Fresh Clean Water? -- Day 87

I saw this tank on my way to and from work. I stopped to get a shot of it 'cause I thought it was quite intriguing. How would you like to get your drinking water from a fire hydrant? :)

For all you photographer's out there, you'll probably notice the whacked out settings I had for this image. I had taken a few shots of the moon at dawn and forgot to check the settings before taking this shot. So the ISO messed it all up and 'caused quite a bit of noise. I kinda like how the grain looks now that I turned it to black and white. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/1000 sec, Aperture f/20, ISO 800, Focal Length 24.0 mm.

Muddy Buddies -- Day 86

I took the girls on a picnic down at "The Barren Lands" (an undeveloped part of their neighborhood)." We strategically made our way across the muddy valley where the rain waters flow and picnicked next to the "Swamp" as we listened to the frogs chirping their mating calls. After eating, the girls threw rocks into the water and both managed to be covered in mud by the time we headed home. This time I let them run to their hearts content through the muddy valley while I again strategically  made my way to the other side (If I'd had an extra pair of clothes and rubber shoes I'd have been in it with them in a heart beat. :)) Ellise took off across and soon found herself stuck in the mud to her ankles. She could have gotten out, but was worried about her Dora the Explorer shoes. I sent Emelyn across the mud to rescue her while I switched lens's on my camera, so I could get a closer shot. :) By the time I made it over there (after taking a few photos) both girls were stuck in the mud and I told them to not worry about their shoes. They pulled their feet out and then their shoes. They then enjoyed a barefoot romp and washed their shoes in the shallow puddles. :) Great fun was had by all and two little girls got a bath when we got home. :D

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/400 sec, Aperture f/7.1, ISO 100, Focal Length 135.0 mm.

Siblings in Brown -- Day 85

They all happened to be wearing brown so I chose them for a photo shoot. Thanks guys!

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/125 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 200, Focal Length 161.0 mm.

Big Yellow Bus -- Day 84

Today we visited a church fellowship that meets on the grounds of a Church Camp.  We took a walk after lunch and came to this bus whose door was standing open. I'd seen the bus before, but hadn't had my camera available. This time I had my camera and went inside to snap a few shots. Just imagine this bus once full of rambunctious kids throwing back packs around and trying to run off steam after being cooped up in a classroom all day. I'm so glad I was homeschooled and didn't have to ride the big yellow bus to school. :D

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/25 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 100, Focal Length 18.0 mm.

Kite Flying -- Day 83

Note: I did have the words to the kite song in the old disney movie, but have had to remove it because of a website that keeps spamming my blog. So if you want to sing along you'll just have to remember the word yourself. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/80 sec, Aperture f/6.3, ISO 100, Focal Length 55.0 mm.

Collecting Pollen -- Day 82 -- Winner of Viewer's Choice Poll

We had snow on the first day of spring and now less than a week later, the apricot tree in our neighbor's yard has blossomed and is buzzing with honey bees. I enjoyed my 70-300mm zoom lens. :) It makes getting pictures of wild life so much easier. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/500 sec, Aperture f/7.1, ISO 100, Focal Length 300.0 mm.

Glistening Flood Waters-- Day 81

Today we had a good spring rain and this afternoon after the sun came out, I took my brothers down to survey the muddy mess near our house. The city is in the process of digging and redoing bridges and roads along what used to be a simple creek that carried rain water out of the city. We've been watching as our creek has grown to be over twice it's width as the excavators do their job. Since widening it the water level has gone down to barely a few inches, but today it was a rushing river. Luke and Ben enjoyed poking their sticks in and wading along the edge. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/3200 sec, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 100, Focal Length 100.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Home from School -- Day 80

I sat wondering what I would photograph today and the idea to capture Camryn coming off the bus popped into my head. I got my camera ready and stood waiting. Here he comes!

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/160 sec, Aperture f/9, ISO 100, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Me the Photographer -- Day 79 -- Winner of Viewer's Choice Poll

Today I decided to take a photo of myself. :) I thought I'd avoid it and wait until I was desperate, but today I guess I was just in the mood. I really don't like photographing myself. I like how this one turned out though. I shot it in the full size mirror in Emelyn and Ellise's playroom while they were napping. I should have washed the glass first. :) I flipped the image in Photoshop so now it looks like the mirror took the photo. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/50 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 200, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional and Photoshop.

