 304
New lighting arrived today!
Cowboy studios stand and umbrella, with a new Yongnuo YN 560 III ($72).
I'm interested in how this inexpensive flash performs. I think it will work well in cases where I want to manually set the output. And I've been doing that often with the 580 EXII, so why not try a flash unit that is 1/8th the cost?
I'll find out soon enough. Seemed to work fine here on day 1.
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Day 303
Almost halloween!
It is very scary!
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Day 302
A nighttime self portrait. I like the red dogwood leaves in the background. I used my speedlight softbox for this... works well I think, but I just have a lot to learn about lighting.
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Day 301
Another in the series of ordinary items.
It is tough photographing a lit light bulb!
I really didn't know if this would work, but it didn't come out too bad. This is a 5 exposure HDR, needed to shoot +-4, +-2, and 0 for this one.
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Day 300
Beautiful fall day on the Eno river in the Eno River State Park. I'll have to get back here after some rain to see the difference.
Photo info:
Mid-afternoon isn't the best time to be at this spot... but that is when I was there, so lets make the best of it! 5 Exposures blended in HDR Efex Pro 2. Can't you feel the sun on my back? Three boys, 10-12, and a big black dog immediately entered this spot when I finished my photo. They certainly had a great afternoon.
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Day 299
Found some dark sky tonight... just in time for the clouds to come in!
The soccer team had Saturday night off, and the school field was nice and dark. I setup to take 10 sec exposures - planning to shoot for about an hour. Ended up completely clouded over after 8 minutes! so my star trail circles became a short time lapse video. 8 minutes reduced to 2 seconds. At least I had a plane fly over right through the center of the frame. Sometimes you do get lucky!
Edited in lightroom. Converted to video in Quicktime pro.
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Day 298
Almost Halloween
Are you ready?
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Day 297
I stopped by the Walmart Neighborhood grocery store on the way home from work today, and look what jumped into my cart! This will add a nice dash of friendly color to the lights and spooky decorations greeting my trick or treaters next week.
Sized to the ratio 851 x 315. Why did I do that? Hey Friend, leave a comment if you know!
Photo info:
ISO 400, 200mm, f/18, 0.8sec. Full set of extension tubes on the 70-200 to get CLOSE to this beauty.
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Day 296
We must all be afraid of the dark... or we would be if there were any dark places left!
I went out in search of a dark place. I don't believe there is one left that isn't fenced off.
I thought the middle school athletic fields would work - no, there were portable lights there and a soccer team practicing. Maybe Cary Academy fields would be better? No, plenty of lights there illuminating the empty fields.
How about the entrance to the state park? No, that needs a bright light to shine over the closed and locked gate. Don't give up!
I parked by the gate, and walked into the park a little way. The wind was blowing, the trees swaying, and limbs creaking. Looking back toward the gate, and liked the scene before me. The previously annoying street light made the green of the trees glow, the rail fence zigging in the eerie light, and the stars shining through the opening in the tree branches. Click. Get the picture. Then a quick exit.
It is creepy out here in the dark.
Photo info:
ISO 1600, 24mm, f/2.8 20s Minor adjustments in Lightroom.
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Day 295
Software magic. Building a panoramic photo. 17 HDR photographs, each created with HDR Efex Pro2 using 3 images taken on Saturday, Oct 19th in the Cataloochee Valley.
Lightroom 5 on the right monitor, Photoshop CC on the left. First step, I export 3 photographs from Lightroom to HDR Efex Pro 2, and use the Balanced preset and save the resulting HDR image, importing it back into Lightroom. Repeat 16 more times. I then export the processed HDR images from Lightroom to Photoshop CC where they are merged into a single panoramic image. There you have it, 30 minutes later... almost like Magic.
This would be more simple if I would buy PTGui... but I don't want to buy and learn more software! I just want to work on my photos.
And the resulting 220 Megapixel panoramic photo:
Day 294
High-key lens portrait.
The Canon EF 17-40 f/4.0L. This is my 2nd newest, and widest lens. Once I went to a full frame digital, I needed a wider EF lens. My EFs 10-22 was traded in and this is my go-to wide lens.
Stay tuned for parts 2 through 6 of this lens series.
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Day 293
Opened up the Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains this morning. The elk were out in a field on a cold morning. As the sun hit the field, the frost and dew turned to mist, rising in the sunlight. It was another magical morning with the Cataloochee elk herd.
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Day 292
Good day in Cataloochee Valley - Part of the Great Smoky National Park.
Cataloochee has a good size Elk population, and they are fascinating to watch. In this shot, the big bull came up to the cow, and gave her a kiss. Not kidding. They then walked off together.
I was waiting for another bull to come and challenge this big boy, but that didn't happen. His bugle calls must have worked - all challengers stayed way.
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Day 291
Peak color in the Smoky Mountains this weekend. I wasn't sure about how much color there would be as I arrived in town after dark. A short session of night photography made me say WOW. Going to be beautiful tomorrow in the sunshine, don't you think! As exposed, this photo looked like daytime, except for the stars in the blue ski. Ordinarily I would take it down a bit more, but I love seeing the color pop in this unsual scene.
This is the Maggie Valley, as shot from the road to the Cataloochee ski area. Quiet and dark up there... and there are tons of horses out tonight. Kind of spooky in the dark. Neeeeiegh!
Bonus photo!
Day 290
Clouds continue, but I do see a few stars... Maybe I will get a night that is more clear soon! But until I can get out into the country I guess it doesn't matter... just too many lights and communication towers (see them at the bottom?) around here for decent night sky pictures.
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Day 289
Another cloudy night. I want some clear skys!
BW with Silver Efex Pro 2.
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Day 288
2nd in the classic series of ordinary items.
First i've used extension tubes with the EF 24-70 f/2.8L lens. With the larger ones (21mm and up) the entire focus range is within the lens at 24mm. I ended up using the 13mm tube, and still had to go to 34mm to obtain focus near the tips of the pencils. Oh, I do realize I am the only one that cares... but it is my blog!
Thanks for reading!
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Day 287
A collection of ordinry household items.
Part 1 in a classic series.
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Day 286
Guess what I had for a snack tonight. Go ahead, this isn't a trick question! YUM.
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Day 285
Found a pretty acorn this evening. Looked purple in the fading light of the cloudy day. Not so much under a bright flash. I guess I could play with the hue, but what is the point?
I'll put this out on the platform feeder and I'm sure the squirrels will eat it. Then again, maybe they will take it to the yard and bury it, planting a nice tree if he forgets... just maybe?
Photo info: 100 mm macro lens with 65mm of extension tubes for extreme closeup... ISO 500, f/16 1/60 flash +1 ETTL compensation.
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Day 284
Eric's chocolate cake with chocolate chips and chocolate fudge frosting. Chocolate ice-cream anyone?
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Day 283
Looked around for some colorful leaves in the yard... all I have now are dull ones. That didn't stop me. Figured I would experiment a bit, so I'll be more prepared if colorful and interesting ones come along soon.
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Day 282
Updating my voter registration today.
Unaffiliated.
I've had it with both the Rs and Ds. Will they miss me?
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Day 281
Looking for something interesting to photograph today. Went to the Town Hall on a drizzly evening. Did a multiple exposure of two art peices on display. What do you think?
Emperor's New Clothes by artist Jonathan W. Hils meets Join the Parade by artist Jane A. Rankin.
In camera double exposure, Conversion to black and white in Silver Efex Pro2
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Day 280
Put up lights - green, purple and orange - hung a white light sceleton reaper, and a pair of jack-o-laterns.
Now I just need to get my big bowl of candy, sit back, and scare some little kids!
Photo info: 5 shot HDR image... then tweaked in Lightroom. The Light room perspective correction worked well on this wide angle shot. Straightened up the verticals with one quick click.
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Day 279
I love these little birds.
Visited the Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, NC today. I had a wonderful time.
This photo was taken in the attraction known as the landing zone. In the landing zone, you can hand feed parakeets and American Flamingos. The parakeet food is on a wooden stick, and the flamingo food is a small pellet they eat from the palm of the flat hand.
The parakeets land on you while in the enclosure, and nibble on your ears. Very cool experience.
Bonus photos:
See 37 photos in photo gallery
Me, having a bird bite my ear.
Day 278, sortof
Good to be back to the 365 photo project. August and Sept were very busy, but I'm back to the photo project, hopefully to finish off the last 3 months of the year without any additonal gaps.
So to kick it off again, I caught the sunset at lake crabtree. Nice warm evening by the little lake.
Photo info: HDR, 5 exposure, 1 stop incr. Processed in Lightroom with lens profile correction and then HDR in HDR efex Pro 2. Selected the Deep 2 preset and tweeked starting there. I like it.
Lessons learned: Good to be back at it... talked to a nice young man at the lake that is interested in photography, but knows nothing about it. Explained a few of the basics and enjoyed talking with him.
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Day 227
Star trails. Notice I stacked one of my exposure test shots taken with a slightly different position. Makes for a field of dots mixed with the trails.
Not sure, but I think I like it. Different, that is for sure.
Photo info:
55 stacked photos in Photoshop with the star trails action. Photos exported as B+W before stacking.
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Day 225
Should be sleeping!
Out shooting the stars once again.
Photo info:
Used a wider aperture and higher ISO to reduce shutter time to lesson the impact of the cloud movement on the photo. These clouds were really moving in...
ISO 1600, f/2.8, 28mm, 7.7s
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Day 224
Some shots from the RDU observation deck. Simply put, the deck sucks for dramatic wheel touchdown shots. There is a large hanger with a UNC logo on it blocking the part of the runway the wheels touch down. So no shots with tire smoke on landing. Bummer. But I like this one I guess. Better than the static picure of a hanger with a blue UNC logo on it.
Photo info:
ISO 800, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, cropped to FB cover photo size...
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Day 223
Chased this butterfly around for a while to get his picture. He didn't really mind.
It was HOT, but I like the shot.
Frogs, dragons and butterfly made for an interesting trip to the Arboretum.
Photo info:
ISO 320, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/640
Dragons and Frogs too...
Day 220
Found a BFF at the Arboretum today. He is a beauty, don't you think!
Photo info:
ISO 400, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/200s
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Day 219
Yesterday I wanted to get in the middle of the flowers, but decided not to because of all the bees feasting on the sunflower pollen.
So today I used technology to get in there. Wasn't the view I expected.
Photo info:
Green screen self portrait, Photoshoped into the sunflowers from yesterday. Doesn't really look like I'm in there. Those really out of focus flowers on my chest give it away. Guess I need to put myself in a little more foreground. I didn't want to steal the show from all the pretty flowers! It's a fun one.
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Day 218
NC DOT sunflowers along I40.
I've seen other flowers along the highway on/off ramps, but never remember such an wonderful sunflower planting! Just had to get a photo of this. I'll probably be back again as I'm not really satified with what I captured. Great opportunity for Macro shot of bees too.
Photo info:
ISO 800, f/20, 70mm, 1/80s
Day 216
These 3 habaneros will be the featured guests in the pot of chili I'm making. they will be joined by 2 jalapenos, a green pepper, onions, ground beef, black beans, and my secret chili spices.
¡buen provecho
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Day 215
The Yellow Blaze Brothers went to Remington Grill for lunch today.
So cute together, don't you think?
Photo info:
Quick iPhone grab running in to grab lunch.
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Day 214
Looking through the cabinet to find something interesting to photograph.
Found these old cameras. Would like to run some film through them to see what they can do!
Where did I put that 126 film and the old Xcubes?
What's in your closet?
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Day 213
Found this thistle plant by the beaver pond. I like the looks of it. Gone to seed... done for the year. Seems so out of place in the green lushness of mid summer.
Everything has its own time and time table.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 200mm, f/2.8, 1/250s
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Day 212
Collage of photos of the south fountain at Waverly Place in Cary. The lights cycle through various colors, and I like the reds and purples. The center waterfall is a side closeup of the waterfall in the lower center of each corner photo.
Nice evening to be out, night was alive as a storm moved into the area. Just missed the band planing in the grassy center courtyard.
