Winter Sunrise over Duluth Harbor

Abstract Nature

The following abstract photos were taken at Banning State Park in November.

Pretty Fall Leaves

These pics were taken at Mille-Lacs Kathio State Park in October. It was a PERFECT day to spend in the woods!

Fun at the Zoo

Last weekend, Sydni and I spent a day at the Como Zoo.  It was a wonderful, sunny day. I have been to the Conservatory many, many times, but never took a stroll through the zoo. Well, I have been missing out!

The Polar bears had us awestruck. We spent a good chunk of the day watching these huge, adorable creatures.  The polar bears were Syd's favorite. My favorite though, were the Spider Monkeys. What weird creatures!

Summer Reflection

Here are a few flower pictures taken this summer.

 

Rob & Jodi: Wedding

New Adventure in Panorama

Here is a panorama of our huge Maple tree. It is composed of 6 photos.

You might have to scroll to see the whole picture!

New Brochure design

Below is a new brochure for the Franciscan Community Volunteers program.

Kendra ... an excellent musician!

Dance!

Ordinary turned Abstract

A normal everyday object can be turned into and abstract image by changing your point of view, depth of field and cropping.  This image uses line, texture and repitition.

Daffodil

A few weeks ago, before the endless rain, I went hunting for spring flowers.  These pretty, dainty dafodils commanded my attention.

Dried Hydrangea

Spring...at the Conservatory

I was in the Cities yesterday for a Doctor appointment. So, I took some time to stop by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park.  I love coming here. It is a flower photographers dream!

The Sunken Garden featured the Spring Flower Show. It was filled with Purple Hydrangeas and Orange Tulips.  The garden was filled with spring color. It was bliss!!

Spring has Sprung!

I had a very nice walk on my break today.  Some days, simple things just jump out at me -- and they make awesome pictures!!!

Testing the Zoom

A Study in Texture

Abstract pictures are a test in creativity and seeing.  Photography is subject to the same elements and principles as other art and design mediums.  Texture is one of them.  I really enjoy "macro" photography.  I also like to try to photograph ordinary things from new unordinary angles and views.

Bear

Max ... on a sunny spring day

Savage... aka Savy

Another of my Mom's cats. She "babysat" my sisters cat, and well, the cat never went back home.  It's Mom's cat now.

Kikki - aka Peter

My Mom loves cats, and this is one of her favorites.  My aunt found this poor kitty hanging around her house. So, she figured she'd give it to my Mom (when we were on vacation!).  The owners were contacted, but they never came to pick him up.  He came to us with the name "Kiki".  But, "Kiki" just doesn't do him justice -- he's definitely a manly cat.  So, my brother and I call him "Peter".

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Spring is springing

Truck Wheel (HDR Trial)

Here's another try at the HDR style of photography.  This process really does take a picture to another level. When exposing for the white of the wheel, the center part and lugnuts were too dark. When exposing for the dark areas - to show all the details, the white part was completely blown out and the rust/dirt areas were completely lost.  Combining 3 exposures creates an image that shows all the details - just like we see with our eyes. 

I do need more practice with the tonal curves part of the calibration though. It will take much experimentation to know what works best.

Have a good day!!!

HDR Trials

HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is a fairly new concept, and I've decided to experiment with it.  An HDR image is made up of 3 exposures of the same picture - 1 underexposed, 1 right on, and 1 overexposed.  Then, you use photoshop to merge these 3 photos, and make a couple adjustments. This process allows the end product to have details in the shadow and highlight areas. It is very popular right now. When done correctly, the images are stunning! However, in my opinion, it is sometimes very overdone, and the image can look unrealistic - almost illustrated. Which is great if that's the look you're going for.

It is very important to use a sturdy tripod, so all 3 pictures are exactly the same. On my first attempt, I used a tripod, but I still ended up with pics that were'nt exactly the same. So, the grass spears ended up duplicated, and another image ended up blurry.  Next time, I'll use a tripod and a shutter release cord.

It's been awhile ...

Well, what can I say. This blog has been dormant for over a month. Life's been pretty busy, and I've been exhausted a little more than usual.

Two weekend snowmobile trips, a Photoshop seminar in the cities and dance competitions have kept us very busy these past weekends. I even tried Curling! But, life hasn't been all fun. Work (day job), Hotrod Cookoff stuff, family history book, and other pet projects have really added stress to the past month.

I've made a few changes to my routine that have really helped.  I had been working 10-hour days, so I could have 3-day weekends. In concept, this was a good idea, because I'd have a full day off to work on lots of stuff.  But, with the 2 hrs of driving - that made a 12 hour day. I had to get up too early in the morning, and by evening, I had no energy to do anything. 

So, I've started working 5 days a week - only 8 hour shifts.  I can sleep a little longer in the morning and get home earlier in the evening.  This has helped my fatigue a little. I've also started walking everyday on my lunch break - and eating more fruits and veges.  It's working! I have much more energy when I get home, now.

So, I plan to start over with this blog - I just don't know when. I'm also doing well with my goal to exercise more.  And, my passion for photography has been sparked.

All in all, things are going pretty good!

Sister's Cactus

Here's a few pictures to make up for missing a few days again.  Technically, the '365 Project' is supposed to be taking photos everyday.  Well, I'm not keeping up with that the best. BUT, the good thing is, I am definitely getting my photography excitment back!

Sister Mary Amy stopped in again today, to tell me about her cactus. So, I figured I'd humor her, and was escorted to her community room.  It turned out to be a very good idea. We had a very nice chat. Her energy and excitement instantly put me in a good mood.  Thanks Sister Amy!! That's just what I needed!

Donut Day!

Whew! I have some catching up to do. So far, no pics for the weekend (or Monday).  But, here's a photo for today (Tuesday, Feb 16th).  Traditionally, the day before Ash Wednesday is, in essence, 'pig out' day. Donuts are a good sugary staple.