Ready for my Close Up

I didn't try to crop this shot yesterday and it is sharp enough to get a nice crop in. The trick is a short exposure, use a tripod and since I didn't have a cable release for the shutter, I used my hand to block the light for a moment to let the camera settle down before letting light hit the sensor. Fun stuff. ISO 2000, f4.5 at somewhat less than 2.5 seconds. 70-200mm at 200mm on tripod.

5 Shots of the Night

Didn't decide to shoot the eclipse until deep into its full phase. Shot these with the D7100 and the 70-200mm at 200 so getting a crop factor of around 350mm. Did further crop the shots as I liked the star field around the moon. I think that is Lyria with the four stars above the moon, but I could be wrong. Most of these shots were taken at around a second to a second and a half but I used my hand to delay the shot to try to stop camera shake from not having a shutter release. Anyway, turned out pretty good without much planning.

Texas Rangers

Most baseball stadiums are surrounded by parting lots or in urban areas. Texas Rangers Globe Life Stadium is picture postcard perfect.

That Face--Part 2

The only time I can catch William in a decent photo is before he knows I am pointing a camera at him. Otherwise, it is tongue out. Oh well. Got a shot here during pumpkin carving.

Jono's Building View

Great view of Chicago from Jono's party deck. He even made dinner at the outdoor grill for a friend and me.

Another DuPont area Castle

Another Washington DC building near DuPont Circle with a castle like appearance and an ominous sky above. It did end up raining that evening. It must have been an interesting house to live in. Very narrow and long.

DuPont Circle Mini-Castle

Near DuPont Circle in Washington DC, not far from the White House there is this castle-like building which must be very interesting on the inside. Probably all offices now but it must have been an interesting home at one time. Love these ornate buildings.

Texas Rangers Globe Life Park Pano

Here is another pano of the Texas Rangers Globe Life Park taken with the Samsung. Even better than the previous shot with the Sony stitched together in Lightroom. The Samsung rocks as a panoramic platform.

That face

I mostly post places and colors but every once in awhile, I can't help posting a grandkid. So, today's post is dedicated to Clio.

Texas Rangers BallPark Pano

Another shot in the Ballpark Pano series. This one is from the beautiful Texas Rangers ballpark, Globe Life Field. Texas caught and past Houston in this series for the wildcard lead.

Nice Sunset

Caught a nice sunset behind some trees in Dallas. The key is to be camera ready. 

Get your ducks in a row

Yes, it is hard to do but I train ducks on the side. Looks like the last one is a little off but with a little training you too can keep all your ducks in a row.

White Heron

In Dallas this week and I was able to catch up with professional photographer Levi Sim of Photofocus, who also happened to be in town. I was able to catch a White Heron in soft light framed out with dark green grass behind. Thanks to Levi for taking me around the Texas Rangers Stadium looking for shots.

Downtown Georgetown

Downtown Georgetown is a nice area to visit just outside of Washington DC. I love how they have tried to preserve the character of the area keeping the old brick row houses up to date. The area has lots of high-end shops, bars and restaurants.

Naperville's Best Lemonade Stand Ever

This has to be one of the best Lemonade stands ever. William raked in the bucks when he set this out on the driveway earlier this summer.

Celebrate Something

I spend a lot of free time listening to classes on photography and caught a class from this summer on how to put multiple fireworks shots into one frame via Photoshop. Its an old trick but it is new to me so I pulled off this version which isn't perfect but looks nice. So, now I need a reason to celebrate. How about an unlikely victory of the Bears over the Green Bay Packers this afternoon? We'll see.

National Harbor, Washington DC

National Harbor is a planned development near the Gaylord Convention Center, about 1/2 hour outside of the mall in Washington DC.  I would not put this area on the "must see" list of locations in  Washington, but if you are stuck at the convention center, it is a perfectly fine place to stay. Might be a more interesting location when the 300 bed MGM casino opens in a year or so.

Georgetown Beauties

Love the architecture and repeating patterns of these Georgetown walk ups. These buildings are located between Georgetown and Dupont Circle but you find these types of buildings all over Washington. Just a great walking city.

Dallas Walk Around

I've had trouble in both Dallas (where this shot was taken) and in Houston finding good subjects to shoot in the more urban areas where I stay. Both have been challenging cities for me. However, while this is a little more commercial than I would like (as it is a big 'ol ad for Chase) I liked the colors. So, I shot it. I will keep looking for something interesting to shoot in Dallas as I will be back there again later this month.

Houston Early Morning Wake Up

Was up early this past week to try a run before meetings began. Try is the operative word. Did catch a hint of a sunrise off the buildings across the way. Getting up early in Houston is the key to getting in a run. Way to hot in the evening.

McDonald's Farm, Naperville

Close to home is McDonald's Farm, which sells fresh veggies and holds kids programs and camps. Caught a sunset as I was returning home from one of my many far away trips. Getting a picture close to home is always a joy.

North Avenue Beach and Lincoln Park Pano

View from the 44th floor party deck of Jono's new building right across from Lincoln Park with a view of North Avenue Beach. Wonderful view of a beautiful area of the Chicago lakefront.

PNC Park and downtown Pittsburg

PNC Park, which I visited a couple of weeks ago, has to have about the best view of a downtown as any ballpark in the US.

San Diego Shot and a Beer

Shot of the Day turns into a Beer and a Shot at this San Diego pub and eatery called appropriately,  Bub's At the Ballpark, right next to Petco Field.

Pasadena takes its government seriously

I thought I walking up towards some ornate church but no, it is City Hall. They take their local government seriously in Pasadena.