Photo info:
Heading out, the goal was a colorful nighttime photo.
Corner photos - ISO 200, 70mm, f/5.6, 1s
Center photo - ISO 200, 155mm, f/5.6, 8s
Combined in Photoshop. Photos are pretty much straight from the camera. Background Colors sampled from fountain photos.
Did I achieve my goal. Heck ya!
One from last year's 365 (so I knew it was a colorful spot):
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Day 211
Carolina Wren, sleeping on the porch. This little one sleeps here many nights. I like him here. I wonder what Boris thinks of this intruder? Maybe this guy is why Boris has been missing for the last two days! Thats OK little wren - eat all the spiders you can.
Photo info:
ISO 800, 200mm, f/5.0, 1/60s, 580EXII ETTL. Cropped in LR4 - I didn't want to get too close and spook him making him fly out into the night.
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Day 210
Side and back of the Cary Art Center as darkness falls.
Been thinking about getting this colorful wall at twilight for a while now. Tough to get it, but I like this shot. Not sure what these benches mean. Art I guess... I know they don't keep the mosquitos away.
HDR in HDR efex pro 2.
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Day 209
Didn't know what to do... so I grabbed a cactus and shot it. With glycerin and water, and light too.
Then I rinsed it off. I do hope the glycerin doesn't hurt it. This guy has been in the family for almost 15 years. What was I thinking!
Photo info:
Macro lens w/ 52mm of extension tubes for extreme close-up. Flash on Manual setting. 1/16 power side A (Bottom), 1/8 power side B (top). ISO 100, 100mm, f/8.0, 1/80s.
Day 208
Went back to the lake... a nice storm coming in from the south west. Took a long timelapse of it... see below!
This is the final frame of the time-lapse... just had to get my butt in there!
Got out of there just as the rain really started... got into the Jeep just as the downpour started!
Photo info:
ISO 200, 19mm, f/9.0, 1/50s.
Time Lapse Video:
Time Lapse Info:
Exported 16x9, 1920x1080 .tif files from Lightroom after syncing minor adjustments. Quick Time Pro 7, Trimmed video to the frames I liked. then selected Export for the Web to save.
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Day 207
Visited Jorge's flowers, after dark this time. A different look.
These guys are a bit past their prime!
Photo info:
ISO 3200, 100mm, f/13, 1/60s, macrolight flash, lots of bug bites!
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Day 206
More friendly than a spider! I think so anyway. Enjoy!
This pretty flower is in my neighbor Jorge's yard. He has a wonderful yard with many beautful plants, flowers and trees. Thank you Jorge.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 100mm, f/22, 1/60s, Macrolight flash
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Day 205
Brought back this owl from my Mom's house this week. I'm not sure where I'll put this one... but welcome pretty little owl.
Photo info:
ISO 200, 100mm, f/8.0, 1/60, flash
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Night 204
Look who lives on my front porch! Colorful little guy.
Sorry if my little friend scares you!
If you drop by for a visit, don't look up!
Photo info:
ISO 200, 100mm, f/18, 1/125s Macro shot with Macro ring light, with 52mm extension tubes to get close.
Update:
Identified as Marbled Orb Weaver
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Day 203
Moon. Trees. Summer nights.
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Day 202
Things looked promising for lightning this evening, but it didn't really pan out. What lightning there was was too far away behind the closer clouds and tended to light up the entire sky. And most of THAT happened during the long exposure noise reduction for the previous shot!
Next storm I'll try again!
Photo info:
Straight forward shot today... ISO 100, 24mm, f22, 30s.
Wanted to do a time lapse of the storm coming in, but left my Intervalometer at home :( next time!
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Day 200
... with Wetina display.
What more could I possibly say?
Thank you Beth for the photo idea.
Photo info:
Macro shot w/ my 100mm macro and 52mm of extension tubes to get really close. These are small drops on the iPad Wetina display.
ISO 100, 100mm, f/5.6, 5s
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Day 199
This beautiful old church is no longer the Kingsboro Presbyterian, but I will always think of it so. I am very happy that the Assembly of God church has a home here to worship in this historic Gloversville church.
Photo info:
In camera HDR, +/-2 stops, Art Standard setting. Additional adjustments in Lightroom. Would have loved to get more of an angle on the church build, but there is just too much in this park to do that... Many of the "too much" are signs about dog poop. I may take another shot at this with a different lens... maybe I can work around the stuff at a different time of the day. Morning would be good because it would be front lit rather than back lit... but I was sleeping at that time of day.
Extra Bonus photo just up the street:
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Day 198
Drove around after working today. Beautiful evening. Ended up at Vandenburgh Point beach right at sunset. Quiet, no one on the beach (it was closed!), but not closed for photography.
Photo info:
5 shot HDR(1 stop incr), Nik HDR Efx Pro2. I think this was the "Balanced", not too extreme - just gives a bit of detail in the shadows.
ISO 100, 24mm, f/18, 1/6s
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Day 197
Pretty half moon out tonight, with clear summer sky.
Photo info:
Cropped photo from full frame exposure. Still a decent 1800x1550.
ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0, 1/125s
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Day 196
Sunny Adirondack foothills pano. NY 10 just north of Pine Lake.
Additional photo at the Piseco Lake outflow:
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Day 195
These three love the hot summer days, sitting in the sun.
Photo info:
Focus stacked in Photoshop. A little ghosting, but I like it.
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Night 191
Bonus shot today. Too many days with no photos... so today I shot an extra. Been wanting to get these old coal silos at night, and tonight was too good to pass up. See the plane going through the shot?
Hot and humid, but the stars are showing pretty well. Skys here in Gloversville not too bad!
Photo info:
ISO 100, 17mm, f/4.0, 181s Edited in Light room - desaturated a bit, sharpened a bit, a little NR. I like it.
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Day 191
I'm bring my grandparent's old lamp to my house. I'm glad to have this old part of family history, and you know something... things from this period still work. (At least I think it is old) I'll be ready when the power goes out next time. Just need some lamp oil. Can't say the same for the 8 track player out in the screen porch. I think I'll pass on bringing that home!
Photo info:
Natural light shot, with a little flash light used to light the gold medallion on the base. ISO 100, 40mm, f/4.0, 1/5s.
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Day 190
Wanted to take a picture today... I haven't been able to get to this each day and I miss it.
I took the Bromeliad out on the front porch in the morning sunshine and took this one from above. I really like the colors and shape of this plant. It is happy and fun.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 36mm, f/11, 1/20s. Waited until the sun softened a bit by clouds, but wish I had used my diffuser, or maybe got out 45 minutes earlier!
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Day 184
A humid day turned into a humid evening, and the view to the North West was very pretty. Lightning flashed in the clouds to the north as the stars shown between the streaks of high clouds.
Was this pictures worth the couple dozen mosquito bites? Yes. Did I hand around when I heard strange hissing noises coming from the brush right in front of me? No. Skedattle time!
Photo info:
ISO 640, 60s, f/10, 17mm Lights from Nathan Littauer Hospital light the brush and field in the foreground.
Lessons learned:
1. Bring Deet.
2. Don't know what the bright light streaking through the sky is. I didn't see it when I was taking the photo. A plane maybe? It is unidentified, thus a UFO.
3. Wear pants for night bushwacking
4. Glad to be out on a fine summer night
5. What hisses in the field at night? Wish that was a lesson learned, but maybe not...
6. 184 days into the 365, I only have 148 photos... but I'll keep going!
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Day 177
North Main Street. Summer Night.
Rain this morning
Rain tomorrow
Sunny Blue sky between
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Day 175
Storm blew through this afternoon. Severe storm warnings, but it wasn't too bad here. Got my first lightning photo! I want a night-time storm. And maybe I'll setup somewhere without all the wires. Good idea?
Photo info: ISO 50, f/22, 2.5S, 17mm w/ Polarizer. B+W conversion in Silver Efex Pro 2.
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Day 174
After a long winter and spring, it is finally swim time again! Barney is very happy about that! Me too!
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Day 172
Price Chopper in Gloversville. It has a great big parking lot. Pretty exciting, no?
Beautiful first evening of summer
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2 shortbread cookies
Strawberry jam
Ready whip
1 fresh strawberry
Yummy, and sweet sweet!
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Day 167 Bromeliad from BS2
This is a beautiful Bromeliad from my department at work. It made the trip to NY with me, and is doing very well in the dining room window. Thank you, BS2.
Photo info:
ISO 200, f/2.8, 70mm, 1/6s Nicely side lit in the dining room window.
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Day166
Still no ants!
The peony is in full bloom. It looks very different than to looked on day 162 (June 11th)
Beautiful
Photo info:
Nice simple shot... Karen did a great job shading the flower for this picture! Thank you, Karen.
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Day 165
Sorry, can't help it.
I'm facinated by closeups of spiders. I know may of my blog readers don't like spiders... once again, Sorry. Maybe someday I'll get bored with spider portraits. But it is so lucrative, nobody pays for a portrait like a mommy spider!
Photo info:
Macro shot with ring light. I really like having the macrolight adapter! ISO 200, 100mm, f/11, 1/80s
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Day 164
Lots of rain has the Cayadutta out of its banks.
The Cayadutta at W 10th Ave.
I love a walk in the rain.
Day 163
Grabbed this one while out on my morning trip on the rail trail.
I would have like to see this coal station of the Glove City Coal Company in its day.
Now it is just the concrete shell of the old coal silos. I wonder what it is like inside? I wonder who owns this today?
Photo info:
I used my iPhone in panorama mode to capture this tall fellow. I then imported to lightroom, and probably cropped it back down to what I could have just captured. Funny how that works out. I liked the Silver Efex Pro 2 BW treatment - deemphasizes the overgrowth at the base of the structure.
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Day 162
After a good soaking, all the ants are gone. When will they return? This little pink peony is waiting for them!
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Day 161
Mom's Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and peas.
It was yummy.
Photo info:
Flash shadows... should have removed the lens hood, and I did, after the dish was stirred and became less photogenic.
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Day 160
Lupine blooming in Well's Parker Corner Park. Thank you Well's garden club.
Drove up to Wells with Mom and a pretty June day. Blue sky and nice mountain air.
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Day 151
Here is my guard spider. Watch out!
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Day 150
My Macrolight adapter 67 arrived today. So a quick search around the property found this moth, just asking demanding that I take his photo. So I did. A few times actually. And this is his good side.
A quick web search taught me there are a lot of moths, and I think this one is a Webworm Moth (Procera asperatella). It seems that it would be pretty well camouflaged on a tree - not so much on my glass storm door in front of my metal front door. But I guess he likes to live dangerously.
Photo info:
ISO 100, 100mm, f/14, 1/60s
Lessons learned:
There are lots of moths, and many look alike. It is hot outside. I like having my ring light back! The use of the adapter is less convenient than the lens that fit directly.
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Day 149
Keeping my fingers where they are supposed to be!
Trimming out the holes in the ceiling today. I wondered, would 1/8000 sec catch the saw blade? Sure it did... just didn't freeze the action - still a blur. How fast does it spin? Wow! Guess I need to do some research on blade RPMs and figure out how fast that makes the business edge travel.
Photo info:
ISO 800, 100mm, f/5.0, 1/8000s.
Lessons learned:
I'll need a high speed camera (or maybe a flash in the dark?) to catch the blade spinning. I will try the flash, but spinning a saw blade in the dark just seems like a bad idea... Bad ideas is what I do best!
Update:
Looks like the blade spins at 5200 RPM. Now I have to go do some math!
I have a 60 tooth blade on the saw - so to capture a picture with some detail in the blade, I would need to get less than 1/60 a rotation - lets say 1/2 of that or 1/120 of a rotation would work. Won't be sharp, but that would give the shape of the teeth some detail, with motion blur.
For that I would need a shutter speed (or flash duration) of 1/624000. I can't even get close! But I might still give it a try with the lowest output of my 580EXII, to see what I get. It will probably look a lot like what I have here...
Day 148
Little ones close to mom on the lake. They were relaxing in the the grass until a black lab came and wanted to play. At least I think she wanted to play.
