Importance of Position

Here's an important thing to take note of....the photographer's position matters. It can make an ok picture a fabulous picture. I was sitting eating lunch today and I noticed that from my position, the blooming bush made a wonderful backdrop for my pansies. So here you have two pictures to judge. The difference is about 10 feet. Remember to look beyond your subject - you might see some amazing things!

Splash of color

We've had just over 2 inches of rain today. It has finally stopped and then in flew the cardinal. What was so interesting is that it looks like I did a photoshop color effect on this picture, but I don't own photoshop. That's just how "flat" the light was today at 5PM. I opened the window by my computer and actually did a liveview focus using my 200+2x.

Drippy Day

It's sort of one of those April Showers bring May Flowers sort of days. Cold, dark and really, really wet. Yet, even when I looked out my front porch at my tulips, there seems to be order and beauty. I just love it.

Light in the Dark

I went outside tonight after it was totally dark and shot these flowers with only the light coming off the lamp. Really wild. I couldn't believe I could get so much light into my lens. I used the 50mm 1.4 around 2.5. I wanted something, but not everything to be in focus. On the bottom picture, a huge gust of wind came up and blurred the flowers. Perfect!

After the rain

It has been raining all day today and very dark. It is going to be like this the next 2 days, possibly with snow! I noticed tonight at about 6:30 that the rain had quit and my violas were just popping out with color against the grayness of the day. I took this picture with my flash, using manual mode in my camera and of course, my macro lens.

Sunday morning

This morning, Darwin & I walked around the lake with 35 pounds in our backpack. I felt like a loaded down, but very balanced boat! I put my camera on the front belt, so I could easily access it. We got around the east side of the lake and I began my quest to get a picture of a meadowlark. They are always there, but fairly camera shy. Well, even in very poor light, I did manage to get a fun couple of pictures. I used my 200L + my 1.4 TC. We got home and I had some flowers singing too! I used my macro & external flash on to get the flower pictures.

Roommates from a LONG time ago

I looked back through my photos today and scanned these in. I was actually surprised by how poor the photo quality was and how the scanned pictures turned out.

Marnie had her fair share of gentlemen callers. This one was setting up a date so hot that Marnie had to have a hot pad to hold the phone in her hand. Who could have imagined that God would be preparing her future husband and it would take them nearly 20 years to meet.

Carol was the cook in our household. Marnie and I wore other hats, as needed.

Here's Carol. Her head was probably hurting due to a difficult class she was taking.

Here we are with our white elephant Christmas gifts.....

Sweet, sweet roommate reunion

The last of my college roommates, Marnie, was married this afternoon. Oh what fun!!!! I was so glad to see Carol. We had the best visit!!! The three of us lived together for over a year, and then Carol got married. Marnie and I lived with another gal, Jenn for a 2nd year. That was 20 years ago! We are all so happy for Marnie!

It was so wonderful to be together and know that we are still all desiring above all else, that God have 1st place in our life. I was so blessed to have had Carol and Marnie as roommates. Carol and I spent a summer together in Hungary and then lived together when we returned. She was the first to marry....then Jenn (not pictured)....then me 10 years later and now Marnie!

One of the interesting observations of this afternoon was made by Darwin. He felt as if we were sittting at the table talking to my sister Jackie, who has been dead for over 10 years. I noticed it too. It is so true, Carol and Jackie not only physically looked a lot like each other, but they shared the same enthusiasm for life. Gosh, I miss my sister some days..... So thankful that He has placed others in my life, not only to be "a sister" to me, but also to just simply remind me of her.

I wouldn't have missed today for anything!!!!!! I'm glad that I put the P&S in my pocket too.

Backyard Birding

Well, I changed my birdfeeder from a squirrel proof model to an open model and the birds don't like it. Oh well, they are just going to have to get used to it (I hope). I sat outside in my yard for a few minutes this afternoon and a finch flew in as well as a cardinal and a robin needing a bath. Taken with my 200L + 2x TC. My shutter speed was 1/2000 at ISO 400. As you can see, it was full sun, which adds a little catch light in the birds eye. I think this is a nice touch.

Another vote - just for fun

Here's another contest. Which picture top, middle, bottom was taken with my point and shoot camera? Most people say that it is the photographer, not the camera that gets the good picture. Vote and I'll tell you in a few days.