Pretzel's learning curve...

Pretzel · Sep 9, 2013

Back to the B&W, quite near the end now...

This time? Giraffes... such a joy to put into B&W!

This beauty started out on the other side of the exhibit, standing against a tall wood wall and not being very photogenic. He ended up coming out to the open middle area and taking a rest so I could get some shots.

With the 70-300mm VR, I did manage a nice close-up of both this one and his/her companion, tongue out and happy.

And no, this isn't one of the exhibits...

but I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a snapshot of this couple sharing the "giraffe experience" with the wee one!

Last 4 tomorrow... (until my next trip anyway, LOL)

Pretzel · Sep 10, 2013

Alright, here are my final four Zoo in B&W... I tried to save some of my faves.

The first was quite a tough shot around toddlers and "greasy glass" (read: toddlers), but I managed to catch a small group of African Penguins playing in the sprinkler.

Then, FINALLY, after eyeing everyone's close-up dragonfly pics, I managed to catch this one hanging out on a stick as we were watching the siamang island. (Kudos to my wife for noticing it first and getting my attention!)

Then THIS was by far my favorite animal pic of this project. The Highland Cow. He was stealing hay from the neighboring pen (and goats) and had a bright gravel background behind him, so I chose to over expose the background by spot metering his face in the hopes I would get a "white-out", and it worked! Plus, with a little bit of cow talk (yes, I made moo noises at a cow at the zoo, real original) I got him to look at me so I could focus on one of his hard to catch eyes. What a blast, and as a member of the clan McPherson, and active participant in the Scottish Games, I kinda favor this highland beast anyway.

And, of course, my favorite part of any shoot is spending time with my boy. This pic was shot one one of the mid-week trips when the zoo is practically empty, so he got to climb this structure without dodging smaller rugrats, and I caught a candid pic before he had the chance to make a face or give me the fake "slump" pose.

Marilynne · Sep 10, 2013

Here's a rugrat story for you. We were in Crystal Cave in PA about 5 - 6 years ago. A bus load of school kids arrived just as we were leaving. My husband in a loud voice said "oh no, rugrats!" The kids ran over to him and asked him to point them out.

Pretzel · Sep 10, 2013

Marilynne said:
Here's a rugrat story for you. We were in Crystal Cave in PA about 5 - 6 years ago. A bus load of school kids arrived just as we were leaving. My husband in a loud voice said "oh no, rugrats!" The kids ran over to him and asked him to point them out.

LOL, love it!!

Pretzel · Sep 11, 2013

Practicing window light portraiture for class. A challenge when you're getting homework done late in the afternoon and your window is a west facing window.

1st, my LOVELY wife... yeah, those green eyes hooked me too. Nearly 22 years now.

Then, my son, who wasn't really a willing subject (until the attention jealous Jack Russell jumped into the middle of things). Obviously, these were more candid shots before the "moment" disappeared, but still quite fun!

I think, with a little more practice, I can get this kind of shot down pat. Then I'll invest in a slightly better backdrop and plan around a slightly better quality of light!

Pretzel · Sep 11, 2013

Was out in the garage for the entire night last weekend, workin' on the trusty two-wheeled steed. When I finally wrapped everything up for the night, I closed the garage door and turned around to discover this "camo" moth. Not the greatest pic, but I just went running inside to grab the cam and snap a shot before he disappeared.

ohkphoto · Sep 11, 2013

Pretzel said:
Practicing window light portraiture for class. A challenge when you're getting homework done late in the afternoon and your window is a west facing window. 1st, my LOVELY wife... yeah, those green eyes hooked me too. Nearly 22 years now. View attachment 51796 View attachment 51795 Then, my son, who wasn't really a willing subject (until the attention jealous Jack Russell jumped into the middle of things). Obviously, these were more candid shots before the "moment" disappeared, but still quite fun! View attachment 51797 View attachment 51798 I think, with a little more practice, I can get this kind of shot down pat. Then I'll invest in a slightly better backdrop and plan around a slightly better quality of light!

I really enjoyed this series . . . lovely subjects and nicely done!

piperbarb · Sep 14, 2013

Marilynne said:
Here's a rugrat story for you. We were in Crystal Cave in PA about 5 - 6 years ago. A bus load of school kids arrived just as we were leaving. My husband in a loud voice said "oh no, rugrats!" The kids ran over to him and asked him to point them out.

HaHa! Great!

Pretzel · Sep 14, 2013

Few photos here and there this week, but getting ready for our local Scottish Games has kept the bald boy busy. Will post soon, maybe even share a few "kilted" shots.

Don Kuykendall_RIP · Sep 14, 2013

Pretzel said:
Few photos here and there this week, but getting ready for our local Scottish Games has kept the bald boy busy. Will post soon, maybe even share a few "kilted" shots.

Remember, we do Not want to know what they wear under their kilts.

Pretzel · Sep 14, 2013

Don Kuykendall said:
Remember, we do Not want to know what they wear under their kilts.

There's nothing to know. LOL

Pretzel · Sep 16, 2013

A few from the ScotFest, 2013. I was trying to snap a few pics between my own throws, and nabbed a few worth glancing at anyway. Had a blast and earned some hardware of my own for a 1st place in heavy weight for distance, 2nd place in quite a few events, and a 3rd place overall finish.

HEY KOOL AID!!

Pullin' hard!

The braemar stone, this one was around 24-25 lbs, for distance.

Marilynne · Sep 16, 2013

Congrats on your wins!

RockyNH_RIP · Sep 16, 2013

Nice shots and Congrats on getting some "hardware" of your own..

Pat in NH

Pretzel · Sep 16, 2013

Some more ScotFest goodness...

Here's the guy that took 1st in my age group. He's a muscled BEAST.

Form is everything?

Or is it all in the face?

Some of the lads had a different idea of "sport", but at least they were doin' what they do in kilts.

Pretzel · Sep 22, 2013

Spending a few days in the WAY OUT THERE parts of Arkansas, in the national forest areas, and hoping to bring back many wonderful pics. I spent the night trying to catch the Milky Way, but it's so hard to dial in the focus on the 18-55 kit lens by hand... Probably butchered every one. It's SO CLEAR out here, we spotted two different satellites in motion!!!

Did get some cool pics of the boy by the fire though. Rare to get 4G out here, so see y'all soon!

Scott Murray · Sep 22, 2013

Pretzel said:
Spending a few days in the WAY OUT THERE parts of Arkansas, in the national forest areas, and hoping to bring back many wonderful pics. I spent the night trying to catch the Milky Way, but it's so hard to dial in the focus on the 18-55 kit lens by hand... Probably butchered every one. It's SO CLEAR out here, we spotted two different satellites in motion!!!

Did get some cool pics of the boy by the fire though. Rare to get 4G out here, so see y'all soon!

Enjoy mate and bring back great photos, I am quietly envious

Pretzel · Sep 26, 2013

Well... *blush* I MAY have gotten distracted from Arkansas photos, but I have a good reason! REALLY!!!

It seems my Dad decided to pass on the "inheritance" a little early, and send the family wheels from Florida up to my neck of the woods. Something about not being able to work on it himself any more and wanting to enjoy me enjoying this...