Photo info:
Another EF100-400 f/4.5-5.6L with the EF1.4X extender. Not bad but could be better. Should I get the new EF 200-400 f/4L with internal 1.4X extender? $$$$$, probably not.
Day 147
This gray catbird, or friends, have been providing me music to work by. Luckily it is song season, because their song is pretty. Listen to the video to hear for yourself.
Video:
Photo info:
I used a Canon extender 1.4XII with my EF 100-400 f/4-5.6L. Gave me 560mm at f/8. With the firmware update, I have autofocus even at f/8! But I used manual focus anyway... so does it matter? Yes it does, for other subjects.
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Day 146
Roof repair is coming along. If it were to rain tonight, not that it will, not much if any would make it inside now.
Tomorrow I will put on the shasta white roll roofing. You can see the 9" strips along the eave and rakes.
What you can't see it the tricky part behind the leaves. But then a guy has to have some privacy.
After the roofing, I have to finish the inside ceiling where two skylights used to provide nice light and a slow and steady supply of water to provide moisture for the colony of ants living in the rotting wood mess.
Then I have to paint the fascia and and put the rain gutter back up. Is next weekend also a 3 days long?
Photo info:
5 Shot pano - I couldn't get back far enough to get it all in... so multi shots merged in PS once again.
Lessons learned:
I will need to go back to work Tuesday just to rest. This shouldn't be as tiring as it is!
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Day 145
Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Have nice weather for a little project. Do I have everything?
Plywood, Check.
Flashing, Check.
Tar paper, Check.
Knee pads, Check.
Pruning clippers, Check.
Leather gloves, Check.
Circular saw, Check.
Driver drill, Check.
Bug Spray, Check.
Hammer, Check.
Ladder, Check.
Saw horses, Check.
Nails and Nail apron, Check.
Looks like everything and then some is here.
Fixing a leaky roof. It is worse than I thought. Leaked around the sky light and turned one section of plywood to dust. Worst thing was all the ants living in the mess.
Skylight is gone for now. I'll get the roof water tight, and figure out about the sky lights later. I think that might be a job for a pro, or at least a pro flashing kit. My DIY flashing certainly did not get the job done.
Lets do it again tomorrow!
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Day 144
Clear evening, and the sun sets for another day. Bet it comes up again tomorrow!
Photo info:
ISO 50, 27mm, f/22, 3.2s
Lessons learned:
HDR isn't always the answer. I've been bracketing shots like this lately, and then running it through HDR Efex 2. And they are usually nice looking. Almost selected the HDR version of this shot, but then took a good look at one of the straight shots. I like it. Clear, no ghosting and holos. Got to love that! And this photo IMHO doesn't need more range. Let the shadows drop out. It's post twilight, it is supposed to be dark!
Day 143
I have snail trails on my house! Smug Slugs crawling all about.
Natures clean up crew working on my siding. *Might* be time to get the siding cleaner out for a first rinse off, don't you think? That or bring in more slugs...
Photo info:
Macro shot. This is really a very small slug. In nice and close. I really wish my backordered ring flash adapter would arrive! A little light would have made this guy pop! I probably could have used the flash, but without the adaptor it gets tricky, and I just wanted to grab the shot and get ready for work.
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Day 142
Clouds put on a good show today. Mid level ones going in a different direction and speed than the upper level clouds. And the sunshine lit up the higher ones. Fun to watch.
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Day 141
A nice balanced meal. Yum. New grill works well.
Photo info:
ISO 400 57mm, f/8.0, 1/80s 580EXII Master Right, 270EX slave Left. Diffusers used.
Lessons learned:
If you setup for the pictures before the food is ready, you can eat before it gets cold. 4 Bratwursts are enough for 3 people.
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Day 140
Get closer! Pretty yellow flower, all rinsed off from the rain.
I took a photographing flowers workshop once, and the instructor said to make sure you pick a perfect specimen for your subject. But what if you like one that shows signs of living in the real world? We all have our little scars, don't we?
I really like the water on this one, just soaking the center portion, and slowly running down the bottom petal.
Photo info:
ISO 1250, f/8.0, 100mm, 1/50s Started out with the 100-400mm at 400mm and extension tubes... but when I looked at the photos on the computer it was clear that really wasn't close enough. So I switched the lens out for the 100mm macro lens with extension tubes and headed back out. Then I got right up on this beauty. No substitute for getting close. Love the yellow. This is just about the color of my car!
Lessons learned:
Get close!
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Day 139
Rainy, play inside day... decided to work with smoke again. If I liked incense, I could do more of this... but I had enough for one day.
Decided to leave this one pretty much alone. Smoke on black, just like I shot it. Did make some level adjustments to make the smoke pop a bit.
Photo info: Same basic setup as Day 117 - two flashes, one either side of the smoke. There is a pic of the setup on 177's post. ISO 100, f/4.0, 32mm, 1/60s.
Lessons not learned: Check the camera. Especially after doing something different like time lapse. Will I ever learn this one? I left the camera on JPG, and not RAW. Photos like this, that you really may want to make extreme adjustments to, can really benefit from RAW. Maybe that is why I decide to leave this one alone? Maybe. I don't know!
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Day 138
I cheated today. The photo of the day is really 667 photos.
Time lapse photography.
The topic of Time lapse photography videos came up in email with Mike P yesterday, after his comment on SAS Q photo on 135/365 photo of the day. That email exchange led to some evening experimentation last night... and the logical end to that is today's 365 project photo. Or Video.
Here is a time lapse of a busy Saturday afternoon at the local park. Put together with QuickTime Pro. The photo above is just one of the 667 photos of the day, from the midpoint in the time lapse.
The Time Lapse video is embedded in this post below. Watch and enjoy!
Should I do more of these? It is a lot of clicks on the camera! Ahhh, I really like the video, I will do more of these... clicks be damned! (Five minutes of this on Hanging Rock would have been awesome!)
Time Lapse photo info:
Rather than the RAW format I usually shoot in, I switched the 5DIII over to save images at Medium fine resolution JPG photos (5760 x 3840) Shooting RAW would have filled my card before I captured the desired number of frames. These images were then converted to Smaller 16:9 (1138x640) JPGs for processing in QuickTime Pro.
I also did a nice 1920x1080 version of the video, but that is too large for the web. Great for the desktop though.
Lessons Learned:
The key is picking the right spot. I spent quite a bit of time walking around the park. I'm fairly happy with the spot I selected. I put the camera low, next to a tree, and pulled a bench over to it. Not hidden, but not too obvious.
I think getting the camera higher would have made the boat traffic more enjoyable. Next time I may go over to the dam. But then I won't get as much Duck action. And you can never have too much Duck action. I stayed back from the water to get some people action in the foreground. I think that is the right call. Was it?
PS Here is a Time lapse of the SAS Q photos.
PPS Thank you host Zenfolio for the video support on this site. First I've really used it. Works well!
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Day 137
4th time's a charm. I believe after 4 trips to get the right fitting for the new gas grill I finally have it. It's a beauty, isn't it?
Photo info: Macro shot. ISO 100, f/11, 100mm, 3.2s. Lit with two incandescent lights reflected off my new 42" white reflector. Worked great!
Lessons learned: Lighting and reflecting. And a bit of plumbing too, but it's only a gas line.
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Day 136
Lowes delivered a new DeckAid yesterday. It says KitchenAid on it, but clearly this is a DeckAid appliance.
Now I just need a 5/8in GoesInta to hook it up to the gas line. Last night I ran to Lowes, but mistakenly picked p a 1/2in one. Hope they have the one I need!
Photo info: In camera HDR. Art Vivid setting. I like it.
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Night 135
SAS building Q is under construction. Will reach full height next month, then the big cranes will come down.
Caught one shooting star?
Photo info: Stacked 44 images in Photoshop. Total time for the image is 44 minutes. Each photo is 59 sec, and 1 sec between photos. Long exposure noise reduction was turned off to get near continuous capture.
ISO 400, f/11, 17mm.
Lessons learned: Stacking works well... but next time, I'm going for a single 60 minute exposure! (Dual batteries in the grip should get me through it) Should I use long exposure noise reduction with the 60 minute shot?
There is too much light pollution over Raleigh! I did decide to shoot this at a time there was moon light, because I wanted some light on the building and cranes. Moon was a less than quarter crescent well to the west of this orientation.
Update:
PS Here is a Time lapse of the SAS Q photos.
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Day 134
Dew on the roses this morning.
I find this five petal center spiral in the rose very pretty. And I know there is a pretty yellow surprise waiting inside that will be displayed when the petals are ready to share their treasure.
Photo info: ISO 100, 100mm, f/11, 1/60 sec. 580EX on camera with Gary Fong Lightsphere diffuser on flash. The "Dew" was sprayed on from a misting bottle.
Lessons learned: I love red roses. Lighting red is tough. Look how the color on this one goes pink in the hot spot center top left. Wow. Add some drops and I can look at this all day.
Also, watch your edges - I wish I had noticed the leaf in the top left cornier. Too much detail in sharp focus up there fighting for your attention. I knocked it down a bit (-exposure, - sharpness, -clarity) in lightroom, but would have been far better off to move it before pressing the shutter release.
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Day 133
Picked these for Beth. Beautiful flowers.
The azaleas may be done blooming... but the roses have taken their place. Just need a few dozen more to take up the slack!
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Day 132
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms.
Mom taking the little ones out for a swim on Mother's Day.
Pretty day at the gardens. Lots of sunshine.
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Day 131
Went out to capture the approaching thunderstorm, but that fizzled out pretty quickly. Luckily, I took my full bag, and switched over from a wide angle storm lens to a zoom for wildlife. Tough choice today. Also liked the mocking bird harrasing the red tail hawk... Nice to have tough choices.
Photo info: ISO 400, 400mm, f 7.1, 1/2500
Lessons learned: Check for ticks after bushwhacking to the shore line. Pulled two of the little buggers off after getting this one.
And what the heck... here are a couple of the the mockingbird & hawk photos as well!
Day 130
Good hired help is hard to find. I had to put my gardner on notice today. I came home and finally saw him in the yard. I let him know that I'm not completely happy with the job he is doing keeping things trimmed. Told him to step it up, or I would have to let him go.
I do hope it works out... I think he has little ones on the way.
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Day 129
Reedy Creek Baptist Church.
Thinking about bracketing my exposures.
5 Exposure bracketing... with HDR composite on top left/bottom right.
Thank you Beth for today's photo idea. Good one!
Photo info: Took 5 photos with Auto Exposure bracketing at -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 centered on 1/50s. ISO 100, f/16, 30mm. Processed the HDR in Nik HDR Efex Pro 2.
Lessons learned: Playing with masking layers in Photoshop CS5. That is always an adventure.
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Day 128
The match ignites.
Match in clamp, lit candle moved under match. Poof. It goes up quickly.
Photo info: ISO 500, f/8.0, 100mm, 1/320s
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Day 127
View from the top of the park.
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in TN at 6634 feet, and is also the state line between TN and NC. Also, The Appalacian Trail runs through here. Incredibles views ona a beautuful day.
Photo info: Near 180 degree multi shot panorama from the parking lot edge. There is a great observation tow at the peak, but I love this shot!
Today's bonus photo! Mingo Falls on the Cherokee Reservation.
Day 126
Grotto Falls is along Trillium Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. This was a nice foggy morning at the start of the hike. Very pretty, and nice while it lasted. The fog burned off as we neared Grotto Falls.
Very nice walk in the park.
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Day 125
Nice rainy day for a drive through Cades Cove. Very pretty. Ideal spot was setup for a 270 degree panoramic photo. 21 Shots make up this image.
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Day 124
Whitewater Falls. Near Brevard, NC.
Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 feet! The Upper Falls plummets 411 feet and is 60 miles from downtown Asheville in the Nantahala National Forest. It's on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina. The 400-foot Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. http://www.romanticasheville.com/whitewater_falls.htm#.UYZZEtvD9gA
Posting a day late... no internet connection yesterday.
Photo info: Panoramic photo, stitched from 26 shots. This is a LARGE photo, and can be printed at very large size. Probably not life-sized though! I think this is my first attempt at a multi-dimensional panorama. 5 high and 5 wide... with an extra somehow...
