December 31, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/13
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 400

A cleanse in the sauna

A cleanse for the new decade. Peace, health, and happiness for the new year. Happy New Year, my friends and family.

December 30, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/40
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Got the shaft

Not sure - an output shaft from either a diesel engine, a hydraulic motor, don't know what the hell this thing is. I think it's a forklift part of some sort. I spent a few hours today walking around a forklift/crane shop. I was a kid in a candy store, and my camera was hungry; so many things to shoot - mechanical things, controls, pistons, gears - things I know nothing about.

I liked this particular object, and liked the way it converted to monochrome with a nice range of tones. Two days monochrome in a row... uh oh. Am I in a rut? Um, no, I think it's a shaft.

December 29, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/80
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.8
ISO Speed 400

Empty airport; empty heart

Having a hard time leaving PDX today. Going into the great unknown. Delayed flight, already re-routed, will get to Detroit sometime early tomorrow morning. Then the journey begins. I am going to try to find my strength, even if it may take me all over the country; I will find it. I didn't really say goodbye to anyone - just "I'll see you later..."

Until tomorrow... blue skies :)

This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

December 28, 2009

Samson's haircut

(Today's story is about Tony - even though I took these photos last night)

This is Tony. He was my boyfriend - together for a few years, we broke up a little over a year ago. Obviously we have remained friends, and still have an enormous amount of admiration and respect for each other. Last night he came by and presented me with his Christmas gift. I had always wondered what he'd look like without the beard (not that I didn't like it, I did). I had always bugged him and teased him to shave it when we were a couple, but he couldn't part with it. For him, it was his strength and identity. It symbolized certain things and milestones in his life, and I respected that. I've always known him to have a long beard. I was reluctant to have him shave it off now; didn't seem like a time that made sense. But he explained he wanted to for me... knowing that I will more than likely lose my hair; he wanted to sacrifice something and sympathize a little alongside with me through my painful and challenging time. For his sake and his selfless gesture, I was touched, I let him do it - while I took the photographs.

I used to love to photograph Tony - he was a great model; certainly not camera shy, has an animated yet classic quality. He was easily photogenic, and I'm not one for portraiture photography; but somehow he always made this artist look good.

Thank you Tony. Your heart is larger than life, and is always in the right place, at the right time. My heart is overflowing.

December 27, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/50
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 400

A confluence of paths...

The outcome was not what I had envisioned for this image, but I'm posting it anyway. My husband got an electronic reader for Christmas. I am not a big fan of the electronic reader. I am a purist - I like the idea of turning pages and the feeling of the binding in my hands, the smell, sound and texture of the paper... guess I'm a little old fashioned when it comes to certain things. On the other hand, I can sit and read for hours on my computer. Is this any different? I make my living in high tech, so I am not by any means averse to gadgets and technology.

I am watching him, right now, as I write this, he is not reading a story, he is madly clicking away on the screen - doing what, I don't know. But I can tell you that it is not being absorbed in a story. ;)

December 26, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 100

Fun in the produce section

I believe the produce guy is convinced that I have a serious problem. This is not the first time he has seen me photographing veggies over his shoulder. Ah, at least he's a good sport and pretends like he doesn't see me there. "Oh no, here comes the crazy girl with the camera... " Pay no attention, and she will go away...

More fun with my nifty fifty! I just love punching these out at 1.4!! (I mean, look at that shutter speed...!?) And I enjoy the effect of the shallow DoF. Thanks, produce guy, for making the broccoli so pretty.

December 25, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 1.4
ISO Speed 400

A new nifty fifty

My hubby gave me this sweet 50mm 1.4 lens - among other very cool accessories, AND a tripod... finally... a tripod. Oh, I think I am going to have some fun with this lens. It is a very new experience to use a 50mm - the 1.4 f-stop on this makes for some very nice effects and allows for seriously shallow DoF - also makes shooting indoors much more possible without flash! It takes some getting used to - not having a zoom. Forces you to get in and around your subject via foot. I think this will help with my composition. I shot this through a dirty cloudy mirror, so it does not show off the tack sharp results you get with this lens, but I just wanted to show my new toy in a goofy self-portrait. Now it's time to get my Christmas graze on. Eat, drink, and be merry!

