Eat My Dust!

For those of you who use Nikon equipment, I'm sure you have heard the announcement of the D300s. If not, be sure to visit Nikon's web site to get the facts. I bet there will be a "D700s" release before Christmas this year also! There is more news, two fantastic lens will be up graded with VR II technology. What's will you add to your wish list?

Arachnid

I final used the extension tube my father-in-law loaned me. I went old school, my Nikon D50 in manual, with Vivitar 12mm, 20mm, 36mm tubes (these are really old) and a Quantaray 70-300mm lens. With some luck and a less than steady hand I captured this spider. Its size is smaller than an aspirin pill. I was impressed with the detail and how easy to get such a close shot without disturbing the spider. Must use a tripod next time. The simple act of breathing took me in and out of focus making it difficult to get a good shot. This was the best of 15 pictures. I did some levels correction and cropped the photo. Given the time this week or weekend I will explore more of the bushes and garden at my home. I need to spray for spiders and bugs around the windows and doors also. I don't want any visitors in the house that can't ring the doorbell! Do you?

Flower

I have showed my softer side quite a bit lately. Someone asked me if I liked flowers. I said no, not really, they are close by and I have easy access to them as a subject. Flowers give me the chance to practice DOF and macro, which help make me a more rounded and better photographer. There is a lot to learn, and skills to develop in photography. Practice, practice, practice is what make us better and I sometimes get lazy. I off to find a new subject and get back into action! I hope you will stay tuned.

Sunflowers II

Sunflowers

I had driven past a large patch of sunflowers several time before "seeing" the potential go by. I was going to photograph them after work but waited untill morning for better light. What a treat. The flowers seemed to reach for the morning sun.
D200, Sigma 18-50mm lens, f3.5, ISO 200, AP Mode - 1/800 sec. & 1/1500 sec.

Crayons

Every child needs a box of crayons.
D200, 105mm macro lens, f10, 1/60 sec., ISO 400.

Marbles

D50, 105mm macro lens, f8, 1/125 sec. ISO unknown, used the R1C1 wireless speedlight system from Nikon.

Jacks

Hearts

Candy with a message for those we love!
D200, 105mm macro lens, f10, 1/60 sec. ISO 400

Circuitry

D200, 105mm macro lens, f10,1/60 sec., ISO 400. Both pictures.

Rusty Fire Hydrant

Taken with a Nikon D50 late at night using a SB-800 flash via a cord. The flash seemed to light the whole neighborhood. Luckily everyone was in bed and few if any car came by. I'm sure my neighbors find it strange to see me out taking pictures of the fire hydrant. When you need to practice and use new stuff (flash cord for off camera flash with the D50) or just get the urge to shoot, you forget what it looks like, and worry only about the possible outcome. I hope they enjoy the outcome and forget the hour it was taken.

Shells And Clays

This is one of my first macro pictures taken with a dslr. The Nikon D50 what a camera! I borrowed and used a 60mm macro lens to capture this and some other ammo shots. Macro is so much fun. I really need to get a new lens, what that is, not need but want! Like every photographer, pro or amateur, I suffer from LBA! Its made even worse by working within the industry. Oh, the torture and pain! I'll be able to suppress it for a while if I can get out and shoot again. Even with a borrowed macro lens! I have more macro shots to come, so stay tuned. D50, 60mm macro lens, aperture priority f9, 1/60 sec. ISO unknown.