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Day 123
Picked up a used Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens yesterday. It is in fine shape.
This is a very popular lens, and it works way better than one would expect when you pick it up.
Small. Light. Plastic. Cheap.
And it is cheap. I got the lens, a hood and a premium 52mm filter for $85.
But it is incredibly sharp, and amazingly light. It will be a pleasure to take this one up a mountain. My Big. Heavy. Well Built. Expensive 24-70 f/2.8L is feeling a bit jealous today.
Photo info: ISO 100, 50mm, f/1.8, 1/60s Can you get more vanilla than that?
Lessons learned: Fifty is nifty.
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Day 122
Doing some experimentation and research.
You can make a variable ND filter from a Linear polorizer stacked with a Circular polarizer. Linear has to be toward the subject, circular on the camera side. Works better with some lenses than others. And at the darker alignment of the filters, there is tremendous color shift. Also, at least with the filters I have, there is a great deal of vignetting with wide angle lens.
No adjustments were made to the photos other than creating this composite image.
My thanks to Jack Penny for loaning me the linear polarizer.
Photo info: Photos exported and combined in photoshop CS5.
Lessons learned: The LP + CP does indeed work, and seems to give some good results to to about 5 stops reduction in light transmission. After that, the color shift and non-uniformity of the transmission loss noticeably degrades the photo.
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Day 121
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Mr Snicker Easter Bunny has lost his ears. Oh my.
Photo info: ISO 100, 160mm, f/6.3, 1/50s, flash right master 1/16 power, flash left slave. First chroma key green screen photo. I will use this photo to experiment with green screen background replacement. Maybe.
Lessons learned: Balancing flash power and placement. My model has finger prints on his face!
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Day 120
Working with smoke yesterday brought about fire today! Yes, that does seem a little backwards!
Fire it difficult. Its dark, and bright and moves all on its own. Captivating really. As with the smoke, I'll be doing more with fire in the near future!
I need to get outside with a real fire. Amy O sent me some photos of burning pine cones. Very cool. I think that would make a real mess of my studio area!
Photo info: ISO 400, 70mm, f/10, 1/400s. Shot in modified ambient light. A 75 light was used to the left of the subject to give some form to the bodies of the candles.
Lessons learned: Its all about the light. Experimented with different exposures, and different intensities on the modeling light. Dramatically changes the photo.
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Day 119
Returned to the smoke. I find this fascinating, and run the risk of finishing out the year with 246 smoke pictures. Most likely not, but I'll keep playing with this!
Photo info: Same basic setup as Day 117's photo. Moved the flash heads closer to and slightly behind the smoke.
I also took the circular polarizer off the lens! Much more light, so I could reduce the flash from 1/2 to 1/4 power. Greatly helped in flash recycle time. I didn't invert the image this time. I like this one with the black background.
ISO 100, 70mm, f9.0, 1/60s.
Lessons learned: Watch the smoke, look for the moment it jumps from one form to the next.
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Day 118
Happy birthday Matt.
The green writing gel didn't go as far as I thought it would. Sprinkles to the rescue!
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Day 117
Smoke
a wave of the hand
Chaos
click-flash-write to card
Order resumes
a butterfly sets it off again
Photo info: Smoke from incense cone. Two flashes with flags to limit light to area of smoke. Photo inverted in Photoshop. Hue adjusted until I found a pleasing purple color. Levels adjusted a bit.
I was going to do this in the garage, but I didn't want my new black muslin backdrop to get filthy!
Lessons learned: Pretty much all of it. First attempt at smoke photography. First use of flags to limit flash. The incense sticks I bought don't produce enough smoke - the cones do! Oh, first use of incense too. Quite a day!
A photo of the setup:
PS See the Chroma-Key Green backdrop all set to go? I will be experimenting with that soon. Anyone have any tips? Software recommendations? Let me know!
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Day 116
Look what came in the mail today! My prize from Adirondack Life Magazine.
My photo, Misty Morning on Raquette Lake was selected as first place landscape in their annual photography contest. I'm happy and proud, and I love this hand made bowl. Thank you Adirondack Life.
The winning photo:
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Day 115
The messy front yard is in peak bloom today. This is the week that I wait for each year. And this year is a good one! I'll have to trim these back a bit after they bloom, so next year may not be so spectacular. All the more reason to enjoy this year's show.
Photo info: Panorama photo produced by stitching 19 images in Photoshop CS5. Slight contrast and exposure adjustments in Lightroom. ISO 100, 70mm, f/8.0, 1s
PS: I'm feeling much better today. Had a good night's sleep and no fever!
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Day 114
Left work early. Have a bug. Napping and getting better. IPad pic SOOTC.
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Day 113
With basically no camouflage, this brave bunny - still with his ears intact - hangs out on a dinner plate. What would possess him to do such a thing? Crazy or brave.
I wish him well, and say to him, "Hang on to your ears, little bunny"
Photo info: ISO 100, 125mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, 580EX 1/4 power with Gary Fong defuser bounced from ceiling.
Lessons learned: Chocolate is very reflective. Tooth picks are useful for more than just picking teeth. Not all chocolate bunnies are missing their ears.
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Day 112
Back on 105 (April 15) I photographed this couple in the shot "105/365 Tomorrow's stars". Here they are again, and look what happens in one short week!
These guys are pretty big - about 3 inches across a single blossom, and the bush is probably 12 feet tall and covered. It is amazing. Maybe tomorrow will be a shot showing all of it? Maybe.
Photo info: Used the 400mm to set these guys off from the background. They pop. Could have used a little more depth, but it is pretty windy so I needed to keep the exposure SHORT. I may try this again tomorrow if there is less wind.
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Day 111
Almost time to nest, and think about little goslings swimming around!
Photo info: A quick shot while on a wonderful walk in the park this morning. Beautiful morning, with a pretty blue sky, wonderfully decorated with white fluffy clouds. ISO 400, 70mm, f/5.0, 1/640s
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Day 110
Pretty little waterfall at the gardens. The biggest challenge is to keep the lens dry long enough to get the 3.2 second exposure. Did it!
Photo info: ISO 50, f/22, 3.2s, camera balanced on a rock.
Lessons learned: stay dry, keep steady.
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Day 109
Getting an early one in on this Friday morning. I may have to try this again taking the Bear-Moose canoe to a little stream. That might be more interesting than using a towel in my driveway. Yep, that will be better.
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Day 108
And this is why, Karl, Ninjas do not wear electric lights.
Photo info: ISO 50, 24mm, 45s, f/22. Conveniently sized in the 851x315 aspect ratio. (Why?)
Lessons learned: Ninjas don't wear lights. Surprising number of bugs attracted very quickly to the lights.
Interior Ninja attack:
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Day 107
Still playing in the water!
This time, I put a glass lasagna pan on a glass storm window and put my 580EXII light below it, flashing up through the glass and water. I then had my MR-14EX flash at camera right lighting the splash.
I find the light that seems to be streaming out of the water wonderful. When shooting I thought it was too much, but in looking at the photos on the computer - they are my favorites.
In the bacground is the same brightly colored beach towel as in yesterday's shots, but in this use it is all just reflected colors.
Next up - dropping milk and/or liquid with color added. Maybe not tomorrow... but soon!
Photo info: ISO 800, 100mm, f8.0, 1/200s
Lessons learned: Upped the ISO and removed the polarizer from yesterday shoot. Seemed to fire the flash a bit faster. Certainly quicker flash refresh since it was putting out less light. Should have used my lens hood! Wet by the end. Drops falling 4 feet splash more than drops falling 9 inches!
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Day 106
Playing in the water. A nice spring activity, don't you think?
Photo info: Two lights, camera, a bowl, a bright towel, and a dripping faucet.
Inpired by this Adorama video by Bryan Peterson http://www.adorama.com/ALC/Article.aspx?googleid=0014161&alias=Create-A-Splash-Of-Color-in-Your-Kitchen-Sink
Followed his directions as closely as I could.
Lessons learned: Lots. I need to play more. I want more speed on the drop for a bigger splash. So I'll have to leave the sink to get more distance for the falling drop. I also notice the reflection of the shiny facet in the water at the bottom edge of the photos. Dropping from a less reflective water source farther away should help in this area too. Lastly, I want a bit more distance between the focus on the splash and the colorful backdrop. This will keep the nice colors, but reduce the amount of distracting detail in the background.
All in all, I'm pleased with this first try. Learned lots. I will certainly be experimenting more with this. Soon probably tomorrow!
The setup:
Some other images:
Day 105
These pretty little buds will be open soon! I'll be back in a few days to feature them again! And maybe there will be less yellow/green pollen when I come back to these beauties.
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Day 104
I stole this idea from Beth. She did one with nice blue background that I really loved. I decided to see what I could do with the white lilies and shiny bubbles on a deep black background. I like it. Beth's is prettier. This is bolder - a more manly take on pretty Easter flowers and kids bubbles :)
Photo info: ISO 400, 34mm, f/11, 1/200s. Setup a black background. Used the ring flash on tripod right below the camera as master, and 580EXII as slave on 1/32 power shooting up from the base of the lily to light the bubbles from below. Used Phottix triggers to trip the shutter as I was standing over the lily blowing bubbles. It was fun! Tried not to throw much light onto the black background, and that worked well.
Lessons learned: Getting better at the flash setup with M/S configuration. I must say, you never forget how to blow bubbles!
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Day 103
Extreme closeup of one of my pink azaleas. The closeup world is fascinating. Picked this one and dunked it in water to rinse off the pollen. I thought I did a pretty good job of it, but not so sure about that looking at this major close up.
To help with a sense of scale, this flower blossom is probably about the size of a quarter - it is one of the smaller azaleas that I have.
Photo info: I used 65mm of extension tubes with my 100mm macro. This let me focus about 3 inches from the front surface of the lens filter. Very close for a true macro shot. Getting this close sure cuts the depth of field, but stopping down to f/25 worked pretty well as long as I carefully controlled the angle I was shooting at - trying to keep the points of interest near the focus plane.
Lessions learned: Rinsing pollen is tricky. Pleasing white balance with pink can be tough.
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Day 102
The Azaleas have really started. Here is a sample from my front yard. There will undoubtably be more 365 photos in the coming days featuring these beauties!
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Day 101
Misted my lily to enhance the sap drop that forms on the white pistil of the lily. Love the way the stamens fade into the "mist".
Photo info: ISO 400, 100mm, f/8.0, 0.5s
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Day 100
Triple digit photo day. Luckily, the day number not the temperature. It was warm, but still a good bit under 100!
So many pretty flowers in the JC Raulston Arboretum. But this planting right in front of the visitor's center caught my eye. Beautiful. Calming, don't you think?
Photo info: ISO 125, 100mm, f25, 1.3s. This planting was right in the sunshine, so it provided a great spot to use my new 42" diffuser. Without it, the little pansies would have just been blown out white dots.
Lessons learned: Need to practice mindfulness exercises. Calm the mind, be in the moment. Almost missed this pretty little shot as I was packed up and leaving. But I just caught it, and I'm glad that i did.
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Day 99
Drops on dvd. Colorful. Macro can be endless fun.
A little back story... Mike Powers sent me some shots he did with drops on dvd using LED Mag lights to light/highlight. His were very cool, so I had to give it a shot.
Only problem, I couldn't find my one and only mag light! So I shot these anyway out on the sun porch with afternoon sun streaming in. Fewer options with the light, but it works. And wouldn't you know it, when I put the CF card in the computer to process the pictures - I found my maglight. It was on the floor next to the computer. The light must have fallen off the computer table at some point. Next time I'll have a light to experiment with!
Photo info: ISO 100 f/8.0, 0.5s, 100mm. Water drops, some with glycerin on DVD ROM surface.
Lessons learned: Need to experiment with the angles. Light not too interesting from directly above the surface. Flash lighting was tricky. Liked the colors produced by side lighting from windows. Needed to shade the skylight above this setup. I need some colored LEDs.
Day 98
Dogwoods are in bloom! Yeah!
