Thanks. I've never been to Alabama. The farthest south I have been is Williamsburg, VA.
Piperbarb's 2013 Project 365
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That's way too hot and humid for me. I'll take snow in April.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
Alabama is a pretty diverse state. We have everything from beaches to Mountains. We have the largest canyon East of the Grand Canyon. And we have the best Football in the country. Roll Tide Roll
4-13-13:
I have been passing by this train trestle for many years. It is in a area that is mixed commercial/residential. The scary part is that freight trains carrying hazardous cargo use this trestle numerous times a day. I am sure this same situation can be found in other areas of the country. I am NOT making a political statement here, if anyone thinks I am, I am sorry you take it the wrong way. Just an observation and doing what photography does very well: record the world around us. It is just frightening that we have allowed things like this to happen.
Infrastructure? Who Needs It!
I have been passing by this train trestle for many years. It is in a area that is mixed commercial/residential. The scary part is that freight trains carrying hazardous cargo use this trestle numerous times a day. I am sure this same situation can be found in other areas of the country. I am NOT making a political statement here, if anyone thinks I am, I am sorry you take it the wrong way. Just an observation and doing what photography does very well: record the world around us. It is just frightening that we have allowed things like this to happen.
Infrastructure? Who Needs It!
4-14-13:
Okay, although the sun did not come out of hiding until after 2:30, and the temperature never got above 45 deg F, spring is definitely here, at least the forsythia and pussy willows are starting to think so....
Proof of Concept: Spring!
These photos are a lot more uplifting than the decrepit trestle from yesterday. And of course, they were taken with my favorite macro lens, the AF 105 f/2.8 micro-Nikkor and my D7000. Hand-held, no flash, ISO 125, 1/320 at f/8
Okay, although the sun did not come out of hiding until after 2:30, and the temperature never got above 45 deg F, spring is definitely here, at least the forsythia and pussy willows are starting to think so....
Proof of Concept: Spring!
These photos are a lot more uplifting than the decrepit trestle from yesterday.
And of course, they were taken with my favorite macro lens, the AF 105 f/2.8 micro-Nikkor and my D7000. Hand-held, no flash, ISO 125, 1/320 at f/8
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4-15-13:
Today was an experiment. I usually do not use an ISO higher than 400, and try to use as low an ISO as possible (usually 125). Today, I used my old Tamron 80-210 lens and went traipsing through the woods. Considering that it was rather cloudy, I used an ISO from 400 to 800. When I got back, I definitely was disappointed. I do love the low noise of low ISO.
Anyway, here are some of my results. I plan on going back into the woods with my favorite macro lens (the 105) and my 85 f/1.8 or 35 f/1.4 and external flash.
I have been following the work of some very busy pileated woodpeckers. I'm still waiting to get a photo of one of them in action.
I have taken a lot of photos of moss. I find it absolutely fascinating. Here's my first moss photo of the season:
Lichen and other decomposers are another favorite of mine, so I will inflict my decomposer passion on the group. Sorry about that.
Finally, my neighbor's pond, or at least part of the outflow of his pond. Definitely have to go back on a sunnier day and redo this one.
Today was an experiment. I usually do not use an ISO higher than 400, and try to use as low an ISO as possible (usually 125). Today, I used my old Tamron 80-210 lens and went traipsing through the woods. Considering that it was rather cloudy, I used an ISO from 400 to 800. When I got back, I definitely was disappointed. I do love the low noise of low ISO.
Anyway, here are some of my results. I plan on going back into the woods with my favorite macro lens (the 105) and my 85 f/1.8 or 35 f/1.4 and external flash.
I have been following the work of some very busy pileated woodpeckers. I'm still waiting to get a photo of one of them in action.
I have taken a lot of photos of moss. I find it absolutely fascinating. Here's my first moss photo of the season:
Lichen and other decomposers are another favorite of mine, so I will inflict my decomposer passion on the group. Sorry about that.