December 24, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/20
Av( Aperture Value ) 7.1
ISO Speed 200

Peace on Earth

A little cheat for today - I took this photograph yesterday while on a short hike near my home. Walking through the woods, came upon this tree, decorated with ornaments, beads, seeds, and ribbons. I like to think that this tree serves as a Christmas tree for the animals and birds, as it had many goodies on it for them to eat. A beautiful tree with an angel to look after us, and the wildlife who make this their home.

To those who visit my page; my friends, my family - Merry Christmas and peace on earth.

December 23, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/20
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 200

The tree swing at Round Lake

The fog settled in thick today around the lake, so much that the horizon practically disappeared. I love the eerie feeling you get in the fog - mysterious and still. You can barely see the horizon in this shot. I tried to accentuate it just a bit, while keeping it obscured. Not much you can do with these types of shots other than to go monochrome.

December 22, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Lost in the grotto

Went for a walk; the sun went down quick. I guess being solstice time of year, daylight is lost quickly. Today is the first time in two weeks it hasn't rained! Found a hidden pond with little waterfalls - a little grotto area - not too far from my neighborhood. The brush was thick, the ground was wet and seemed to be lost. We climbed out, up a steep hill, and finally got to a road where it was fenced in like a construction area. Trapped in this fenced and private area, had to make our way back to main roads. The sun went down quick, but it was a beautiful sunset rich with colors.

December 21, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.5
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 400

Celebrating Christmas with a tree

My first Christmas tree in 10 years. I haven't had any heart for Christmas since I was divorced 10 years ago. Everything is different now. We were remarried to each other two days ago, now we can begin living again. Ironically, having a terminal illness may make this the most bittersweet one ever. This tree shines with every light of hope and energy that I have - my happy home; It's never too late to celebrate Christmas with beautiful decoration! Thank you for this tree of love and hope. Peace on Earth...

December 20, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 14.0
ISO Speed 200

A rainy day in the gorge

Not a great day for a photographic outing, but it was worth a shot. Spent a little time in the gorge today after a fun night of wedding celebration and Sunday brunch at Multnomah Falls. I stopped at this lookout point - although I have been past this point a hundred times, I never actually stopped here until now. This is looking toward the Vista House from the Portland Women's Forum scenic lookout. Sun or rain, the Columbia river gorge is one of the most special places on earth.


This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

December 19, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 400

It's official...

This is my self portrait - sitting down to sign the marriage certificate, I snapped the photo myself with the camera on the table. Not half bad without setting up the shot :) The DoF worked out!

A wonderful day it was - although I didn't get to take many of the photos myself - instead I relinquished control of my Canon to friends so that they could photograph us. I don't like to be photographed, and I am far more comfortable behind the lens, but I guess there are just some occasions that require being on the other side.

We had a very small informal ceremony, dinner, and celebration at my favorite place in Portland, McMenamin's Edgefield. Are we the only crazy hippies that have a wedding photograph in front of a Jerry Garcia sculpture? "Sometimes we live no particular way but our own" :)

December 19, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 100

My wedding day...

Never thought I'd get hitched again. But here I am - remarrying the only other man I married once before. He is here for me, and he takes me as I am, broken and all. Life will be complete with him and us together. I thank him for loving me in the most unconditional way.

This is a bouquet of flowers sent by his sail racing team to congratulate us. I shot indoor with natural daylight by the window.

Now just waiting to meet with the Pastor, hoping for a little sun break so that we can be outdoors in the garden, us, a few friends, and Jerry Garcia. I have fallen off the daily post for a bit here, but there's a good reason. Reasons that will reveal themselves later, and for now I'm trying the best I can. Bear with me!

December 14, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.0
ISO Speed 400

Steal your face right off your head

The Barley Mill is another Grateful Dead inspired pub in Portland, part of the McMenamin's series of historical converted brewers and restaurants. Stopped in for a beer and lots of colorful whimsical eye candy to look at.

I liked the colors and arrangement of these pendant lamps hanging in front of a giant "Steal Your Face". I shot this with a flash - I normally try not to use flash, but in this case, it was necessary and also let me capture the colors in the pendants and the mural.

December 13, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.6
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

World Buddhist Preaching Assn.

It's been a very difficult week to get out and take photos every day. A difficult week in general, I might add. The weather hasn't been cooperative, and I am slacking in my postings!

This shot is a statue outside of the Buddhist Preaching Association in Portland - it was pouring down rain, and light was getting dark. The temple was closed, but a man with a key opened the temple and let me in to take photos when he saw me shooting from the street into the gardens. Light wasn't good, and pouring down rain didn't help. I snapped as best as I could, and decided to go with this scary looking guy. It was a beautiful place with lots of potential for wonderful shots, and I'd like to come back in the daylight and explore some more!