Photo info: Triple exposure in camera. The first exposure is way out of focus to produce the large glow around the flower. The second image is focused on the leading edge of the petals, the final exposure on the flower center. Image then adjusted in Lightroom. I desaturated the petal color a bit... it was more yellow, but I wanted a whiter petal. That's what I get for photographing in a yellow room. Multiple exposure used the Average blend mode.
Lessons learned: One of my first multiple exposures. Learned a lot!
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Day 97
Nice spring day for a hike. Many many people thought so! But that is what you get on a beautiful Sunday in April.
Nice moderate trail up. Beautiful views. Excellent day!
Photo info: Pano stitched from 6 photographs. Merged in Photoshop CS5 and cropped. Full size image 12342x4726. It's a big boy!
ISO 100, 24mm, f/11, 1/80s.
Lessons learned: Hanging rock is nice in early spring. Nice waterfalls too! I'll be back when I can get to the waterfalls in the early morning. Light too full and harsh this afternoon. Did feel good on the feet!
Above photo is view looking West. Below, View looking North, with inset photo of the peak from the trail head.
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Day 96
Shy guy in the morning light. Love the light in the tail.
He enjoyed breakfast on the deck this morning. He had seeds, I had coffee!
Photo info: Shooting out the open window. ISO 100, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/125s
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Day 95
Feeling groovy on a Friday afternoon. How about you?
Do you know what this is? (think! don't look down until you have a guess...)
( STOP!!! Do you have a guess?)
OK I'll tell.
It is a macro shot of soap film in the sunshine. Pretty cool. I need a bit more work on this. But by the end I was figuring out what worked. And what didn't. I do need to think about this before I give it another go. Sure is different. And Groovy. Just like me!
Photo info: ISO 800, 100mm, f5.0, 1/60s
Lessons learned: All new on this one. Need the right combination of dark background, light reflective surface, polarization, and critical focus. An assistant would have come in handy. Next time, I'll clamp my large white reflector in position to work the reflective surface, and have my bench vise hold the wire loop. Then I'll have a free hand to adjust the angle, tweak the focus, and trip the shutter. Hmmm still could use some help!
The soap is a mixute of play bubble solution and glycerin. The glycerin makes the film last longer so you can get some shots before POP. 5 parts soap, 1 part glycerin seemed to work pretty well.
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Day 94
Since I put up the new feeder station, the squirrels have been going without. So a couple days ago I started putting out some food when I get home from work. Didn't take them too long to figure out the new routine. The birds even manage to get some at times.
Setup the camera with the wireless remote to see what I could capture on this rainy afternoon. Look what I found... a wet little gray. Bon Appetit my friend.
Photo info: Camera wrapped in a OP/TECK USA Rainsleeve with the 70-200. Triggered with the Phottix Strato II Multi 5-in-1 Trigger from the warm and dry comfort of my house.
Lessons learned: I need to leave a bit more room around the feed platform. The critters like to be on the edge, and most of my shots were missing part of the critter. Next time, I'll back off a bit.
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Day 93
My Cherry tree is in full bloom. Comes on quickly. Not a sign of a blossom on Sunday. Wednesday BAM! Love it.
Photo info: Standard wide angle shot. Cropped to 8x10 ratio to limit the distortion at the edges.
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Day 92
A little night photography. Love the late twilight color of the sky. And what would make it better? Lets see... maybe me swinging a small flashlight on a string. If only I had a cool multicolor LED sword to swing. MIKE POWERS! WHERE ARE YOU TONIGHT?!
Photo info: ISO 800, f/8, 17mm, 30s. Tripped with wireless remote.
Lessons learned: Harder to swing the light than I thought. I need to get a more exposed light so the light is visible to the camera along the entire arc. But the partial circles are kinda cool. Its all good.
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Day 91
Put up new feeder station for the birds. They seem to like it. Old one was always the perch to one of the 20 gray squirrels that call my yard home. Not kidding on that one.
New one *so far* has remained squirrel free. I don't mind feeding the squirrels, but they camp out on it full time and the birds don't get a chance!
Photo info: Pretty standard shot. Removed the screen from the window, shooting out from the sunroom. Seemed to keep the birds away from the bird bath, but they'll get accustomed to the open window with the big white lens sticking out!
Lessons learned: Porter-Cable makes a nice Lithium powered driver drill. Takes a while for birds to notice new feed spots.
Oh, Does anyone read this stuff?
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Day 90
Happy Easter.
Easter…
The celebration of holy love…
The day of resurrection…
The day that brings us new hope…
Have a great and wonderful Easter!
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Day 89
Visited Duke Gardens this morning. As I left home, I thought I would have a mostly cloudy morning with some soft light to work with... but it didn't work out that way. Clouds broke up giveing full sunshine on the terrace. So I headed over to the pond, and it was pretty this morning. I did get some flower pictures, so all in all a pretty nice morning.
Photo info: Panorama stitched in Photoshop from 8 images. Used my new 100mm lens. It is a macro lens, but also useful for other shots! Nice and sharp.
Lessons learned: Enjoy the morning. Get up earlier - morning light fades fast. Free parking at the gardens until 1pm. Watch the birds. And is that pollen on the water?
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Day 88
Back to my morning workouts this week. Glad to be able to do a situp again, and clang these old friends together once more.
Photo info: Long exposure in ambient light. Over sharpened, over clarified, desaturated floor for a gritty gym look. ISO 320, 70mm, f/20, 30s.
Lessons learned: Should have went high ISO. Didn't think about the look I wanted for the photo while shooting. Think ahead!
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Day 87
Feels like spring again. Soaking up some sunshine today. Loving the breeze, blue sky, white clouds and SUNSHINE!
Pine pollen can't be far off (Stop it!!! don't spoil a nice day, K)
Photo info: Wide angle lens, makes me look a bit odd. Hmmm I am a bit odd. ISO 200, f/22, 17mm, 1/60s.
Lesson's learned: Let me think about it, and I'll get back to you.
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Day 86
Picked some of my daffodils for today's shot. Aren't they pretty? And I have more on the way. This year has been great. They came early, then with the cooler weather they've lasted and lasted.
Photo info: Brought the flowers inside because of the breeze outside. Too much motion for a sharp photo. Mounted the flash bracket, but then just used the flash cord and played around with the flash location . What a difference that can make. I hope the last in the vase now for a few days. Maybe they will go to work with me in the morning!
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Day 85
Please don't call PETA. No bunnies were harmed in the making of this photo of the day.
Peeps after 60s in the microwave. They get HUGE!
Photo info: Merged two photos in Photoshop. That's about it!
Lesson's learned: Once the peeps shrink back down, they are hard as a rock, and STUCK to the plate. Good think sugar melts. Plate is soaking in the sink now! And my microwave needs cleaning! Used the dust spot removal tool in Lightroom to clean it up. Much easer than doing it in real life!
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Day 84
My new blue boot.
Cool birthday present, don't you think!
I walked to work today, so I thought a boot picture would be appropriate. Didn't wear this boot, but that is alright. Used my Bean hikers.
Photo info: ISO 160, 27mm, f/8.0, 0.4s
Lessons learned: Poster board background on my bright sun porch. Worked well. Needed to boost the exposure level to blow out the background. Background is a little underexposed center top. Probably wouldn't notice it if now one points it out. Forget I said anything.
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Day 83
It has been a long time coming, but getting the carport support in place is finally off my todo list. Last year, I liberated the carport when I resided the house. But I didn't want to put this post so close to the house until after I had the siding up. And I didn't want to stop siding to put the post up... I finished the siding 5 months ago, so that excuse didn't work any longer!
Now I need to get the paint out, and things will look great.
Big question, White or blue? Leave your suggestion as a comment. Thanks!
Photo info: Simple hand held shot in the rain. Love the rain. I really do.
Lessons learned: Powerwashing in the rain makes sense. So does singing in the rain. BJ Thomas knows that. Raindrops on glasses makes it tough to check focus. Had to go back out because I didn't have it, and couldn't tell until I wiped my glasses off... At least I was close to home!
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Day 82
Fresh orange. Yummy. Ate this right after photographing it. The other half too!
Photo info: Macro shot with my new red stripe EF 100mm macro. Traded a couple EF-s lenses (10-22mm, 60mm macro) and a grip ball head in to get a macro for the 5Diii. It is nice. I'm waiting on the 67mm adapter ring so my ring flash can be used. Then there will be a string of macro shots in my photo of the day. Just in time for spring flowers (and bugs)
Lessons learned: Double check the polarizer! The shot just before this was good, but checking the poloarizer made it better. Adjusted so the surface drops are more visible. I had it good, but almost forgot I rotated the camera to get a vertical shot. Check and Double check!
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Day 81
Moon over Bond Park.
Once again looking for owls. Once again photographing something else.
I love the moon in the daytime.
Good to be blue.
Photo info: 400mm, blah blah blah. Eye-fi'ed to my ipad. Photoshop Touch app, Zenfolio App. Coolness.
Lesson's learned: Owls are mythical creatures, just like bears.
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Day 80
Final day of my backyard bird trilogy.
Here is a nice little downie woodpecker working his way up a tree.
Photo info: ISO 100, 200mm, f/4.0, 1/1000s
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Day 79
Another day at the bird feeder. The late afternoon light is just so pretty. See this little house finch getting a refreshing drink of water. Ahhhh, good for him.
Photo info: ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/80s, 200mm
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Day 78
Is this a gold finch or a yellow warbler? Why can't I tell? Help!
Staking out the bird bath, and after 20 minutes, I had a visitor. Funny thing they don't want to come take a bath with me watching!
Photo info: ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/640, 200m. Tripod w/o IS
Lessons learned: You can hide behind a tripod, and quietly photograph. At least the bolder birds will tolerate this!
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Day 77
Very gray day. Come on spring!
Looking forward to the trees leafing out.
Photo info: ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/13s, 17mm
Lessons learned: Still winter
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Day 76
Me and Middy posing. She really didn't like the camera on the tripod. But after a minute, and a few treats she relaxed.
i see we look a lot alike. Gray hair and goofy smiles.
And how about the nice mossy carpet! Environmentally friendly lawn.
Photo info: phottix trigger. Fill flash. Dog treats.
Lessons learned: Edited on iPad with Photoshop Touch app. Pretty nice editing features for the iPad.
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Day 75.
A much better picture of my house guest. Isn't she a pretty girl?
Midnight relaxing in the yard, posing because she knows she gets a treat when I'm done with the camera.
Photo info: Straight out of the camera. I'll crop this one to reduce the blue building upper right to print it, but it's great as is. This photo was shot in my 5Diii, writing a small fine jpg to the SD slot. The SD card is a new Eye-Fi card that transferred the image to my ipad. From the iPad, I used the Zenfolio app to upload to my 365 gallery. Then a quick blog post from the gallery and today's post is done. I thank YOU for taking the time to visit.
Lessons learned: Sometimes, technology works! I think I'll switch to Medium jpgs for this process. The small is kind of small. But I write the large RAW file to my CF card, so no worries.
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Day 74
Sitting for my girl Midnight. I'll take a good picture of her tomorrow, but for today we played with the iPad Photobooth app.
Photo info: Taken with photobooth on my new iPad w/ retina.
Lessons learned: First upload with the zenfolio app for the iPad. Worked pretty well. Won't be the last!
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Day 73
Celebrating Pi day with a chocolate pie. Yum!
Was going to photography a 16' tall Pi sculture at work today, but I think I made a better tasting choice.
Photo info: Exactly what it looks like! Flash bounced off the ceiling, and pumped up +3 to make the white white.
Lessons learned: Hopefully, Kroger chocolate pie is delicious!
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Day 72
A self portrait in 18% gray. Which is your favorite Camera Sutra position? Underexposed?
My thanks to Brother Tim for sending me this wonderful shirt.
Photo info: Shooting in 'P' for professional.
Lessons learned: This grasshopper has a lot to learn!
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Day 71
Expressing my love for LL Bean, and my LL Bean Gore-tex. It's great stuff!