Finally, my neighbor's pond, or at least part of the outflow of his pond. Definitely have to go back on a sunnier day and redo this one.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
4-15-13:
Today was an experiment. I usually do not use an ISO higher than 400, and try to use as low an ISO as possible (usually 125). Today, I used my old Tamron 80-210 lens and went traipsing through the woods. Considering that it was rather cloudy, I used an ISO from 400 to 800. When I got back, I definitely was disappointed. I do love the low noise of low ISO.
Anyway, here are some of my results. I plan on going back into the woods with my favorite macro lens (the 105) and my 85 f/1.8 or 35 f/1.4 and external flash.
I have been following the work of some very busy pileated woodpeckers. I'm still waiting to get a photo of one of them in action.
View attachment 33083
View attachment 33084
I have taken a lot of photos of moss. I find it absolutely fascinating. Here's my first moss photo of the season:
View attachment 33085
Lichen and other decomposers are another favorite of mine, so I will inflict my decomposer passion on the group. Sorry about that.
View attachment 33086
View attachment 33087
View attachment 33088
Finally, my neighbor's pond, or at least part of the outflow of his pond. Definitely have to go back on a sunnier day and redo this one.
View attachment 33089
i really don't see any noise in these. Looking good.
Don, thanks. I may be overly critical and biased. I think that goes back to my film days. I loved using Kodachrome 25 and Ilford PanF (ASA 50). When I'm looking at my photos, I will scrutinized them by looking at them at 100% resolution. I think that's where I notice the difference. It could be that I see noise where there really isn't much, but I do notice a difference in the level of detail. That is what bothers me, I think.
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Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
There are two types of photographers. Those that think their photos are never quite good enough and those who think everyone elses photographs are never quite good enough. We have them both here on the forum.
So very true. I think I am in the first group.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
So very true. I think I am in the first group.
I know I am. I am never satisfied with what I am doing. I keep going back and tweaking it a little more.
4-16-13:
Since it was pouring rain most of the afternoon, when I got home, I decided that I would take the opportunistic feline photo because I didn't think it was going to stop raining.
If you have multiple cats who like to play with each other, you will know what I mean: They close their eyes and just swing.
Rock'em Sock'em Catbots
The rain did decide to stop for a while and the sky did lighten up a bit. This is additional proof that spring in the northeastern U.S. is possible.
Spring Thing
Since it was pouring rain most of the afternoon, when I got home, I decided that I would take the opportunistic feline photo because I didn't think it was going to stop raining.
If you have multiple cats who like to play with each other, you will know what I mean: They close their eyes and just swing.
Rock'em Sock'em Catbots
The rain did decide to stop for a while and the sky did lighten up a bit. This is additional proof that spring in the northeastern U.S. is possible.
Spring Thing
Same here in the afternoon. It's supposed to do the same tonight. April showers bring May showers. SIGH. That's because the plants drown.
4-17-13: Birds
I'm breaking today's photos into two groups: Birds and Other.
I am trying my hand at bird photos, especially birds other than geese and crows, which we have an overabundance of. I think I have a long way to go. My choices weren't the most exciting, but they were a whole lot better than what I did the other day (and did not post).
All of these photos were taken with my D3000, ISO 200 and the 55-200 kit lens. All were significantly cropped. I think I need a longer lens. I have already started saving for one.
This robin was on the side of the driveway. I think its mate was nearby.
Hopping Robin
I took a number of photos of this guy in a birch tree. I liked the backlighting of the sun through the birch flowers or whatever you call those fuzzy things hanging off the birch trees and causing fits with my asthma.
Chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee
We have a little wetland area near our driveway, due to springs and runoff from the hill behind the house. There are a lot of red-winged blackbirds that nest there every year. Here is a female red-winged blackbird way up towards the top of a tree in our front yard.
Where's My Mate?
Suggestions are very welcome.
