176 - Artichoke Flower

From 365 Project

Until tonight I had never seen an artichoke flower. Thanks to Margaret who mentioned this one blooming at the Fred Hewett Center on Botetourt Gardens in the historic Ghent community of Norfolk, Virginia. Canon G10, 1/60 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 15mm equivalent focal lingth in macro mode with the built-in flash at -1 stop flash exposure compensation.

175 - Home of the Whopper

From 365 Project

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia has an amazing collection of art glass including this piece entitled Whopper by Dante Marioni. At 44 inches tall, this elegant vase is the largest blown glass object in the museum's vast art glass collection. The Chrysler is participating in "Art of Glass 2" a multiple venue show running throughout southeastern Virginia this summer. It has a great temporary exhibit of art glass by Lino Tagliapietra. Canon 40D, 1/250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 800, 17mm focal length.

174 - Chrome

From 365 Project

The weather today was just perfect. Not too warm, blue sky with lots of big fluffy clouds. The chrome on this shined up Harley caught my eye and I captured the sky's reflection in it. Canon 40D, 1/3200 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400 (oops - should have had this set to ISO 100 in the bright sun), 55mm focal length. Converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro in Photoshop Elements.

173 - Hydrangea

From 365 Project

This pink hydrangea flowerhead reflects the higher alkalinity in the soil in this part of my yard. This old plant has been in the yard for at least 30 years. The flowerheads start out bright pink and gradually turn more purple. If you look close you will notice that each bloom has a small separate center flower. Canon G10, 1/125 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, in macro mode.

172 - Dad

From 365 Project

I took a lot of pictures today but decided to do some restoration work on an old photo of my dad for today's post. This photo of Edward H. Sullivan was taken in 1945. Dad retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years and served in France and Germany with the Eight Infantry Division in WWII and during the Korean Conflict with the 25th Infantry Division. He was twice awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and also the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart with several Oak Leaf Clusters. Dad celebrated his 18th birthday in France in August 1944, six weeks after coming ashore at Normandy as a 17 year old soldier. He passed away on January 15, 2005. Happy Father's Day dad, I sure miss you.

171 - Night Spider

From 365 Project

No it's not creepy crawlie week nor is is "David's Bug Period". I have photographed this little spider several times since first seeing him among the daylilies about a month ago with no luck in getting a good picture. He has more than doubled in size since then, so I tried again tonight with the tripod, remote control and the micro litepanel. Success! Canon 40D, 1/15 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 800, Canon 85mm lens on the life-size macro adapter. No bugs tomorrow, I promise.

170 - I wouldn't hurt a fly.

From 365 Project

With all of the news about the fate of one fly this week, I couldn't resist this little guy for today's post. These tiny green flies sit nice and still while having their portrait made. A super macro shot hand held with with the Canon MP-E 65mm lens. The depth of field with this lens is measured in millimeters but the results are worth the effort. Canon 40D, 1/50 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 800.