Photo info: ISO 400, f/9.0, 1/100 sec, 62mm
Lessons learned: I am opaque - I cast a very nice shadow. Guess I already knew that.
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Day 70
Felt like spring today... breezy but warm, and Jorge my neighbor's daffodils are spectacular.
Photo info: Focus stacked triplet. Took 3 shots, each with one flower in focus. Photos then blended to get the in focus parts in a single image. Looks good, but does produce some ghosting and phantom parts. I believe mostly because of the breeze, but also because of the size difference of the focused and unfocused blossoms on the sensor. I ain't afraid of no ghosts!
Lessons learned: Quick and easy is good too, Watch out for ghosts and phantoms.
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Day 69
Eastern Blue Bird posing for me. On the beautiful grounds of the NC Art Museum.
Photo info: ISO 100, f/5.6, 400mm, 1/320 sec. Cropped and tweaked in Lightroom
Lesson's learned: Used Lightroom's adjustment brush a bit. Nothing major, just lightened up the highlights to the left of the bird, so the little guy would shine in the sun light.
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Hello, Pan-STARRS, it is nice to meet you!
Can you find the comet? In this photo, it is just a dot. Not sure how it will survive the export to jpg and upload to the web! It has survived the journey from the outer reaches of the solar system, just to be destroyed by me? Oh no!
The comet is the little light spot in the lower left corner, a bit above the tree line. It is not any of the horizonal bright lines... those are jet contrails in the light of the setting sun. There is a cheater photo below if you need some help!
Photo info: 170mm, f/5.0, 1/250 sec, ISO 200. Tripod mounted, live view lockup. Remote switch.
Lesson's learned: Comets are fun. This is the first one I've seen. Just have to scan the sky with binoculars, then click away. I hope we get more clear skies.
Here the comet is highlighted (Just in case you didn't find it above):
Some 400mm photos, cropped so you don't have to guess:
In case you're wondering why there have not been new photos in the 365 series for the last few days, let me explain. A few things have happened in close succession limiting my new photos.
First was some wonderful family time. Have to keep things in proper perspective. While I attempt to get the photo of the day done, family time is important and can take priority.
Second was a wonderful Blizzard Bash with my photography friends and family in the Adirondacks. I had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones for the first time.
And the third reason for the photo gap - I had surgery today. It went well with no complications. I have had stomach pain and fatigue since December. CT scans and MRIs showed a mass in my lower abdomen. Examinations also discovered I had a hernia. Today I had hernia repair, and the mass was removed/biopsied. Surgeon is confident the mass was nothing serious - ie no Cancer. Thank God! Pathology will be back early next week.
So it will probably be another week before I'm up to picking up the camera. In the mean time, I'll rest and recover, and look through my Blizzard Bash photos. I'm looking forward to getting back to the photo of the day project soon. I hope you'll check back even if I have missed a few days!
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Day 51
Handsome boy with long sexy legs.
Enough said.
Photo info: IS0 100, f/ 8, 1/80 sec, 21mm
Lessons learned: Barney is one good looking boy
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Day 50
In the snow!!! Without a power washer!
Very pretty snow covered tree, decorated for Valentine's Day. Very romantic!
Photo info: iphone photo... last one before the battery gave out. But it is a beauty!
Lesson's learned: Snow is pretty! Valentine's Day is special. Charge your battery before heading out to take photos!
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Day 49
Visited my boy Barney. He heard a sound that he didn't recognize, and put on a handsome face.
Photo info: A quick iphone photo. Barney doesn't like a big camera in his face.
Lessons learned: Stick with it. Didn't get much until Barney heard something in the other room that made him sit up and not worry about the camera phone in his face.
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Day 48
This old tank on the roof caught my eye from the high school hill. I wonder what was in it? What is in it now? Empty most likely. The building is now a storage facility, or at least part of it.
Photo info: ISO 100, f/18, 18mm, 1/50 sec. Cropped a little, but not much done post. Love the reds, green and especially the blue of the winter sky.
Lesson's learned: Mid 20's and windy is COLD.
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Missed one! Had a great day with the family, so I took the day off. See you tomorrow!
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Day 46
It is that time of year again. Girl Scout cookie time. I bought these from the girls out in front of Staples this week. Yum. Caramel deLites.
Buy some today!
Photo info: ISO 100, 1/60 sec, f/5.6, 59mm. ETTL flash +2 flash exposure compensation.
Lessons learned: Check your photo before eating the props. I would have like to re-shoot this to get a little more depth of field in the cookies. The front edge is a little soft. But no, I had already eaten the subject. I guess I'll just have to pick up another box of Somoas and try again!
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Day 45
Quack quack quack.
The ladies were very talkative at sunset today. The guys were chasing each other around. It really didn't look like they had any big plans for valentine's day. Unless the big dance was after the park closes. That is probably it.
Photo info: ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/60sec, 360mm. Flashed using the better beamer flash extender.
Lessons learned: Can't have too many duck photos. Better beamer works well to extend the shooting range and time.
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Day 44
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
I'm putting this one up today, becuase my Valentine usually sees my photos the next day. So, this will make it work out just right!
Happy Valentine's Day! You Rock!
We will now return to our regularly scheduled 365 photo project.
Photo info: ISO 100, 70mm, f/11, 1/60 sec. I used the extension tubes again, so the candy is about an 2 inches off the front of the lens. Flashed filled surprisingly well considering it was firing right down into the table. I did use a lightroom exposure gradient to cool off the top edge of the photo.
Lesson's learned: Spraying Silicone "Camp Dry" onto a tee shirt doesn't make it very waterproof. That was going to be a future photo of the day, but when I decided to put some water on the shirt I quickly realized that wasn't going to work very well. What's up with all the text style abbreviations on my candy hearts?
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Day 43
Sugar on the mind.
And Glucagon. And insulin too I guess.
Body chemistry is amazing, but things get unpleasant when it gets thrown out of balance.
I needed my chemistry to be out of balance for awhile today for an abdominal MRI. Glucagon tells the stomach, intestines and colon to stop moving, so the MRI images are much more clear. That is good. What isn't good is the flood of insulin after the glucagon injection. Takes several hours to get things back in balance. But how often does your doctor tell you to eat candy and big serving of carbs for lunch, and make sure you wash it down with a regular coke!
Photo info: Macro photo, using macro ring flash. ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/60sec, 60mm. Tried photographing in a glass bowl, but the sugar was too deep and hard to pick out the edges. Spreading on a wooden cutting board worked better. Care was taken to get the plane of the sensor parallel to the plane of the board. This is important in macro photography as the depth of focus is very limited. Keeping this in mind is important to get the look you're after.
Lessons learned: MRE (Magnetic Resonance Enterography) is not as much fun as it sounds. Photographing white on white is tough. Flash compensation is your friend. I like girl scout cookies.
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Day 42
Rainy, cloudy, blah winter day. Good day to shoot indoors.
These little babies are retractable spikes for tripod legs. Friendly rubber tips for most situations. But with a few twists of the wrist - BAM! Pointed metal spikes.
I am hoping to shoot on the ice next week, and these tips should keep the tripod where I set it!
I'll let you know how it works out!
Photo info: Shot with my 70-200, using 34mm of extension tubes. This allowed focus with the spikes about 15" from the front of the lens. ISO 100, 145mm, f/13, 1/60 sec. ETTL flash +2 compensation with Gary Fong Light Sphere. Dropped this almost colorless image to B+W in lightroom.
Lessons learned: Table top "product" photography is more interesting than I would have guessed. It takes some thought on how to arrange the objects, and where to place the camera and lights. For this one I placed a sheet of poster board on a desktop, and let it run up the legs of a video tripod for a seamless background.
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Day 41
I went back to Bond Park this morning to see if I could find an owl... no luck with that, but I did have a nice morning walk.
Also watched the Great Blue Herons in the trees by the lake. They must hate the weekend!
I'll keep searching for a Barred Owl. I know they are out there!
Photo info: Today I took the tripod. This shot focused and shot with live view, triggered with remote switch. Steadier than yesterday's hand held shots. Also used my new spiked tripod legs. Didn't really need spikes in the soft earth by the lake.
Lesson's learned: Keep looking up, stay still. This heron flew right to me as I was quietly watching ducks.
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Day 40
Went on a very nice morning bird walk in Cary's Bond Park. Eddie Owens is a fantastic guide and led us on a 3 hour tour of bond park. Check out the Cary Parks and Rec course book, and sign up for one of these great free walks.
Decided to go with this tufted titmouse singing rather than the larger hawks or bald eagle. I really like these little guys. Check out some other photos in my gallery.
Photo info: Hand held, ISO 500, f/5.6, 1/800 sec, 400mm. Cropped in Lightroom 4.
Lessions learned: Look up, listen, be still, enjoy the sounds of the calls, and few early songs.
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Day 39
Racing at the brickyard. Yeah!
This traffic circle is pretty active on a Friday night. Almost saw two accidents in the few minutes I was there. Best one was the car going the wrong way around it it. Are traffic circles really that hard? Yes, I guess they are. Didn't see anyone trade paint. Maybe next visit.
Photo info: Long exposure. 30 sec, f/9.0, 17mm, ISO 100.
Lessons learned: Shoot where the lights are out... Happily, the lights around this circle are not on. Let the car lights burn in a bit more. Have to be watchful - the drivers just don't know how to navigate a traffic circle.
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Day 38
Trying to be creative. Didn't quite work out. I need to alter the setup, but I'll try it again another day!
Photo info: I'm not telling! I will have a write-up when I figure out what works. Stay tuned to future 365 entries!
Lessons learned: Yes, of course.
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Day 37
It was another pretty day today. I have to thank Phil for the early spring. These geese appreciate it too... it brings out the people with the bread bags!
Photo info: Straight-up shot... tripod mounted, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/200 sec. Main thing is the very warm light that you get 10 minutes before the sun sets. Golden light!
Lessons learned: Geese are funny creatures.
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Day 36
I was out photographing on the greenway, and saw these 3 anti-social people enjoying a sunny afternoon. Thought it would make for a good photo of the day. I think they may be brothers, maybe even triplets. They didn't have much to say so I didn't ask them.
Corner of NW Maynard and Chapel Hill Road on the greenway. You can tell it is a greenway because the cement is wider than a sidewalk. Isn't that special. I'll take more greenway photos, so my friends all over the country can see what their kids (and grand kids) tax money bought. Please thank them for me.
Photo info: 3 shot pano, triggered with my wireless triggers, stitched with Photoshop. Unlike the last pano, I ran down my mental checklist. Camera on Manual exposure, Sunshine white balance, level the tripod, plan my overlap, click, click, click, stitch and overlay.
ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/250 sec.
Lessons learned: Don't forget the basics. Bring a change of clothing, this photography is hard work. Go Blue.
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Day 35
The next daffodils bloomed this weekend. These are such happy plants I just had to go with them again. My plans for today's photo will just have to wait another day.
Maybe the groundhog was right... early spring this year?
Photo info: ISO 640, 34mm, f/ 4.0, 1/125 sec. Trusty tripod w/ remote switch.
Lessons learned. Daffodils are happy, last years leaves still need to be removed.
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Day 34
Super-Sunday. So I wanted a super size photo of the day.
If only you could see the full size image! You could see hundreds of birds on the lake, joggers, a blue herons, sand, grass, clouds and sunshine. Beautiful breezy morning at the park. Have a great day!
Photo info: This photo was created in Photoshop CS5 from 8 photographs, resulting in a full size image of 20746 x 5545 pixels. That could make a nice 300 DPI print 80x18 inches. But I don't think I'll have that printed.
I failed some of the basics on making a great pano, and it is only saved by some wonderful processing built into photoshop. I usually shoot on Manual, but moved off to Aperture Priority while shooting birds in changing light. I failed to move the camera back to Manual exposure to shoot this pano! Because of this, there are some blending issues, but all in all pretty good. PS CS5 saves the day.
Also, I'm very happy with my new laptop. It is up to the task of stitching these panoramic photos together! My old laptop would freeze up trying to process an image like this one. But my new 3rd gen i7, 8GB RAM cranks through it with no trouble. It is a pleasure to use the new system, even with Windows 8 on it.