I'm breaking today's photos into two groups: Birds and Other.
I am trying my hand at bird photos, especially birds other than geese and crows, which we have an overabundance of. I think I have a long way to go. My choices weren't the most exciting, but they were a whole lot better than what I did the other day (and did not post).
All of these photos were taken with my D3000, ISO 200 and the 55-200 kit lens. All were significantly cropped. I think I need a longer lens.
I have already started saving for one.This robin was on the side of the driveway. I think its mate was nearby.
Hopping Robin
I took a number of photos of this guy in a birch tree. I liked the backlighting of the sun through the birch flowers or whatever you call those fuzzy things hanging off the birch trees and causing fits with my asthma.
Chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee
We have a little wetland area near our driveway, due to springs and runoff from the hill behind the house. There are a lot of red-winged blackbirds that nest there every year. Here is a female red-winged blackbird way up towards the top of a tree in our front yard.
Where's My Mate?
Suggestions are very welcome.
4-17-13: Other
Okay, here is the rest of today's posting: things I feel much more comfortable taking photos of
The day turned out to be absolutely beautiful by the time I got home from work that I could not resist going out and seeing what I could find. The first two photos posted here were taken with my D3000, the 55-200 kit lens, ISO 200 and f/8.
This pine tree is in our front yard. It has already dropped most of its pine cones on our front lawn, so seeing a few still hanging on to branched way at the top of the tree was rather interesting.
Keep on Hanging On
I am still chronicling my pussy willows. They made a lot of progress in two days, to say the least.
Fuzz-Bait
The following two photos were taken with my D7000, AIS 35mm f/1.4 at ISO 200, f/6.3 at 1/200th.
I am still looking for that perfect uprooted tree roots photo. Don't ask me why, but I am. I just find the shapes, textures and angles that nature does on her own quite interesting. This tree, or what is left of it, was uprooted a number of years ago. Amazingly enough, it is still alive and has buds on it (which you cannot see).
Hanging by a Thread
Another subject that I have been chronicling is pileated woodpecker holes. We have a number of these guys who have been very busy. I have to spend a morning camped out in the woods behind the house so I can finally get some photos of these guys. What amazes me is that they even work on uprooted tree roots. This tree came down about a year ago after we had a really bad storm with some very, very strong winds.
Bug Mining
Okay, here is the rest of today's posting: things I feel much more comfortable taking photos of
The day turned out to be absolutely beautiful by the time I got home from work that I could not resist going out and seeing what I could find. The first two photos posted here were taken with my D3000, the 55-200 kit lens, ISO 200 and f/8.
This pine tree is in our front yard. It has already dropped most of its pine cones on our front lawn, so seeing a few still hanging on to branched way at the top of the tree was rather interesting.
Keep on Hanging On
I am still chronicling my pussy willows. They made a lot of progress in two days, to say the least.
Fuzz-Bait
The following two photos were taken with my D7000, AIS 35mm f/1.4 at ISO 200, f/6.3 at 1/200th.
I am still looking for that perfect uprooted tree roots photo. Don't ask me why, but I am. I just find the shapes, textures and angles that nature does on her own quite interesting. This tree, or what is left of it, was uprooted a number of years ago. Amazingly enough, it is still alive and has buds on it (which you cannot see).
Hanging by a Thread
Another subject that I have been chronicling is pileated woodpecker holes. We have a number of these guys who have been very busy. I have to spend a morning camped out in the woods behind the house so I can finally get some photos of these guys. What amazes me is that they even work on uprooted tree roots. This tree came down about a year ago after we had a really bad storm with some very, very strong winds.
Bug Mining
4-18-13:
These little guys, called "glory of the snow," popped up almost overnight by the front steps. I don't remember them from previous years, but they may have bloomed before. Anyway, they were not there yesterday.
I used my trusty AF 105mm on the D7000. Settings: ISO 200, f/11, 1/60th, on-camera flash. I did crop the photos a little, but that was it.
