Week 30 - 2016 in Photographs

Day 205

 This week is all about the Valle Vidal and the new camera. Yes, you are all probably tired of hearing about the new camera. But after putting up with a camera I did not like for two years I feel as if I have died and gone to photographer heaven.

As frequent readers of this blog know I love my reflections. One of my favorite subjects. And the Shuree Ponds on the Valle Vidal were perfect for it on a partly cloudy day.

Day 206

Day 207

The ponds are nestled in a valley surround by tall mountains. Man made they were once part of the Shuree Hunting and Fishing Lodge. Would be wonderful if funds appeared to restore the lodge to its pre 1950's glory.

Day 208

But the ponds are maintained and stocked by the Carson National Forest and enjoyed by a few fly fishermen. And photographers.

Day 209

Day 210

Day 204

I wrap this up with the first photograph I took with my new camera. Dawn from my studio door.

Week 29 - 2016 in Photographs

Day 197

The new camera arrived. At some point I should put it down so I can get the house cleaned up. I am so in love with this camera. Yes, I know, I am one of those who says that photography is about so much more than just a camera. And that is especially true in this day of digital darkrooms. But even with the best software it can take a lot of time to turn a passable image into a keeper. Yes, a great camera will not make you a great photographer, but good chef's need sharp knives and I just got mine. And so I have been chopping up everything in sight. 

Day 198

 I believe in testing the limits of my new tools. Ever since I got my first SLR camera I have devoted a week solid to every new lens. With a new camera I wanted to try it out on every subject I had been having problems with on my other camera. The one I should have never bought. Only the first and last photo in this blog were taken with other than my new camera. They are also the only two I used post processing tricks on.

Day 199

I had almost entirely stopped doing any macro photography. I was sure I was beyond holding the camera steady enough. I have friends who shifted to a point and shoot digital when they encountered that issue. I switched to a heavier camera and found it easier to hold steady. And since it focuses faster, shoots multiple images faster, and adjusts to dim light situations I am back to doing up close and personal shots.

Day 200

 Found I did not need the rapid fire shooting option; taking five photos quickly to get one in focus. The Nikon D7100 gave me the image I wanted with just one photograph. And a lot less time post processing.

Day 201

Days 200, 201, and 202 were shot within the same ten minute time frame. And standing at the same spot on the Cimarron River waiting for the butterflies to settle on the flowers. It was using my favorite long lens, the 55-300, which I mostly kept on the Nikon D90 because it gave me better pictures than the D3200.

Day 202

Day 203 was with the D3200 as I tried on the various lenses in my collection to see which had come with that camera kit and had the drive motor in the lens. I regained a couple lenses with the switch back to a camera with the focus drive motor in the camera. Some time had to be spent reintroducing those to my camera case. On the first day out with the new camera the trusty Nikon D90 came with us. Never get too far from home with just one camera. It is why I have two camera bags. One carries the lenses, filters, and two cameras. The day tripper carries one camera and my favorite lenses.

I am rehoming the D3200 to someone not as serious about photography as I am. The D90 will stay at home more often. And I will get faster at changing lenses again.

Day 203

Week 28 - 2016 in Photgraphs

Day 196

 I was debating the new camera this week. And finally ordered it. So taking photos from this week inspired less than usual. But there were subjects I needed to capture so I used the equipment at hand to take them. Mostly the Nikon D90, which while only 12 mp, is the workhorse of my stable.

Day 193

But I still tried the Nikon D3200 from time to time. In part to prove I really needed a new and reliable camera with more pixels. The turkey feather above was taken with that camera. It is the one of a series of five I took of this subject. But clearly the camera was having focus issues. I, however, like this one. The first Americans see the turkey feathers as spiritual tools or symbols and the out of focus quality of this photograph imparts that.

Day 190

The rest of these are with the D90 and my long lens. And with the plumeria blossoms a certain athletic ability to perch on things to focus in the 10 foot high blooms.

Day 191

Day 192

Day 194

The salmon colored poppies just required being able to stoop down and get back up while still holding on to the camera. When people ask me what I do to stay in shape I say I take my camera for a walk. Just received my new Nikon D7100 so more of those walks in my future.

Day 195

Week 27 - 2016 in Photographs

Day 186

 Except for one photograph this week was about clouds. It was not my intention. It just happened. And actually the Indian Paint Brush at the end of this blog was the first of the week. I put it at the end as a silent statement for hope.

I actually find clouds hopeful. At least New Mexico clouds. They bring the hope for rain. But when I lived in the Midwest clouds were very scary at times because they could foretell great storms. And a gathering of clouds has been used in literature as a symbol of bad things coming.  

"I have looked at clouds from both sides now. From up and down, and still somehow, it's cloud illusions I recall. I really don't know clouds at all. Joni Mitchell

I do know there is a lot of hate, frustration and fear in our world today. That is when I, as an artist escape to my studio to paint or to the land around me to take photographs of the beauty of the land we live in. That is the good side of clouds. I leave you with that this morning.

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