Lessons learned: Don't forget the basics! Manual exposure for panoramic photos. Sit back and enjoy the sunshine sometimes.
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Day 33
I headed out to the lake today because it looked very promising for a great sunset... but in the end it fizzled out.
This shot was one where I was checking out my polarizer to check for vignetting with it stacked with the haze filter. Decided not to stack them after see this test shot... but those "real" shots were boring and just not good.
Not that this one will win any prizes, but at least the sky is interesting and who doesn't like an stump in the corner?
So I'm using my test shot, cropping out the vignette, and leaving the bag straps in the corner.
What I really should have done for the day's photo is go downtown to see Sir Walter Wally, the local goundhog. That would have been something different. Maybe next year.
Photo info: "Test" shot that I like. ISO 50, f/16, 1/8s, 17mm.
Lessons learned: Look through all your images before giving up.
I also experimented with exposure bracketing. I turned on 7 exposure bracketing for a few (boring) shots. Very nice if you have a good subject to photograph.
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Day 32
How would you like to journey to the stars in this ship?
This is one of the pieces in the Cary Visual Art 2012 Outdoor Sculpture exhibit. Titled Dreams of Flying it is by Robbie Barber. Probably my favorite piece this year. But to be fair, I have to give the others a better look.
Photo info: 30s, f/8, ISO 800, 21mm. Just enough light from cars and street lights to nicely light the shack-ship, while the stars are clearly visible in the blue just post twilight sky.
Lessons learned: Bundle up, its cold out there. Keep dreaming, and always reach for the stars.
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Day 31
I went to one of Cary's landmarks, the Page-Walker Art and History Center for today's photo. I was shocked when I reviewed my photos - there are ghosts on the porch! I didn't see them when I was behind my camera. And honest - I have not photoshopped this photo - it is pretty much straight out of the camera! That doesn't mean as much as it used to :).
But you have to admit, the Ghost of Page-Walker sure is a good looking guy!
I didn't notice the ghost the last time I photographed at the old hotel.
Photo info: Shot with my wide angle lens, this is a multiple exposure - two shots. First with me by the door, and then the second with me at the post. The were merged with 'Average' mode in the camera. I thought dark clothing would work best... not so sure about that choice now. Guess it worked out ok.
Lessons learned: Experimented with 'Additive', 'Average' and 'Darkest' modes of the multiple exposure settings. They give dramatically different results. At first it seems like multiple exposure is a gimmicky feature, but it really is a valuable creative tool.
Here are the two shots that the camera merged.
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Day 30
A couple of days in the 70s have got things moving right along. Welcome, my friend, but I'm afraid you're in for some chilly weather!
Photo info: I would usually wait to take this photo... we have 10-15 mph winds right now, so getting a flower to sit still isn't the easiest thing. But this is the first blossom of the year, and with the wind and weather in the forecast, I felt it was now or never. And never seems so sad.
So I cranked the ISO up, and shot away until one was sharp enough. So here it is, 7D, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/250th. Ring flash provided just enough light. Actually, I was trying to shoot without the flash, that is when I upped the ISO to 1250. Probably could have brought it back down to 800 or 400, but I didn't. And here it is. Happy Early spring.
Lessons learned: Gusts are hard to anticipate, but there are always lulls. January daffodils are special. The neighbor dog may someday be my friend. Maybe. I need to keep cheese in my pocket.
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Day 29
Welcome to the machine. Be careful, things are dangerous here at the business end of the device.
Playing around with a little macro photography.
Photo info: Macro image with MR-14 ring light on the 60mm macro lens. 1:2 flash ratio with bright on top side of this image.
Lessons learned: Macro can be creepy! Wanted to play with the limited depth of field running right down the blade. Not loving it like I thought I would... but that is why I'm trying things. Learn what works for me. I'll do more with the scissors at an angle to keep more of the blade in sharp focus. But this is what I was thinking for the first of what might be a series of photos. Keeping working it until it works!
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Day 28
Though I would give a high key flower photo a try today. It sure is bright! I've never done something like this before. What do you think? I'm not thrilled with how this came out. The light on the flowers is off. I'll probably get some real flowers and give this another try with the macro lens. I don't think I'll try to get the entire pot and all the flower in the picture. Just bring in the blossom and the white background.
Photo info: Can is sitting on white poster board, in front of white wall. 580 EX II behind the can E-TTL +3, MR-14 EX above left of the lens, Camera setting flash compensation +2 2/3. Lots of light! Then used lightroom to cleanup the areas that weren't completely blown out.
Lessions learned: Flash is fun. Flash is challenging. I'll end up working in a full blown studio w/ lights if I keep going in this direction! Who do I know with a studio?
I had trouble getting this right because when I was checking the flashes to make sure the MR14 was triggering the 580EX, I flashed my face and had spots in my eyes the entire time I was trying to get this shot. I probably should have just turned everything off for a while, but I tried to keep going. But really - blinding myself... Duh!
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Day 27
This big wild cat is working near my house. I'm not sure what it is working on, but I can feel the rumble and hear the beeps at the house. I hope they are building something good!
It's fun to be near these enormous trucks. Glad I exited the job site before the security van arrived! But in my defense, there wasn't a single keep out or not trespassing sign in the area. And I didn't touch anything ... but I would have liked to!
Photo info: This of course is an HDR. One of those that people hate. A bit over-done, with HDR halo artifacts. This one started out with the Nik HDR Efex 2 "Sinister" preset. I like the sinister feel to the heavy equipment. I then cranked it up a bit more in lightroom.
Lessions learned: I really checked my backgrounds on this one. There is an ugly green dumpster right on the other side of the truck. I had to raise the camera up more than I originally thought to get it out of frame. I like the big pile of something on the right background.
Clay is messy. Boots really picked it up. Not easy to clean out. How did they get these big tires to clean?
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Day 26
Late afternoon shot of SAS building C on a Carolina winter day. Yesterday at this time of day there was snow sleet and ice... what a difference a day makes.
Photo info: In camera HDR, with a little post processing in Lightroom. Tried a few tricks I picked up at a RMSP Photo Weekend session on Lightroom 4. Also shot for HDR processing in Nik HDR Efex 2. I liked the in camera one! That surprised me.
Lessons learned: In camera HDR is no joke! Set it to Artistic Standard and I like it.
I also have many lessons learned at the RMSP Photo Weekend in Morrisville. I attended a Lightroom session, Understanding Exposure: Using the Zone System for Color, and Introduction to Macro Photography. All presented by instructor Tim Cooper. All very good I have to say. And I have another day of sessions tomorrow. Wish me luck in the prize drawings. Looking for a B&H gift card!
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Day 25
I'm ready for walking on ice. Are you?
My boots have simulated chains on them... but I decided to go with an upgrade. These MICROspikes are good for some serious traction. The rubber portion grips the boot really well, so they stay put even on rugged ground. Highly recomment them for icy terrain.
Bring on the Blizzard Bash!
Photo info: Straight forward shot. Speedlite on camera. ETTL. ISO 1600 f/6.3 1/60s.
Lessons learned: I left the ISO at 1600 - wanted a little noise for a gritty look... but this 5D MkIII is so clean I really didn't accomplish that. In the future I'll need to crank it up more, or add noise with photoshop. All in all, not a bad problem to have.
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Day 24
It is winter, I should be in the snow, but I'm not. I wish I was. So even when covered in snow, the grass is greener in NY!
At home, in NY, it is plenty cold to fire up a snow machine. I found some information on the internet that said it was cold enough in the Carolinas to make snow too. With a pressure washer at the current tempurature and dew point I should be able to make snow. But I couldn't. Made a lot of ice. I covered my jacket in ice, covered the grass in ice, and I covered the steps back into the house with ice. No snow. Hey, could other things on the internet be false? Egads!
It could be the water I was using was too warm, and not enough minerals to get the ice formation going quickly. I may give it another try with more hose to cool the water before hitting the nozzle. I may also look for a nozzle that is a lighter mist. Where there is a will there is a way. Then my grass can be white, which makes it greener!
Photo info: Camera is off at a distance in rain gear hooked to my wireless remote receiver. ISO 1600, f/2.8, 0.6s. Triggered with the wireless transmitter in a ziplock freezer bag. Also in the bag is my 580EX II flash. Manually fired during exposure.
Lessons learned: Its hard to make snow. Its easy to make ice. Icy steps are dangerous. My flash triggered with the writeless transmitter isn't syncing with the camera at 1/60th. You're never too old to playing with the water hose.
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Day 23
Cold, sunny day today. Warm inside. And it is alright to look directly at this pretty little sun.
Thought about hanging this in a sunny window and shooting it that way, but wanted a clean background. So I flashed the wall behind it, and picked up the light that way.
Happy photo. Hope it helps to keep you warm today.
Photo Info: 580EXII 1/16 with Fong light sphere lighting wall behind piece. Colors slightly enhanced in lightroom post processing.
Lessons Learned: Its all about the light.
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Day 22
Opps! Accidents happen!
A little spill in the kitchen. Too bad I had my flash and camera all setup to capture my mistake!
Photo Info: 580EXII speedlite to the left aimed right down at the opening of the glass. ETTL. Did about 4 pours, into two different glasses. This isn't exactly what I had pictured... but pretty close. I will have to work with the pour and the angle to get the splash up and out of the glass that I'm picturing. But I have the setup down pretty well.
Lessons learned: Pouring is tricky... and treat and presoak to get the stains out. Probably more... but I have to GO now!
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Day 21
Took the camera out for a little racking tonight. Getting ready to try this technique next month. Friends shared this with me today - it is called focus racking. It can create some wild fireworks photos. Hope to try that next time I have the oportunity.
This photo is not of fireworks of course. It is a photo of lights I have on my bushes outside. Small white lights, and a string of large red white and blue stars. But the blue didn't really show up. At least not until I played with the white balance. But the red is great.
Cool technique. Thank you Michelle! And thank you Daveyj - http://www.daveyj.ca/fireworks
Photo info: For this photo, I setup the tripod and added a 10 lbs. weight to stabilize it. I needed that because I was actively working with the camera during the exposure, so I wanted the tripod to stay put. I then focused the lens on the lights, getting it as sharp as possible. With the lens focused, I marked this point with a small sliver of white tape on the focus ring, lining it up with the white line on the lens body. It helps that the 24-70 has a nice wide focus ring. With sharp focus now marked, I was ready to go. I set the camera to Manual, and experimented with the aperture. I liked f/6.3. I then set the exposure time to 1.3 sec. Released the grip on the ball, defocus towards infinity, and then wiggled the camera while rotating the focus ring back to the sharp focus setting. Check the image, and give it another try. And another. another. and so on. I discovered that I didn't have much until I started moving the camera during the exposure. With the camera stationary, it just looked like an unfocused mess. So shake it baby!
Lessons learned: There are endless possibilities in photography. Can't wait to give it a try with fireworks! Cool with lights, will be awesome with fireworks.
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Day 20
Photographing along Reedy Creek trail today. Got some nice bird and horse photos. I thought I would get some down by the creek, but that was a no go. The horses along there trail were pretty. And I saw many blue birds. I almost used one of the blue bird photos today, but I really like this photo. And Beth likes horses, probably even more than she likes blue birds.
It was a pretty day in a pretty spot.
Photo Info: Standard shot. I like the way the fence flows through the photo.
Lessons Learned: 1) Horse photos are hard. I guess I need to look at some good ones to get some help. 2) Still figuring out how to use the 100-400 for landscapes. A bit easier on a full frame body, but still have to think about where it can be used. I had it on the camera for shooting birds, and then looked up and liked this composition.
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Day 19
I came across this hawk today at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh. Beautiful bird. I think he would have like me to move on sooner. But I'm sure he found something to eat today... there were lots of mice and birds out in the sun today.
10 Other photos from the trip can be viewed in the Prairie Ridge gallery.
The Prairie Ridge ecostation is a wonderful place for watching birds. Close to home and not usually crowded. Not much activity at the bird blind, but I hope that picks up in the spring.