Spring is Sprunging I
Spring is Sprunging II
These little guys, called "glory of the snow," popped up almost overnight by the front steps. I don't remember them from previous years, but they may have bloomed before. Anyway, they were not there yesterday.
I used my trusty AF 105mm on the D7000. Settings: ISO 200, f/11, 1/60th, on-camera flash. I did crop the photos a little, but that was it.
Spring is Sprunging I
Spring is Sprunging II
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4-19-13:
Although it started raining right after dinner and we have had heavy rain, severe thunderstorm warnings and even a tornado warning, I stated playing around with the barely, if ever, used Nikon TC-16A teleconverter that I have had since my F4 days. I really wanted to go outside and test it, but I wasn't that lucky.
My first test was with my AF 105mm f/2.8 micro-Nikkor on the D7000. A tripod is very highly recommended for indoor shots with this lens/teleconverter combination. Depth of field with the teleconverter is very, very shallow. I used my SB-600 flash unit attached to my camera's hot shoe. I also found that live-view was rather handy, although I don't think it made much difference in terms of what I focused on. I feel just as comfortable using the viewfinder to focus, maybe more so because this is the first camera I have ever had with live view.
I took some photos with the teleconverter on, and then some without it. All photos were taken in RAW and exported to JPG. No other post processing was done.
Overall, my settings were:
- ISO 200;
- Flash TTL w/ teleconverter & +1 EV exposure compensation, and TTL-BL without the teleconverter;
- Aperture on lens was set to f/11 unless otherwise specified.
- The camera was set to aperture priority during all tests.
- Metering was set to matrix metering. When the teleconverter was used, the camera defaulted to center-weighted metering.
-The lens was set to manual focus, which is what I normally do for macro shots. Anyway, here goes:
No teleconverter f/11
With Teleconverter. f/11
With teleconverter. Notice how shallow the depth of field is. I was really surprised. f/11
With teleconverter. I liked how this came out. f/11
Okay, here's part of the base of a cloisonné lamp I have in my home office.
With teleconverter. Lens aperture set to f/11.
No teleconverter. f/11
No teleconverter. f/8
No teleconverter, available light. f/4.5, shutter 1.3 sec.
When the weather clears, I will try my hand with this outside, hopefully over the weekend.
Although it started raining right after dinner and we have had heavy rain, severe thunderstorm warnings and even a tornado warning, I stated playing around with the barely, if ever, used Nikon TC-16A teleconverter that I have had since my F4 days. I really wanted to go outside and test it, but I wasn't that lucky.
My first test was with my AF 105mm f/2.8 micro-Nikkor on the D7000. A tripod is very highly recommended for indoor shots with this lens/teleconverter combination. Depth of field with the teleconverter is very, very shallow. I used my SB-600 flash unit attached to my camera's hot shoe. I also found that live-view was rather handy, although I don't think it made much difference in terms of what I focused on. I feel just as comfortable using the viewfinder to focus, maybe more so because this is the first camera I have ever had with live view.
I took some photos with the teleconverter on, and then some without it. All photos were taken in RAW and exported to JPG. No other post processing was done.
Overall, my settings were:
- ISO 200;
- Flash TTL w/ teleconverter & +1 EV exposure compensation, and TTL-BL without the teleconverter;
- Aperture on lens was set to f/11 unless otherwise specified.
- The camera was set to aperture priority during all tests.
- Metering was set to matrix metering. When the teleconverter was used, the camera defaulted to center-weighted metering.
-The lens was set to manual focus, which is what I normally do for macro shots. Anyway, here goes:
No teleconverter f/11
With Teleconverter. f/11
With teleconverter. Notice how shallow the depth of field is. I was really surprised. f/11
With teleconverter. I liked how this came out. f/11
Okay, here's part of the base of a cloisonné lamp I have in my home office.
With teleconverter. Lens aperture set to f/11.