Baseball Boy -- Day 78

I had the privilege of a photo shoot with this chubby little guy today. :) He was so cooperative and smiley. This is my favorite from the shoot. Don't you just want to squeeze him!

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/30 sec, Aperture f/5.0, ISO 100, Focal Length 44.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Peekaballoon -- Day 77

Emelyn and Ellise turned three years old. Here is Ellise enjoying her birthday balloon. I think she thought the balloons were the best part of the party. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/125 sec, Aperture f/3.5, ISO 400, Focal Length 22.0 mm, Flash bounced with Lightscoop, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Nightime Snow -- Day 76

We got a snow storm for the first day of spring instead of a rainstorm. :) Not exactly what anyone was expecting. I braved the "Wintery Mix" with tripod, plastic bag, and camera in hand. I would have taken a photo facing the opposite direction, which would have probably been more interesting, but the wind was blowing and I was trying to avoid the wetness hitting my lens. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 6 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 100, Focal Length 30.0 mm, Tripod, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Men of God -- Day 75

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."  Hebrews 10:23:25

I took a photo of some daffodils and some pretty little blue flowers, but by the end of the day I decided to skip those and post a snapshot of Ryan, Sean and Jake, three true men of God who joined us for supper. This photo represents the most important part of the day, the 6 hours of fellowship that we had during and following the meal. This photo was taken shortly after the clock struck 12am, so it was technically taken on the 20th, but I'm counting it as the 75th day. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/60 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 100, Focal Length 33.0 mm, Flash fired, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Hollow Tree -- Day 74

I took my brothers on an excursion. They wanted to show me a big hollow tree they visited yesterday. They hacked away at the big tree until they could squeeze inside.  I got a few photos of them doing their boy thing, but they were just snapshots and I didn't think they were blog quality, but this random shot inside a smaller hollow tree (both trees were victims of ice or wind and were in the process of rotting away) proved to be quite interesting. Luke stuck his hand in and wanted me to take a picture from the other end. This is a photo I had thought would end up in the recycle bin, but that just goes to show I should never judge a photo until I've seen it on a computer screen. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/6 sec, Aperture f/5.0, ISO 100, Focal Length 39.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Railroad Stakes -- Day 73

I probably should have done a special photo for St. Patrick's Day, but I totally forgot it was the 17th and don't have any good ideas anyway. My brothers managed to haul home 30 lbs of railroad stakes from the nearby railroad track. It's amazing the treasures a boy can find. These stakes have a purpose besides being junk, though. Daniel has a plan to turn them into something useful. Stay tuned!

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/80 sec, Aperture f/7.1, ISO 400, Focal Length 45.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Nesting Dove -- Day 72

I was taking my dog outside and having a chat with my brother, Luke, when he nonchalantly mentioned that the morning dove was getting less afraid of people. I hadn't know we had a morning dove nesting in one of our cedar trees, so he showed me where it was and I thought it would make a good photo for today.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/30 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 200, Focal Length 54.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Grape Hyacinth -- Day 71

I took Annie on a walk and of course carried my camera along. :) I found the first Grape Hyacinths of the year. :) My favorite color is blue and blue flowers aren't all that common. Maybe that is why I like these so much.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/100 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 400, Focal Length 148.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Emily -- Day 70

I met Emily the day after she was born, just over six years ago. I can't believe it has been so long already. This little gal is so special to me because if it hadn't been for her I wouldn't have met a very special family. I had gone to be a mother's helper and ended up living with her family for a whole month. It was so fun to be a part of her first few weeks. I love you Emily! I'm so glad I got to see you again, today and take care of those teeth you don't want to loose too many. ;)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/1000 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length 300.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional and Neat Image (noise reduction).

Toast -- Day 69

Tonight I was at a loss for what to photograph, so I fixed myself a piece of toast. My Dad commented, "She finds art in anything." :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/1.3 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length 46.0 mm, Tripod, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Matryoshka -- Day 68

We went to a Russian Dinner put on by friends who are missionaries to Russia. The whole room was decorated with various Russian decorations and souvenirs. I loved the many Matryoshka Dolls or Nesting Dolls scattered about. Matryoshka dolls are a popular souvenir in Russia. 