Photo info: 400mm, tripod mounted, live view manual focus, remote switch == sharp. Cropped and slightly sharpened.
Lessons Learned: Photographically, no much learned. 5D III is proving to be sweet. Paid for it today. That wasn't too sweet.
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Day 18 Snow, Southern style, the day after.
Also known as ice.
Photo info: Simple macro shot of the ice on the picnic table. Macro ring flash used with left side flash 4x right side.
Lessons learned: Looks cool at 100% - not quite so nice at this level on my website... Next time I'll probably try and extreme crop for the detail in the ice.
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Day 17
Counting to four. Looks like I have 4 right hands. And luckily I have them numbered for just such an occation. Not too much more to say about this one. Oh, no photoshop involved. I did do some cropping, and levels settings (upped the contrast and made the blacks blacker) in lightroom. But no photo manupulation. Pretty much straight out of the camera.
Look at those keywords...
Photo info: I guess this is giving it away, but that is the purpose of the Photo info: section. Then again, everyone has probably already figured out the "trick" behind the photo. I have 4 right hands, and have decided to stop trying to hide it. There. I feel better getting that off my chest.
But normal, single right handed photographers would probably have to set their 580EXII speed lights to multi-flash, 1 HZ, count = 4, 1/32 power with the camera set for a 5 second (or longer) exposure in a completely dark room. They could then position their hands so each time the flash fired, the hand counted the next number. But having 4 hands makes this easier.
Lessons learned: First time I've used multi-flash photography. I first tried it this evening on the rain that was falling, but the results were disappointing. I then tried it with a normal room wall background, but it picked up too much detail between shots. Going to a black background worked well. Hand really stands out. I also played around with in camera multiple exposure. That is also pretty cool and will certainly be used in future 365 photos.
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Day 16
I don't know. Beleive it or not, this wasn't what I thought I would photograph today. But it's different. I don't think anyone else has done this. Probably won't be the next photo on the photo guy's wall.
Nails tomorrow?
Photo info: This was really an experiment using extension tubes on my 24-70 for Macro type photos. I will need to try some additional things with this setup. I'm not completely sure I needed the tubes to focus in this range so that is the first thing to try. Besides using the tubes, this is a composite of 5 photos - each with a slightly different focus point. In looking at the final image, 5 wasn't enough. There are parts of this that are out of focus... so it makes for an interesting photo with focus drifting in and out and in again. The composite was created with photoshop CS5.
Lessons learned: I have more work to do with the extension tubes for macro work. I find the results interesting, even if the photo isn't going to win any contests. The focus stacking with CS5 is also interesting.
Snow in the forecast for tomorrow night!!! Will tomorrow's photo be white? I hope so!
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Day 15
The office of a photo guy (me) certainly has lots of photos! And there are more on the way. The wall to the left is my SAS, Cary and Bird wall. The wall to the right is my Adirondack wall. How do you like that big pano? Printed as a 12"x80" panoramic canvas wrap. It is beautiful if I do say so myself. My ADK wall is my favorite one.
I took this one today beause I brought in my camera to show to a co-worker. I may not be too popular with the finance commitee at Jack's house.
Photo info: Wide angle shot take at 17mm. I used photoshop to transform some of the slight perspective warping to square up the walls at both edges. Didn't need much, but it is much better with the adjustment.
Lessons learned: I have a messy table, and Jack might "win" the camera purchase war for 2013 if he decides to go full frame.
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Day 14
Odd photo today.
Yesterday in my post I commented how I like to use my tripod and remote switch for my photos. Well... here they are.
I've have been shooting and the switch dangles down, and gets caught on stuff, really not good. So I fastened velcro to the switch and the tripod. Can't see it on the switch - but you can see it on the tripod - on the left above the leg wrap. Seemed like a good idea, but it didn't work out.
So my next soluciton is tape and wire. I noticed the wire insulation was pulling back at the base of the switch, so I got out my blue electrical tape to cover that up. Then I thought about more tape, a wire key ring and a carabiner. This works much better.
One other idea is to fasten a small pouch to the tripod leg, and set the remote switch in the pouch. That would probably be better on the wiring... but this sure looks cool.
My only regret is that I didn't use duct tape. That would fix it!
Photo info: Its a photo. Should have watched my background better!
Lessons learned: Always check your background. Tape rules. Long live Shack technology.
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Day 13
Went to Crabtee lake and wandered down the Black Creek greenway. I then ventured off the greenway down to the water's edge. Very pretty. Ducks resting out on the muddy silt bar. I was hoping to see some other birds, but as I say - you can't have too many duck pictures. I really like the tall grasses growing here, swaying in a gentle breeze.
There were people all over again today because it was so warm. I figure the warmth was from Al Gore's heavy breathing being all excited over all the oil money he received last week. But hey, it takes big bucks to keep your awards polished. Then again, maybe it is W's fault. Yeah, thats it. D that W. The other thing I noticed was the lack of ice, and not a single polar bear! It is January. Winter. Winter should mean snow and ice. Snow and ice means polar bears. Any idiot knows that. Must be due to man-caused climate change. What other explanation is there?
Photo info: Standard shot with the 17-40. Locked to tripod triggered with wired switch. Always use the tripod and remote when I can. Rock solid platform.
Lessons learned: This area down by the water is more accessible than I thought. In the spring and summer it looks more swampy, but I think I'll be able to get back in the spring when the birds are more active. Can probably even get down there at sunrise when they are really busy. I wonder if W would like to join me?
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Day 12
I managed to get all my ducks in a row today. Well, two rows but that is even better. You should ALWAYS do that if you can. Always.
It was in the mid 70s today, and the park was FULL of people. The ducks had obviously had enough, and were all resting on the dock away from the people. They weren't even interested in the bread people had for them. All the bread went to the sea pidgeons auu I mean sea gulls.
Photo info: Just a straight-up shot today. Added a vignette in lightroom, and cropped to 8x10 ratio.
Lessons learned: Lazy day today. This is a subject and location I've gone to a dozen times. So it was exactly what I was expecting. Except for all the people. I knew it would be crowded, but it was even more crowded than I expected.
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Day 11
Foggy evening in Cary. Very foggy for Cary.
Headed out into the fog, I managed to avoid the ghost pirates. Didn't see Adrienne, Jamie or Janet either.
Photo info: This photo is actually 3 30 second photos stacked in photoshop. On the right, I passed in front of the camera with my flashlight making the wavy white lines.
Lessons learned: Wish I had my brighter light to paint the sculpture. Fog is fun.
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Day 10
I really don't know what to think of this! I know that
- It is ugly and useless.
- Rather expensive ($40K I believe).
- Out of place on bare ground on a prominent corner of Cary.
- See Cary Community Fire Art.
But I also like it. I like the various art around town. I'm very happy there is so much in Cary. So while I don't particularly like this piece, I guess you have to take the good with the bad. I'm thinking for someone else, my bad is their good.
But really... this is ugly!
Photo info: Took this later afternoon. Light was pretty, on a not so pretty subject. Wide angle.
Lesson's learned: Have to think about that! "They can't all be masterpieces!"
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Day 9
On January 9th, 2007, the iPhone was announced by Apple.
This isn't one of the original iPhones - I never had one of those. This is an iPhone 4s. It is the 3rd iPhone I've owned. Will it be the last?
I didn't know it at the time, that was a pretty big announcement, and certainly changed mobile phone landscape. Happy Birthday, iPhone!
Photo info: Two strobes. 580EX camera left 1/8 power, MR14EX camera right 1/8 power. 580EX slave to MR14EX. Because MR14EX doesn't know how to be a slave.
Lessons learned: Phottix triggers won't trigger both flashes... I had to switch to a hardwire of the MR14EX to get it to trigger the slave 580EX. Whats up with that?
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Day 8
Probably last of the new Christmas gift photos for the 365 series.
This beautiful lantern is awesome... looks like a nice old time lantern. But inside, is a new LED lit candle. So old meets new on this one. Love the character of this item. Trying to find just the right spot for it. Any suggestions?
Photo info: played with ambient light in the room for this one. Didn't want to flash it. Room as a bit dark, so I turned on lights to get the right balance for the room light and the LED candle light. In the end, lighting the Christmas tree added just the right amount of light for this shot.
Lessons learned: Hmmmmmm. Candles are pretty? I know, look at the histogram! That's always a good one. And watch the white balance as different sources of light are thrown in the mix.
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Day 7
I like being behind the camera. But it looks like I didn't break anything being out in front.
Last year in my 365 series, I did a few self portraits, but was told I looked angry. I don't think this one makes me look angry.
I was trying to use 2 lights for the picture, but failed at that! I will have to go back and read the manual. Good news there - a future picture of the day using a 2 light setup. By then, maybe I'll be completely gray!
Photo info: 580 EX at 1/8 camera left.
Lessons learned: I don't know how to setup master/slave flashes! Or maybe my MR-14EX doesn't know how to be a slave! Time to read the manual.
UPDATE: I read the manual... the MR-14EX doesn't know how to be a slave. That's okay. My 580EX knows how. Next time, I'll reverse my thinking and see what happens.
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Day 6
Did a little bush-wacking to get this one... pretty afternoon with lots of clouds. But calm and warm for a January day.
Love these great blue herons, fishing amid the cat tails.
Photo info: Shot with the Canon EF 100-400 lens. Great for birding... but could be a little longer! Edited in Lightroom and Nik Viveza.
Lessons learned: Lots of mountain bike trails around here!
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Day 5 Somewhere in Cary...
Anyone know where this is? It was a nice calm 28° morning, perfect for today's photo. And someone, PLEASE tell me where I am!
Photo Info: 6 shot HDR photo. Nik HDR Efex Pro2.
Lessons learned: This is a pretty cool little spot in Cary. I've been wanting to get there for a few years.
Gortex boots are your best friend.
A Great Blue Heron will sit very still while you walk by it when it really doesn't want to take off into the freezing morning.
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Day 4
Look what Santa put under my tree. Very nice lens.
I was thinking about using mirrors to use the lens to take a self portrait. Didn't stay with that idea very long. I think this traditional approach worked well.
The prior 3 365 photos where taken with this 17-40 lens. I'll get a lot of use out of this baby I believe.
Photo info: Off camera flash, camera left. 580EXII 1/2 power. Gary Fong light sphere to diffuse flash.
Lessons learned: I confirmed that setting Silent LV mode to Disabled allowed flash to fire using Live View with the photix triggers. Good to know. I guess that is why Canon put it in the manual! Also, I like the placement of the DOF button on the 5D III. I can already find it more easily than the placement on the 7D/50D.
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Day 3
A continuation of the Merry Christmas theme.
These pretty wind chimes will find a home outside soon... right outside my front door hanging on the front porch. A very welcoming item, especially on a breezy day!
Photo info: Shot with off camera 580EXII flash about 4 ft below/left of green glass, at 1/16th power.
Lesson's learned: Flash won't fire when 5DIII is in live view shooting. Was driving me crazy until I figured that out. Still wondering why that is so...?
Update: Just found this in the manual: I need to set Silent LV Shooting to Disable for non-Canon flash units. I'm using a Canon flash, but triggering it with Photix wireless unit. So that is probably the reason it didn't fire... I think I'll just avoid Live View with flash photography when using the Photix triggers. Simple!
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Day 2
Merry Christmas!
New stained glass from the Adirondack Stained Glass Works in Gloversville, NY. It is so pretty! I'll be featuring some of my new shiney things all week!
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Happy New Year. Starting the year with cake. Can't go wrong with cake on New Year's day. Was going to photograph a cup cake, but decided to think bigger. I'll add a ps tomorrow's post and let you know how it tastes.
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In 2012, I started my first 365 photo of the day project. I started on January 1st. On June 30th I decided to stop. I just didn't have the time to keep going. Earlier that month I started to re-side my house. That was quite a project, and I didn't have the time or energy for the siding and the photo of the day.
In 2013, I vow not to tackle residing my house again! So I should have NO trouble doing all 365 photos this year! Yippie!
I'm looking forward to one blog entry a day, along with a photo in the 2013 365 gallery...
Thanks for coming on this journey with me!
--Karl
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