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 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 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 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.