December 12, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/4
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

The Dickens

I'm a bit late posting, but last night/yesterday was a challenge. It was ugly and rainy all day, hard to get outdoors for a shot. We went to dinner at the Edgefield in Troutdale, OR; it is probably my most favorite and one of the most unique places in Portland (especially for an ol' hippie like myself). Last night a Dickens-like caroling quartet were going around from pub to pub throughout the grounds singing festive Christmas songs in perfect harmony.

Most of the pubs on the grounds are very dimly lit with just fire stoves, candles and pendant lights - so shooting indoors was rather challenging. A high ISO was unavoidable, so I went with sepia monochrome to give it an "old" feel.

December 11, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 200

Friday afternoon traffic

What else to do when stuck in traffic but play with the camera... ? Although it looks like I was moving fast, I was actually sitting, so I decided to try some timed shots for a motion effect. While the shutter is set to 1 second, I zoomed out while shooting to get this motion effect. Not exactly my best experiment, or a technically great shot, but the best I could do while sitting in the car waiting to move. Sometimes it's just fun to play and learn :)

December 10, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

Multnomah Falls in the deep freeze...

I played a little hooky today and left work early to go capture the frozen Multnomah Falls before sunset. I was not the only one who had this idea. I had to fight my way through the crowds of photographers set up in the ideal shooting spots. I brought my mono pod, but forgot my boot... story of my life. Handheld shots as best as I could, in the freezing cold, for as long as I could stand it.

I have shot Multnomah Falls in its frozen glory before - about a year ago. I was hoping to top my efforts today, but I think I was happier with last year's shots, as I set out early in the morning in a snow storm. There was nobody there, and I had the whole place to myself, with no onlookers in front of me, or on the bridge. It's a rare shot to get with nobody on the bridge. Nonetheless, a dramatic sight to see.

December 9, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 160

Tomatoes on the vine

I brought the camera to the grocery store. Surprisingly enough, there are lots of great things to photograph in there - fresh produce, flowers, and lots of color everywhere. The kid working in the produce section probably thought I was insane, but I looked at him, shrugged, and said that the store was the closest thing that I had to the outdoors. He said, "you don't want to go outside, do you.." Nah. It's too dark and cold out there.

December 8, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/50
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1000

"Where's the fire.... alarm?"

Today's post is more of a story... My roommate called me this morning in a panic when he was rudely awakened with the sound of the smoke detector system beeping uncontrollably. No smoke or fire, but yet the alarm kept howling for probably an hour. My suspicion is that there is a malfunction in this hard-wired system - perhaps dust, or a spider triggered the alarm; maybe a short. I came home and found that all the detectors had been removed and unplugged, neatly placed in a row. One more thing to fix... {sigh}

I had a few great photo opportunities today, and wished that I had my camera with me. Instead, here's my mundane indoor shot with a story. :) Let's hope the house doesn't decide to burn down while these are sitting silent.

December 7, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/15
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.0
ISO Speed 1600

My roommate's tasty artwork

His artwork is his food and the delicious creations that come out of the kitchen. I love to cook too, but sometimes it's nice to kick back and let the other masters have the glory. This pork, stuffed with spinach, garlic and feta was as delicious as it looks.

Confession: the pork is not a shot from today - it was from last night. My camera ran out of battery as I was running around shooting different objects today. I wasn't happy with any of the shots, but I will post one more that I found somewhat interesting, just to keep within my blog rules :)

December 6, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.3
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 1600

Cheryl's Portrait

Sunday night - dinner and wine with some good friends. Cheryl was a sport and let me experiment with some b/w portrait. I put the glass in focus and left her out of focus, narrow DoF, to make for an abstract composition. With little light, the ISO was a bit high making the image a bit noisy, but hopefully the b/w keeps it a little soft and ethereal.

December 5, 2009

1st - Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/125
Av( Aperture Value ) 8.0
ISO Speed 400

Frozen buds

A very frosty morning - early, cold, a bit misty; almost seemed dream-like out there. I stepped outside to get close to the frost, and these glass-like rose buds, looking like little glass sculptures.

I didn't post yesterday, so I will double up today. :)

2nd - Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

December 3, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/80
Av( Aperture Value ) 10
ISO Speed 200

Last grapes on the vine

Walking to lunch today - saw this grapevine. I didn't even notice the grapes on it until I was up close. I might re-do this one with a selective color for the lonely grapes, but for now I went with warm monochrome.