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/25 sec, Aperture f/3.5, ISO 400, Focal Length 18.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Sage -- Day 67

Yay a new subject! This is Sage, my sister-in-law's nephew. Amber and I were hanging out with his mom and decorating cakes for a special Russian dinner and I enjoyed taking his photo as he sat at the table watching the icing action. Such beautiful eyes and the sweetest little smile. And I loved that he happened to be wearing sage green and the wall behind him was also the same shade of green. Anyone who didn't know his name wouldn't get the significance, but I think it really adds to the portrait.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/25 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length
55.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional, Neat Image, and Photoshop.

Candlelight -- Day 66 -- Winner of Viewer's Choice Poll

We had our first spring thunder storm tonight. The lights flickered a time or two and my youngest brother gathered up flashlights, oil lantern, candles, matches and lighters. I put them to good use for a photo shoot. I used matches to spell out POWER in anticipation of a power outage. We didn't end up having to use them, but sometime soon, I'm sure they'll all be put to use.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/40 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 400, Focal Length
31.0 mm, Tripod, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

iPhone -- Day 65

My friend, Lincoln, is visiting and he's got an iPhone, so I put him and his iPhone to use for today's photo. :D

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/8 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length 46.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Daffodil Girl -- Day 64

Hannah turned 17 years old today. I remember the day she was born. That morning the daffodil's bloomed and have continued to bloom on or right around her birthday every year. Happy Birthday, Hannah.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/60 sec, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 100, Focal Length 104.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Young Photographer -- Day 63

I captured Nathaniel as he photographed a group of young people dancing the Posties Jig. I was hoping to get a good action shot of the dancers, but when Nathaniel joined me in the "press box," I pointed my camera at him. :) Someday he may be the next Ansel Adams. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/60 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 400, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional and Neat Image (noise reduction).

Movie Reel -- Day 62

Hannah and I went to see the movie, The Sound of Music, at our local live arts theatre. They often put on an Old Movie Night between when they strike the set and begin rehearsals for a new play. One of the regular's at the threatre owns a couple old movie projectors and that is how they put on these old movies. I enjoyed getting to go to the light booth to capture the reels in action. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/5 sec, Aperture f/5.0, ISO 1600, Focal Length 28.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional and Neat Image (noise reduction).

Swingin' High -- Day 61

 I shot this photo of Annabel swinging high at the park today. Amber was having a day out with the kids she nannies and their mom. Luke, Ben and I joined them at the park after lunch. I was glad to have some new subjects. :D

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/1000 sec, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 100, Focal Length 70.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Steam -- Day 60 -- Winner of Viewer's Choice Poll

Hannah pointed me to this photo op shortly after she put this steaming dish of potatoes on the table. The light was perfect and it turned out better than I thought it would. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/50 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 100, Focal Length 47.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

The Aftermath -- Day 59

On the way to work, I shot this photo of a local restaurant that burned down. Apparently the fire started around 10:30 last night and the firefighters were still working at 8:30 this morning. One long night for them. Amber and I drove past the fire hose coming from the hydrant and since we were running ahead of schedule, we went around the block to check things out. The whole place is in ruins. I think I'll drive over there again sometime soon and get some more shots of the other side of the building.

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/320 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 100, Focal Length
50.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Reaching for the Sun -- Day 58

I've been watching for our crocus to bloom. It comes up every year around this time as a reminder that spring is just around the corner. For as long as I can remember we've had one flower pop up. It always bloomed near the base of some trees in our yard, but all three trees fell down in straight line winds last year, so I didn't even know if the crocus would survive. This year I was surprised and happy to find that not only did it survive, but it multiplied. We now have 5 tiny purple blooms peeking up from among the grass. :)

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/500 sec, Aperture f/5.6, ISO 100, Focal Length 55.0 mm, Taken in RAW, Processed with Digital Photo Professional.

Watercolor -- Day 57

This is a watercolor I painted a while back. I was helping Emelyn and Ellise paint and decided I'd try out the watercolors myself. I never liked watercolor when I was a kid, but now that I gave it another try, it was pretty fun. I might just have to start a new hobby. :) 

Photo details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel, Exposure time 1/40 sec, Aperture f/4.5, ISO 100, Focal Length 27.0 mm, Taken in RAW.