Thursday, May 22, 2008

Spring Blossoms

I was taking some documentary photos of my plants this afternoon. I really wasn't going for anything artistic, but these Snow Crab blossoms were so pretty and the light was hitting them just right, so I ended up with a pretty photo anyway. The blossoms have already started to drop, so they will probably be gone in a day or two.

Techie Corner
Used my digital zoom lens. There was a breeze blowing, so I tried to get the shot with as little movement as possible.
Shot at 1/500 Sec @ F6.7, ISO 200

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sheared Kitty


Our kitty gets the "lion cut" every spring when her winter fur starts flying everywhere. Unfortunately, the warm weather isn't always as punctual as her molting. It's 46 degrees this evening and Jewel is snuggled in a blanket for warmth.

Techie Corner
Off-camera flash and reflector. A small amount of post production.
Shot at 1/60 Sec @F2.8, ISO 400

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Baby Bunnies

I was walking around the yard checking plants today and I noticed a pile of fur. I've seen this in the past when one of the neighborhood cats has shredded a squirrel. So I started brushing the fur back to see what dead animal was there, and the fur MOVED! I'd found a nest of baby bunnies instead of something dead! The pile of fur was from mama bunny to keep her babies warm. I counted at least 4 all heaped together in one big lump. I didn't touch them, even though some online research said it was a myth that the mother would abandon them. I don't want to take any chances! According to my research, these bunnies are about ready to leave the nest on their own, so I had to have at least one picture of them before they go.

On another topic, my blog posting will probably be more sporatic now because I need to concentrate most of my time on "real" pictures. I'm starting a new photography path that will hopefully make me a few bucks along the way.

Techie Corner
Used on-camera flash. Cropping and sharpening, that's it.
Shot at 1/60 Sec @ F2.8, ISO 200

Monday, May 12, 2008

Pink Creeping Phlox

More and more of my spring perennials are starting to bloom and brighten up the yard. I really like Creeping Phlox. It's such a hardy plant and the foliage stays green year-round.

Techie Corner
The wind was blowing really hard today, but these pink phlox were shielded by some steps and by me since I had to get so close to the ground to get close-ups. Used my +4 close-up filter on my big lens. Had to balance my camera on one of the steps to get close enough, which was actually more stable than a tripod and helped get the flower tack sharp. Just cropping and a tiny amount of sharpening for post-production.
Shot at 1/250 Sec @ F16, ISO 400

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Spring Flowers

I've been doing more yard work the past couple of days. Every time I think I'm caught up, I see something else to do. I did take time for a few photos today. I have no idea what the plant with the yellow flowers is. It grew at my mom's house all my life, and I dug it up and transplanted it when her house was being sold.

Techie Corner
Just a little tweaking and cropping.
Shot at 1/10 Sec @ F32, ISO 400

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Lady Cardinal

I have more flowers blooming that I was going to photograph today, but the wind kicked up and it started to rain, so that nixed that idea. I looked out the window and saw a female cardinal hanging around the bird feeder, so I quickly got my camera.

Techie Corner
Unfortunately, I had to hand-hold my telephoto lens for this shot, so it isn't very crisp. Very little post-production.
Shot at 1/20 Sec @ F11, ISO 400

Monday, May 5, 2008

Tulip

I went on a bit of a hiatus last week, but now that there is stuff to get done outside, there may be a hiatus here and there. I have a few tulips blooming right now, so I took a few photos yesterday. Considering the bunnies roaming around our yard, I'm surprised I have any tulips!

Techie Corner
Used a #4 close-up filter on my big lens. The sun was so bright that I had to do quite a bit of post-production to keep the highlights from blowing out completely.
Shot at 1/350 Sec @ F8.0, ISO 200