**NOTE: I redid this shot as black & white with selective color on the grapes. I liked the result - see it on my Flickr photostream

December 2, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1250
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

Christmas tree reflections

The Christmas trees are up on campus everywhere! This tree is in the library, and the library gets the most afternoon sun. My goal was to get some reflections and bokeh. I think I captured both. The bokeh to the right is from another ornament in the foreground. You can even see a little of me in the heart-shaped ornament.

December 1, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/160
Av( Aperture Value ) 11.0
ISO Speed 400

Wetlands near my house

Hard to believe that it is December 1st. Still feels like fall - all the leaves haven't even fallen yet. I'm kind of a sucker for scenery shots - so here it is. I was hoping for a better reflection, but the sun wasn't just right, and the water looks a bit brown and flat.

Funny, even in the winter the Northwest always seems to stay green.

November 30, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/8
Av( Aperture Value ) 6.3
ISO Speed 1600

Experimenting with still

I am stuck in the house today with a cold, so I decided to try some still life photos and experiment with lighting as well. This is something that I hope to learn at some point. So my post for the day is this attempt. I even experimented with GIMP a bit for some post production.

The lighting is too harsh - I used a lamp. It made the shadows too harsh. I used as dark a background as possible, and painted it even more in GIMP. I admit I didn't put a lot of time into this today - not feeling my best. {sigh} back at it tomorrow!

November 29, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 6.3
ISO Speed 125

Look both ways before crossing...

A trip to Canada would not be complete without having to dodge the wildlife. At least the big-horn sheep have the courtesy to stop and walk slow at the side of road, rather than jumping out at you in the night, like the deer.

I shot this cute little guy from my car window as I was driving through Radium Hot Springs, BC.

November 28, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 2
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

Moonlight over the Purcells

It was about 2:00 in the morning, and I woke up, looked out the window because it seemed so bright. I saw the moon lighting up the whole sky, illuminating the mountains.

Ah, if I only had a tripod (yes, 2 seconds hand held). I gave it a shot, a night timed photo, stumbling around in the dark, stepping out in the cold snow with no shoes - I did my best with what little I had.

This image is a complete failure and I'm kicking myself for not having a tripod!! It was sure pretty to look at though. I stayed up for a long time watching the sky.

November 27, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 14.0
ISO Speed 125

This day was probably the nicest weather-wise. I went for a walk, I took pictures of horses, eagles, and mountain scenery. But for some reason I'm posting this photo. I liked the geometry of the shadows and the logs. This time of day was incredible strong sun beaming in through the windows, casting interesting shadows and warmth! It would only last a few more minutes until the sun went behind the mountains.

November 26, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 8.0
ISO Speed 1000

The construction zone - Golden, BC

I did not shoot a lot of photos on this day. So here is what I have - a picture of what it was like living in the construction zone for the weekend. All of the creature comforts were there - maybe not a nice cushy sofa, or satellite TV, or wifi, but I noticed that I didn't miss any of those things. And maybe this was not "roughing it" after all. Running water and indoor toilet made it a luxury holiday!

Ouch - no wonder why this one was a bit noisy - 1000 ISO. Light was scarce this weekend!

November 25, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 100

Old abandoned church, somewhere near Fairmont, BC

I couldn't resist to pull off the road and photograph this cute church. Unfortunately, I was running out of daylight, and had been driving for 10 hours, with still a few more to go. I was not lucky this week with weather and daylight, but I tried to make the best of it!

I may try some post production work with this one. I know I want to shoot this church again - maybe on my next trip up, now that I know where it is. Maybe the next time the church will have the beautiful mountain backdrop that it was meant to have.

November 24, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30
Av( Aperture Value ) 1
ISO Speed 200

I must be living in a parallel universe - THREE days in a row without rain, and today is actually beautiful with warm sun! What better to do than have lunch outdoors!

Cannon's Rib Express is in NE Portland on 33rd in the New Season's parking lot - great lunch and BBQ. I shot this photo as a reflection in the window, deliberately catching the owner and BBQ master running by serving up some delicious BBQ and ribs.

November 23, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/50
Av( Aperture Value ) 14
ISO Speed 400

McMenamins Kennedy School sculpture

What is this?? TWO days in a row without rain? Today I took advantage of the nice weather and walked over to the Kennedy School for lunch. McMenamins' establishments are rich with quirkiness in their decor, whimsical sculptures and surrealistic paintings. This is only a section of the sculpture.