No teleconverter. f/11
No teleconverter. f/8
No teleconverter, available light. f/4.5, shutter 1.3 sec.
When the weather clears, I will try my hand with this outside, hopefully over the weekend.
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4-20-13:
While my spousal unit was getting an MRI and X-rays for his neck and back, I decided I had the time to wander around and take some photos. The hospital & parking lot are right next to the Susquehanna River. There was major flooding there in 2008 and again in 2011 (after a combination of hurricanes Irene & Lee which dumped something like 20" of rain in 24 hours, or something like that).
Anyway, unlike a normal river flood stage level gauge where river flood stage gauge is measured in feet above flood stage, someone put in a flood gauge that shows the river height based on feet above sea level. Weird, very weird. The elevation that this gauge sits at is about 824 feet above sea level. I thought the whole thing rather strange. You can see the river in the background and the parkway on the south side, across the river.
How High???
While my spousal unit was getting an MRI and X-rays for his neck and back, I decided I had the time to wander around and take some photos. The hospital & parking lot are right next to the Susquehanna River. There was major flooding there in 2008 and again in 2011 (after a combination of hurricanes Irene & Lee which dumped something like 20" of rain in 24 hours, or something like that).
Anyway, unlike a normal river flood stage level gauge where river flood stage gauge is measured in feet above flood stage, someone put in a flood gauge that shows the river height based on feet above sea level. Weird, very weird. The elevation that this gauge sits at is about 824 feet above sea level. I thought the whole thing rather strange. You can see the river in the background and the parkway on the south side, across the river.
How High???
4-21-13:
Took a short walk about in the backyard, then into the woods behind the house. I decided to use only one lens, the AF micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8, a lens I have not used in over a year, maybe two. I surprised myself with its results. I forgot how good it really is. I am so used to the 105mm. Anyway, here is today's result.
All photos were hand-held with available light. It was so sunny and beautiful, there was no need for fill flash. ISO: 200; aperture: f/8 or f/0; shutter speed: 1/320.
I love taking photos of lichen and moss. Lichen really fascinates me. Not only is it so interesting, it makes a wonderful natural dye stuff for wool and silk. This lichen, called devil's matchstick or British soldiers, resides on the rail of a fence we have. To give you an idea of size, it is only 1 -2 cm in height (about 1/2 - 3/4 in or there abouts). I did crop the original.
Standing Straight
I went over to my neighbor's pond where I almost always seem to find something interesting. To my surprise, this green guy was just hanging out in the sun. It wasn't all that warm out, about 48 deg F, but very, very sunny. It's this season's first frog sighting.
First Frog
Finally, I am continuing my chronicle of pussy willows. They are now at stage 2, as I call it. It didn't take them too long.
From Fur to Spikes
Took a short walk about in the backyard, then into the woods behind the house. I decided to use only one lens, the AF micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8, a lens I have not used in over a year, maybe two. I surprised myself with its results. I forgot how good it really is. I am so used to the 105mm. Anyway, here is today's result.
All photos were hand-held with available light. It was so sunny and beautiful, there was no need for fill flash. ISO: 200; aperture: f/8 or f/0; shutter speed: 1/320.
I love taking photos of lichen and moss. Lichen really fascinates me. Not only is it so interesting, it makes a wonderful natural dye stuff for wool and silk. This lichen, called devil's matchstick or British soldiers, resides on the rail of a fence we have. To give you an idea of size, it is only 1 -2 cm in height (about 1/2 - 3/4 in or there abouts). I did crop the original.
Standing Straight
I went over to my neighbor's pond where I almost always seem to find something interesting. To my surprise, this green guy was just hanging out in the sun. It wasn't all that warm out, about 48 deg F, but very, very sunny. It's this season's first frog sighting.
First Frog
Finally, I am continuing my chronicle of pussy willows. They are now at stage 2, as I call it. It didn't take them too long.
From Fur to Spikes