Lots of fun to shoot here, and also to have lunch. Why not kill two birds with one stone, right?

November 22, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/50
Av( Aperture Value ) 13.0
ISO Speed 100

The vinyard down the street from my house.

A rare occasion that the sun was out today! I had to take advantage of the sun and nice afternoon weather. I didn't get much farther than the winery, but there were many photo opportunities right here. I actually had a hard time picking out a picture for my daily post.

After a few glasses of cabernet, I decided to celebrate the sunshine and blue sky with this photo, but I will post some of my other favorites on my Flikr stream.

November 21, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 0.3
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 1600

Telescope silhouette and shadows

OK... the day got away from me yet again. I decided to sit in the dark and experiment with zero light and silhouettes. Major fail...

I boosted up the exposure, shot at a high ISO, manual focus and hand held it... yikes. A good exercise for me as I hardly ever shoot without light. Ah well... perhaps tomorrow I will get out in the daylight. They are promising some sun breaks. Nothing to view in the telescope tonight either.

Observations of the week...

After a week of shooting and posting, I have to say that I am enjoying this little personal challenge of mine. Having the camera with me certainly helps to be ready for an interesting shot. Dealing with weather and lighting conditions forces me to be more creative, and challenges me to work within those conditions and look for visually interesting subjects and effects.

This little guy visits me every day - I feed him walnuts and he hangs out and eats at my feet. Although I had the camera out and ready to fire this morning, the lighting wasn't great, and he was a bit skittish about having a camera in his face. He just wanted walnuts, but instead he found himself staring down the barrel of my Canon. Poor little guy. He got his walnuts anyway, and he was happy. I need a good zoom lens, this way I can get closer to the animals without freaking them out, and losing quality.

So for now, I'm going to continue to shoot every day, and set some personal goals each week. I'm hoping to see some improvement in the creativity of my subject matter, and experimental techniques. So stay tuned for more daily shots beginning with later today...

November 20, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/13
Av( Aperture Value ) 7.1
ISO Speed 800

Inside the library on campus.

My first inside photograph all week. Turns out, the campus has lots of great indoor photo opportunities. This is the free-standing concrete stairwell in the new library on campus.

Ah, killing time on a Friday afternoon! One week of shooting and posting. I think I can make a habit of this :)

November 19, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/200
Av( Aperture Value ) 7.1
ISO Speed 800

Luther - A building on the campus where I work.

Another dreary day here in the Northwest. Sometimes even depressing weather makes for a nice shot. Although I blew out the sky on this one - light was very flat.

I tried to keep it monochromatic, with highlight and emphasis on the leaves growing on the building.

November 18, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/40
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400

Hens & chicks in NE Portland

I took this shot walking back to work from lunch on Alberta Street.

Not as sharp as I would have liked it. I felt a bit rushed while shooting this 'hen' and also pretty full from that chimichanga, but here it is. I should have used a smaller f/stop as a narrow DoF is not critical for this shot. All other shots today were green as well, so I went with it as my post.

November 17, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/100
Av( Aperture Value ) 20
ISO Speed 100

The sky and camponile at the University where I work.

I loved the sky today. It kept changing, looking ominous at times. The camponile standing strong, as if it were watching the heavens. I didn't even care that it overexposed on the right side.

I'm glad I got out before it turned dark today, even though it was raining. I think I should make it a habit to take photographs at lunch!

November 16, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/10
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
ISO Speed 1600

The tree in my yard with the streetlight.

This is my daily cop-out. It's dark when I get home from work. I should have brought my camera to work, but I didn't. I took an opportunity to work with what little light I had, and in this case, I used the streetlight. Again, no tripod... but for last-minute outdoor shot - it'll work for today. I think the light really accentuates the golden fall colors on the tree.

November 15, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/25
Av( Aperture Value ) 3.5
ISO Speed 160

Near my house, in a grove of fir trees...

A rainy Sunday afternoon in the fall - this mushroom made me think of a tiny umbrella.

Nothing done in post production except some cropping for a cleaner composition. 18mm focal length is about the best I can get for macro shots with my stock lens.

November 14, 2009

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
ISO Speed 100

"The Edgefield" - Portland, OR

A day in November that rain wasn't falling. Decided the camera needed a field trip.

This shot could have been sharper. I tend to not shoot with a tripod - although I know I need to get into the habit of using one.